This month, Limelight raises the lid on ABC TV’s two-month celebration of all things pianistic, including its heartwarming new series, The Piano, which blends elements of reality television with a talent quest. Dylan Henderson talks to classical pianist Andrea Lam, who is one of the judges, two of the piano-playing participants and ABC Classic’s Megan Burslem about the series and some of the rare talents it unearths.

Also this month, we celebrate the 200th birthday of the Waltz King, Johann Strauss II, a composer whose popularity with audiences and ubiquity in the media landscape have led to his work being dismissed by some as lightweight. Writer Yvonne Frindle takes up the cudgels on hus behalf, arguing that we should use the anniversary of his birth to reassess, commend and celebrate his delightful repertoire.

May is a big month for stage shows. Limelight Editor, Jo Litson, talks to composer-lyricist Eddie Perfect about the creation of Beetlejuice The Musical – and why he agreed to play the deranged poltergeist in the Australian premiere of the word-of-mouth Broadway...