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Kookaburra returns to Sydney
Thursday, August 21, 12:03am AEST.
 National musical theatre company Kookaburra has returned to Sydney for
the first time in a year, with the opening night of its production of Tell Me On A
Sunday at the Seymour Centre last night.
The musical marks Kookaburra's return to the big smoke and is the first major show
the company has produced in Sydney since its controversial staging of Company
last July.
Starring Jolene Anderson, Tell Me On A Sunday has already played seasons
in Woolongong and Belrose and now settles in for a brief run at the Seymour Centre before
moving to Melbourne.
Anderson received a standing ovation from much of the opening night audience
following the performance last night. Kookaburra boss Peter Cousens and Tell Me On A
Sunday director Peter Ross both spoke at the show's after party, with Cousens
declaring Kookaburra was "here to stay".
Tell Me On A Sunday is a one-woman musical that charts the journey of a
20-something Australian girl who heads to New York looking for love. What she finds is a
string of bad relationships and a series of 'tough love' lessons.
It is part of Kookaburra's 2008-2009 season, which also includes productions of Little
Women and I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change.
The invitation-only opening night performance was attended by a number of theatre
and television stars, including many from Anderson's TV series All Saints.
---
Historic
merger in the works
Tuesday, August 19, 9:06pm AEST.
The Perth Theatre Company and the Black Swan Theatre Company are poised to announce
an historic merger.
The Australian reports that the companies have held their first meeting
since signing a memorandum of understanding to "examine the compatible activities and
synergies of both companies as they prepare for their move to the new performing arts
venue in Northbridge".
Both companies are preparing for the Northbridge move and hence, the merger seems
logical.
"It could be a merger or a tight series of moves to make two companies operate
with joint synergies," Black Swan Theatre's chairman Richard Duldig told The
Australian.
"When you bump two theatre companies into the same space, there's an
obligation on their part to make things work better together."
---
Alan
Becher dies aged 61
Monday, August 18, 10:19pm AEST.
The Artistic Director of the Perth Theatre Company, Alan Becher, is dead at the age
of 61.
Becher is one of the most respected and influential arts figures in Western
Australia and joined the Perth Theatre Company 15 years ago, guiding its emergence as a
professional theatre organisation.
He passed away following a short battle with cancer. It is understood Becher was
only diagnosed a month ago.
Since settling in Western Australia in 1986, Becher directed and designed many
productions for Swy Theatre Company, the Western Australian Theatre Company and Perth
Theatre Company. He has directed over 40 productions of new Australian plays in his career
including 16 world premieres.
PTC General Manager Tony Bonney said the role that Becher played in Perth could not
be underestimated.
"He has been part of the Perth arts community, on and off, for 25 years," he
told News Limited.
"In terms of the tangible impact he had on a number of people's careers - and the
number of people who have started under his tutelage is immense - but his support of local
writing and local artists has always been strong."
---
New
Billys named
Monday, August 18, 10:16pm AEST.
Michael Dameski and Josh Denyer were on Monday announced as smash hit musical Billy
Elliot's newest stars as the show heads towards the end of the Sydney season and
prepares for its run in Melbourne.
There are currently five Billys on stage in Sydney and the final Melbourne line-up
has not been confirmed, with the perils of puberty very much determining the day to day
casting of the smash hit tuner.
12-year-old Michael Dameski is from Sydney, and has trained at the Brent Street
Studios.
"Ever since I can remember I have enjoyed performing and my family tell me
that since I was a baby I have always wanted to be in front of an audience," Michael
said.
"Getting the role of Billy has been an exciting and overwhelming experience."
13-year-old Josh Denyer admits that performing in a big-budget musical is a new
experience for his family, which has been dominated by soccer boots rather than dance
shoes.
"My sister Chantelle was my inspiration for dance," he said.
"At age eight I joined Capital Performance Studios and I took up classical
ballet in June 2007 with Ecole Ballet & Dance Theatre.
"It has been an incredibly challenging but rewarding journey auditioning and
rehearsing for the role of Billy. I have made some great friendships and met some very
talented people. I’m so honored to be working alongside an incredible cast and look
forward to being part of this musical."
Billy Elliot opened in Sydney last December and is currently in its 10th month
of performances at the Capitol Theatre. The show opened to critical acclaim and has
received numerous awards, sweeping both the Sydney Theatre Awards and the recent Helpmann
Awards, winning in a record seven categories, including Best Musical.
Billy Elliot opens at Melbourne's Her Majesty's Theatre on December 13.
Bookings: 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au.
---
Rocky
Horror farewells Sydney
Sunday, August 17, 10:54am AEST.
 The
Rocky Horror Show will play its final performance in Sydney today as the Star Theatre
prepares to bite the dust when it comes to presenting major musicals.
The production of the cult musical is the first and last major commercial show to
be staged at the venue, which opened earlier this year after the Star City Showroom was
gutted and refurbished.
Recently, AussieTheatre.com revealed that the Star Theatre will no longer
be used for major commercial musicals.
After it closes today, The Rocky Horror Show will pack its bags for
Melbourne, where it plays at the Comedy Theatre from September 12.
Starring iOTA, Paul Capsis, Tamsin Carroll, Michael Cormick, Sharon Millerchip,
Kellie Rode, Andrew Bevis and Simon Farrow, the musical has been a solid success in Sydney
since opening in February.
In his review of The Rocky Horror Show for AussieTheatre.com,
Troy Dodds said, in part: "It is impossible to re-invent the wheel when it comes to The
Rocky Horror Show and there is little doubt that over the years it has lost its shock
value and its grungy feel, but it remains an entertaining and enjoyable night at the
theatre and with an unbelievably talented cast and some solid creative elements (Dale
Ferguson's set is noteworthy and Julie Lynch does a fantastic job on costumes), Edwards'
production does not disappoint. This production provides a wonderful opportunity
for old Rocky Horror fans to re-live some great memories (and there's plenty of
fans out there to ensure this show survives), but whether or not it does enough to attract
new blood, so to speak, is questionable. It is, however, a spectacle that should be seen
and taken for what it is - fun, unassuming entertainment."
The Rocky Horror Show plays its final Sydney show at 3pm today. It has run
for 26 weeks.
---
Harvest
Rain on the move
Sunday, August 17, 10:39am AEST.
After 23 years of producing great theatre at the Sydney Street Theatre in New Farm,
Queensland's Harvest Rain Theatre Company is growing up and moving out of home.
Harvest Rain’s Artistic Director, Tim O’Connor, has announced that The Sound
Of Music will be the final show to be staged at the Sydney Street Theatre before the
company moves on to a big and bright future as a resident theatre company at QPAC.
The much loved theatre in New Farm was the birthplace of Harvest Rain and the decision to
move was not made lightly.
“We have known for about three years that we’ve outgrown the building and
we also knew that the owners of the theatre had other plans for the space, so we began to
make plans to relocate," O'Connor said.
Part of these plans included opening a training centre at Mina Parade in Alderley which
will house Harvest Rain’s many theatre training programs and its new internship
program in 2009.
In 2009, Harvest Rain in partnership with QPAC will stage a number of productions, the
first of which will be Peter Man, opening at the Cremorne Theatre on January 8.
QPAC Artistic Director, John Kotzas, said: “QPAC is committed to strengthening the
Queensland Performing Arts sector and we’re delighted to collaborate with Harvest
Rain in developing opportunities for local artists and producing new theatre works. It is
our hope that this relationship will see the creation of some great theatre over the
coming years.”
The Sound Of Music will open at the Sydney Street Theatre on August 27 and the
season of this production is sure to be a very special one.
“Being Harvest Rain’s final production at the Sydney Street Theatre, we
are expecting a lot of people will come to see this show as a chance to say goodbye to a
building that has created a lot of happy theatre memories over the years," O'Connor
said.
“Leaving won’t be easy – I saw my first piece of live theatre here
when I was six years old, I met my wife here and I even got married in the theatre! But
the future is very bright and we’re looking forward to making new memories at QPAC in
the years to come!”
---
Parker
to play Adelaide?
Sunday, August 17, 10:28am AEST.
 There is speculation
that Gold Logie winner Georgie Parker could join the cast of Guys And Dolls for
its yet-to-be-announced Sydney season, replacing Marina Prior as Miss Adelaide.
Parker, who starred on the Seven Network's All Saints, is no stranger to
musical theatre, having starred in The Man From Snowy River.
She has also worked for the Sydney Theatre Company and the Ensemble Theatre
Company, performing in Rabbit Hole with Queenie Van De Zandt for the latter
(pictured).
There is still no word on when Guys And Dolls will move to Sydney. Its
Melbourne season has closed, and the cast is now waiting on news regarding the future of
the production.
In other news, Brisbane theatre is mourning the death of Charles Barry. The actor
worked for many Brisbane-based theatre companies, including the Queensland Theatre Company
and La Boite.
---
New
Theatre calls for scripts
Sunday, August 17, 10:21am AEST.
 Sydney's
famous New Theatre is encouraging writers of Australian plays to submit their work to a
new concept labelled 'Brand Spanking New', which aims to foster new Australian writing
through the creation of a hothouse for emerging and established writers and directors.
Season Coordinator Augusta Supple said the idea for the concept was planted in
2007.
“Last year, as part of new theatre’s 75th birthday celebrations, we
presented a season of new writing under the banner 'Art is a Weapon'," Supple said.
"It was hugely successful, so this year we’re taking the idea a step
further.”
She goes on to stress that this is not a competition but a supportive workshop and
development process culminating in a short season of public performances of each piece.
“'Brand Spanking New' is an opportunity for writers and directors to
collaborate in a non-competitive, well-resourced, nurturing environment with the view of
strengthening relationships between emerging and established practitioners," she
said.
Thanks to support from the City of Sydney, the New Theatre is able to offer up to 16
writers a showcase for new work, guided and performed by experienced directors and actors.
Writers will be chosen on application to develop their work over a month leading up to the
season, which will run from October 22 until November 1.
Augusta Supple is keen to hear from writers, both established and emerging, who may have
an unproduced play under 20 minutes in length or who have an exciting idea that they would
like to develop. Whether you are just starting out in your theatre writing career or have
many years’ experience, you are welcome to submit a script or a synopsis/treatment
for consideration.
To get a copy of the Guidelines for Writers and an Application Form, please contact
Augusta Supple on augusta_newtheatre@y7mail.com.
---
Better
late than never
Saturday, August 16, 10:11pm AEST.
Corrections in newspapers and media outlets are nothing out of the ordinary, but The
New York Times has taken it a step beyond the norm when it comes to its review of West
Side Story back in 1960.
One of the most respected newspapers in the world, The New York Times this
week issued a formal correction relating to the 1960 review, in which an actor's name was
incorrect.
"A listing of credits on April 28, 1960, with a theater review of West Side Story;
on its return to the Winter Garden theater, misstated the surname of the actor who played
Action. He is George Liker, not Johnson," the newspaper printed this week.
"Mr Liker, who hopes to audition for a role in a Broadway revival of the show
planned for February, brought the error to The Times' attention last month."
That's a 48 year gripe now well and truly off Mr Liker's chest.
---
In
memory of Dale: Performance in his honour
Friday, August 15, 12:43pm AEST.
Producers have confirmed that tonight's performance of The Rocky Horror Show at
the Star Theatre will be dedicated to the memory of Dale Jewel, who lost his life
following an accident backstage at the 1998 production of the musical.
Jewel was a member of the crew at the 1998 production and his death at just 23
stunned and shocked the industry. Today marks 10 years since the tragedy happened.
Producers say they will make a public announcement this evening in memory of Dale
and dedicate the performance to celebrate his life.
Dale's father Kerry Jewel this week wrote to the cast and crew of the show, asking
them to help honour his son.
---
Thornton
to make music theatre debut
Friday, August 15, 12:01am AEST.
 Opera
Australia will stage a production of Stephen Sondheim's A Little Night Music next
year, with the production expected to open in Melbourne in May and then tour to Sydney.
The production will star Sigrid Thornton as Desiree in what will be her musical
theatre debut. Thornton (pictured) is one of Australia's best loved film and television
stars, having appeared in shows such as Sea Change. She has also appeared
regularly on stage in straight theatre, most notably in The Blue Room.
Also lined up for the Stuart Maunder-directed production are Nancye Hayes who will
play Madame Arnfeldt and Taryn Fiebig who will play Anne. Robert Grubb will also appear in
the production, starring as Fredrik.
A Little Night Music is Sondheim at his most sophisticated. The work
features his best-known song, 'Send In The Clowns'.
Sondheim wrote the lyrics and music for 'Send In The Clowns' for American actress
Glynis Johns, who created the role of Desiree, over a two day period during rehearsals for
the show's Broadway debut. In spite of the fact that it was a simple ballad, written for
an actor rather than a singer, it was an instant success, and when Judy Collins and then
Frank Sinatra picked up the song in the 1970s, it became a popular hit.
The show focuses on Desiree, who persuades her mother to host a midsummer night's
party for Fredrik Egerman, who was once Desiree's lover, along with his trophy wife Anne
and grown-up son Henrik. Meanwhile, Desiree's current lover, Count Carl-Magnus, decides to
crash the party, with his wife Charlotte in tow. Desiree's daughter, who lives with her
grandmother, is there too, and as the long summer night plays out three generations make
discoveries about themselves and their loves.
The production will be designed by Roger Kirk.
---
Call
to remember Dale
Thursday, August 14, 10:54pm AEST.
The father of the late Dale Jewel has pleaded with the cast and crew of The Rocky
Horror Show to remember his son in the moments before Friday night's performance at
the Star Theatre.
It was a decade ago tomorrow that while working
as part of the crew on the 1998 production of The Rocky Horror Show, Jewel
suffered injuries during a backstage fall that would prove to be fatal.
In an emotional post on the AussieTheatre.com
Discussion Forums, Kerry Jewel has accused producer Paul Dainty of "sweeping the
incident under his carpet".
He has sent a letter to the cast and crew of the
current production, which in part, reads: "I know some of you knew Dale. To those who
didn’t, you missed a shining star. I would ask that you all remember him for a few
brief seconds before the show on the 15th. Of course for Elyse, Dean and I it is a very
hard time. But I hope that it serves a purpose, to remind everybody who walks backstage in
a theatre, no matter what their role, that the theatre can be a dangerous workplace."
It is not expected that there will be any official recognition of the tragic
accident's anniversary at tomorrow night's performance.
- Troy Dodds
---
Zorro
bound for Oz?
Thursday, August 14, 10:08pm AEST.
A production of the new musical Zorro could be bound for Australia, with
unconfirmed reports suggesting the show will open in Sydney in 2010, following huge
success in London.
International websites report the show, which
opened at the Garrick Theatre on July 15, will be down under as part of an international
rollout of the tuner, which is based on the 2005 mock biography Zorro: A Novel.
The musical, which this week announced an
extension of its London season, cancelled its first few previews due to technical problems
but emerged to earn generally positive reviews. Most critics saw the show as fun and
entertaining, as opposed to high art.
No announcement has been made in Australia about
a local production at this stage.
- Troy Dodds
---
Wicked
cast at Hats Off
Thursday, August 14, 10:08pm AEST.
 Cast members of the smash hit musical Wicked,
which is currently playing at Melbourne's Regent Theatre, will be amongst those performing
at Hats Off, to be staged in Melbourne on September 7.
Presented by Oz Showbiz Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (OSCEFA), Hats Off has become an
annual concert institution in the diaries of Melbourne’s theatre and cabaret
regulars.
In 2008 OSCEFA is donating funds raised through Hats Off to the Sister Rose Papua New
Guinea Project which runs an orphanage and respite care centre for people living with
HIV/AIDS. In 2004 Papua New Guinea became the fourth country in the Asia Pacific region to
declare an HIV/AIDS epidemic. By 2006, a total of 18,484 people had been diagnosed with
HIV in Papua New Guinea. By 2025, half a million people will be living with HIV/AIDS, and
117,000 children will have lost their
mothers to the preventable disease.
OSCEFA is proud to support the Sister Rose Papua New Guinea Project in its ongoing
care for HIV/AIDS affected orphans and those in desperate need of respite care. Sister
Rose aims to change the fearful attitude toward HIV/AIDS with one of acceptance and
education.
“We are trying to get people to understand this is a sickness like any other,
that it can be treated, and that those who have it can lead normal lives,” she said.
While there is no cure for the virus, her program aims to combat prejudice against
the disease through prevention programs and safe-sex education.
As well as cast members from Wicked,
next month's event will also feature Tracy Bartram, Debra Byrne, Paul Capsis, Tania Doko,
iOTA, Dave O’Neil, Marty Fields, Alan Fletcher, David Harris, Matt Hetherington,
Wayne-Scott Kermond, Warren Kermond and Zan Kermond, Melissa Langton and Mark Jones, Dean
Lotherington, Shaun Murphy and Anne Wood, Lisa-Marie Charalambous and Chris Parker, Anne
Phelan, Chelsea Plumley, David Rogers-Smith, The Ross Skiffington Grand Magic Company, The
Classics, Espero Vocal Ensemble, the Hats Off Dancers and more.
Hats Off 2008 is being held at the National
Theatre. Bookings: 132 849.
---
End
of the line for Keating!
Thursday, August 14, 9:45pm AEST.
When Keating! first premiered as part of the Melbourne International Comedy
Festival back in 2005, it is doubtful anyone could have predicted its success. In fact,
its triumph is ironically on par with that of the show's namesake in the 1993 Federal
Election, which many thought was simply unwinnable for Labor. Paul Keating proved everyone
wrong, while Keating! the musical has proven itself as a runaway success.
Now, in August 2008, with Company B's direction, Helpmann Awards and extraordinary
reviews behind it, the road has come to an end for Keating! the musical, with the
curtain to come down on August 31.
The show's current season at the Seymour Centre is its fourth at the venue, while
the tuner has enjoyed sold out audiences on tour across the nation. It has been one of the
most successful medium-sized musicals ever produced in this country.
As the show draws towards its conclusion, the cast and crew are opening the doors
for fans and first-timers alike to "sing along with Keating!".
On Wednesday, August 27 at 8pm, the performance of Keating! at the Seymour Centre
will be a chance for budding singers, Keating! fans and left-leaning
political-enthusiasts to give their vocal chords a rattle and sing along to one of
Australia’s most applauded musicals.
Director Neil Armfield said the idea was mooted after one performance when some of the
cast noticed audience members singing in the front row.
“Multitudes of people over the last two years have told us they know every word from
the show – an impressive feat particularly because there are 19 full-length songs and
numerous parts," he said.
"It’s a credit to Casey Bennetto's genius lyrics, many of which of course
evolved from infamous verbatim phrases taken from Hansard. Keating! audiences are
usually boisterous so we’re very much looking forward to giving them the chance to
sing along."
In further fantastic news, Keating! will also be broadcast live to ABC2, selected
AFC cinemas and Melbourne’s Federation Square on Wednesday, August 20 at 8pm.
In his review of the Adelaide season of Keating! for AussieTheatre.com,
Rohan Shearn said, in part: "The quality of the Bennetto’s lyrics never
disappoints, drawing inspiration from many of Keating’s speeches and infamous sayings
of the early nineties. Poignant without being too clever, the songs are either filled with
scathing barbs or highlight some of the tender moments of his reign."
In her review of the first season of the Company B production, Skye Crawford said,
in part: "The performers bring light and shade, but the true star of the show is the
left leaning, slightly mad libretto. From Reggae to Rock, musical theatre to pop, and rap
to well known Aussie anthems; Keating! captures the rise and fall of the antique
clock loving, Zenga suit wearing ex Prime Minister Paul Keating with great passion and
incredible wit."
---
Radio
gets an airing
Tuesday, August 12, 9:45pm AEST.
From September 2, Australia will have an opportunity to see one of its brightest
young stars shine when Neighbours star Andrew Bibby lights up the Old Fitzroy
Theatre stage for a bravura performance in the Australian premiere of Al Smith's
international hit show, Radio.
For many young actors, starring in a television drama serial with a global audience of
millions would be the pinnacle of their ambitions. For Andrew Bibby, Neighbours was
only the beginning of a phenomenal journey from TV fame through the demands of elite
training to an explosive career on the stage.
Bibby played high school student/sci-fi writer Lance Wilkinson in the hit series from 1995
to 2000. From Neighbours he entered the elite WA performance school WAAPA. After
roles for Bell Shakespeare and Melbourne Theatre Company, and maintaining regular TV
appearances, Bibby's latest star turn is in one of the hottest one-man shows of recent
years.
Radio is the beautiful and timely story of Charlie Fairbanks, born in the middle of
the Twentieth Century in the geographic centre of America. In Smith's beautifully told
tale, Charlie, the son of a flag-maker, becomes an allegory of the journey of America
itself.
Radio was a commercial and critical smash at the Edinburgh Festival, and went on to
sell-out seasons in London and New York. It won the Sunday Times Playwright's
Award, and the 2007 Pearson Award, and has been adapted for BBC Radio 4.
Radio is directed by Travis Green. This Australian premiere is presented by
Gemeinschaft Dogs in association with the Tamarama Rock Surfers.
The play will run until September 20. Bookings: 1300 438 849.
---
Jersey
Boys delays opening
Tuesday, August 12, 10:01am AEST.
The forthcoming Australian production of Jersey Boys has moved its opening
night to July 2009, despite originally saying it would open in March.
The move puts the show out of contention for the 2009 Helpmann Awards.
The delay comes as producers announce open call auditions in Melbourne and Sydney
for the show, including for the lead role of Frankie Valli. The show's audition process
has already been going for months and has been unusually extensive.
Jersey Boys is the story of how four boys from the wrong side of the
tracks became one of the biggest American pop music sensations of all time. Frankie Valli,
Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi – The Four Seasons – wrote their own
songs, invented their own sounds and sold 175 million records worldwide – all before
they were 30.
The show will open in Melbourne.
- Troy Dodds
---
Unknown
cast for Buddy
Monday, August 11, 11:12pm AEST.
Producers have announced a largely unknown cast for the forthcoming production of the
musical Buddy, with Scott Cameron to take the lead role of Buddy Holly in the
show, which opens in Sydney in February.
Cameron, who played the role in an amateur production back in 2005, will make his
professional musical theatre debut in the tuner, which celebrates the life of rock 'n'
roll icon Buddy Holly.
Luke Tonkin will play the Big Bopper in the production, while Jonathan Whitlow will
play Ritchie Valens and Laura Bunting will star as Maria Elena Holly.
Press notes for the show read: "On February 3, 1959, as the world was perched
on the most exciting musical decade in history, the young genius who made it all possible
was tragically killed, aged just 22, leaving behind a legacy of over 30 timeless hits.
With a multi-talented cast, Buddy tells his story, presents his music and
features two terrific hours of his greatest hits including 'That'll Be The Day', 'Peggy
Sue', 'I'm Looking For Someone To Love', 'Rave On', 'Heartbeat', 'Maybe Baby', and
'Everyday' - songs that inspired The Beatles and helped trigger the
whole 60's revolution; songs that despite their countless cover versions and enduring
airplay have never lost their magic."
Buddy opens at the Lyric Theatre in Sydney on February 3 before touring
the country.
---
Correction:
Tell Me On A Sunday review
Monday, August 11, 10:56pm AEST.
In a review of Tell Me On A Sunday published on Thursday, August 7 on AussieTheatre.com,
it was stated that the production's set cost $300,000. This is incorrect.
A misunderstanding following a speech at the opening night performance led to the
printing of the $300,000 figure.
The set and costumes cost approximately $100,000 with the production as a whole
costing around $300,000 to stage.
AussieTheatre.com regrets the error and apologises for any
misunderstanding.
---
Noelene
Buddle quits
Saturday, August 9, 10:22am AEST.
Noelene Buddle, Chief Executive Officer of the State Theatre Company of South
Australia, has announced her resignation from the company. Buddle, who commenced with the
company in 2005, has been appointed to the newly created position of Executive Director
with The Big Book Club.
“I am very excited by the challenges and potential that this new role presents
me,” Buddle said.
“I have enjoyed my time with State Theatre Company, and proud of all that I have
achieved, particularly the additional artistic output and employment opportunities that
have been created.
“The company plays such an important role in the creativity of the State, and it has
been wonderful to both continue to delight our audiences and to expand our
activities."
State Theatre Company’s Chair, John Irving, said Buddle leaves the company with his
best wishes.
“We are disappointed to be losing Noelene, who has been instrumental in the
success the company has achieved over the past three years, including a healthy financial
surplus, the expansion of our Education Program, and an increase in the number of local
employment opportunities the Company is able to offer," he said.
---
Up
Close & Musical guests confirmed
Friday, August 8, 8:28pm AEST.
 The
line-up for Kookaburra's first 2008 season of Up Close & Musical has been
announced, with the concept to run during the Sydney season of Tell Me On A Sunday
at the Seymour Centre.
The first Up Close & Musical will be held at 11pm on Friday, August 22
and is being labelled a "night of new Australian musicals". It will feature
Helen Dallimore (pictured) and Phil Scott along with Amelia Cormack, Brad Carroll, Giverny
Lewis, Simon Brook McLachlan and Kathryn Sgroi.
On Friday, August 29, the show will highlight new international musicals and feature
Jackie Rees and John O’May with Amelia Cormack, Michael Lee Porter, Kathleen Moore,
David Rogers-Smith and Anna Lee Robertson.
Up Close & Musical was a big hit
for Kookaburra last year when it ran as part of the Pippin season. It is designed
to be a casual, concert-style show in the tradition of The Muf-Tee Show, which
ran for two years at the SBW Stables Theatre in 2003 and 2004.
Tickets for Up Close & Musical are available at the Seymour Centre on
the night of each performance.
Meanwhile, Kookaburra officially launched its next musical, Little Women,
at the Seymour Centre earlier this week. The show opens later this year and stars Helpmann
Award winner Kate Maree-Hoolihan, Octavia Barron-Martin, Jodie Harris, Erica Lovell,
Trisha Noble, Judi Connelli, Hayden Tee, Phillip Hinton, David Harris and Stephen Mahy.
---
Riflemind
bound for London
Friday, August 8, 7:16pm AEST.
Riflemind by Sydney Theatre Company Co-Artistic Director Andrew Upton will open at
the Trafalgar Studios in London's West End on Thursday, September 18, it has been
confirmed.
The play, directed by Philip Seymour Hoffman and based on a turbulent reunion of a
once-great rock band, premiered at The Wharf in 2007.
Original cast members Susan Prior, Steve Rodgers and Jeremy Sims will be joined by British
actors John Hannah and Paul Hilton. The production features the work of the original STC
creative team; designer Richard Roberts, costume designer Tess Schofield, lighting
designer Damien Cooper and composer and sound designer, Max Lyandvert.
The West End opening of Riflemind also heralds a new phase of international
collaboration for Sydney Theatre Company. As an Associate Company of Trafalgar Studios,
owned and operated by Ambassador Theatre Group, STC will work with the leading West End
production house to jointly develop new work. Forming an international creative bridge in
both directions, the relationship will include artistic exchanges, readings and events in
the UK specific to Australian theatre, and may lead to international co-productions.
STC Artistic Directors Andrew Upton and Cate Blanchett said in a statement: "We're
delighted that Riflemind will be seen in London. It's a great opportunity for the
actors involved and the creative team behind the production. It is also the beginning of a
new relationship for STC with a major UK partner which we believe will bring wonderful
opportunities for Australian artists over time."
---
Hinch
takes on Rocky
Thursday, August 7, 10:56pm AEST.
Controversial media personality Derryn Hinch will take on the role of the narrator for the
first month of The Rocky Horror Show's Melbourne season at the Comedy Theatre.
Hinch, currently a leading Melbourne radio presenter, replaces Gretel Killeen, who
took over from John Waters mid-way through the show's Sydney season at the Star Theatre.
"I'm very keen to do it, it's a very important role for me because Rocky
Horror is sort of a part of musical history," Hinch, who will remain on radio
during his tenure with the show, told AAP.
"If you muck it up they'll never forgive you. I hope to do it proud."
---
O'May
calls for more one-off performances
Thursday, August 7, 10:38pm AEST.
Theatre mainstay John O'May has called for more one-off performances of musicals that may
not be able to sustain full commercial runs in Australia as he prepares to present The
Light In The Piazza at the Lyric Theatre in Sydney.
The musical, written by Craig Lucas and Adam Guettel, is based on Elizabeth
Spencer’s novella set in Florence and Rome in the summer of 1953, and follows the
story of a young American tourist (Clara Johnson) and her love affair with a young Italian
man (Fabrizio Naccarelli).
O'May, who is currently appearing in The Phantom Of The Opera, is behind
the one-off showing of the tuner on August 17.
"It's something I would like to see The Production Company doing - presenting
shows that haven't been seen in Australia," O'May said.
"I certainly think these one-night events for shows like this could work, I'd
certainly love to see them."
O'May fell in love with The Light In The Piazza when he saw it in New York
in 2005 and instantly wanted to bring it down under.
"Tony Sheldon and Tony Taylor had heard it and send it was magnificent so I
went on their recommendation," O'May said.
"I love it when theatre transports me somewhere else and when watching this, I
was in Italy in 1953."
Joining Jackie Rees in the principal cast is Kathleen Moore as Clara, DJ Foster as
Roy, O'May as Signor Naccarelli, Natasha Hunter as Signora Naccarelli, James Pratt as
Fabrizio Naccarelli, Ben Kazlauskas as Giuseppe Naccarelli, Anna-Lee Robertson as Franca
Naccarelli, Derek Taylor as the Priest and Sophie Viskich as the Tour Guide. Sarah Bakker,
Deborah Caddy, David English and Todd Goddard will also appear in the event.
O'May said there's an excitement surrounding the August 17 showing, even though the
rehearsal process has been exhausting.
"The commitment is fantastic, though we have eight shows of Phantom
to do and we have been trying to fit in two rehearsals a week but we're in the home
stretch now," he said.
The Light In The Piazza plays at the Lyric Theatre on August 17. Bookings:
136 100.
- Troy Dodds
---
Buddy
tour dates known
Wednesday, August 6, 11:14pm AEST.
Tour dates for the forthcoming Australian tour of Buddy have been revealed as the
show prepares for its official launch next week, where casting is likely to be announced.
The show will open at the Lyric Theatre in Sydney on February 3 before moving to
the Brisbane Playhouse Theatre (QPAC) on May 1. It will open at The Palms At Crown
Melbourne on June 26 and then at the Her Majesty's Theatre in Adelaide on August 26. The
tour will finish at Perth's Regal Theatre, where the show will open on October 9, 2009.
Buddy is a musical celebration of the legendary singer/songwriter Buddy
Holly, who shot to stardom in 1957, but died tragically in a plane crash, alongside
Ritchie Valens and J.P. Richardson (The Big Bopper). It was a tragedy that shook the
world, and as the legend says, “it was the day the music died”.
Buddy started as a country and western singer in Texas, and with his two friends, formed
the Crickets. With the support of local radio D.J. Hipockets Duncan, they carved out a
career in music. He was the first white artist to ever perform at the “All
Black” Apollo Theatre in New York.
Producers will trade on the fact that 2009 marks 50 years since Holly's death.
---
Moment
of truth for Jolene
Tuesday, August 5, 9:23pm AEST.
 The moment of truth has arrived for Jolene Anderson, with Tell Me
On A Sunday set for its metropolitan debut at the Glen Street Theatre.
The show opens at the Belrose venue, in Sydney's north, tomorrow evening before
moving to the Seymour Centre and then to Melbourne, where it holds the key to Kookaburra's
success in the Victorian capital.
There has been much talk surrounding Jolene Anderson's casting in the one-woman
show, particularly given she has never performed in a musical before.
The television star gained prominence when she won reality show It Takes Two
with the respected David Campbell.
Anderson has embraced her inexperience, freely talking in interviews about the fact
that it is her major theatrical debut.
Anderson confirmed recently she originally turned down Kookaburra's offer to star
in the Andrew Lloyd Webber song cycle, but ultimately accepted. She was also offered roles
in several other musicals.
AussieTheatre.com will be at tomorrow night's opening of Tell Me On A
Sunday and will have the review online Thursday.
---
Hewitt
to star in Breast Wishes
Tuesday, August 5, 9:05pm AEST.
 English-born
actress Lisa Hewitt (pictured) will hit the Australian stage later this year after being
confirmed as amongst the cast for the premiere of Breast Wishes.
Hewitt, who will marry Helpmann Award winner David Campbell later this year, will
be joined in the show by Virginia Gay, Anne Looby and Valerie Bader.
Breast Wishes is an exploration of the roles we play as we traverse the rocky
landscape of health, family and womanhood with great humour and pathos. With contributions
from some Australia's most respected comedic and dramatic writers such as Merridy Eastman,
Jonathan Gavin, Richard Glover, Wendy Harmer, Sheridan Jobbins, James Millar and Debra
Oswald, with 12 original songs from US composer, Bruce Brown, Breast Wishes takes
audiences on journey of courage, laughter, determination and triumph.
Breast Wishes will be presented as a Gala Concert Performance at the Sydney
Theatre on Friday, October 31 at 8pm. A tour of Australia is likely to follow in the near
future.
---
Gallipoli
a hit for STC
Tuesday, August 5, 9:05pm AEST.
 Struggling for attention for most of this year, the
Sydney Theatre Company has emerged with a production that has become the buzz of the city,
earning solid reviews and excellent media attention.
Gallipoli opened at the Sydney Theatre last week and stars the STC Actors
Company as well as third year students from NIDA.
Drawn from letters, diaries, contemporary reportage, film footage and official
documents, Gallipoli re-examines a story at the very bedrock of Australian
identity, with seismic results.
In his review for AussieTheatre.com, Kieran Colreavy said, in part: "Gallipoli
is a blockbuster with a heart. While it certainly delivers crowd-pleasing thrills, it also
tells a moving story, evoking a strong emotional response from the audience. While the STC
hasn’t always got its performance selection right in recent times, it has definitely
backed a winner in Gallipoli."
In his review for The Sydney Morning Herald, Bryce Hallett called Gallipoli
"a landmark production". He said, in part: "Apart from a couple of didactic
history-lesson patches in the second half, the epic sweeps the audience into its
dovetailing vignettes of political expediency, military incompetence, misery and sacrifice
with great immediacy, musicality and force. There is occasional pause for reverie amid the
spectacle and when such moments arrive they are genuinely moving and tragic, none more so
than the fury of flies swarming around bodies or the rising roll-call of the dead at the
climax."
The show plays until August 23. Bookings: (02) 9250 1777.
Photo: Brett Boardman.
---
Bombshells
takes on tour
Tuesday, August 5, 8:50pm AEST.
 The Perth
Theatre Company is preparing to take its hit production of Joanna Murray-Smith's Bombshells
across the country, starting in Tasmania later this month before heading to Victoria,
Queensland and New South Wales.
Winner of the 2004 Fringe First Award – Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the 2005
London Theatre Goers Choice Award, Bombshells is a hugely entertaining piece of
theatre which navigates the emotional terrain of six larger than life women who are each
at a personal crossroad in their lives.
Covering a gamut of emotions Murray-Smith takes the audience on the individual
roller-coaster rides of a stressed-out yummy mummy; a backtracking bride-to-be; a geeky
cactus cultivator; a widow who finds pleasure in the unexpected; a diva newly returned to
the stage; and an all-singing, all-dancing teenage talent contestant.
Funny, clever and often touching, Bombshells will engage both female and male
audience members through its simplicity and honesty.
Jenny Davis (The Chatroom and The Vagina Monologues) re-directs Bombshells
which features herself and two other dazzling and talented West Australian actresses
Michelle Fornasier (The Turning and Baby Boomer Blues) and Jenny McNae (Glorious!).
Steve Nolan (Baby Boomer Blues, Amadeus and Soulmates)
complements the production with his creative and visually appealing set and costume
design, together with Matt Marshall (lighting design), Ashley Gibson Greig (musical
direction) and Chrissie Parrott (choreography).
Bombshells gained prominence about four years ago when the Melbourne
Theatre Company and Ensemble Theatre presented a joint production of the show starring the
legendary Caroline O'Connor. In that format, it was a one-woman show and O'Connor earned
stellar reviews.
The Perth Theatre Company tour commences in Launceston on August 27 before moving
to Colac, Frankston, Nunawading, Sale, Warragul, Moonee Ponds, Dandedong, Bendigo,
Brisbane, Ipswich, Toowoomba, Orange, Griffith, Belrose and Port Macquarie.
The show was a big hit in Perth, earning solid reviews, when it played in 2007 as
part of the Perth Theatre Company's subscription season.
The West Australian said: “…packed with wit and humour…the
auditorium was buzzing with laughter…highly entertaining and undeniably
funny…”
The Post said: “…a delightful evening’s entertainment filled
with moments of truthful observation, sharp comedy and a touch of pathos."
More details of the tour can be found at www.perththeatre.com.au
or via local ticketing outlets and venues.
---
Belinda
back in the spotlight
Tuesday, August 5, 9:41am AEST.
 They are
worlds apart but for Belinda Wollaston, a classic Broadway musical by Jerry Herman and a
new, risky Australian work by Eddie Perfect will collide later this year, with the
Sydney-based performer to take on roles in both Mame and Shane Warne The
Musical.
Wollaston, who turns 25 on Saturday, has starred in a string of musicals, including the
artistically successful but audience-lacking Titanic, the Sydney Theatre
Company’s Summer Rain and the national tour of Respect, but she
admits that the upcoming shows provide something that excites her.
“I’ve never worked with The Production Company before so I’m thrilled to be
doing Mame in their 10th season, and obviously Shane Warne is something
completely new and daring so I’m incredibly excited about that,” Wollaston said.
“Eddie Perfect is such an extraordinary talent – he pushes the boundaries
without going too far and the result is informative, exciting theatre and Shane Warne
The Musical is going to be an absolute hoot because of it.”
Wollaston will play Gloria in Mame alongside Rhonda Burchmore and Nicki Wendt,
and will appear as part of a strong theatrical cast for Shane Warne The Musical,
including Kaye Tuckerman, Mike McLeish and Matt Hetherington.
The girl from Penrith, who will also star in the Richard & Rogers Concert Series
Isn’t It Romantic in Queensland later this month, said she's got high hopes for
Shane Warne The Musical and its intended long-running tour.
Having been involved in shows at both ends of the success scale - she toured with
the hugely successful Mamma Mia! and was part of the ill-fated Titanic -
Wollaston admits theatre can be a roller-coaster ride.
"It has its ups and downs and I've certainly experienced both but the
gruelling auditions and the setbacks make you stronger, and it makes the good news - like
landing Mame and Shane Warne - so much better," she said.
"Shane Warne is such a great show, and there's a fantastic team
working on it and given how much Australia loves Warnie or even loves to hate him, I'm
sure we'll get great houses from all walks of life."
For Wollaston, the shows are another step in what is proving to be a standout
career. The youngster has half a dozen major shows behind her, three separate solo cabaret
shows and high acclaim in New York.
Mame opens in October while Shane Warne The Musical starts in
December.
- Troy Dodds
---
Curtain
Call winners announced
Tuesday, August 5, 9:41am AEST.
 Adelaide
Theatre’s night of nights, the 2008 Curtain Call Awards have been presented in grand
style at the Adelaide Festival Centre. Since its inception in 2005, the awards recognise
the outstanding efforts of both the professional and amateur theatre sectors in Adelaide
for the past 12 months. The following list recognises winners in the professional sector:
Best Show - Musical:
Miss Saigon (Michael Coppel and Louise Withers And Associates)
Best Show - Drama:
When The Rain Stops Falling (Brink Productions, State Theatre Company of South
Australia and Adelaide Bank Festival of Arts)
Best Show – Comedy:
Jane Austen's Guide To Pornography (Outcast Theatre Company)
Best Male Performance:
Don Barker (The Homecoming, Floogle)
Best Female Performance:
Nancye Hayes (Six Dance Lessons In Six Weeks, Ensemble Theatre in association
with Christine Dunstan Productions)
Best Technical:
Hossein Valamanesh and TheimaGen - Set Design, Video Design and Projection (When The
Rain Stops Falling, Brink Productions, State Theatre Company of South Australia and
Adelaide Bank Festival of Arts).
- Rohan Shearn
---
Star
Theatre pulls major theatrical productions
Friday, August 1, 9:49pm AEST.
Commercial theatre has lost the Star Theatre, with the venue to no longer house
major musicals.
AussieTheatre.com can exclusively reveal that the venue will close in
early December and once it re-opens after several months of refurbishments, it will be
used for one-off shows such as morning melodies and comedy nights.
The Star Theatre opened in February and its debut production, The Rocky Horror
Show, is still playing there. It closes in September, and will be the first and last
major musical staged there.
Last month, AussieTheatre.com reported
on speculation that the venue could be closed permanently, but Star City denied this.
"Star City does not plan to close the Star Theatre," a spokesperson said.
"We will be making some changes in the near future to the seating
configuration to address some sight line issues but the Star Theatre will still be in
operation."
Indeed, the theatre will remain open, but not in anything like its current
structure.
Shows that wanted to utilise the Star Theatre - including Buddy - have
been re-located into the nearby larger Lyric Theatre.
"The Star Theatre will be closing on or around December 10 for several months
while the main gaming floor is extended," a source told AussieTheatre.com.
"They are expected to re-open it as a 700-750 seat theatre which will be used
for one-off shows, comedy nights, Morning Melodies etc. It will not have another 'sit
down' show."
While the Star Theatre has only hosted one major musical in its current format, the
space was previously known as the Star City Showroom, and hosted a number of musicals
including Leader Of The Pack and Oh! What A Night.
---
Mike
McLeish to star in Shane Warne The Musical
Friday, August 1, 12:00am AEST.
It's probably the furthest subject from politics he could find but Mike McLeish
will be hoping Shane Warne The Musical follows the same line of success as the
show that has kept him employed for the last two years - Keating!.
McLeish was yesterday confirmed part of the new musical's cast, which also includes
Kaye Tuckerman, Belinda Wollaston, Matt Hetherington, Jolyon James, Amy Lehpamer and
Ashlea Pyke. They join previously announced cast members Eddie Perfect and Rosemarie
Harris.
McLeish will play two roles in the show - former Australian cricketer turned
lifestyle TV star Michael Slater and South African cricketer Daryll Cullinan.
Shane Warne The Musical has been written by Eddie Perfect and focuses on
the life and times of one of Australia's most recognised sportspeople. Shane Warne was one
of the best cricketers to ever play the game, but he was perhaps just as well known for
his off-field controversies.
The musical opens in Melbourne in December.
---
Kookaburra
hits the road
Thursday, August 1, 12:00am AEST.
 Some
of musical theatre's most respected names are hitting regional New South Wales this month,
taking theatre to the bush via national musical theatre company Kookaburra.
While all the focus is on Jolene Anderson and her forthcoming musical theatre debut
in Kookaburra's Tell Me On A Sunday, the company is fulfulling one of its
missions by taking top quality theatre to regional centres.
Hayden Tee, Anthony Harkin, Katrina Retallick (pictured) and Marika Aubrey are
touring Songs For A New World and The Emperor's New Clothes.
The shows are visiting Tamworth, Taree, Wollongong, Queanbeyan and Wagga Wagga.
Peter Cousens, the CEO of Kookaburra, is directing both productions.
More details: www.kookaburra.org.au.
---
Wicked
TV special to air
Friday, August 1, 12:00am AEST.
The Seven Network will air a special behind the scenes look at the blockbuster
musical Wicked this weekend, but only into Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Other states will miss out on the 30 minute special, which will be hosted by Rob
Guest.
Wicked has been the talk of theatre circles since its glamorous opening
night in Melbourne last month. It is one of the most expensive productions ever staged in
Australia but producers look set to recoup their investment, with the show breaking box
office records.
Behind The Scenes Of Wicked airs in Victoria on Channel Seven at 5:00pm on
Saturday.
---
How
an Aussie show made it to Broadway
Friday, August 1, 12:00am AEST.
 It's an incredible story: two young writers from Sydney pen a
musical, realise it's too big for their home country and decide to take it to the theatre
capital of the world, New York City. And somehow, they don't get laughed out of town.
Angels is set to have its Broadway premiere inside the next 12 months and
for creators Ken Lai and Marcus Cheong, it is the culmination of years of hard work, all
of which started here in Australia.
"Ken Lai and I started writing the musical in Australia in 2002. It soon
became that the scope and scale of Angels required us to launch in New
York," Cheong said.
"We produced a concept album in Australia before commencing in New York. We are
looking forward to bringing it to Australia after developing the production in New York
first."
Angels tells the epic story of the ancient war between the Angels and
Lucifer’s fallen minions. The conflict is told through the eyes of Sera, the Angel of
Light. Though she is gifted with the power to control light with spectacular effect, she
aspires for a more heroic role. Her ambition is manipulated by Lucifer, which results in
tragic consequences to the Angels and the humans they protect.
Producers recently cancelled an out-of-town tryout, but Cheong is adamant that will
not stop the show's progress to Broadway.
"Angels is a visually spectacular production. The characters fly, the
set transforms physically and visually, there are interactive video projection elements to
create the environments where the Angels live. With all these technical aspects, it is
important that we have enough time to perfect how each element works together," he
said.
"Now that we know exactly what needs to be done to create the show we can
reschedule to make sure that Angels opens with the full realisation of the
creative vision."
The musical started its international life as part of the New York Musical Theatre
Festival, which will see another Australian entrant this year in the shape of The
Hatpin. Additional readings followed, before the move to Broadway became a reality.
"It is an honour and privilege to be working with some of the most talented
people in the theatre," Cheong said.
"The greatest joy in theatre is seeing the impact the story has on real
people. We are already able to see this impact on the people involved in the
production."
- Troy Dodds
Picture: Ken Lai, Rich Fowler and Marcus Cheong in New York City.
---
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