BEST
MUSICAL: MISS SAIGON
Michael Coppel Ventures & Louise Withers and Associates
Miss Saigon opened in Melbourne in March and has since commenced
a national tour. It stars David Harris and Laurie Cadevida.
In her review for AussieTheatre.com, Anne-Marie Peard said, in part: "The
power of Miss Saigon is in the writing. Spectacle will never compensate for bad
writing. The book is structured to reveal every piece of information at exactly the right
time, with a balance of emotion that builds, relieves and rebuilds tension to its ultimate
breaking point. Its themes and story continue to resonate on so many levels, as it
contrasts the personal with a very political understanding of the Vietnam War and its
aftermath." |
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BEST
PLAY: WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINA WOOLF?
Melbourne Theatre Company
This play premiered in Melbourne in August and ran until October. It was a
solid success for the MTC.
In her review for TheatreNotes, Alison Coggan said, in part: "Director Peter
Evans gives us the play, like Martha’s alcohol, straight. It’s an honest reading
that leaves it in its time and place, complete with American accents. His production
discreetly foregrounds the artifice of apparent naturalism: the performances are big,
taking full advantage of the inherent theatricality of Albee’s writing, and they're
viciously funny. Three and a half hours whizz past."
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BEST MALE
ACTOR IN A MUSICAL: CHRIS PARKER
Sideshow Alley
Despite it's unfortunate box office performance, AussieTheatre.com readers
thought Chris Parker's performance in Sideshow Alley was nothing short of
outstanding. The show played in Brisbane early in the year but never toured.
BEST FEMALE ACTOR IN A MUSICAL: TAMSIN CARROLL
Company
Tamsin Carroll's outstanding performance in Company was
celebrated by many. Her 'Another Hundred People' was show-stopping and she was a key
element of an outstanding ensemble cast. Pictured here with David Campbell, Carroll was a
key part in the show's marketing for Kookaburra. This is Tamsin Carroll's second
consecutive AussieTheatre.com Best Female Actor In A Musical award. |
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BEST
MALE ACTOR IN A PLAY: GEOFFREY RUSH
Exit The King
Geoffrey Rush's performance in Exit The King for Company B was a
major hit, earning rave reviews from the critics and stellar feedback from audiences who
saw the show.
BEST FEMALE ACTOR IN A PLAY: QUEENIE VAN DE ZANDT
Rabbit Hole
Queenie Van De Zandt joined a strong cast for Rabbit Hole at the
Ensemble Theatre. As Becca's pregnant sister Izzy, Van De Zandt produced a solid, knockout
performance. |
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BEST
SEMI-PRO PRODUCTION: SPRING AWAKENING
The Hayloft Project [pictured]
BEST AMATEUR PRODUCTION: BLOOD BROTHERS
CLOC Musical Theatre |
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BEST
ENSEMBLE MEMBER IN A MUSICAL: STEPHEN WHEAT
Little Me
BEST DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL: GARY YOUNG
Sideshow Alley [Pictured]
BEST MUSICAL DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL:
PAUL KEELAN
Sideshow Alley
BEST DIRECTION OF A PLAY: SIMON PHILLIPS
The Pillowman |
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CABARET
SHOW OF THE YEAR: GORGEOUS
Chelsea Plumley
Chelsea Plumley took time out for her work in Company to present two
shows at the Statement Lounge in Sydney.
Troy Dodds said: "It is when Plumley sings 'Maybe This Time' that the show
tilts towards getting the green light - it's a fantastic rendition with classic Plumley
vocal strength, producing an often undelivered anger/frustration within the song. While
the song ends the show on a high, one feels a little disappointed to see it end so
quickly. Thankfully, there's a beautiful encore to round out the evening." |
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CABARET
ARTIST OF THE YEAR: DAVID CAMPBELL
He may not be strictly performing cabaret gigs these days but David
Campbell's venture into the world of swing has been a big winner amongst his old fans.
Along the way he's also attracted plenty of new fans, finding great success with his
albums as well as his live work. His regular appearances at charity events and his
ventures back into the world of cabaret from time to time have earned him this award.
BIGGEST CONTRIBUTION TO THEATRE: SHAUN RENNIE
Shaun Rennie's solid efforts in theatre this year, including his wonderful
producing work with Light The Night, have been much talked about. Readers believe his
contribution to theatre has been extremely strong in 2007. |
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