Menopause returns again
Friday, December 21, 8:13am AEDST.

Hit musical Menopause will play another Brisbane season next year after the Twelfth Night Theatre announced it would host the show again from March 26.

The show has been a huge success right across the country but it is in Brisbane where it has found its main audience, playing for a year at one stage and gaining cult status.

The four-hander musical recently played a season at Sydney's Theatre Royal, which was expected to be its last in Australia, but producers believe there's enough support to bring the musical back to Brisbane.

Featuring 22 popular songs from the 60s, 70s, and 80s that get the ‘treatment’ (think 'I Will Survive', 'Stand By Your Man' and 'The Great Pretender' amongst others), the show’s mix of comedy, musical parody and a hot topic has earned Menopause a massive following and long seasons wherever it has opened, from New York to London.

Inspired by “a hot flush and a bottle of wine”, Jeanie Linders created the hilarious musical as a celebration of a life passage that launches women into an exciting new phase of their lives.

“Most women know intuitively that every other woman is experiencing memory loss, night sweats, or hot flushes,” said Linders.

“But when they are in a theatre with hundreds of women – not just a few sympathetic friends – and all are laughing and shouting ‘That’s me!’ then they know what they are experiencing is normal. They aren’t crazy. It becomes a sisterhood.”

No closing date has been set for the new Brisbane season. Bookings: (07) 3252 5122.


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WAAPA grads line up for hit show
Wednesday, December 19, 10:12pm AEDST.

Seven graduates of the Western Australian Academy Of Performing Arts (WAAPA) - including four from 2007 - will line-up for a production of the hit musical Hello Again at Sydney's Darlinghurst Theatre early next year.

Hello Again focuses on 10 sexual encounters that occur over 10 scenes spanning the 20th century and form a daisy chain ending where it began. The cycle reveals the poignant and sometimes comic need for a deeper connection that alludes us. In each decade couples are prone to mistaking sex for intimacy in pursuit of reckless passion.

Stephen Colyer developed this production for WAAPA, but was determined to have it seen by wider audiences.

"I was thrilled to be invited to create the show at WAAPA because the piece would draw on my dance background as much as my experience as a director. Graciele Daniele directed and choreographed the original production in NY. There is something incredibly satisfying about doing both, especially on a piece like Hello Again where everything is so integrated," Colyer said.

"It is virtually impossible to discern where the director and choreographer take over from each other. Opportunities like this are few so I wanted to capitalise on the resources offered by WAAPA and present a further developed version of the show in Sydney with a a balance of seasoned and new talent."

The cast of 10 features seven WAAPA graduates and in full is: Helpmann Award winner Kate-Maree Hoolihan, Lisa Callingham, Nathan Carter, Zack Curran, Keane Fletcher, Vincent Hooper, Gareth Keegan, Katrina Retallick, Liz Stiles and Matt Young.

Hello Again is the musical adaptation of La Ronde by the dazzlingly inventive composer/lyricist Michael John LaChiusa. Arthur Schnitzler wrote La Ronde in 1900 as a satire on Viennese society. In 1921 when the play was first produced it sparked riots resulting in obscenity charges.

"Michael John LaChiusa redefines what musical theatre is capable of as a genre," Colyer said.

"I would love for his work to become more widely appreciated here. The detail in his writing is staggering, the rewards for an attentive audience are immense."

Hello Again opens at the Darlinghurst Theatre on January 30. Bookings: (02) 8356 9987.


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Miss Saigon is year's best musical
Tuesday, December 18, 10:18pm AEDST.

The new Australian production of Miss Saigon has been named Best Musical at the 2007 AussieTheatre.com Awards, beating out Company, Little Me, Phantom Of The Opera and 42nd Street.

For the first time, AussieTheatre.com's readership chose both the nominees and the winners of the awards. This decision saw a wide range of shows honoured, with no specific production dominating the awards.

While Miss Saigon took out the top award, it was the show's only gong, with Sideshow Alley the surprise success story, winning three awards - Best Direction Of A Musical for Gary Young, Best Musical Direction Of A Musical for Paul Keelan and Best Male Actor In A Musical for Chris Parker.

Tamsin Carroll won her second consecutive Best Female Actor In A Musical Award, taking it home for Dusty in 2006 and this year for her work in Company at the Theatre Royal.

In cabaret, David Campbell was named Cabaret Artist Of The Year - a category he lost by just a handful of votes last year - while Chelsea Plumley won Best Cabaret Show for Gorgeous.

Click here to see the full results


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Four into Cabaret Showcase finale
Tuesday, December 18, 7:16pm AEDST.

Harriet Dyer, Marika Aubrey, Stephen Anderson and Allison Butler are through to the Grand Final of the 5th Annual Cabaret Showcase that is being held at Bar Me in Sydney.

The four performers made it through to Saturday's finale after impressive performances at the heats last weekend.

"Congratulations go to all of the performers who participated in the first two heats and helped get the Showcase off to such a great start," producer Jeremy Youett said.

"The level of competition was exceptional and we look forward to another night of great talent at both heats this Friday night."

This week's heats will be judged by Peter Cousens and Peter Ross, the Artistic Director and Artistic Producer respectively of Kookaburra, the National Music Theatre Company.

There will be two heats this Friday, with the Grand Final on Saturday. Bookings: (02) 9368 0894.


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Blanchett hopes for success with Blackbird
Tuesday, December 18, 7:10pm AEDST.

Cate Blanchett will be hoping to end what has been a roller-coaster year on a high when her production of Blackbird opens at Wharf 1 on Thursday night, bringing the curtain down on the Sydney Theatre Company's (STC) 2007 season.

However, Blanchett realises the play won't please everybody. Earlier this month, she told The Sun Herald that the piece could very well create "discussion, debate, controversy and disgust".

"It definitely knocks on the doors of one's taboos and demands to be let in," she said.

"I can't wait to put it in front of audiences."

2007 has been a rather dramatic year for the Oscar-winning actress, who has been the subject of some scrutiny over whether or not she has what it takes to be the co-Artistic Director of the Sydney Theatre Company. Colin Moody, a former member of the STC Actor's Company, was at the forefront of the criticism.

Blanchett's appointment, however, has given the STC international credibility, even capturing the attention - and money - of Giorgio Armani.

Blackbird gives Blanchett the opportunity to prove herself as a director, given the play's risky subject matter, which needs to be handled with tact and dignity.

Una (Paula Arundell) and Ray (Peter Kowitz) had a cataclysmic relationship 15 years ago. It’s a relationship that has defined their lives. Ray has a new identity and wants to put the past behind. Una has thought of nothing else. Now she returns to his workplace for a confrontation. A titanic struggle ensues.

David Harrower’s Blackbird asks very difficult questions: When is love abuse? When is the victim the perpetrator? And can we ever break free from the shackles of the past?

With remarkable sensitivity playwright David Harrower cuts through one of society’s most unsettling taboos, leaving the audience to struggle with the uneasy tension between love and abuse.

Brilliant, unnerving and controversial, Blackbird is labelled by the STC as an "unmissable powerhouse piece of theatre".

The show opens on Thursday at Wharf 1 and plays until February 16. Bookings: (02) 9250 1777.


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Two shows from Theatre Of The Deaf
Sunday, December 16, 10:56pm AEDST.

The Australian Theatre Of The Deaf has announced it will present two interpreted theatre performances in association with the Sydney Theatre Company in 2008.

They are The Vertical Hour on March 13 and The Serpent's Teeth on May 22.

Both shows are part of the Sydney Theatre Company's 2008 subscription season but these performances will cater specifically for the deaf or hearing impaired.

To provide access for the deaf community to quality theatre and to promote deaf awareness, the Australian Theatre Of The Deaf works with several theatre companies each year to present Auslan (Australian Sign Language) Interpretation of their shows.

Interpreted Theatre is usually presented as one performance in a theatre season, and Australian Theatre Of The Deaf organises a block booking with the best views of the interpreters in the house. Preference for tickets is given to deaf and hearing impaired patrons and their guests, but tickets are often available for hearing people interested in the amazing spectacle of theatre interpreters at work (eg: sign language students etc).

Bookings can be made by emailing boxoffice@sydneytheatre.com.au.


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Billy Elliot a hit with critics
Sunday, December 16, 12:28pm AEDST.

If the word of the critics is anything to go by, Billy Elliot is set to have a long and successful run at Sydney's Capitol Theatre, with reviewers unanimous in their praise for the Australian production of the smash hit international blockbuster.

The show opened on Thursday night and received a strong standing ovation from the star-studded audience, which included Elton John, Toni Collette and Anthony LaPaglia.

Writing for The Sun Herald, Jason Blake gave the show 9/10 and said, in part: "It used to be that musicals got made into movies. These days it's the other way around. Here's hoping future endeavours take this as their benchmark because Billy Elliot is bigger, brassier and more wrenching than its big screen precursor."

Writing for The Sunday Telegraph, Jo Litson said, in part: "The hard-edged, grim reality of the strike is counter-pointed by magical numbers about the escapist power of self-expression and the imagination including the exhilarating 'Electricity', in which Billy describes how he feels when he dances, and the show-stopping, razzle-dazzling 'Expressing Yourself' performed by his cross-dressing friend Michael. Stephen Daldry's inspired direction and Ian MacNeil's wonderfully effective, flexible, grungy set keep the action robust, truthful and flowing seamlessly."

In his review for The Sydney Morning Herald, Bryce Hallett said, in part: "The show is grounded in an earthy realism and bursts into starry-eyed showbiz magic. The cast is excellent. Genevieve Lemon is brilliant as the tough yet compassionate dance teacher Mrs Wilkinson, but the musical stands on the talents and appeal of the boy playing Billy. Opening night honours went to Rhys Kosakowski from Newcastle. His raw playfulness, secure technique, athleticism and sweet, strong voice made for a high-wattage turn of tingling lyricism and heart. The story of solidarity and individualism rings true and as an entertainment Billy Elliot soars above the colour-by-number musicals that have robbed the art form of originality and grit in recent years."

Writing for AussieTheatre.com, Troy Dodds said, in part: "Perhaps Billy Elliot's key to success lies in its ability to walk many paths. As much as it is real and hard-hitting, it is magical and fairytale-like. And while it is set in mid-80's England, a time of struggle and hardship, it manages to create a feeling of richness, one that, as the lyrics of 'Electricity' suggests, you can't control - 'I suppose it's like forgetting, losing who you are'."

Billy Elliot is currently selling until February 24 but is expected to run for up to a year in Sydney. Bookings: 136 100 or www.ticketmaster.com.au.

Click here to see our Billy Elliot opening night video


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Theatre stars line up for Carols
Saturday, December 15, 12:00am AEDST.

Some of musical theatre's best known names will appear at the 2007 Carols By Candlelight, to be held in Melbourne on Christmas Eve and broadcast live across the country on the Nine network.

Marina Prior, Silvie Paladino, Rachael Beck and Ian Stenlake have been confirmed as guest performers on the night.

Not to be outdone, Sydney's annual Carols in the Domain, to be held on December 22 and broadcast on Channel Seven, will also feature several theatrical names.

Rachel Beck will perform, as will Tim Campbell, just weeks before he takes on the lead role in the revival of Shout!. Tina Arena, who several years ago played Sally Bowles in Cabaret, is also scheduled to appear.


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Clemente wins playwright's award
Friday, December 14, 11:13pm AEDST.

Rosalba Clemente has been named the winner of the 2007 Rodney Seaborn Playwrights Award as a result of her play Helly's Magic Cup.

Rosalba intends to use the $10,000 prize money for final development of the play that will focus on bringing in a trial audience of children, parents and grandparents to view the work and give her feedback, which she will then take into the final draft before the commencement of rehearsals.

Rosalba will also present a reading to visiting American and British producers and theatre companies for a youth arts festival to be held in Adelaide in June/July 2008. The play will receive its first major production in August 2008 with Windmill Performing Arts and the Adelaide Festival Centre.

Last year’s winner Don Reid received the $10,000 prize money for his play Codgers, a humorous, dignified play that put the mature Australian male on stage. Codgers had a workshop production at Riverside Theatres in March this year and from August 2008 will tour to Albury/Wodonga, Griffith, Taree, Coffs Harbour, Lismore, Port Macquarie, Glen Street and Gosford. A 30 venue national tour is being prepared for 2009.

Rosalba was the Artistic Director of the State Theatre Company of South Australia for four years retiring at the end of 2004. She has served on the NSW Ministry of the Arts and was artistic counsel and board member to Company B for three years. Rosalba studied acting at NIDA as a recipient of the Adele Koh Scholarship and has since performed nationally for many companies including Company B Belvoir, Sydney Theatre Company, State Theatre South Australia, Griffin Theatre, New Stages, Entr’acte, Crossroads, Bay Street and the Universal.


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Wicked auditions set to conclude
Friday, December 14, 12:31am AEDST.

Actors hoping to secure the role of a lifetime will return to audition room today as final callbacks begin for the Australian production of smash hit international musical Wicked, which will open in Melbourne next year.

Auditions for the Australian production have been underway for a fortnight, with hundreds of hopefuls trying out for the key roles as well as positions in the show's ensemble.

While the majority of callbacks will be held today, it's understood there will also be several callbacks tomorrow. Offers are expected to be made as early as next week but an official casting announcement could be months away.

The auditions have been the talk of the town in theatre circles this week, and like with most shows, the rumour mill is highly likely going to beat out official casting announcements by the producers.

Wicked, which comes to Australia five years after its spectacular debut on Broadway, tells the unknown story of the witches of Oz, throwing an entirely new spin on the story found in The Wizard Of Oz.


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Billy Elliot opens in Sydney
Friday, December 14, 12:20am AEDST.

Australian theatre came to life last night with the spectacular Billy Elliot exploding onto the stage at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney.

It was a star-studded opening night, with the audience saving a special applause for Sir Elton John, who entered the theatre via a side entrance in the minutes before the curtain went up.

The show had to be stopped on several occasions due to thunderous audience applause after pivotal scenes, while a strong standing ovation greeted the musical's conclusion.

While Rhys Kosakowski had the honour of playing Billy at last night's opening, all four Australian Billys took curtain calls, as well as Corey Snide, an English import filling in for Nick Twiney, who is recovering from a broken arm.

Earlier, a large crowd had gathered outside the Capitol Theatre to watch the red carpet arrivals. Media also packed the area, while there was also a heavy police presence.

Billy Elliot is expected to run for at least a year in Sydney.


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Tight security for Billy Elliot premiere
Thursday, December 13, 11:46am AEDST.

Streets will be closed and tight security will be in place for tonight's premiere performance of Billy Elliot at Sydney's Capitol Theatre, one of the biggest opening nights ever hosted in Australian theatre.

The RTA says it will close Campbell Street between Pitt and George Streets from 2pm. The restrictions will remain place until 8pm, with tonight's performance commencing at 7.00pm.

Those expected to attend tonight's gala opening include Sir Elton John and David Furnish, Hugh Jackman and Deborah-Lee Furness, Anthony LaPaglia and Gia Carides, Toni Collette and Dave Galafassi, Emma Booth, Grant Denyer, Gracie Otto and Matthew Newton, Toby Osmond, Miriam Margoyles, Molly Meldrum, Chrissie Swan, Kerrie-Anne Kennerly, David Koch, Lee Tulloch, Sonia Kruger, Simon Reeve and George Miller and several players from the Sydney Swans.

Based on the film of the same name, also directed by Stephen Daldry, with music by Sir Elton John, Billy Elliot opened in London in May 2005 to extraordinary reviews. It has broken UK box office records and is still playing to capacity houses at the Victoria Palace Theatre.

The Australian production will introduce four young stars-in-the-making, Lochlan Denholm, Rhys Kosakowski, Rarmian Newton and Nick Twiney.

It is expected that Kosakowski will perform the title role for tonight's premiere.

AussieTheatre.com will have complete coverage of the Billy Elliot opening night, from the red carpet to the performance itself. Keep checking back in the coming days for the latest content!


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Hobson back at Belvoir
Wednesday, December 12, 10:21pm AEDST.

Brenna Hobson is returning to her old stomping ground at Belvoir Street Theatre, having been appointed General Manager of Company B, three years after she left her previous role as the company’s Production Manager. Brenna will be taking over from Vicki Middleton, who is leaving the company to have her first child, in March 2008.

Brenna had an 11 year association with Company B before moving on from her Production Manager position in 2005. Keen to spread her wings and build her management experience, Brenna worked briefly as a Production Manager for Bangarra Dance Theatre before moving to Canberra to head up Jigsaw Theatre Company as General Manager. In this role, Brenna’s work included commissioning William Yang to return to the world of playwriting with Emma’s Dynasty – a story of discovery of identity, created for 8-12 year olds, that premiered in Canberra last June.

Company B’s Artistic Director Neil Armfield is delighted to be welcoming Brenna back to the company.

“Brenna was staff representative to the Board of Company B from 2002 to 2005, sitting on both the Industrial Relations and Building Redevelopment Sub-committees, and was instrumental in the development of the production department in her years as Production Manager. She knows the company inside out and we are greatly looking forward to working with her again in her new role as General Manager,” he said.

Brenna first walked through the doors of Belvoir Street Theatre as a high school work experience student in 1991. Her first full time role with the company came about three years later as intern assistant stage manager on Dead Heart, and her first professional role was as assistant stage manager for Neil Armfield’s Hamlet in the same year.

Brenna’s production work has taken her around the world – to Japan with Spirit for Bangarra in 2005, Colombia with the Threepenny Opera for Company B in 2004, and Dublin with Small Poppies for Company B in 2000.

Of her new role, Brenna said: “I am thrilled to be returning to Company B at such an exciting time and am looking forward to the challenge of the GM role, particularly coming into such a phenomenal season. The strength of Company B is in the tremendous calibre of people who come together to make the work happen, from the artists, to administrative and production staff, board members and front of house and bar staff. I couldn’t be more pleased to be rejoining such a great team.”


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Keeping the dream alive
Tuesday, December 11, 9:46pm AEDST.

Writers Paul Keelan and Gary Young believe their musical Sideshow Alley still has a future and remain determined to ensure theatre companies and producers are presenting more new Australian shows in the future.

It appeared Keelan and Young had found solid success with Sideshow Alley when it kicked off a national tour in Brisbane earlier this year, but the run was cut tragically short when ticket sales didn't meet expectations. Later in the year, Kookaburra announced it would pick up the show for its 2008 season, but later dropped the plans.

"The events that have been sent to test us only make the resolve and determination stronger," Young said.

"We did what we believed to be all the right things using the first season wisely to make changes and improvements. We achieved great crits and won the Helpmann for Best Original Score. Had we been in America after winning theatre's major award for new work the phone would have been ringing off the hook, alas in good old Australia there was silence."

Keelan and Young have written nine shows together and they don't subscribe to the theory that the Australian public doesn't support home-grown content.

"They rarely get the chance to view a new work that has an original score. For many people during the Brisbane season of Sideshow Alley, this was the first time they had enjoyed a new musical with a new score - most of our audience experience musical theatre in this country already knowing the music from recordings of the shows we import from other countries or in the case of new jukebox musicals, know the music from its original source," Keelan said.

Young said the public can only support Australian musicals if the work is seen and in order for that to happen there has to be a preparedness to see it through.

"That takes courage and tenacity from producers and theatre companies and a genuine will for it to happen," Young said.

"It is something of a 'Catch 22'. In order for producers to commit they need to know that there is a theatre willing public out there. We believe that the Australian public are ready for their own stories in musical theatre in the same way that they embrace them on film. Proving that to be the case is extremely difficult especially when avenues available to develop projects are so limited."

Keelan and Young plan to continue working together, aiming to write the breakthrough musical that sees Australian theatre emerge in its own right.


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Val Jellay pens extraordinary book
Monday, December 10, 9:43pm AEDST.

Australian showbusiness legend Val Jellay has penned a new book about her extraordinary career, and in the process has dropped some important hints for those wanting to get started in the industry.

By anybody’s definition Val Jellay is a star. Beloved wife of the late Maurie Fields and mother of Marty Fields, Val’s career has encompassed stage, screen and radio. Gracious, beautiful, kind, supremely talented and hilariously funny, hers has been a life dedicated to family and entertainment.

This sumptuous book, So You Want To Be In Showbusiness!, has three main elements - part instruction manual for aspiring performers (with ‘gold’ pages packed with tips and shortcuts), part history of Australian entertainment and part autobiography. Supported by an extraordinary range of photographs, notes, letters and posters stretching back decades, this is the definitive account of Val’s showbusiness life as well as an exposé on how to survive in a tough industry.

From Vaudeville and the Tivoli in Australia before, during and after the Second World War, to her heady days on the London circuit, where she took the English stage by storm, through the introduction of television and those hilariously funny comedy routines, to her roles in high-rating television dramas such at The Flying Doctors and starring roles in popular stage musicals, it's all covered in the book.

Since her beloved husband Maurie died 12 years ago, Val has written three books, starred in four stage musicals (including The Full Monty and Crazy For You) and undergone four major surgeries (including for cancer).

Lavishly produced and richly illustrated, the book includes introductory accolades from Daryl Somers, Marina Prior, Bud Tingwell, Rhonda Burchmore, Bert Newton, Frank Van Straten OAM, David Atkins OAM and Toni Lamond. It is the first book in JoJo Publishing’s planned series, A History of Australian Entertainment.

The book is available now from www.jojopublishing.com.

AussieTheatre.com Gold has five copies of Val Jellay's book to give away. For your chance to win one, you must be a member of AussieTheatre.com Gold! Click here to subscribe.


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Australia Council cuts funding to website
Monday, December 10, 6:24pm AEDST.

The Australia Council has cut funding to the popular arts website The Program, located at www.theprogram.net.au, forcing its closure effective January 1 next year.

In an email sent to the website's supporters, producers Anne-Marie Szlazko and Lisa Greenaway said it was with deep regret that the site had to shut down.

"The Australia Council is shifting its resourcing for youth arts to connect with young people through a variety of ways including exploring the use of web 2.0 technologies," they said.

"theprogram.net.au has been a key strategic initiative of the Australia Council, promoting young people as creative participants, contributors and audiences. theprogram.net.au has also been a successful conduit between creative young Australians and the established arts community; not only showcasing the work of young and emerging artists, but also highlighting entry points and avenues for young people to forge their own careers in the arts.

"We want to take this opportunity to thank all of you with whom we've worked during the past six or so years. Over that time we've enjoyed an average of 59,000 unique visitors each month (that's 1.5 million hits), and attracted over 5,000 subscribers, who have been getting our newsletter every week. Our last e-newsletter will be going out on 19 December."

Respected arts publicist Geoff Sirmai said it was terrible news.

"I am very sad to hear of its demise - not a good Christmas present for the Aussie arts world as The Program always had a wonderful ecclectic mix of cutting edge, 'indy' and mainstream arts coverage," he said.

"I truly hope the Australia Council doesn't leave a big hole behind."


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Mary Poppins to open at Capitol Theatre October 2009
Sunday, December 9, 10:20pm AEDST.

It has been confirmed that Mary Poppins, which has been a hit on the West End for three years and is in its second year on Broadway, will open in Australia in two years' time.

The tuner will open at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney in October 2009.

The musical is based on the 1964 American film produced by Walt Disney, which in turn is based on the Mary Poppins series of children's books written by PL Travers and illustrated by Mary Shepard.

The Capitol Theatre is currently housing blockbuster musical Billy Elliot, which producers hope will run for more than a year.

"We are overwhelmed by the outstanding success of Mary Poppins in New York," Producer Thomas Schumacher said in a statement.

"The audience response to this timeless tale has been tremendous and we are honored to have the opportunity to now take the show into its next life on the road and around the globe."

Heard a rumour or know some news? SMS the AussieTheatre.com News & Gossip hotline on 0424 569 298.


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New musical showcased in Melbourne
Sunday, December 9, 6:30pm AEDST.

Dean Bryant and Mathew Frank's new musical, The Silver Donkey, will be read by a stellar cast in a closed reading for the Melbourne Theatre Company on Monday afternoon.

The musical, based on the award-winning Australian novel by Sonya Hartnett, toured US high schools last year, culminating in a NYC performance for the prestigious York Theatre Company. The York produced Bryant and Frank's first musical, Prodigal, the first Australian musical produced off-Broadway. Prodigal won the Green Room Award for Best Original Score, and continues to be produced locally and internationally.

The Silver Donkey tells the story of two girls who stumble upon a blind soldier in the woods near the village. The soldier has run away from the war, and is trying to get home to his family across the English Channel. He tells the girls a story about a young couple named Joseph and Mary and the old donkey that saved their lives. As the days pass, he tells them more stories, each concerning a humble donkey. He inspires the girls to believe the little can do big things, and they concoct a daring rescue plan. The stories he tells have an even greater power though; they begin to restore his faith that there is good in the world. With his desire to see the world again, his sight begins to return.

Bryant and Frank's other work includes Virgins: A Musical Threesome (CUB Malthouse, New York Music Theatre Festival and Victorian Regional tour), Once We Lived Here (recipient of a Pratt Prize Commission), The People in Your Pocket (NSW, Vic, SA tours), and All Roads Lead to Home (Melbourne International Arts Festival).

The reading cast includes Ben Lewis (Spamalot), Anna-lee Robertson (Phantom), Damian Bermingham (Priscilla), David Somerville (Phantom), Christina O'Neill (Spamalot), Dean Vince (Priscilla), Kellie Rode (Rocky Horror Show), Andrew Lees (The Pacific) and young performers Rhiannon Fish, Georgie Darvidis, Nick Hedger and Anthony Shepherd.


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Boys will be boys
Sunday, December 9, 10:44am AEDST.

One of the big questions in musical theatre at the moment is which young star will play the role of Billy for Thursday's star-studded opening night performance of Billy Elliot at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney.

One thing is for sure - it won't be Nick Twiney (pictured). The 14-year-old has broken his arm and is unlikely to perform in the show for at least a month. Producers have brought Corey Snide over from Britain to cover for Twiney. Snide was appearing in the West End production of the tuner before receiving a call from producers to back his bags and head down under.

Billy Elliot is one of the biggest musicals to have opened in Australia in a decade and is expected to enjoy a long run in Sydney. It has been playing preview performances for several weeks, and by all reports the show is in tip top condition for Thursday's opening.

With Twiney out of action and his arm in plaster, the battle for Thursday night's Billy will be between Rhys Kosakowski, Rarmian Newton and Lochlan Denholm. Producers would be unlikely to use Snide for the Australian opening despite his experience in the role.

Billy Elliot has no set closing date. Bookings: 1300 136 166.

AussieTheatre.com will be there on Thursday night to bring you all the news and information from opening night, with Troy Dodds' review of the show online Friday. Gold Members will also see a fantastic Billy Elliot video this week! Subscribe.


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Saigon farewells Sydney
Sunday, December 9, 10:34am AEDST.

The Sydney season of Miss Saigon will conclude this afternoon, ending a three month run at the Lyric Theatre.

Today's closing comes slightly ahead of original plans, and while Miss Saigon has not set the box office on fire in Sydney, it has still enjoyed a solid season on the back of mostly positive reviews.

The production commenced Sydney performances on September 20 after seasons in Melbourne and Brisbane.

The show almost never got to the Lyric after a scheduling drama saw both it and Priscilla booked for the theatre at the same time, creating a massive behind-the-scenes tug-of-war. Saigon eventually came out on top, with Priscilla moving to Melbourne.

After the Sydney season concludes today, Miss Saigon will go on a small break before opening in Adelaide on December 29. It was recently announced that the musical would play a Perth season from February 16.

An epic tale about the relationship between an American G.I. and a young Vietnamese woman set during the final days of the U.S. occupation of Saigon, Miss Saigon is one of the most successful musicals in the world - seen-to-date by over 33 million people in over 25 countries, performed in 12 different languages and winning 30 international awards.

Since its London premiere in 1989 the show has become the third most successful musical in the history of British theatre and the longest running show ever to perform at the Drury Lane Theatre.

In her review of Miss Saigon for AussieTheatre.com, Anne-Marie Peard said, in part: "Miss Saigon is a simply superb and I dare even the most jaded of theatre goers not to love it. It’s about power and grief and situations where you cannot imagine a happy ending, even though your heart and mind search for a way to make it all work out. The outstanding cast are a balance between fresh and experienced performers and the, much anticipated, new staging adds moments that could not have been imagined in the original."


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ATN launches new Gold site, announces Erin Graham as Editor
Saturday, December 8, 7:21pm AEDST.

The Aussie Theatre Network has today re-launched AussieTheatre.com Gold and announced that Erin Graham will head up the new website, which will act as a sub-site to AussieTheatre.com.

AussieTheatre.com Gold has been running for several months but has now undergone a complete overhaul, with an exciting new design and system launched that will help the concept grow into a success.

While AussieTheatre.com will continue to produce high quality content, the new website will provide exclusive news, columns, special offers and giveaways not seen on the normal site.

"We certainly won't be changing the editorial nature of AussieTheatre.com," said AussieTheatre.com Managing Editor, Troy Dodds.

"But AussieTheatre.com Gold gives us an opportunity to present content that may not normally fit in with the editorial guidelines of the site. The paid-for new site is essentially an add-on to the usual site and includes some wonderful unique content."

Already, AussieTheatre.com Gold is running several fantastic levels of content. Members have the chance to win a double pass to see The Rocky Horror Show at the Star Theatre, while we've got details on Tell Me On A Sunday's Sydney season, and audio from Troy Dodds' recent interview with Peter Cousens that has not and will not be heard anywhere else.

There's also an array of other great exclusive content and AussieTheatre.com Gold will continue to grow into a portal aiming to provide special offers for restaurants, car parks, tickets and anything else theatre-related.

Already AussieTheatre.com Gold, in its early stages, has given away numerous tickets to shows both in Sydney and Melbourne.

"I am so thrilled to be heading up this new section and we will be providing something very different to the usual AussieTheatre.com site," said Erin Graham.

"Of course we will use our links to the usual site to our advantage but AussieTheatre.com Gold is like an entirely new website. However, we need your support. Members is what will continue to pay for the site's operation, and increase our ability to offer such great prizes and offers. I really encourage everyone to join."

To join AussieTheatre.com for just $19.95 - with no membership renewal, ever - all you have to do is click here.


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Company up for seven awards
Saturday, December 8, 12:01am AEDST.

Kookaburra's production of Company has been nominated for no less than seven awards at the 2007 AussieTheatre.com Awards.

It joins Miss Saigon, Phantom Of The Opera, Little Me and 42nd Street in the coveted Best Musical category, while Gale Edwards and Peter Casey have been nominated for Best Direction and Best Musical Direction respectively.

David Campbell and James Millar are up for Best Male Actor In A Musical for the show, while Anne Looby and Tamsin Carroll are up for Best Female Actor In A Musical.

The Sydney and Melbourne Theatre Companies received a solid share of nominations this year, while Queenie Van De Zandt has been nominated for three awards - Best Female Actor In A Play for Rabbit Hole, Best Cabaret Show and Best Cabaret Artist.

"In some categories the voting was incredibly tight," said AussieTheatre.com Managing Editor, Troy Dodds.

"We expect the final voting process to go down to the wire."

To see the full list of nominations and cast your vote, click here


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Griffin goes national in 2008
Thursday, December 6, 9:54pm AEDST.

2008 will see the Griffin Theatre Company take new Australian writing nationwide. In addition to five full productions presented at the company’s resident venue, the SBW Stables Theatre in Kings Cross, next year Griffin will tour or transfer a record-breaking four productions.

After its phenomenal success in Sydney, Tommy Murphy’s Holding the Man (pictured) will tour to Melbourne Theatre Company and Brisbane Powerhouse. Murphy’s earlier work, Strangers in Between will also tour nationally and Wesley Enoch’s The Story of the Miracles at Cookie’s Table and The Modern International Dead – a new play by Damien Millar will see seasons beyond the SBW Stables Theatre in 2008. This marks unprecedented number of productions travelling beyond Griffin’s home venue for the Sydney-based theatre company.

These are exciting days for Griffin, reflected in the decision of its Principal Sponsor, PKF, to extend its relationship with the company for a further two years. As one of the only professional theatre companies in Australia to exclusively produce all Australian work, Griffin will see the return of great names and emerging new artists in 2008.

Nick Marchand, Griffin’s Artistic Director said: “The title for 2008 is 'Something Different…' I chose this to reflect both Griffin’s unique position in the Australian theatre landscape, and the experiential differences within the season itself. I hope next year’s season will help us celebrate the diversity of Australia’s storytelling culture.”

The season begins with a Performing Lines production - China: a performance piece by photographer and storyteller, William Yang, documenting his return to a motherland he never knew. Yang’s wry humour and arresting images come together with Nicholas Ng’s haunting live score in an unforgettable theatrical experience.

25 years after the original production, and 20 years after it was presented by Griffin, The Kid returns to the SBW Stables Theatre. Directed by Tom Healey, this is the play that launched Michael Gow’s career. Like Away, it charts a family’s epic summer journey - however, this is a very different family and a very different destination.

The world premiere of Tom Holloway’s ‘epic-in-miniature’, Don’t Say The Words is inspired by Aeschylus, yet set in a truly contemporary Australian landscape - with breathtaking results. Perth director Matthew Lutton brings his phenomenal imagination to bear on the work of one of Australia’s most electrifying young playwrights.

Next, Damien Millar, winner of the 2007 Griffin Award presents another world premiere, The Modern International Dead, exploring the intentions, adversities and fears of Australians on the front line of international aid. Revealing personal stories with a compassionate eye and a gallows humour, this is ‘witness theatre’ at its most potent. Directed by Chris Mead, this co-production with Riverside Productions features Belinda McClory.

Nicki Bloom’s astonishing debut Tender follows up on its fleeting 2007 debut with an extended 2008 season at the SBW Stables Theatre. A haunting examination of love, loss and grief, it will be directed by the State Theatre Company of South Australia’s new Associate Director, Geordie Brookman. Tender is a nowyesnow production presented by arrangement with Arts Projexts Australia. With a cast including Kate Box, Pip Miller, Heather Mitchell and Darren Weller, this is a production that cannot be missed twice.

Griffin is also offering a very different approach to narrative next year, as stand-up comedian Charlie Pickering embarks on a mind-boggling 60 minute, decade-long story about payback in the suburbs. Impractical Jokes plays as a late-night add-on to the subscription season.

And finally, Seasons introduces Griffin’s new Resident Playwrights and offers a taste of four full-length plays to come from Nicki Bloom, Jonathan Gavin, Sue Smith and Rick Viede. The residency - supported by Venture Partner gadens lawyers and the Copyright Agency Limited, City of Sydney and Equity Trustees Foundation - plays a vital part in helping a new generation of playwrights to find their voice. In the past, it led to plays such as Strangers in Between and Nailed, and introduced playwrights Tommy Murphy and Caleb Lewis to Australian audiences. This year, each resident writer begins the process with a new ten-minute work for the stage; Autumn by Rick Viede, Winter by Sue Smith, Spring by Jonathan Gavin and Summer by Nicki Bloom – with all four are presented individually on selected nights throughout the season.

Marchand said: “It’s another exhilarating and eclectic season of the best new Australian work. And in 2008 we also hope to build on Griffin’s history by spreading our wings a little – ensuring many more of our dynamic productions have a life outside the Cross. We owe it to the playwrights that made Griffin what it is – a national institution.”


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Nominations roll in
Wednesday, December 5, 9:56pm AEDST.

Nominations have begun flooding in for the 2007 AussieTheatre.com Awards, with the deadline set for this Friday and nominations to be announced on Saturday.

Once the nominations are released, readers will be able to vote for their prefered winners, to be announced on December 21.

"However, it's not too late to be on the nomination panel," said AussieTheatre.com Managing Editor, Troy Dodds.

"We have extended the sign-up period so people can choose to be part of the panel right up until Friday, they will receive their nomination form pretty much straight away."

This year is the first time that the nominations and the winners have been decided purely by AussieTheatre.com's readership.

Click here to register to nominate


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Talent on show at Showcase
Wednesday, December 5, 9:21pm AEDST.

Some of Australia's brightest young musical theatre and cabaret stars will be out to impress industry experts and the general public when they take to the stage in this month's Cabaret Showcase in Sydney.

While it may not have the glitz and glamour of the now defunct Sydney Cabaret Convention, it has been a fine replacement for the concept that the City of Sydney so tragically dumped several years ago.

Previous winners include James Millar (most recently seen in Company), Elenoa Rokobaro (the teenage sensation recently seen in Respect) and Nick Christo (Fiddler On The Roof, Titanic).

"We've got a stellar cast of judges lined up this year," said host Hayden Tee.

"It's a rare chance for young performers to get the benefit of the experiences and talents of people of this calibre, and it's wonderful for judges of this calibre to give their time to support young performers."

Respected performer and teacher Avigail Herman, Bryce Hallett (Sydney Morning Herald), Peter Cousens (Kookaburra) and mainstay performer Michael Cormick are among the guest judges this year.

As host, Tee will be joined by past winner Rokobaro on stage.

"I can't wait to co-host this year's Cabaret Showcase with Hayden," Rokobaro said.

"When I won the competition last year, I never thought I would be asked back to host the same event that kick-started my music theatre career!"

Producer Jeremy Youett said he was looking forward to the calibre of talent that would be displayed this year.

"Cabaret Showcase is a great opportunity for young and emerging talent to take to the stage and show audiences what they're capable of," he said.

"This year's Showcase has some great prizes up for grabs, for performers and audience alike and for the first time since the Showcase started, audiences are being asked to have their say."

Prizes include a dinner for two at the award winning La Sala restaurant in Surry Hills, subscriptions to online casting directory Showcast and a photographic headshot package from Roy Rogers Photo, plus the winner will have the opportunity to perform a full season of their own cabaret at the El Rocco Room at Bar Me.

The first heat gets underway at the El Rocco Room on December 16 at 6pm. Heat two is on December 16 at 9.30pm, while heat three and four will be on December 21. The Grand Final is on December 22. Bookings: (02) 9368 0894.


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The Turning set for world premiere
Tuesday, December 4, 9:59pm AEDST.

The Perth Theatre Company will present the world premiere of the stage version of Tim Winton's hit film The Turning as part of its 2008 subscription season.

Bill McCluskey captures the essence of Winton’s intricate characters while renowned director Steve Jodrell brings this epic story to life through a riveting blend of film and live performance.

It will be presented from late February at the Playhouse Theatre.

Also in the Perth Theatre Company's 2008 season is the West Australian premiere of Glorious! and two more world premieres - Ingle Night's Taking Liberty, which focuses on the incredible story of Australia II and the America's Cup, and The Haunting Of Daniel Gartrell, which follows a man’s descent into the dark corners of this country’s soul.

Speed-The-Plow will also be presented as part of the 2008 season.

For more information about the Perth Theatre Company's 2008 season and to subscribe, logon to www.perththeatre.com.au.


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High School Musical to play Australia
Sunday, December 2, 9:19pm AEDST.

Worldwide musical sensation High School Musical will tour Australia next year in a major ice spectacular set to play at some of the country's major venues.

High School Musical: The Ice Tour, is a live celebration of dancing, music and non-stop, team-spirited fun inspired by the smash hit movies High School Musical and High School Musical 2. Produced by Feld Entertainment (Disney on Ice, Disney Live!) and award-winning choreographer and director, Kenny Ortega, Disney’s High School Musical: The Ice Tour celebrates the phenomenon in a whole new and exciting way.

High School Musical: The Ice Tour stars a cast of world-class skaters portraying the roles of your favourite students from East High - Troy, Gabriella, Ryan, Sharpay, Chad and Taylor.

"We've brought together a creative dream team who will deliver a top-notch production that celebrates moments from the movies in an ice spectacular that will fill arenas with lights, music, dancing and spirit," says Producer Kenneth Feld.

High School Musical has been a smash hit in virtually every area of the entertainment spectrum, from television and home entertainment to soundtracks and live concert tours. With the ice as the dance floor, this event will be an unprecedented twist on a fan favourite.

The show in its traditional stage sense has this year been performed by several amateur companies and is set to become a favourite for high schools in the years to come.

THE TOUR DATES
April 4-8: Vodafone Arena, Melbourne
April 11-13: Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
April 16-20: Acer Arena, Sydney
April 25-27: Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Newcastle
April 30-May 4: AIS Arena, Canberra
May 9-11: Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide

Bookings: 132 849.


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Wollaston, Coggan for Williamson musical
Sunday, December 2, 7:43pm AEDST.

Belinda Wollaston and Darren Coggan will star in a new musical being penned by country music legend John Williamson and Simon Heath, with its premiere season scheduled for the EVAN Theatre in Penrith in February next year.

Quambatook has some strong backing behind it and as well as an expected tour following the Penrith season, a cast recording is also being prepared for release.

Press notes for the show read: "It is 1955 and in the small Victorian farming town of Quambatook, 11-year-old Johnno is on a mission and nothing is going to stand in his way. For years he and his family have happily sat around the radio, listened, sang and played along with the songs from The Silver Haired Showman’s weekly radio show. But ever since Johnno heard the Showman describe his experiences in the Northern Territory at Uluru, he’s had only one desire; to see and experience the big red rock for himself.   Whether or not they make it to Uluru isn’t important, Johnno’s Mum tells him, the fact is The Joy is in the Journey..."

Labelled an "Australian folk musical", Williamson has been working on the concept for some time and will also star in the show himself as the Narrator. Its title comes from Williamson's birthplace, Quambatook in Victoria.

Wollaston (pictured) has most recently been seen in the Australian tour of Respect, and other credits include Titanic, Mamma Mia and Summer Rain for the Sydney Theatre Company. She is perhaps best known for her cabaret work, performing three solo shows at various venues across Sydney.

Coggan is best known for his work on the country music scene, but has also appeared in a number of stage musicals, including Shout! and Grease.

Quambatook opens at the EVAN Theatre on February 7. Bookings: 1800 061 991.


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Broadway strike over
Sunday, December 2, 5:00pm AEDST.

Broadway shows have returned to the stage after a deal was reached between producers and stagehands.

Stagehands went out on strike last month, causing theatres in New York to be dark for more than two weeks, closing nearly 30 Broadway shows including hits such as Wicked.

"The contract is a good compromise that serves our industry. What is most important is that Broadway's lights will once again shine brightly," Charlotte St. Martin, head of the League of American Theatres and Producers, said in a statement.

Shows have now returned and business is starting to get back to normal for restaurants and retail outlets around the theatre district, which had been struggling since the start of the strike.

The strike is estimated to have cost the city millions of dollars.


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Kookaburra wants Floyd Collins actors for workshop
Friday, November 30, 9:12pm AEDST.



Kookaburra has asked actors from the failed Floyd Collins to appear in workshop productions for the company for no pay as a "gesture of goodwill and commitment to the future" of the company.

In a letter to actors from Kookaburra CEO and Artistic Director Peter Cousens, those contracted to Floyd Collins are strongly encouraged to participate in the workshops, expected to be held early in the new year.

"I appreciate that you were employed to do Floyd Collins but this may be a terrific opportunity to channel that creative energy into some new Australian work," the letter states.

"I am sure all of you would be keen to mitigate some of Kookaburra's losses over Floyd Collins, which are prodigious and I hope you will see your way clear to support Kookaburra in this way."

However, the actors will still be paid even if they choose not to participate in the workshops. The company says an error in a letter to Equity yesterday meant some actors may have thought the $3,000 they are owed would not be forthcoming without workshop participation.

In a letter from Kookaburra's lawyers to Equity today, that matter is cleared up, with the workshops deemed voluntary. However, the letter again stresses Kookaburra's desire for the actors to assist them by participating in the workshops.

Kookaburra has always been committed to fair compensation for those involved in Floyd Collins, and has now proposed paying three $1,000 instalments, the first of which would be paid in December and the last in February.

The cancellation of Floyd Collins has put an enormous strain on the future of Kookaburra, and has put the planned workshops for the first half of 2008 in some jeopardy. Kookaburra believes those workshops should go ahead and are looking for the support of actors who were never able to take to the stage in the company's final show for 2007.

Equity has not responded to AussieTheatre.com's phone calls or emails.

Have you heard some news? Why not SMS the AussieTheatre.com Gossip Line on 0424 569 298.


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Eventainment controversy
Friday, November 30, 7:04pm AEDST.

Serious questions are being raised about the future of Perth-based musical theatre company Eventainment after Yellow Glass Theatre parted ways with the production house and produced a few parting shots in the process.

After critically acclaimed seasons of Hair, The Marriage Of Figaro and Rent this year, Chris Kabay and Simon Holt, the co-founders of Yellow Glass Theatre, say they will no longer work with Eventainment or its Managing Director Adam Bick.

In late 2006, Kabay and Holt were approached by Bick to be the Director and Musical Director, respectively, of Hair and consequently The Marriage Of Figaro and Rent in 2007 for Eventainment. Currently, Eventainment has a three show season advertised for next year but both Kabay and Holt will not be involved with these productions.

Yellow Glass Theatre has cited continued scrutiny over pay rights and work conditions for performers involved in Eventainment shows as the main reason behind the decision.

Today, the company said it refuses to be part of such scrutiny.

Kabay and Holt will return to their roots and work under the banner of Yellow Glass Theatre from next year.

“I am excited to present to Perth the renaissance of Yellow Glass Theatre which has been sorely missed this past year," Kabay said.

"We have a new team and the company has been completely restructured. We are committed to providing high quality and accessible musical theatre for Perth and regional audiences. It is wonderful to be free to create without the shackles of commercialism. I now sleep soundly at night dreaming of „bright copper kettles and warm woollen mittens.”

Have you heard some news? Why not SMS the AussieTheatre.com Gossip Line on 0424 569 298.


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Q announces 2008 season
Wednesday, November 28, 10:46pm AEDST.

Earlier this year, concerns were raised over the future of the famous Q Theatre Company after the sudden departure of Artistic Director David Hollywood. Now, those concerns have been answered with the company's new management announcing a stellar 2008 subscription season.

For the last two years, the centrepiece of the Q's season has been its musical theatre, highlighted this year by the outstanding Sunday In The Park With George starring Tyran Parke and Amie McKenna. In 2006, the company presented a brand new musical, Somewhere, written to celebrate the refurbished theatre.

Next year's season features two musicals - Company B's Keating! in July and a new project labelled Reach: The Musical, which is expected to debut in November.

The season kicks off with A Local Man in February, followed by the Ensemble Theatre's You Talkin' To Me? The Diary Of An Olympic Cabbie, which will play from May 6-10.

Death Of A Salesman plays in June, Bell Shakespeare's As You Like It joins Keating! in July and Hit Productions' Shirley Valentine starring Glenda Linscott and directed by Jennifer Hagan will open on August 6.

The Wharf Revue will make its regular appearance in October, followed by Travelling North by David Williamson.

The Penrith-based company has also announced a range of other initiatives for 2008 including special events, morning melodies and theatre for children.

The development of Reach: The Musical as well as The Sandy Jeffs Project and Camp (a new play from Gary Baxter) is a vital element in the Q's season. It is important that the Q continues to produce its own work and does not only present touring productions, as the company has the potential to be a major force in a part of Sydney not yet hooked on theatre.

The main problem is that the Q is dark for long periods throughout the year. Current seasons generally go for no longer than a week, creating issues with consistency. A solution could be found in providing the theatre at reduced rates for outside hirers, particularly for amateur and semi-professional companies which generally use other theatres in western Sydney or within the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre instead of the Q itself.

The Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, which now houses the Q, has the potential to mirror the success of the Riverside Theatres in Parramatta if it has the correct team and the right marketing tools employed.

If you would like to subscribe to the Q Theatre in 2008, send your browser to www.railwaystreet.com.au or call (02) 4723 7600.


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Wyllie back at MTC
Tuesday, November 27, 10:49pm AEDST.

Logie Award-winner Dan Wyllie (Love My Way) returns to Melbourne Theatre Company as Don Juan - the infamous, amoral hedonist at loose in a society entranced by sensation.

Directed by MTC Associate Director Peter Evans, Don Juan In Soho also features Craig Annis (The Glass Soldier), Green Room-nominee Angus Cerini, Logie-nominee Daniel Frederiksen, Katie-Jean Harding (MTC Explorations), Bob Hornery (Entertaining Mr Sloane), Kate Jenkinson (The Wedge), Bert Labonte (The Madwoman of Chaillot), Helpmann and Green Room-winner Christen O’Leary and Green Room-winner James Saunders.

The farcical, tragic, anarchic Don Juan of Molière’s play and Mozart’s opera is the inspiration for Patrick Marber's new work, in which the action of the original is relocated to present day Soho, London: swank new hotels and festering old clip joints, crackheads in alleys and cokeheads in clubs. The destitute, the delirious, the broken and the brazen, the hustlers and hoorays, the media movers and merciless whores - all packed in to one seething square mile.

While previous versions of this tale have literally condemned Don Juan to Hell, Marber condemns him to a hell of his own making.

Don Juan In Soho was commissioned by and first presented at London’s Donmar Warehouse in November 2006. Marber’s other credits include the plays After Miss Julie, Dealer’s Choice (MTC 1996), Closer (MTC 1998) and Howard Katz; and the screenplays for Closer, and Notes on a Scandal (for which he received an Academy Award nomination).

The play opens at the Arts Centre Fairfax Studio on January 4. Bookings: 1300 723 038 or www.mtc.com.au.


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Lamond into Hall Of Fame; awards near
Tuesday, November 27, 9:46pm AEDST.

AussieTheatre.com has announced that respected theatrical performer Toni Lamond has been inducted into its Hall Of Fame, an honour handed out only once a year.

Lamond joins publicist Judith Johnson, writer Nick Enright and dancer Jonathan Rosten in the Hall Of Fame.

Lamond appeared in the original Australian casts of shows such as The Pajama Game, Oliver, Anything Goes, Gypsy and Wildcat. She became a regular figure in lounge rooms across the country thanks to the medium of television, and then re-located to America in the mid-70's where she appeared in many major musicals and television shows.

Each year, the Hall Of Fame inductee is announced as the AussieTheatre.com 2007 Awards near. This year, both the nominees and the winners will be decided by our readership. The deadline for signing up to be on the voting panel is Friday, November 30. Click here to sign up.

To read our full tribute to Toni Lamond, click here.


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Where an Encore is a sure thing
Tuesday, November 27, 9:16pm AEDST.

From the crooning tones of jazz to the heart-pounding passions of opera, with the flamboyance of musical theatre and the vigorous beat of latin dance, Encore is a musical extravaganza not to be missed.

And their December 20 gala performance at the Bondi Pavilion Amphitheatre is a special Pink Ribbon Event to aid in the fight against breast cancer.

Encore is a vibrant four part vocal group comprising the dynamic talents of Nate Butler, Eva Spata, Javier Vilarino and Clarissa Spata.

At their December 20 performance, there will be a guest appearance from Marcus Rivera - fresh from his starring role in the lead of The Engineer in Miss Saigon - and rising rhythm and blues star Daniel Aguilar.

The group have just completed a sell-out tour of NSW and Victoria and finish the year surfside at Sydney’s most famous beach with a program that includes the hits from their tour that moved and mesmerised, plus some of the best-loved Christmas songs.

Encore play at the Bondi Pavilion Amphitheatre on Thursday, December 20. Bookings: 1300 306 776.


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Little Festival that just gets bigger
Tuesday, November 27, 6:56pm AEDST.

Short & Sweet is the biggest festival of 10-minute theatre in the world and the publicity machine is back in overdrive for its Sydney return early next year.

Held annually at Newtown Theatre and the Seymour Centre in Sydney (as well as in Melbourne, regional centres, Singapore and shortly other national and international venues), the festival has already helped launch the careers of countless theatre professionals.

Featuring over 150 of the best 10 minute plays from local and international writers, Short & Sweet utilises the talents of our best young and established directors, actors and technical personnel to produce some of the best theatre on the planet.

Short & Sweet 2008’s “Top 90” will run Tuesday-Saturday at 8.15pm plus Sunday 5.15pm at the Newtown Theatre for five weeks from January 15; and Wednesday-Saturday at 8pm at the Seymour Centre Downstairs Theatre for four weeks from January 23.

Additional one off ‘wild-card’ performances take place each Saturday of the Festival at 2pm at the Seymour Downstairs.

The Gala Awards Final will be held in the York Theatre at the Seymour Centre on Friday, February 22 and Saturday Feb 23 at 7.30pm.

Then, from March 24 until April 5, also at the Seymour Centre, it’s the return of last year’s hit mini musical theatre festival, Short, Sweet & Song.

Last year’s season of Short, Sweet & Song - directed by Avigail Herman - was a huge hit and featured works by Melvyn Morrow and David Mitchell (Palace Whore), Tom Taylor and Simon Barlow (A4 to A3), Anthony Costanzo (Life's a Circus) and Joanna Weinberg (Little Mirrors) with directors Stuart Maunder, Will Conyers, Andrew Davidson, Neil Gooding and Danielle O’Keefe among others. Stars of these mini musicals included Trish Noble, Lucy Durack, Gerry Connolly, Natalie Gamsu, Nick Christo, Sun Park, Nick Simpson-Deeks and Wayne Scott Kermond.

Short & Sweet starts with a call for submissions from playwrights and independent theatre companies. Last year over 1,200 scripts were received. Assessors read the scripts and produce a shortlist. New and established directors select one play each, and cast the roles, primarily with actors seen at the Short & Sweet open auditions.

An education program for participants is also provided through Masterclass sessions with some of Australia’s and the world’s leading theatre professionals to help inspire the next generation of theatre artists.

Tickets to Short & Sweet 2008 go on sale on December 3: 1300 306 776.

Like last year, AussieTheatre.com will review every single play in Short & Sweet 2008 via our Sydney editorial team.


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Anderson to perform at Carols
Tuesday, November 27, 6:34pm AEDST.

It Takes Two winner and soon-to-be musical theatre star Jolene Anderson will be among a range of performers taking to the stage at the popular Coogee Carols, which will be held at Goldstein Reserve near Coogee Beach on Sunday, December 16.

This relaxed and intimate event is now in its sixth year and has become regarded as one of Sydney’s premier Christmas festival events.

This year's event will be hosted by Andrew Mercado and Wil Traval (All Saints) and include performances by Australian TV stars John Howard (All Saints), Brendan Moar (The Lifestyle Channel), and Simon Reeve (Sunrise). They will also be joined on stage by musical theatre performers such as Jennifer Peers, Tony Cogin, Sophie Katinis, Tyran Parke, Lisa Callingham and Bernadette Cogin.

Anderson was the talk of the town after winning It Takes Two with David Campbell earlier this year, with talk at one stage that she was on the shortlist to play Elphaba in Wicked next year.

Rumours persist that she will play a part in Kookaburra's 2008 season in the one-woman feast Tell Me On A Sunday, which will tour the country. No official casting announcement has been made but Anderson remains a hot favourite.

At one stage, several producers are known to have had their eye on Anderson for roles in musicals. There was a plan some months ago to have her and Campbell appear in next year's revival of Shout!.

The Coogee Carols will be held from 6.30pm on Sunday, December 16.


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More than 1,000 attend Light The Night
Tuesday, November 27, 12:31am AEDST.

The third Light The Night charity concert attracted its biggest ever audience last night with over 1,000 people turning out at the City Recital Hall to watch some of Australia's best performers in action.

This year's event held special significance with the concept's inspiration, Matthew Rennie, passing away late last month. Matthew's brother and Light The Night's co-producer Shaun Rennie delivered an emotional speech in tribute to the 24-year-old, who fought a brave three-year battle with cancer.

Performance highlights included Jennifer Peers' theatrical rendition of the Britney Spears classic 'Hit Me Baby One More Time', a performance of 'Hero' by the cast of Respect, Shaun and Adam Rennie's emotional tribute to their brother, a beautiful vocal and dance duet from Esther and Ross Hannaford and a performance by AussieTheatre.com 2007 Rising Star winner, Emily Cascarino.

The audience was also treated to performances by Emma Pask, Lisa Adam, Robert Bertram, David Campbell, Tamsin Carroll, Alexis Fishman, Virginia Gay, iOTA, David Harris, Toni Lamond, Eddie Perfect and many others, including the casts of Miss Saigon and The Hatpin and the 2007 WAAPA graduates.

Last night's event will see money raised from Light The Night exceed $100,000.


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Musical about.... breasts
Monday, November 26, 11:15am AEDST.

A new musical is being conceived in Australia dedicated to, wait for it, breasts.

Written by Bruce Brown with contributions from Jonathan Biggins, Shirley Barrett, Merridy Eastman, Jonathan Gavin, Richard Glover, Wendy Harmer, Sheridan Jobbins, James Millar and Debra Oswald, the show will be workshopped in Sydney next month with the view to a full production in the coming years.

Breast Wishes is produced by Anne Looby and Simone Parrott and the workshop production will star Michelle Doake, Darren Gilshenan, Queenie Van De Zandt, Octavia Barron-Martin and Looby herself.

The show is about "love, loss, life and silicon" and is an exploration of the roles we play as we traverse the rocky landscape of health, family and womanhood with great humour and pathos.

The workshop is at NIDA on December 7.


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Wharf Revue extends beyond Christmas
Monday, November 26, 11:06am AEDST.

The Sydney Theatre Company's popular Wharf Revue team has extended its latest show beyond the originally posted December 22 closing date, with extra performances between Christmas and New Year's Eve announced.

Beware Of The Dogma has added performances on December 26, December 27, December 28 and December 29.

Starring Valerie Bader, Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsythe and Phillip Scott, audiences are given the opportunity to thrill to the Choir of Shock Jocks, the perils of climate change and the rampant dragon of China as the Olympics beckon. You can be guaranteed that no-one and nothing will be spared the spotlight!

STC’s Wharf Revue has made Sydneysiders laugh at themselves and each other for the past eight years with razor-sharp satire – don’t miss your annual dose!

The show is playing now at Wharf 2. Bookings: (02) 9250 1777.


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Hope in Broadway strike
Monday, November 26, 11:00am AEDST.

There is a slight chance that Broadway shows could be on stage again very soon after talks resumed between the Broadway producers’ league and striking stagehands.

Almost 30 Broadway shows have been dark for over two weeks after stagehands walked off the job, angry at proposed changes to their employment structure.

Talks between the warring parties had broken down but have now resumed and it is hoped a solution will be found shortly.

In a small ray of good news, family musical How The Grinch Stole Christmas! was ordered by a judge last week to return to the stage and has now re-opened for the busy holiday season, but 26 other shows remain in the wilderness, including massive hits such as Wicked.


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Blackbird opens Dec 15
Monday, November 26, 10:56am AEDST.

The Cate Blanchett-directed Blackbird will open for the Sydney Theatre Company on December 15, essentially marking the Oscar winner’s official arrival at the country’s pre-eminent theatre company.

The smash-hit of the Edinburgh Festival, Blackbird moved triumphantly to the West End and Broadway, and earlier this year won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Play.

Blackbird is a brilliant, unnerving and controversial play that taunts us with the limits of our own language, our taboos and our conceptions of love, abuse and that much-abused neologism ‘closure’.

David Harrower’s play is written with extraordinary economy and an enthralling poetry. In Ray and Una he has created two complex and damaged individuals, full of rage, sweetness, fear and a strange, disturbing affinity.

The play stars Paula Arundell, Danielle Catanzariti and Peter Kowitz.

Blackbird opens on December 15 at Wharf 1 and is scheduled to run until mid-February.

Bookings: (02) 9250 1777.


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Kevin Rudd wins Federal Election
Saturday, November 24, 11:53pm AEDST.

Kevin Rudd has won the Federal Election with an emphatic victory over the man that may go down as Australia's best ever Prime Minister, John Howard.

Howard's remarkable 12-year reign as Prime Minister came to an end tonight, with Labor receiving a massive swing to form Government.

"Today the Australian people have decided that we as a nation will move forward,'' Rudd said in his victory speech.

"To plan for the future, to prepare for the future, to embrace the future and together as Australians to unite and write a new page in our nation's history."

Rudd's victory means that Labor's arts policy will get the go-ahead.

Highlights of the ALP’s arts pledges, which total a staggering $34 million, included $10 million to the Australia Council to boost Community Arts through the Creative Communities program to improve opportunities for Australians to participate in arts and cultural activities in the places where they live.

There will be a further investment of $17 million over four years in a new Creative Industries Innovation Centre – helping creative Aussie companies to leave an even bigger stamp on the Australian and overseas economies and an investment of an additional $7.6 million over four years for the National Arts and Crafts Industry Support program to support Aboriginal Art Centres around the country.

And in a great boost for local musicians the ALP will introduce a requirement for visiting international musicians and performers to use Australian support acts where possible under new visa rules.


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Australians go to the polls
Saturday, November 24, 1:30pm AEDST.

Kevin Rudd is expected to be the Prime Minister of Australia within hours, with the latest opinion poll suggesting Labor is heading towards a comfortable victory in the Federal Election.

Australians have gone to the polls today, with counting to commence from 6pm tonight.

A new Morgan Poll released today suggests the ALP will win enough seats to claim victory in the election, ending John Howard's 12 years in power.

It was revealed yesterday that the Liberal Party controversially shelved announcing its arts policy, preferring to go to the polls on the back of its funding announcement earlier this year, with no new initiatives.

The arts policy had been written and was ready to go, but an announcement was never made.

Labor announced its arts policy during the election campaign in a star-studded affair at the Riverside Theatres in Parramatta.


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Saigon heading west
Saturday, November 24, 1:20pm AEDST.

The Australian touring production of Miss Saigon will play a Perth season from February next year.

The hit musical is currently playing at the Lyric Theatre in Sydney and will then transfer to Adelaide before arriving at the Burswood Theatre.

The show has enjoyed solid success since commencing its tour in Melbourne earlier this year and will be a sure-fire hit in professional musical-starved Perth.

In her review of Miss Saigon 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."

Produced in Australia by Michael Coppel, Louise Withers and Linda Bewick, Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed production of Miss Saigon will thrill Perth audiences with cutting edge visual techniques and a brilliant new set which vividly recreates the streets of Vietnam and Bangkok.

An epic tale about the relationship between an American G.I. and a young Vietnamese woman set during the final days of the U.S. occupation of Saigon, Miss Saigon is one of the most successful musicals in the world - seen-to-date by over 33 million people in over 25 countries, performed in 12 different languages and winning 30 international awards.

Since its London premiere in 1989 the show has become the third most successful musical in the history of British theatre and the longest running show ever to perform at the Drury Lane Theatre.

The fact that Miss Saigon will now play well into 2008 adds it to the list of a plethora of major musicals that will be playing in Australia next year.

Sydney will host the premieres of The Hatpin and The Rocky Horror Show, and will also be greeted with Shout! and The Phantom Of The Opera. Billy Elliot is already playing at the Capitol Theatre and is expected to be there until the end of next year.

Melbourne will see the premieres of Wicked, Shout! and Guys And Dolls, as well as the ongoing seasons of Spamalot and Priscilla.

In addition, Kookaburra is promising two shows in 2008 - Tell Me On A Sunday and Little Women - while Eddie Perfect's Shane Warne: The Musical will also find its way towards a premiere, and Keating! will continue to tour the country.

Miss Saigon's Perth season opens on February 16. Bookings: 132 849.


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Wedding Singer for Regal
Thursday, November 22, 7:46pm AEDST.

Flop Broadway musical The Wedding Singer will play a season at the Regal Theatre in Perth next year thanks to Eventainment, a new company making quite a splash in Western Australia.

The musical, based on the 1990's film of the same name starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, opened on Broadway last year but played only a very limited season.

It follows broken-hearted wedding singer Robbie Hart on his journey to find true happiness. Along the way, he meets Julia, a young waitress who is about to walk into a destructive marriage.

The Perth season will open in May.


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Respect to close Sunday
Wednesday, November 21, 7:46pm AEDST.

The Australian tour of the musical Respect, which stars Rhonda Burchmore, Belinda Wollaston, Elenoa Rokobaro and Lucy Durack, will wrap up on Sunday when the Sydney season closes.

Despite all the talk of an "open-ended" season at th