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Priscilla Queen Of The Desert The Musical



Lyric Theatre, Star City Casino, Sydney, Australia.

Director: Simon Phillips

Musical Arrangements, Direction and Supervision:
Stephen ‘Spud’ Murphy

Choreography: Ross Coleman

Friday, 31st October, 2008



This is a revised production of the stage musical Pricilla, Queen of the Desert The Musical and a credit to the whole team.

The central story is about three drag queens escaping the harsh city of Sydney in a bus christened Pricilla to perform a show in a casino in the middle of The Australian desert. They think they know what to expect from such a harsh expedition but nothing could have prepared them for what transpires.

As many people would know the musical was borne out of the Academy Award winning film of the same name which premiered in 1994. Ten years later the rights were secured to produce the show as a musical, in January 2006 rehearsed readings began and the production opened at the Lyric Theatre, Star City, in October, 2006, a remarkably short period for such a full scale theatrical musical. The show has a cast of 32, a live band, 23 tones of sets and lighting, 514 costumes, 55 wigs, 150 pairs of shoes, and 200 headdresses.

The costume design has been revisited by the award winning team from the film Lizzy Gardner and Tim Chappel. On this production their budget went from AU$15,000 for the film to AUS$1.5 million and they have produced exciting costume designs. Using icons like thongs, cup cakes, and Gumby, and inspired by other artists such as Fellini, they have combined their talent, the Australian flora and fauna, and the outrageous concepts of trash drag into a visual extravaganza that is an integral part of the production.

Musically the show is a pastiche of diverse genres, most notably disco, pop, opera, and country (and western, that is), as well as the orchestrations written for the show itself. The Music Direction is undertaken by Helpmann Award winner for Best Musical Direction of Dusty, Stephen ‘Spud’ Murphy. Spud Murphy is a stalwart of the Australian music and music theatre industries and has contributed his talent to international artists such as Marlene Dietrich, our own legendary talent Reg Livermore, and for the shows Godspell, Dusty, Buddy, and Shout!, to name a few; he has also contributed to the Australian television and film industries. The 20 full-scale musical numbers drive the show along with the drama deriving pathos from the excellently crafted placement of familiar songs.

A major part of the new show is the updated choreography by Ross Coleman. Coleman’s first major engagement was the original Australian production of Grease in 1972. He has worked for both the Sydney and Melbourne Theatre companies, choreographed for various other producers on shows such as Side By Side By Sondheim, The Rocky Horror Show, Cabaret, Funny Girl, Naked Boys Singing, and Dusty - for which he received a 2006 Helpmann Award for Best Choreography. In Pricilla he has taken the ensembles contribution from a well rehearsed movement piece, in the last production, to a snappy, up tempo, lavishly salacious dance troupe that perform acutely intense routines. His contribution is remarkably exhilarating.

The shows director is Dean Bryant whose recent credits include Virgins: A Musical Threesome and The Last Five Years; he also co-wrote the musical Prodigal, which became the first Australian musical to be produced off-Broadway, at the York Theatre Company and has worked on other musicals namely The People in Your Pocket, Jumpin’ the Q, The Virgin Wars, and Once We Lived Here. Bryant's’ direction has coalesced the salient visions of the teams of talent into a monumental extravaganza.

Of course with such a huge production there are a multitude of talents that bring it together and they all deserve accolades in this instance. People such as Phillip Scott – Script Consultant; David Skelton – Associate Musical Director and Conductor; Andrew Hallsworth – Associate Choreographer; Nick Schlieper – Lighting Design; Michael Waters – Sound Design; Cassie Hanlon – Make-up Design; Cass Jones – Technical Director; and Brian Thompson – Production Design. All world class talents.

The on-stage performers are also world class. In the role of Bernadette is Australian theatrical legend in his own right Tony Sheldon, who has received many awards for his portrayal of this pivotal character including a 2007 Green Room Award and Mo Award for Best Actor in a Musical. He has been working on the production in the role since it’s beginning in 2006 when it was at the workshop stage. He inhabits Bernadette completely, he plumbs the depths of her experience and takes you into her world and induces you to want the best for her.

Todd McKenny as Tick (Mitzi) is the central character around which the whole journey revolves. Todd is well known as the judge on TV’s Dancing With The Stars, and for his impressive portrayal of Peter Allen in the critically acclaimed Australian musical The Boy from Oz; for which he received two Mo Awards, The Variety Club Heart Award, the Glugg Award, the Green Room Award, the Australian Dance Award, and the Helpmann Award. He has also performed in numerous productions of classic musicals with Pirates of Penzance, Camelot, La Cage Aux Folles, Cats, and 42nd Street among them. Todd takes over the role of Tick from past performers and holds the mantle high. He gives Tick a pleasant mix of masculine demure and classic hard edged drag queen flair that eeks pathos, he sings and dances with expressive flair.

Adam (Felicia) is played by Daniel Scott who secured the title role in Shout!, performed in international tours of Cats, and created several one man shows namely Give Us A Break, Ikonika, and The Sweet and Low Down. He has appeared in the film and television productions The Wizard of Solmar, Young Lions, and Moulin Rouge. He realises the impetuous nature of Adam astutely and gives the character all the hardcore edge he can muster. Adam is the catalyst for much of the folly that befalls the trio on the road and Daniel revels in the role, he has a good command of the demanding choreography and vocals required to bring Felicia to life.

The three main characters are magnificently portrayed by these exceptional theatre artists and are supported by a first class ensemble that make Pricilla the Musical a great night’s entertainment. The Three Divas, Sophie Carter, Josie Lane, and Miss Min are a veritable virtuosic powerhouse of sound. Their singing holds the show together and they do most of it six metres in the air in tight harnesses swinging in, out, and around without missing a beat. Bill Hunter reprises his role of Bob from the film and is a crowd favourite, he also does a fine job of singing A Fine Romance. Collette Mann is delightful as the big busted back-water bar mamma, Shirley, for which she received a 2008 Helpmann nomination for Best Female in a Supporting Role in a Musical. Lena Cruz as Cynthia, Bob’s outrageous show girl wife, is delicious. The rest of the ensemble is pure quality. They blast their way all over the stage creating various tableau vivant and masterfully executing Coleman’s exciting choreography.

This current production of Pricilla Queen of the Desert The Musical is more up-beat and exhilarating and, I believe, is ready to conquer the world!



Peter McGill.



Performance Schedule:

Monday: no show

Tuesday: 8 p.m.

Wednesday: 1 & 8 p.m.

Thursday: 8 p.m.

Friday: 8 p.m.

Saturday: 2 & 8 p.m.

Sunday: 5 p.m.

(Subject to change. Check specific times around public holidays)



$79.00 November Midweek Tickets – enquire at ticketing outlets for general ticket pricing.

photographer James Morgan


The 80-member company of Priscilla Queen Of The Desert The Musical has shimmied into Sydney for a strictly limited farewell season at the Lyric Theatre, Star City.

Priscilla has already been seen by more than a million Australians and grossed in excess of AUD$90 million at the box office. It will make its London début in March 2009 and its North American début in Toronto in late 2009.

Since making its world premiere in Sydney on 7 October 2006, Priscilla has gone on to become the most successful Australian musical of all time. After playing almost a year in Sydney, the show then transferred to Melbourne wowing both audiences and critics alike and collected six Green Room Awards including Best Music Theatre Production. It has most recently enjoyed a sell-out season in Auckland.

pic by Gary Heery


Further productions are being considered for Scandinavia, Germany, South Africa, Brazil, Italy, France and Japan.

Theatrical legend Tony Sheldon reprises his award-winning role as Bernadette for the 12 week Sydney season before mainlining the West End production early next year. Everybody’s favourite Daniel Scott also returns to the Lyric stage as the feisty Felicia. And joining them for the first time in the now famous journey into the heart of Australia is one of the nation’s finest music theatre performers and current Dancing with the Stars judge, Todd McKenney, who will play the role of Tick (made famous by Hugo Weaving in the original film).

Also new to this Sydney season is Colette Mann who will play Shirley, the battle-axe pub owner of Broken Hill with the worst mullet in Australia. Mann is one of Australia's best-loved actors who has appeared in film, television and on stage. Michael Linder will take on the role of Miss Understanding, the Sydney drag queen who does Tina Turner almost better than the real thing. While the powerhouse singing trio The Divas, who perform suspended six metres above the stage, have two new members Josie Lane and Miss Min joining original diva Sophie Carter.

Priscilla features 20 full-scale production numbers including the disco classics I Will Survive, Shake Your Groove Thing and Finally, more than 500 spectacular costumes, 200 gravity-defying headdresses, 23 tonnes of scenery and, as its dazzling centerpiece, a six-tonne 10-metre long custom made bus named “Priscilla”.



Performance Schedule

Monday – No Show

Tuesday – 8pm

Wednesday – 1pm and 8pm

Thursday – 8pm

Friday – 8pm

Saturday – 2pm and 8pm

Sunday – 5pm

(Subject to change. Check specific times around public holidays)

Prices
$69 October Midweek Tickets


Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday - 8pm
A Reserve $99.90* B Reserve $84.90*
Friday, Saturday, Sunday - all performances
A Reserve $109.90* B Reserve $94.90*
Wednesday - 1pm only
A Reserve $84.90* B Reserve $74.90*
*Price includes GST and booking fee. Transaction fees apply to phone, internet and outlet bookings. All prices subject to change.

Booking
TICKETMASTER
Visit an outlet or call 1300 795 267

Gift certificates available

Prices
$79 November Midweek Tickets *


(* offer includes one 'best available ticket ' subject to availability. Transaction fees may apply. Offer valid Tues, Wed, Thurs at 8pm and Wed 1pm performances in November only)

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday - 8pm

A Reserve $99.90* B Reserve $84.90*

Friday, Saturday, Sunday - all performances

A Reserve $109.90* B Reserve $94.90*

Wednesday - 1pm only

A Reserve $84.90* B Reserve $74.90*

*Price includes GST and booking fee. Transaction fees apply to phone, internet and outlet bookings. All prices subject to change.



Booking

TICKETMASTER

Visit an outlet or call 1300 795 267

Gift certificates available

NEW TICKETS ON SALE 9AM MONDAY

photographer James Morgan

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Review | The Pig Iron People

November 17th 2008 07:53
Review: The Pig Iron People
Playwright: John Doyle
Venue: Sydney Opera House – Drama Theatre
Date: 01st November, 2008.

The Pig Iron People is John Doyle’s first play, it resounds with elements of life that intrigue and excite him. His love of language is blindingly obvious if you’ve ever heard his character ‘Roy’, of Roy & HG of JJJ radio fame, and if you haven’t, where have you been since 1985? He also says that he is attracted to intergenerational issues, actors, and the theatre*. The play serves all these masters intimately and gives us an insight into John’s observations of relationships and the politics of co-habiting in an intrinsically emotionally corrupt street from his early life.

The premise of the play is that a young man moves into an established neighbourhood of middle aged and older denizens. He gets a girlfriend and they become involved in the intricacies of their neighbors' lives, their loves, and their idiosyncrasies. The insights Doyle reveals are comical and poignant.

John Doyle began his association with the theatre as an actor in 1980, created ‘Roy’ for radio in 1985, he wrote the television mini-series Marking Time and Changi. He has won a Logie for Most Outstanding Drama, Changi; an AFI and the NSW Premier’s Literary Award, Marking Time; and a Best Documentary SPAA for his documentary with Dr. Tim Flannery, Two Men In A Tinnie. It’s not surprising that he should delve into the medium of the play and with this his first major work he has utilised his insights on the great Australian dream, a home, a car parking spot, and an intimate relationship, with delicate craftsmanship and his usual piquant humour.

Glenn Haseldine is the protagonist Nick who stumbles into this middle Australian street and comments to us, the audience, his experience and insights into the goings on around him. There is the older couple, Janette – Judi Farr and Jack – Danny Adcock, who have been together for many decades but alas unhappily and are resolved in their animosity towards each other. The couple next door, Rosie - Jacki Weaver and Claude - Bruce Venables; Claude met Rosie when he was driving his truck through the country town she lived in, they are devoted to each other and have been together since she was fourteen. Then there is the third neighbour Kurt – Max Cullen, who immigrated from Germany retaining his inflexible attitudes from his early experiences of the early 20th century German psyche. Nick’s girlfriend April – Caroline Craig, moves in with him and the menagerie is completed.

Doyle has produced is an immensely funny and insightful drama that is familiar in it’s eccentric characters from the Australian milieu and gives the opportunity to have a good belly laugh while plumbing the depths of their middle class experience.

Peter McGill


* Sydney Theatre Company’s The Pig Iron People show Program.



Season: From 1st November, 2008 – 8 p.m.

Evenings: Tuesdays – Saturday – 8 p.m.

Twilights: Mondays – 6:30 p.m.

Matinees: Wednesday 26th November - 12:15 p.m.

Saturday – 2 p.m.



Tickets:

Evenings and Twilight shows: Adults - $77; Concession - $62

NB: Concession applies to Australian Pensioners, Full-time Students, Unemployed.



Matinees: Adults - $68; Concession - $56

NB: Concession applies to Australian Seniors only.



Peter McGill.



Sydney Theatre Company and UBS present
THE PIG IRON PEOPLE
By John Doyle




Venue: Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House
Previews: 27-30 October at 8pm All Tickets: $50
Season: From 1 November 8pm - 6 December 8pm
Evenings: Tuesdays – Saturdays 8pm, Mondays 6.30pm
Adults: $77
Concession: $62
Matinees: Wednesdays 1pm (Wednesday 26 November at 12.15pm) Saturdays 2pm Adults: $68 Concession: $56
Night with the Actors: Monday 10 November 6.30pm
Bookings: (02) 9250 1777

27 October to 6 December 2008
(Opens Friday 31 October 2008 at 8pm)
Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House

Writer, broadcaster and actor John Doyle’s new play, The Pig Iron People, is an ironic take on the politics and personalities of the suburban Australian street, exploring the frustrations of the generation gap and the redemptive power of love. Directed by Craig Ilott (Hedwig and the Angry Inch, The Pillowman), Sydney Theatre Company’s world premiere is at the Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House from 27 October to 6 December 2008.

Recently divorced teacher Nick, seeking to reinvent himself and find his voice as a writer moves in to Liberal Street in inner-west Sydney on the very day John Howard comes to power. His new neighbors, most of whom grew up under earlier conservative Prime Minister Robert Menzies (aka Pig Iron Bob), have a world view distinctly at odds with his own. Despite his best efforts he finds himself drawn into their lives and as salvation comes through love with eccentric actress April, his cantankerous old neighbours threaten to ruin everything.

As Nick, Glenn Hazeldine returns to Sydney Theatre Company following his memorable performance in 2007’s Don’s Party, while the production marks Caroline Craig’s Main Stage debut with the Company as April. Doyle’s Pig Iron People are brought to life by veteran actors Danny Adcock, Max Cullen, Judi Farr, Bruce Venables and Jacki Weaver.

John Doyle is well known for his iconic creation ‘Rampaging’ Roy Slaven who, with his cohort HG Nelson, has appeared continuously on television and radio since 1985. He is recipient of eight Australian Writers Guild (AWGIE) awards, one for Best Original Mini-Series for Changi, one for Marking Time, three Logies and an AFI Award for Best Television Screenplay and NSW Premier’s Literary Award, again for Marking Time.

Director: Craig Ilott Designer: Stephen Curtis Lighting Designer: Peter Neufeld Sound Designer: Steve Francis

Cast: Danny Adcock, Caroline Craig, Max Cullen, Judi Farr, Glenn Hazeldine, Bruce Venables, Jacki Weaver

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Avalon Drive | DISband

November 17th 2008 07:40
AVALON DRIVE
DISBAND


After 3 EP releases, over 200 live shows nationally, and support performances with The Veronicas, INXS, Hoobastank, Fall Out Boy, All American Rejects and Yellowcard, Brisbane four-piece, Avalon Drive, have parted ways due to irreconcilable differences.

The band’s national Australian tour in support of their third EP ‘The View From Afar’ will not continue and all shows cancelled.


Any pre-sale tickets can be refunded from point of purchase.


Canceled dates are:

Thursday November 20: Sol Bar, Sunshine Coast, QLD (18 )
Friday November 21: The Zoo, Brisbane, QLD (18 )
Saturday November 22: Coolangatta Hotel, Gold Coast, QLD (18 )
Wednesday November 26: Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour, NSW (18 )
Thursday November 27: Spectrum, Sydney, NSW (18 )
Friday November 28: Cooneys, Wollongong, NSW (18 )
Saturday November 29: Pubfest, Hunter Valley Brewery, Maitland, NSW (18 )
Wednesday December 3: Transit Bar, Canberra, ACT (18 )
Thursday December 4: Ha’Penny Bridge, Geelong, VIC (18 )
Friday December 5: Fist2Face Instore, Ring Wood, Melbourne, VIC (All Ages)
Friday December 5: Evelyn Hotel, Melbourne, VIC (18 )
Saturday December 6: Enigma Bar, Adelaide, SA (18 )

SUNDANCE KIDS TOUR WITH AVALON DRIVE
Two of Australia’s most promising alternative/indie bands, Avalon Drive and The Sundance Kids, unite for a three week residency tour throughout Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide from 24 August to 10 September, supported by local artists.

Sundance Kids


Avalon Drive and The Sundance Kids are creating a massive buzz at the moment across the country with both bands releasing highly anticipated new material in August and having recently played sold out shows in their home States. To keep the residencies fresh and exciting for the bands and fans alike, prior to the doors opening, the bands will toss a coin to decide the night’s line up, meaning a spontaneous line-up week to week as well as fostering some healthy and fun competition between the bands (excluding all Adelaide shows).

Described as a group who command some serious attention by Time Off Magazine and is a band you want to see live by MTV, Avalon Drive has performed with some of the biggest acts including INXS, All American Rejects, Fall Out Boy, Hoobastank, Yellowcard and The Veronicas. The residencies will give punters the chance to see what all the hype is about!

Recently signing with SonyBMG, Avalon Drive " target="_blank">Avalon Drive are set to release their forthcoming EP later this year. Already possessing a strong fan base and known for their energetic live performances, Avalon Drive is a force to be reckoned with and should not be missed.

After independently releasing their second EP – Including the Atmosphere in 2007 and recording their debut album across May and June this year, The Sundance Kids have been busy touring the East Coast with their powerful blend of indie/pop/rock anthems, that speak volumes for who they are and how seriously they take their music. Quoted as being one of the premier rock acts in SA by Time Off Magazine, these five Adelaide boys are creating serious interest after a solid string of live shows and an ever growing following.



DATES ARE:

Sunday 24 August – Jive Bar, Adelaide, SA 18 (with guests)
Tuesday 26 August – East Brunswick Hotel, Melbourne, VIC 18 (with Don’t Ask Us)
Wednesday 27 August – Spectrum, Sydney, NSW 18 (with Planet Of The Stereo’s)

Sunday 31 August – Jive Bar, Adelaide, SA 18 (with guests)
Tuesday 2 September – East Brunswick Hotel, Melbourne, VIC 18 (with The Scissor File)
Wednesday 3 September – Spectrum, Sydney, NSW 18 (with Envy Parade)


Sunday 7 September – Jive Bar, Adelaide, SA - All Ages (2pm – 5pm) (with guests)
Sunday 7 September – Jive Bar, Adelaide, SA - 18 (with guests)
Tuesday 9 September – East Brunswick Hotel, Melbourne, VIC 18 (with Front Counter)
Wednesday 10 September – Spectrum, Sydney, NSW 18 (with Sierra Montana)

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Grafton Primary | Walking On AIR

November 5th 2008 03:52
"Grafton Primary’s recorded music is brilliant and well crafted...
live is like the icing on the cake." -- Faster Louder

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WOOSH!!!

November 5th 2008 03:26
WOOSH!!!

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it a hot air balloon or a winged beast? Is it the lady Lucy in a sky of diamonds or a feisty fairy flitting about


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The Battle of the Double B Cups

October 29th 2008 21:25
Both bands will be undertaking some serious solo warm-ups with The Basics honing their chops in a mammoth 23 date high school, regional and outback tour and The Bawdies intent on destroying festivals goers minds at The Queenscliff Music Festival.


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MAMMAL | Tour

October 29th 2008 21:02
“Mammal have managed to capture the manic energy they create on stage and reproduce it in the studio” Joanna Tilley | TNT Mag



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Review | POEM OF KUNGFU

October 28th 2008 08:24
EVIDENTLY THIS SHOW HAS BEEN CANCELLED


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CUDDEFORD YOSHIMOTO | VIOLIN DUO

October 27th 2008 08:23
JAMES CUDDEFORD/NATSUKO YOSHIMOTO: VIOLIN DUO


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BAND OF BROTHERS

October 27th 2008 07:56
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