News

Ensemble Theatre 2018 Season

At a gala launch event at Ensemble Theatre on Monday 7th August, Artistic Director Mark Kilmurry unveiled details of the 2018 season and the theatre’s 60th birthday celebrations.

The season includes four World Premieres from Australian writers, an adaption of an award-winning French play; four comedy classics and two gripping international dramas.

2017 Rob Guest Endowment Awards Announced

Applications for all awards are now open for the 2017 Rob Guest Endowment Awards. The Rob Guest Endowmentprovides financial assistance and industry support to Australia’s next generation of musical theatre stars, creators and musicians. The 2017 prize package is valued at over $50,000, including the $20,000 major prize, the Rob Guest Endowment Award.

Assassins at Hayes Theatre Co - Full Cast

Hayes Theatre Co has announced the remaining cast and creative team for their production of Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award-winning musical Assassins to play for a limited season from September 15, directed by Dean Bryant (Little Shop of Horrors, Sweet Charity).

Musical Midas Touch

The world’s greatest public theatre companies are making fortunes out of blockbuster commercial musicals they develop in-house. Peter Gotting looks at how monster hits such as HamiltonLes Misérables, A Chorus Line and Matilda are bankrolling not-for-profit organisations.

Meet Australia's New Dorothy

Producers John Frost and Suzanne Jones have announced their new star who will play the coveted role of Dorothy Gale in the upcoming Australian tour of the world’s favourite musical, The Wizard of Oz. Stepping out of the chorus and into the limelight, Samantha Leigh Dodemaide will wear the ruby slippers of Dorothy.

The Bodyguard Dances With Paulini

The sun and surf of Summer Bay seem a million miles away from The Bodyguard, though Australian Idol probably hits far closer to home. Stars of the musical, Paulini and Kip Gamblin, chatted to Neil Litchfield ahead of the show's Australian premiere.

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2017 Helpmann Award Winners

The 17th Annual Helpmann Awards were presented at a ceremony on Monday 24 July at the Capitol Theatre, Sydney, on the set of Kinky Boots.

Major awards included The Book of Mormon (Best Musical), The Drover's Wife (both Best Play and Best New Australian Work), Saul (Best Opera) and Snow White (Best Ballet).

Big winners of the evening were Barry Kosky's Adelaide Festival production of the Handel opera Saul and Belvoir's production of Leah Purcell's The Drover's Wife.

Jon English Musical Rebirthed By Son

The first ever professional production of Paris – written and composed by Jon English and David Mackay - will be staged in concert form at the Melbourne Recital Hall from July 13 to 15. The much-loved work is being edited by the late rock musician’s son Jonathan English, who is “channelling” his father’s original vision. David Spicer – the agent for the musical - has the inside story.

Michael Ball and Alfie Boe Tour - Together

Following the success of their double-platinum selling Christmas #1 UK album, Together and major sold out tours of the UK, Live Nation has announced that musical theatre legends Michael Ball and Alfie Boe will bring their Together tour to Australia in October 2017. Ball and Boe are two of the most cherished performers in the UK, with two of the greatest voices.

STAGE WHISPERS MAGAZINE: July / August 2017 EDITION OUT NOW!!!

In This Edition

Big Brother Still Watching

Inside the stage adaptation of Orwell’s 1984

Michael Cassel

Aussie Producer’s journey from Kiama to Kinky Boots

Paris Professional Premiere

Jon English musical rebirthed by son

The Dawn of Digital Theatre

Theatre technology from the middle ages to today

 

Inside The Tony Awards

Ian Phipps reports on Broadway’s night of nights

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