News

Stephen Page To Receive 2016 JC Williamson Award®

Andrew Kay AM, President of Live Performance Australia, today announced that Stephen Page, Artistic Director of Bangarra Dance Theatre, will be the recipient of the 2016 JC Williamson Award®.  The announcement was made on the stage of the Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House with dancers from Bangarra Dance Theatre in attendance.  The Award will be presented to Stephen Page at the 2016 Helpmann Awards Ceremony on Monday 25 July at the Sydney Lyric Theatre.

Adelaide’s von Trapp Children

Producers Andrew Lloyd Webber, David Ian, John Frost and the Really Useful Group have announced the 12 Adelaide children who have been cast in the The Sound of Music. There will be two different casts alternating in the roles of the six youngest von Trapp children during the Adelaide season.

When Acting Is Ageless

Jillian Murray talks about acting, youth and recognition as she performs another encore season of Marguerite Duras’ L’Amante Anglaise, this time at fortyfivedownstairs.

It’s very rare for any show to have not one, but two encore seasons, but the psychological thriller L’amante Anglaise (based on a true story and with two successful seasons at La Mama under its belt) is drawing audiences of those who were mesmerised at first viewing, and younger people who have heard of this third  production through word of mouth.

Singing On Through Tomorrows and Yesterdays

Flourish Productions and the songs of Matthew Robinson are explored by Coral Drouyn.

When Sing On Through Tomorrow was first produced in 2011, Catherine Langley, a twenty-year-old aspiring performer, sent a fan message to Matthew Robinson, composer and star, via Facebook. Now, five years older and a producer with her own company Flourish Productions, is about to present a new production of the show, with a whole new cast.

2016 Helpmann Award Nominations

The countdown to the 16th Annual Helpmann Awards is on, following the announcement of the 2016 Helpmann Award Nominees. 

The Helpmann Awards are the premier celebration of Australia’s live performance industry and recognise distinguished achievement and excellence in Australia’s live performance sectors including musical theatre, contemporary music, comedy, opera, classical music, theatre, dance and physical theatre, children’s presentations, regional touring and cabaret.  

Camping Intense

On the eve of his Cabaret Festival show, and a recording of his musical, Jamie Burgess talks to Coral Drouyn about being Gay, Musical Theatre, trying to change perceptions and make a living at the same time.

No-one would deny that Jamie’s Musical from the Midsumma Festival “Butch Masters – Man of Destiny” is perhaps the campest offering we have seen in many years, but Jamie – a deep thinker behind the façade of wit – is unapologetic.

Broadway To TV

Live television broadcasts of Broadway musicals are proving to be a ratings bonanza again for TV networks. Peter Pinne reports that everything old is new again.

2016 Tony Awards – Winners

The 70th Annual Tony Awards, hosted by James Corden, were presented on June 12, 2016, at New York’s Beacon Theatre, in an event overshadowed by the Orlando shootings, and dedicated to the victims.

As anticipated, Hamilton dominated the awards, taking out 11 awards, though it was denied a Tony Award record early in the evening when the revival of She Loves Me took out the award for Best Scenic Design of a Musical, then later The Color Purple’ Cynthia Erivo’s win in the Best Leading Actress category.

First Date Cast Announced

Melbourne Indie theatre company Pursued by Bear announces their cast for their next offering. Coral Drouyn comments

Pursued by Bear is one of those small Indie theatre companies that consistently does excellent work without much fanfare – or even much recognition except from real Music Theatre Tragics like myself.

The Proof is in the Truth

With David Auburn’s Pulitzer Prize winning play Proof opening tonight in Melbourne, Anna Burgess took time out from a frantic schedule to talk to Coral Drouyn.

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