News

Why Smart Phones are Ruining Live Entertainment

It’s enough to make Joseph Ting scream.  He argues that the ebb and glow of flickering screens is spoiling theatre.

The essence of the cultural experience is a direct, personal and revelatory encounter with an event or artwork. The joy of seeing a play or visiting an art installation is in the physical live experience. Our attention must be directed to the subject matter in front of us.

Wicked Has A New Glinda

Leading Australian theatre producer John Frost has announced that the role of Glinda in the 2015 Brisbane and Perth seasons of the Broadway musical will be played by Suzie Mathers, taking over from Lucy Durack who is leaving at the end of the Sydney season for her next “thrillifying” role … as a mother.

Cirque’s Towering Totem

The evolution of mankind, no less, is the mighty canvas for Cirque du Soleil’s latest touring extravaganza. But is it Theatre? FRANK HATHERLEY peeks under the big top.

What should we call Cirque du Soleil? Is it Theatre or Circus or Big Top Cabaret or Massive Musical or what?

New York’s Drama Desk has no doubt. This respected posse of Broadway critics and reporters gave its 2013 Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatrical Experience to Totem, the latest themed entertainment from Cirque du Soleil.

New Wizard for Wicked

John Frost has announced popular musical theatre star Simon Gallaher will play the Wizard in the upcoming Brisbane and Perth seasons of the hit musical Wicked. Frost said he had been hoping to work with Simon for many years and is thrilled that he has accepted his invitation to play the role in Brisbane and Perth.

Musicals in 2015 and Beyond

Stage Whispers correspondents preview another exciting year of Musical Theatre.

The biggest musical theatre news of 2015 is the arrival of Tim Minchin's West End and Broadway smash hit Matilda The Musical at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre in July, at the start of a national tour.

Hot Plays in 2015

Stage Whispers correspondents cast their eyes over the best drama on offer next year.

Melbourne Theatre Company

Coral Drouyn says it’s been a long while since she has been as excited by an MTC season as she is about 2015, the third season under Artistic Director Brett Sheehy.

There’s something for everyone, including a couple of world premieres. For me it’s a veritable feast but there are certain must-sees that I have already got in the diary.

The New Guard of Australian Musical Theatre.

With local Musical Theatre having an unexpected boom right now, Coral Drouyn talks to four young men who are the future of musicals in Australia

Dirty Dancing Up a Storm

The two hot new talents who are currently dancing up a storm in the leads of the new production of Dirty Dancing have a lot in common. Both are recent understudies, who were raised in small country towns where they cut their teeth at dance schools, community theatre and watching Dirty Dancing on video. Neil Litchfield spoke to Kurt Phelan, playing charismatic dance teacher Johnny Castle, and Kirby Burgess the new “Baby” Houseman.

Kirby Burgess grew up in the small country town of Batemans Bay on the NSW South Coast.

International Cabaret Contest. Submissions Close Dec 24. Judges, Hosts Announced. Tickets On Sale.

The 12th annual Your Theatrics International Cabaret Contest (YTICC) promises a spectacular line-up of talent from all walks of the Australian and New Zealand entertainment industry.

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