News

The Book of Everything Scores Rave Reviews in New York

Belvoir and Kim Carpenter’s Theatre of Image production The Book of Everything opened at the New Victory Theater in New York over the weekend of a standing ovation and rave reviews from New York critics.

‘It’s not quite right to say that “The Book of Everything” is one of the best children’s shows in town. It’s one of the best shows, period.’ The New York Post

Melbourne Orphans Named on Annie’s 35th Birthday

Lucy Graham reports.

You’d have been excused for thinking there was a party at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre this afternoon (April 21, 2012), as twenty-four exuberant girls were introduced to the media. And in a way you’d be right.

Annie’s Executive Producer Walter van Nieuwkuyk was on hand to introduce Melbourne’s three Annies, and the twenty-one orphans who will constitute the three different casts for the season.

AUSTRALIA DAY: THE PLAY

Funny man Jonathan Biggins is going ‘straight’. The star of the highly successful Wharf Revue has penned a play about Australia’s national day. The Melbourne Theatre Company premieres the production in April before it touches down in Canberra and Sydney later this year.   Frank Hatherley shared a coffee with Mr Biggins. But first here’s a sneak preview. The setting is an Australia Day Committee meeting in a small coastal town...

 

Sydney Next to Normal Cancelled

Today Paul Jay, the Producer of rock musical NEXT TO NORMAL announced that due to circumstances beyond his control the season has been cancelled.

NEXT TO NORMAL was due to open on 13 September 2012 at the Capitol Theatre.

Ticket holders should contact their original point of purchase to arrange a refund.

July 25, 2012.

Our Earlier Coverage

Celia Pacquola

Comedian and writer Celia Pacquola, currently appearing in the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, speaks to Tammy Shmerling.

Celia Pacquola is buzzing. When we meet she has just finished her first performance of comedy show Delayed for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Energy and nerves are high as she ponders audience responses.  

Sydney Philanthropist Criticises Axing of Queensland Premier’s Literary Award

The day after the Queensland government scrapped the Queensland Premier’s Literary Award, which included the Award for an Unpublished Indigenous Writer, the David Unaipon Award, Belvoir has announced The Balnaves Foundation Indigenous Playwright’s Award. Neil Balnaves AO of The Balnaves Foundation made an impassioned speech at the launch decrying governments’ lack of support for the arts.

Broadway Legend Ben Vereen Melbourne and Sydney Bound

Already announced for Adelade’s Cabaret Festival, it has now been confirmed that Broadway legend Ben Vereen will also be Steppin’ Out in Sydney and Melbourne with his unique blend of artistry, combining a journey of his amazing career on Broadway, and paying tribute to Frank Sinatra, and Sammy Davis Jr. Coming to Sydney and Melbourne for one night only this performance filled with song and dance, stories of his life, and a great deal of humour will show at the Atheneum Theatre, Melbourne on June 23 and the Parade Theatre (NSW) on June 28.

No Musicals Week.

When the curtain came down on Love Never Dies at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre on Sunday April 1, it marked the beginning of Eastern Australia’s no big musicals week. 

Across Australia, only Perth seems to have escaped the major commercial musicals drought, thanks to the opening of Mary Poppins on Friday March 30.

Every major theatre in Sydney is dark, including the Lyric, Theatre Royal and Capitol Theatre.

Adelaide Cabaret Festival 2012

The impressive line-up of national and local artists for Kate Ceberano’s debut year as Artistic Director of the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, from June 8 to 23, will have plenty to delight music theatre fans, featuring international stars Lea Salonga, Ben Vereen, Eden Espinosa (pictured) and Sherie Rene Scott, along with popular local talents Debra Byrne, Kane Alexander, Sharon Millerchip and Justin Burford.

Contact! Operatic Soapie invades the Suburban Netball Court

When Angus Grant was a music teacher at Melbourne’s Mac.Robertson Girls High School, he already had the workings of his netball musical Contact! in his head, Georgia Brooks, one of his then students, told Stage Whispers’ Lucy Graham.