News

What Happens When Child Stars Grow Up?

When the notices went up, literally thousands of young girls around Australia put up their hands to audition for the musical Annie on stage next year in Sydney. Melbourne and Brisbane auditions follow next year. While they may dream of stardom, is scoring a lead role at a young age good for them? David Spicer spoke to former child stars to find out what happens when the applause dies down.

In 1978 Gabi Schornegg auditioned for the role of Annie in the first production ever staged in Sydney. She had the opposite of traditional stage parents.

State of Play

Whitney Fitzsimmons looks at 2012 theatre seasons across Australia.

It’s that time of year again when theatre companies from across the country release their eagerly awaited new seasons. Avid members of Australia’s theatrical community attend launches, crack open season brochures and hungrily peruse what’s on offer in 2012 - almost like patrons on the waiting list of the latest most chic restaurant, salivating, waiting to be seated and experience that first delectable meal.

“Dear Cate, I Want My Money Back.”

The latest STC play starring Cate Blanchett may well be a crowd puller, but it is not necessarily a crowd pleaser. Meanwhile business is booming for the MTC with Geoffrey Rush packing them in ‘earnest’ in Melbourne.

David Spicer reports on a tale of two theatrical cities.

Gillian Cosgriff: Waitressing… and other things I do well

After little more than a year out of WAAPA’s Music Theatre Course, Gillian Cosgriff has already toured her successful cabaret show Waitressing… and other things I do well to Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane following its initial successful season at the 2011 Adelaide Cabaret Festival. Now she is playing two nights at the 2012 Melbourne Comedy Festival on April 13 & 14.

13 – A NEW MUSICAL

Stage Masters brings 42 young performers together to present Jason Robert Brown’s 13 – A New Musical at Randall Theatre – St Martins Youth Arts Centre, South Yarra (Victoria) from December 14 – 18.

“I wanna fly, wanna drive, wanna get rich, wanna get out, wanna get my braces off, wanna get my nose pierced, wanna grow my hair long.” - 13themusical.com.au

13 – A New Musicalis about the one thing we never stop doing - growing up.

Final Nick Enright Musical Revisited by New Musicals Australia

Director Rachel Moorhead and original creator, Musical Director David King are directing a presentation of The Good Fight, for the New Musicals Australia’s November/ December Developmental Reading Workshops.

Pippa Grandison: Stepping in as Mrs Banks

Pippa Grandison took over the role of Mrs. Banks in Mary Poppins from Marina Prior in October. Neil Litchfield caught up with Pippa in her dressing room at the Capitol Theatre, Sydney, before a recent performance.

Pippa Grandison is no stranger to taking over roles at the Capitol. She took over the role of Elphaba in Wicked from Amanda Harrison, and shared it for six months last year.

How have you found stepping into the role of Mrs Banks in Mary Poppins?

TRACY HARVEY

NO CYCLONE TRACY – JUST A BREATH OF FRESH AIR.

By Coral Drouyn.

Tracy Harvey isn’t Stephen Sondheim. Nor is she trying to be. For one thing, she could never manage the beard.

Moonshadow: Melbourne World Premiere for Cat Stevens / Yusuf Musical

Moonshadow announces last four weeks.

Moonshadow, which opened in May will end its Melbourne World Premiere season early on Sunday 5 August, with no indication of any intention to tour other capitals. According to the producers, to prepare to tour the musical overseas.

Producer / composer Yusuf/Cat Stevens is now overseas and is looking forward to launching the musical in other countries including London’s West End.

Theatresports Cranston Cup Grand Final 2011

The superpower of love was the winner when "dysle-X-ia men" pipped the "Bear Pack" in the Theatresports Cranston Cup Grand Final on Saturday December 3, 2011 in front of a sell-out crowd at the Enmore Theatre.