News

Blind Casting Furore

Theatre companies in Australia are coming under attack from overseas networks about the ethnicity of their casts. It’s an issue that is causing grief in professional theatre, community theatre and in schools. David Spicer reports.

In April 2019, CLOC Musical Theatre in Melbourne released a statement on their Facebook page responding to criticism of their casting for the musical Kinky Boots.

9 To 5 The Musical for Sydney

9 To 5 The Musical is coming to Australia next year. Dolly Parton today announced that the hit West End musical will have its Australian Premiere (Professional) at the Sydney Lyric Theatre in April 2020. Waitlist today to be the first to buy tickets at 9to5themusical.com.au – tickets are on sale from Friday 13 September.

Meeting Sondheim, Schwartz and Prince

From flipping burgers in Newcastle to meeting Broadway royalty. Tyran Parke - the new head of Musical Theatre at the VCA -  describes his dream trip to New York.  In January he met composers Stephen Sondheim, Stephen Schwartz, and legendary director Hal Prince - just six few months before he passed away.

The Stage Whispers 3-minute interview … with Alexandra Bassiakou Shaw

The Stage Whispers 3-minute interview … with Alexandra Bassiakou Shaw

Final Curtain for The Production Company in May 2020

Jeanne Pratt AC, founder and chairman of The Production Company has announced that after 21 years and 65 musicals, her company will present its final musical in May 2020.

Jeanne Pratt said “I started the company in 1999 to stimulate the industry, create opportunities for local talent and produce quality entertainment at affordable prices. It has succeeded beyond my wildest dreams and as we plan our final curtain call, we’re doing so with pride, pleasure and wonderfully happy memories.

Victorian Opera Season 2020

Victorian Opera has revealed a most eclectic year with its Season 2020. From Richard Strauss to The Who, Victorian Opera caters to broad musical tastes in a season featuring revered musicians including conductor Simone Young, German soprano Marlis Petersen – Berlin Philharmonic’s current Artist-in- Residence – and singer Katie Noonan.

Bell Shakespeare Season 2020

Bell Shakespeare has announced their 2020 season with a program of popular favourites to celebrate their 30th anniversary year.

In their year of celebration, Bell Shakespeare will explore two of Shakespeare’s most popular and classic plays, reimagined for 21st century audiences, Hamlet and The Comedy of Errors.

None so Blind at Sydney Fringe

Arts writer Martin Portus talks to Stage Whispers about mixing the roles of critic and actor, and his new role playing an old blind man with a taste for teenage boys ….

None so Blind plays in the last week of the Sydney Fringe, 24-28th September 2019

Sydney Philharmonia Choirs Centenary Season in 2020

Sydney Philharmonia Choirs is set to celebrate its Centenary in 2020 with a future-focused program, shining light on Australian composers, and on the organisation’s longstanding commitment to collaboration, community and connection.

Sydney Theatre Company 2020 Season

Sydney Theatre Company Artistic Director Kip Williams has unveiled the STC 2020 season, which will consist of 12 plays performed over four venues – the Roslyn Packer Theatre in Walsh Bay, the Drama Theatre and Playhouse Theatre at the Sydney Opera House, and Riverside Theatre in Parramatta.

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