News

Ruva Ngwenya announced as Australia's Tina Turner

The producers of TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL announced that the coveted role of Tina Turner will be played by Zimbabwean Australian Ruva Ngwenya when the musical premieres at Theatre Royal Sydney in May 2023.

Elvis: A Musical Revolution

David Venn Enterprises (Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical, The Wedding Singer, Bring It On: The Musical) will produce the professional premiere of Elvis: A Musical Revolution set to tour Australia in 2023. Presented in partnership with Authentic Brands Group (Authentic), owner of Elvis Presley Enterprises.

Elvis: A Musical Revolution is a new bio-musical exploring the extraordinary life of the award-winning cultural icon and rock ‘n roll superstar, Elvis Presley. 

Darkness Returns the Lights to Newtown Venue

Site-responsive theatre piece Darkness has bought a century old arts venue in Newtown back into the spotlight, translating a meeting from 200 years ago into the present.

Director and co-writer Dino Dimitriadis (pictured above) spoke to Neil Litchfield about the production.

Paulini Meets the Young Sydney Cast of Joseph

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s reimagined production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat opens at the Capitol Theatre on 11 February (Opening Night Thursday 16 Feb).  

In the first week of rehearsals Paulini, who plays the Narrator met the 32 Sydney children who will appear alongside Euan Fistrovic Doidge as Joseph, and Trevor Ashley in the role of Pharaoh.

Aussie Lead of Bat Out Of Hell

With the national arena tour of Bat Out of Hell the Musical underway, David Spicer speaks to Kellie Gnauck, who has scored the lead role of RAVEN.  

From a shy performer with the Gosford Musical Society in NSW, Kellie is now lighting up arenas in the musical crafted from the songs of Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf.

Kellie, congrats on your lead role. How exciting is it to perform in these large arenas?

2022 Sydney Theatre Awards Winners Announced

The winners of the 2022 Sydney Theatre Awards were announced on January 23, 2023 at a star-studded ceremony, with 30 Awards presented, shared between 18 productions which played on Sydney stages during 2022. Over 500 members of the Sydney theatre community gathered at the York Theatre, Seymour Centre to celebrate.

2022 Balnaves Foundation Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Artist Fellowship

Belvoir has announced Gumbaynggirr and Wiradjuri actor and creative Dalara Williams as the 2022 Balnaves Foundation Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Fellow.

Liz Jones Passes The Torch at La Mama

After 50 years at La Mama Theatre, Dr Liz Jones AO will step down from her role as Artistic Director and co-CEO at the end of March 2023. This was be announced at the launch of La Mama’s Summer 2023 program on January 16, with performers and theatre-makers in attendance.

Liz’s decision to transition to a less demanding role at La Mama signals a tectonic shift in the arts landscape, however, her legacy is one of unparalleled commitment to the artists, performers, staff and audiences who have made La Mama the institution it is today. 

Bat Out of Hell The Arena Rock Musical National Tour

Paul Dainty AM, President and CEO of TEG DAINTY is thrilled to confirm that Jim Steinman’s Bat Out of Hell – The Musical, featuring Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf’s greatest hits, commences a national tour in Sydney in on January 27, 2023 and plays Arenas around the country. The show will play dates in Perth, Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Out and About with Les Solomon

Agent and director Les Solomon is excited to commence a new occasional column for Stage Whispers. In his first report he raves about movie Matilda, Phantom in Melbourne, Australia’s original Dolly the late Carole Cook and more.

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