News

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

Click here to read our new feature, Musicals in 2016 and Beyond

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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.

Celebrate Christmas by Subscribing: Win Instant Prizes Inc Into the Woods Tix

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MiG Ayesa: From Candy Bar to Thriller Star

MiG Ayesa is one of five featured singers in the current tour of Australia and New Zealand of THRILLER: LIVE, the celebration of Michael Jackson. He told Sally Alrich-Smythe that as a child he’d always wanted to be a rock star but it was a stutter which helped him break into show business.

2014 SYDNEY THEATRE AWARDS NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED

Nominations were announced today (December 6, 2014) for the Sydney Theatre Awards for 2014, which will be presented at a gala ceremony on Monday January 19, 2015 at 6pm at the Paddington RSL.

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