News

New Qld Music Theatre Course Led by Top London Teacher

Paul Sabey trained many of the current crop of West End stars. Now he’s moved to Brisbane in a newly created position, as Senior Lecturer in Music Theatre at the Queensland Conservatorium.

Peter Pinne spoke to him on the eve of his first year.

Q. This is a new strand of the Bachelor of Music program isn’t it?

A. Yes, the emphasis in previous years had been on Opera, but the Conservatorium thought it was time to introduce a specific Music Theatre strand.

Q. What exactly will the course be?

John Bucchino in Australia

Popular American cabaret and musical theatre singer / songwriter John Bucchino  is visiting Australia during March to accompany the Australian premiere of his musical revue, It’s Only Life, at Melbourne’s Chapel Off Chapel from March 10, and for a series of concerts beginning in Brisbane on March 2.

Stage Whispers: It’s Only Life is described as a musical revue of your songs – what is it that makes that collection of songs work together as a show?

Century Venues to Manage New Chatswood Venue

Willoughby City Council has engaged Century Venues to manage the entertainment and event venues on The Concourse.

The new entertainment venue, in the heart of Chatswood, replaces the old Willoughby Civic Centre.

Historic Christchurch Theatre Severely Damaged

The historic Isaac Theatre Royal in Christchurch has been severely damaged by this week’s devastating earthquake.

The 103 year old building survived last September’s earthquake, but the theatre General Manager Neil Cox has told Stage Whispers this time it has suffered ‘quite visible damage.’

MTC appoints Brett Sheehy as its new Artistic Director

Chairman of the Melbourne Theatre Company Board, Derek Young today announced Brett Sheehy as the new Artistic Director and Chief Executive for Melbourne Theatre Company.

Hairspray for Sydney in June

Following its Melbourne season, Hairspray will play at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre for a limited season only opening on Thursday 23 June.

Send for the Doctor

Anthony Warlow talked and sang to Frank Hatherley during rehearsals for Doctor Zhivago.

There’s no doubting his excitement. The uncrowned ‘King of Australian Musicals’ is glowing with enthusiasm for his latest venture.

Anthony Warlow Back On Stage

Following his onstage injury hours before last Friday’s first preview of Doctor Zhivago, it has been confirmed that Anthony Warlow has recovered and will be back at the Lyric Theatre tomorrow evening, Tuesday February 15, in the title role of Yuri Zhivago in the premiere season of the musical Doctor Zhivago.

Dr Zhivago Update

Stage Whispers revealed exclusively on Saturday that Anthony Warlow had injured his leg during the previous night's preview of Dr Zhivago.

Now David Spicer can give the first account of what the show is like.

In a word - SENSATIONAL.

But first the off stage drama.

I attended on Saturday night. The Producer John Frost came on stage and gave the audience the bad news that Anthony Warlow was injured.

A number cried out in protest. "How Dare You!" said one woman behind me.

2011 Brings New Worlds for Jason Robert Brown

American composer, lyricist, and book writer of contemporary musical theatre Jason Robert Brown is inspired by places he has never been. He crossed Australia off the list with his Australia/New Zealand concert and workshop tour in February / March 2011.

Born in Ossining, New York, Brown has written or contributed songs to five musicals as of 2010, Songs For a New World (1995); Parade (1998); The Last Five Years (2002); Urban Cowboy the Musical (2003); and 13 (2007).

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