News

Setting the Scene … Fifteen times.

In May and June New Zealand Opera presents The Marriage of Figaro. Director Aidan Lang and Set Designer Robin Rawstorne talk to Emma Bell about the concept behind an awesome set inspired by Spanish Architecture.

Chunky Moves - Laser Meets Dance

Since premiering at the Sydney Festival in 2008, physical theatre company Chunky Moves’ award winning production Mortal Engine has toured to the Edinburgh Festival, Mexico, Germany, Spain and the USA. Following performances at New York‘s BAM and Melbourne’s Malthouse Theatre, Mortal Engine returns to Sydney for season at the Sydney Theatre from May 5 – 15.

Laser and Sound Artist Robin Fox who collaborated with Chunky Moves on Mortal Engine, explained his contribution to Stage Whispers.

Tony Nominations read a bit like Oscars

There’s a real Hollywood flavour to the nominations for Broadway’s big awards, with Denzel Washington, Jude Law, Scarlett Johansson and Catherine Zeta Jones all nominated for awards, along with many other less prominent screen names. Surprise omissions Daniel Craig and Hugh Jackman stopped the nominations from being even more cinema oriented. The small screen is represented too, with Frasier star Kelsey Grammer nominated.

Priscilla Broadway Bound, with Tony Sheldon to Star

The Bus is headed for Broadway with one of Australia's favourite Show Queens in the driver's seat.

Garry McQuinn, of Back Row Productions says that having conquered the West End, Priscilla Queen of the Desert – The Musical will now open on Broadway in March in a $15 million dollar extravaganza, after a 12 week try out in Toronto.

2010 Matilda Awards

Monday 19 April, Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts, Brisbane.

The would be’s, could be’s, and never will be’s were all out in force when Brisbane’s annual theatre awards for excellence – the MATILDA AWARDS - were handed out on Monday 19 April, in front of a packed industry audience of over 300 people at the Judith Wright Centre. Now in their 23rd year, the Matilda Awards are judged by a panel of Brisbane based newspaper, radio and website theatre critics.

BRUSH WITH FAME. WHEN AC/DC STAR FIRST WORE HIS SCHOOL UNIFORM.

Stage Whispers’ Editor has the inside story on Angus Young, lead guitarist with AC/DC. In this WORLD exclusive he reveals what the rock star was like when he was obliged to wear a school uniform

[title of show] an original broadway musical – Director’s Diary

Melbourne based Magnormos is about to present the Australasian premiere of [title of show] - yes, that’s the show’s name.

[title of show] is a boutique musical that deals with the process of writing an original work, and the strength of friendships. The musical documents its own creative process, as two friends write a musical to enter into the New York Music Theatre Festival, with the help of two actress friends.

Floyd Collins in Concert

Floyd Collins - a musical about a trapped miner - was programmed by Kookaburra, the National Music Theatre Company in 2007, but only days away from rehearsals, was cancelled.

It was another blow for the company, which eventually folded.

Kookaburra founder Peter Cousens finally had the chance to perform the title role on May 3, 2010.

A special one off concert was held at Sydney’s City Recital Hall Angel Place with Anne Maree McDonald, planned musical director for the original production, at the helm, and Stuart Maunder directing.

FAME – REMEMBER MY NAME

Peter Pinne speaks to the Fame director and choreographer Kelley Abbey, and one of the young stars, Tim (Timomatic) Omaji, about the upcoming mulit-million dollar revival of the iconic dance show.

Calendar Girls

Tim Firth, writer of the hit comedy Calendar Girls, speaks to Neil Litchfield about his surprise hit stage adaptation, originally intended for amateur production.

The stage comedy Calendar Girls is adapted from your own film, based on a true story. How did the film come about?

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