Opera Australia Artistic Director Lyndon Terracini AM and leading Australian theatre producer John Frost AM today announced that actor, comedian and impressionist Gerry Connolly would join the cast of their upcoming production of Anything Goes to play the Captain of the S.S. American during the Melbourne and Brisbane seasons. Due to his increased radio and television commitments, Alan Jones needs to remain located in Sydney so has had to withdraw from the Melbourne and Brisbane seasons, but will join the company to play the Captain during the Sydney Opera House season.
Opera Australia Artistic Director Lyndon Terracini AM and leading Australian theatre producer John Frost AM today announced the final lead cast member and the ensemble cast for their new production of Cole Porter's smash-hit musical comedy Anything Goes, which will tour Australia this year.
Opera Australia Artistic Director Lyndon Terracini AM and leading Australian theatre producer John Frost AM today announced the principal cast for their new production of Cole Porter's smash-hit musical comedy Anything Goes, which will tour Australia in 2015.
Voting is now underway for Australia - Melbourne! We have a record number of votes in already, but if you haven't voted yet, click here to vote! If you have voted already,tell your friends.
The Production Company rounded off its 2013 season last night with Gilbert and Sullivan's classic operetta The Pirates of Penzance. There was, however, little reference to the classic that was first performed in 1879. There have been many adaptations of the original, with this production centering on the 1981 Broadway production. This show is undoubtedly fun. In fact, that is the most apt word to describe this production. It's light and fluffy in all the right places, however, its biggest strength is also its ultimate undoing. For while director Dean Bryant has tapped into the light pantomime frolics that make Pirates so enjoyable, there is little variation to the over flamboyance presented on opening night. This show fails to find the truth in moments that call for it. Any honest point is made light of or brushed over with seemingly little regard. The show fights against itself, leaving us partially satisfied but never fully satisfied.
The Production Company's new staging of the Broadway version of The Pirates of Penzance opens in Hamer Hall on October 30 for a season of six performances only.
The 13th Annual Helpmann Awards were presented tonight live in Sydney at the Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House and broadcast on Foxtel's Arena. Co-hosts Eddie Perfect and Christie Whelan Browne kicked off the night's proceedings with an incredibly entertaining opening number written specifically for the occasion by the multi-talented Mr Perfect himself.
The nominations for the 2013 Helpmann Awards have been announced simultaneously at events in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Hobart and Perth. This is the first time the Nominations events were held concurrently in 6 cities and a first for Adelaide, Hobart and Perth.
What do Geoffrey Rush, Lisa McCune, Bob Downe, Silvie Paladino, Colin Friels Tony Bartuccio, Chunky Move, John Bell, Richard Gill, Neil Armfield, Chambermade, Bangarra, MKA, Simon Stone, Pamela Rabe, Todd McKenney all have in common? They've all received nominations for the 30th Annual Green Room Awards.
Having never seen The Producers, but having heard so much about it, I was genuinely excited to see a performance of this show on a stage. The lasting impression that I took from The Production Company's version is that Mel Brooks is one very funny man who's writing stands alone in the musical comedy genre. Whether on the expanses of a full scale broadway stage, on the West End or on the minimalist stage confronting us at The Arts Centre, this show genuinely works and is so clever in its nuance and wit that you can't help but admire its creator.
The Production Company opens its 2012 Season on July 11 with the Mel Brooks comic masterpiece, The Producers. This brand new staging by Andrew Hallsworth and Dean Bryant will star seven of Australia's best comic talents in a company of fifty singers, dancers and musicians.
More of the performers that will make up the company of the very special concert version of SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM that takes place on Friday 20 April 2012 at Theatre Royal, Sydney have been announced.
You forget just how good the Golden Age of Musical Theatre is when you are saturated by contemporary shows in today's evolving theatre world. Tonight, however, The Production Company's revival of Cole Porter's Anything Goes reminds us of how the foundations of the modern musical were formed and just how strong these foundations were. Anything Goes is a show filled with moments. Moments of love, moments of hilarity, family and comradeship all of which crescendo towards the happy ever after that we are longing for. To get there however, takes great skill. Enter the cast. An all-star cast of Australian musical Theatre royalty is at hand to land each and every one of the desired moments. Todd Mckenny's over-enthusiastic Lord Evelyn Oakleigh is so completely embodied that an initial feeling of 'too much' is soon proven to be a whole heartedly secure character choice. Wayne Scott Kermond as Moonface Martin was dynamic, and full of tricks that had the audience craving more. Further, John O'May and Anne Wood as Elisha Whitney and Evageline Harcourt compliment the show with their experience and poise.
