9 to 5 Musical

After a few COVID delays 9 to 5 the Musical is being staged at Arts Centre Melbourne until 17 September, 2022.

Dolly Parton wrote the music and lyrics, she’s no stranger to 9 to 5 because she starred in the 1980 comedy film with Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. Patricia Resnick, one of the original screenwriters wrote the book.

To set up the musical of 9 to 5, Dolly Parton makes an appearance in a pre-recorded video message.

9 to 5 the Musical follows three smart and sassy career women, Office Manager Violet Newstead (Marina Prior), new employee Judy Bernly (Casey Donovan) and country gal Doralee Rhodes (Erin Clare).

The three ladies worked for Consolidated Industries which is managed by Franklin Hart Jr. (Eddie Perfect). During the story they are pushed to the edge by Franklin. The only one manipulated by his charm is Roz Keith (Caroline O’Connor) who’s in love with him.

During the story the three women are united in their contempt for Hart, without giving anything away, they do get their revenge. The story is quite funny and enjoyable which had the audience in stitches.

Completing the cast are Lily Baulderstone, Zoe Coppinger, Mia Dabkowski-Chandler, Ben Gillespie, Emma Hawthorne, James Haxby, Emma Johns, Jay Johns, Ethan Jones, Sarah Krndija, Antonia Marr, Josh Mulheran, Tom New, Jake O’Brien, Matthew Prime, Jackson Reedman, Jordan Tomljenovic and Jessica Vellucci.

I’m a fan of vintage fashion so I enjoyed all the costumes even though sometimes we would like to forget the 1980’s as I remember the bright colours and patterns, power suits, shoulder pads, dramatic earrings and who could forget acid wash jeans.

I can’t single out anyone performer as each was cast perfectly in their role.

Even though the 9 to 5 movie is more than 40 years, some things haven’t changed for women in the workforce as they still fighting for equal rights and of course the gender pay gap.

It was a great night out to head back to the theatre to enjoy the outstanding performers we have here in Australia.

For further information about 9 to 5 The Musical, visit the website here.

Image supplied. Photos by David Hooley.

Jagged Little Pill

Alanis Morissette released Jagged Little Pill in 1995. It was a worldwide commercial success, with worldwide sales of over 33 million copies and topping the charts in thirteen countries. Nominated for nine Grammy Awards, winning five, including Album of the Year.

A stage adaptation of Jagged Little Pill is currently being staged at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre until 16 March, 2022. Based on around the music of Alanis Morissette and Glen Ballard with additional music by Michael Farrell and Guy Sigsworth. Best known for her work as Juno, Diablo Cody wrote the book which also earned her Tony Award.

The story centres around the Healy family – mother Mary Jane (MJ), father Steve, son Nick and daughter Frankie, performing in the main roles are Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Tim Draxl, Liam Head and Emily Nkomo.

Playing other lead roles are Maggie McKenna (Jo), AYDAN (Phoenix) and Grace Miell (Bella). Starring in the ensemble are Josh Gates, Imani Williams, Caleb Jago-Ward,  Mon Vergara, Baylie Carson, Georgina Hobson, Noah Mullins, Trevor Santos, Isabella Roberts, Marie Ikonomou, Bella Choundary, Jerome Javier, Romy Vuksan, Giorgia Kennedy, Matthew Hamilton and Coby Njorge.

MJ writes the yearly Christmas letter about Steve’s job promotion,  Frankie’s art, and her son Nick’s early admission to Harvard University. All on the surface they look like the perfect family but we discover this is far from the truth. I don’t want to reveal too much of the storyline but watching the musical, the songs are appropriate to the structure even though they were written more than 25 years ago. Some of the best known songs from the album include Right Through You, Hand in My Pocket, Ironic, Head over Feet, Head over Feet and You Oughta Know.

The musical feels like it was written for today due to dealing with pain, healing and empowerment. Its a story which needs to been seen on stage. A highlight of opening night was Maggie’s performance where they received a standing ovation during Act Two for the powerful song You Oughta Know.

Since opening night Jagged Little Pill has gained outstanding reviews, make sure you go and experience this outstanding story for yourself before its heads to Perth and returns to Sydney for another season.

Natalie Bassingthwaighte will not be performing as Mary Jane Healy on the following dates:

Tuesday 22 March

Tuesday 1 February

Sunday 6 February

Tuesday 15 February

Tuesday 22 February

Tuesday 1 March

Tuesday 8 March

Tuesday 15 March

For further information about Jagged Little Pill, visit the website here.

Images supplied.  Photos by Daniel Boud.

Veronica Piraccini: The Holy Shroud

Italian artist Veronica Piraccini’s immersive experience of The Holy Shroud is currently on display at Melbourne’s SpACE@Collins until 24 November, 2019. It’s the first time this exhibition has been presented in Australia after successful exhibitions in Italy, Brazil, Africa, The Philippines, Spain, Mexico and China.

For ten days only, the six artworks orginated from the Holy Shroud of Turin, the large linen cloth bearing the image of a crucified man, alleged to be Jesus of Nazareth. Piraccini realised a series a paintings in which truth and artifice, illumination and mystery, suffering and solace come together to reveal a path from hypothesis to revelation, be it historical, artistic or spiritual.

In January 2015, Pope Francis bestowed his blessing on Piraccini’s works, assuring the artist an honored place in a long tradition of sacred art.

Curated by Dr Giovanni Butera, Chairman of Global Association of International Artists (GAIA) and CEO of the Nixora Group.  GAIA is an non-for-profit cultural organisation supporting the international exchange of artists with the aim of creating global pathways for using their art to promote social cohesion.

As it is a ‘guided’ exhibition dates include:

17 to 20 November – 11.00am, 2.30pm & 6.00pm
21 November – 11.00am
22 November – 11.00am
23 November – 11.00am, 2.30pm & 6.00pm
24 November – 11.00am

Pre-bookings are essential with are general admission of $45.00 for adults or $30.00 for concession/students which includes complimentary nibbles and soft drink. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase.

During The Holy Shroud, there will associated events which include a Official Opening, Cocktail and Catwalk party and Closing Party. Tickets for these events are available via the website, Eventbrite.

Whether you are a believer, atheist or agnostic, you’ll embark on a historical, scientific and artistic journey while attending The Holy Shroud exhibition by Veronica Piraccini.

 

The Beautiful Game

Currently being staged until 29 September, 2019 at Chapel off Chapel is the Australian premiere of The Beautiful Game.  This musical was written by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and Ben Elton.  It’s set in 1970’s at the height of The Troubles in Northern Ireland.

The title refers to a football (soccer) team, also sometimes the musical is performed as The Boys in the Photograph.  You know you’ll be going a journey with the characters as early in the show the priest gives the football players, a team photograph, stating “Never forget the promise is who you are, who you become is up to you”.  This statement is a sign of things to come.  We follow the characters for a five year period when they are full of ambition and eager to play football (soccer to us Aussies).  Throughout the story we are taken on a journey of love, loss, religious views and violence.

Presented by Manilla Street Productions, it’s great they are producing works that haven’t been staged in Australia before.  The cast are enthusiastic, like the young people in the story, you become invested in their lives.

Heading the cast is Stephen Mahy (John) and Stephanie Wall (Mary). Joining them is Nicola Bowman, Des Flanagan, Nigel Huckle, David Meadows, Ellie Nunan, Samuel Skuthorp and Sam Ward.

Ensemble members include Finn Alexander, Robbie Breugelmans, Rebecca Cullinan, Liam Dodds, Emma Drysdale, Jake Gardner, Mikey Halcrow, Lachlan Hamill, Quin Kelly, Sophie Loughran, Jessica Mills, Fletcher O’Leary, Bronson Pfeiler, Matthew Prime and Caitlin Spears.

You’ll laugh, cry, enjoy their highs and get an understanding of what it was like to grow up at the height during this time in history.

As The Beautiful Game was first performed 20 years but it’s relevant today where it relates to many countries and communities.  It’s a show not be missed!!

For more information about Manilla Street Productions and The Beautiful Game, click here.

Images supplied.  Photos by Jodie Hutchinson.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Stephen Sonheim is one of the world’s best-known composer and lyricist with more than half a century of contributions to musical theatre.  One of his musicals is Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.  Never having seen the musical or Tim Burton’s 2007 film adaptation starring Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter  I was excited when TEG Like Life Company announced they were producing a reimaged 40^th anniversary concert version for a limited season of six shows only in both Sydney and Melbourne.  Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street will be performed at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne from 20 to 23 June, 2019.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is inspired by a tale serialised in Penny Dreadful in 1846-47.  It centres on the exiled barber who returns to London seeking revenge against the judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife.  On the road to vengeance Sweeney opens a barber shop above a failing pie shop in which he meets Mrs Lovett.

Anthony Warlow stars as exile barber Sweeney Todd and Mrs Lovett will be performed by Gina Riley.  Other cast members include Debra Byrne (Beggar Woman), Tod Strike (Pirelli), Genevieve Kingsford (Johanna Barker), Daniel Sumegi (Judge Turpin), Anton Berezin (Beadie Bamford) and Owen McCredie (Anthony Hope).

The full company includes Susan Ann-Walker, Carrie Barr, Darcy Carroll, Amelia Christo, Ben Colley, Andrew Dunne, Nick Eynaud, Courtney Glass, Matt Heyward, Lauren Jimmieson, Megan Kozak, Sam Roberts-Smith, Sam Skuthorp and Caroline Vercoe.

 

 

Michael Falzon

Michael Falzon is an Australian musical theatre/rock tenor actor and producer. He joined me for a Coffee Break to chat as he’s one of Australia’s most talented entertainers.  Michael is fond of all the work he’s undertakes but we chatted about some of his best-known roles in We Will Rock You and Rock of Ages.

As Michael first starred as Galileo in the first international production of We Will Rock You. He describes this experience as “A unique experience” having to audition for Queen (Brian May and Roger Taylor) and getting to perform with them from time is a bit surreal and he owes his career to them and Ben Elton. He still loves performing songs from Queen as “It takes you back to where you were when you first heard their songs”.

Before Tom Cruise was even considered for the role of Stacee Jaxx in the movie Rock of Ages, Michael perform this role during 2011. I stated to Michael I remember you fondly in the role as “It was my first experience attending a musical by myself in Melbourne”. I stated I’m a kid from country Victoria”. Michael remembers that he had a blast as “He was singing some great 80’s hits”.

Having had many stage appearances for The Wharf Revue, Side by Side by Sonheim, The Music of James Bond, Painted From Memory – The Music of Bacharach & Costello, The Music of Queen – A Rock Spectacular and Swing On This. He’s even had time to release some albums Back to Broadway, a self-titled EP and Atomic: The New Rock Musical.

 

If you’d like updates and further information about Michael’s career; click here.

Ladies Night

Do you miss the excitement of the male strip shows Manpower Australia and The Chippendales? If the answer is YES!  If you’re ready to party, want to get naughty, enjoy a good giggle and have the ultimate night out come to Melbourne’s The Palms at Crown on 14 and 15 June, 2019 for a performance of Ladies Night.

Ladies Night was written in 1987 by Anthony McCarten and Stephen Sinclair.  It’s been translated into twelve languages with eight sell-out tours of Britain and in 2003 it won France’s Moliere Prize for Comedy.

It’s the story of four unemployed guys in order to make some quick cash; they decide to form a male stripping act.  They pitch their idea to a club owner and take lessons from a slightly worn-out exotic dancer and she teaches what women what women want from a male stripper.

The show is been produced in Australia by Abstract Entertainment.  Starring Steven Tandy, whose best known for his role in the television series The Sullivans and actress Alli Pope, best remembered for her roles in the stage productions of Steaming and Menopause The Musical – Women on Fire.

Also, starring in Ladies Night is international actor Christopher Atkins.  He describes his character Wes as “the athletic of the bunch” and stated he doesn’t have problem with nudity as he became famous after he only wore a loin cloth in his debut role in The Blue Lagoon alongside Brooke Shields.

A star of more than 100 movie and television credits to his name, he’s enjoying being back in Australia as he spent six months in Melbourne filming 1982’s The Pirate Movie.  Christopher stated “I consider Australia my second home as I was married to an Australian and my two children have citizenship here”.

These days Christopher is busy writing, producing and directing as he’s hoping to bring some of the projects to Australia.

In his spare time; Christopher is an avid fisherman, scuba diver, loves camping and hiking.  One of his other passions is making functional drift wood art; you can purchase some of his work online via his Esty store which he opened recently.

If you’re looking for a fun night out, head to Ladies Night in Melbourne on 14 and 15 June or head down the highway to Horsham on 16 June.

For more information about Abstract Entertainment and Ladies Night, click here.

Lazarus

The Production Company are presenting the Australian premiere of Lazarus.  The limited season will be staged at the Arts Centre Melbourne from 18 May to 9 June, 2019.

This musical was written by Edna Walsh and the late David Bowie.  Lazarus was one of the last works Bowie completed before his death on 10 January, 2016.  It was inspired by Walter Tevis’ The Man Who Fell To Earth.  In 1976, David Bowie also starred in the film adaptation of the same name.

The story focused on Thomas Newton, an alien as he still remains on Earth.  He’s unable to die as his head is soaked in cheap gin and is haunted by a past love.  The arrival of another soul might finally set him free.

It features 18 songs from Bowie’s music catalogue including four new tracks.  Some of the songs include Sound and Low Vision, Life on Mars?, Absolute Beginners, Who Stole The World, Lazarus, No Plan, Killing a Little Time, When I Met You, Changes and Heroes.

Starring in the lead role of Newton is Chris Ryan with Phoebe Panaretos as Emily, Iota as Valentine, Girl will be played by Emily Milledge and Mike McLeish stars as Michael.  Other cast members include Baylie Carson, Josh Gates, Kaori Maeda-Judge, Jessie Monk, Jessica Vellucci, Mat Verevis, Kaya Byrne, Andrew Cook and Mackenzie Dunn.

For more information on Lazarus, visit the website here.

Jersey Boys

Having heard the music of The Four Seasons and Frank Valli but I’ve never attended the Jersey Boys musical until now; it’s currently being staged at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre until 14 April, 2019.

The Four Seasons gained success in 1960’s and are one of the best-selling musical groups of all time with having sold an estimated 100 million records worldwide.  Making up the original Four Seasons were Frankie Valli (lead singer), Bob Gaudio (keyboards), Tommy DeVito (lead guitar and baritone vocals) and Nick Massi (electric bass and bass vocals)  This line-up was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, and joined the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1999.

I loved how Jersey Boys musical portrayed the history of the Four Seasons in four parts, each being narrated by a different member of the band.  I discovered all the major events in the band’s history both professionally and personal which was great as I didn’t know anything about the band or it’s history.  Some of the personal events included the death of Frankie’s daughter and how Tommy ran up gambling debts.

I was surprised at how many songs I did in fact know including  Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Walk Like A Man, December 1963 (Oh What A Night), My Boyfriend’s Back, My Eyes Adored  You, Bye Bye Baby, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You and Who Loves You.

The staging was fantastic, my favourite scenes were when the actors were performing  and were also display on a screen above them.

As Australian has an exceptional theatre performers and the cast of Jersey Boys is outstanding with Ryan Gonzalez starring in the lead role of Frank Valli as his interpretation is engaging .  Thomas McGuane in his first lead-role delivers a brilliant portrayal of Bob Gaudio as I felt the innocence of the character as he was only as teenager when he first joined the group. It was great to see Matthew Prime star as Tommy Devito as I’ve never seen him in a lead role and didn’t miss that Cameron MacDonald was on paternal leave. No one in Australia, knows the role of Nick Massi better than Glaston Toft who’s reprising the role in this production.  He first starred as Nick in the 2009 production and has performed the character more than 1300 times.

Jersey Boys is an musical that appeals to everyone as older members of the audience were reminiscing as they were singing along and it gives a new generation like myself an insight to the one of the world’s most successful band.

For further information about Jersey Boys visit the website here.

 

Images supplied.  Photos by Jeff Busby.

 

 

 

The Prosecco Festival

Dreaming of visiting Italy and drinking Prosecco, this weekend but don’t have the finances or the time? Don’t despair if you’re in Melbourne; you can attend the Prosecco Festival at Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre on Saturday 23 February, 2019.

Whet your appetite with Prosecco from Wines of the King Valley – comprising Dal Zotto, Pizzini, Chrismont, Sam Miranda, Brown Brothers, Box Grove Vineyard, Vinea Marson, Santa & D’Sas, Symphonia Wines, Politini Wines. From Italy comes a stunning array of DOCG wines, with importers including Festival City Wines, Regina Vino, Alepat Taylor, Winestock and Ricolore Imports.

Pair your Prosecco with delicious food hand-selected for the event including 400 Gradi, Gelato Papa, Eat Cannoli, Yarra Valley Caviar and Arancini Art or salami made with Proscecco made by The Meat Room.

Relax in the festival’s Spritz Garden, a zone dedicated to our Prosecco cocktail of choice, with drinks served from Australia’s first mobile Prosecco & Spritz Bar, Van Di Vino. 

For true devotees, festival founder Melissa Brauer, AKA , will be hosting two VIP Masterclasses where guests will indulge and be educated in a variety of Prosecco, complemented by a delectable antipasto spread.

Tickets are available online for $50.00 and include a Plumm crystal tasting glass and tote bag for take home wine purchases.  Two session times are available either 11.00am to 3.00pm or 4.00pm to 8.00pm.

For more information visit about the Prosecco Festival, click here.