Melbourne Observer. May 3, 2017

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GEE WHIZ!

■ TV identities Gerry Gee and Sandra Simpkins made a special appearance to celebrate the 95th birthday of entertainment pioneer Ron Blaskett last month. All three made appearances on the test broadcasts for Melbourne’s Channel 9, made from the Mt Dandenong transmitter in September 1956, more than 60 years ago. Gerry Gee was an integral part of the Tarax Show, and Sandra Simpkins performed with Ron’s wife, Merle, one of the first women to appear on Melbourne television.

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Page 2 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 3, 2017

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Travel

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Oranges have an extra fine appeal

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 3, 2017 - Page 3

Stockists in Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat. Bendigo PRAHRAN HEALTH FOODS 201 Commercial Rd South Yarra LADYBIRD ORGANICS 130 Puckle St Moonee Ponds MARKET JUICE Queen Victoria Market GO VITA Highpoint Shopping Centre GO VITA 23 Sturt St, Ballarat HEALTHY LIFE 165 Pakington St, Geelong West FOUNTAIN HEALTH FOODS Shop 11, Killians Walk, Bendigo

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 3, 2017 - Page 7

Showbiz Latest

It’s All About You!

Melbourne

Legends of the Skies Observer

● Bert Newton with grandson Monty Welsh

Monty is just what the doctor ordered

■ Grandson Monty Welsh always puts a smile on grandfather Bert Newton’s face. TV-radio star Patti Newton posted this photo of the happy pair on social media after Bert was admitted to an innersuburban hospital, for treatment for pneumonia. Earlier, Patti took New Idea magazine to task over another of its fictional cover stories.

“Do not believe a word of it,” Patti told her Facebook fans, hundreds of whom joined in the criticism of the publication.

● Arabelle Jeffery and Peter Funke in Legends of the Skies Series Four at the Australian National Aviation Museum. Photo: Peter Vincent ■ The assortment of ages and abilities within the LOTS Theatre mark it as a true community group.

They write and compose their own material to highlight the characters and craft associated with Australia’s aeronautical industry.

Operating out of the Australian National Aviation Museum at MoorabbinAirport, therefore, is appropriate.

I could well imagine the selection of pieces currently being performed would complement a tour of the museum and be more dramatically effective serving as a diversion from the static displays.

Visitors would hear more about specific individuals in the industry and their achievements giving the museum more dimension and life.

Efforts were made to contain performance areas within the large hangar using focus craft as backdrops and limiting lighting, but one could imagine how the elements like rain, heat or the cold would affect audience comfort levels.

The sky (pardon the pun) is the limit when it comes to what could be done with a full complement of lighting and sound equipment.

The dedicated troupe (too many to be named in this short review) are clearly devoted to the fascinating lives, aircraft and history associated with the industry and there is much to be told; keeping the past alive and finding ways to make it a worthy cause.

Performance Season: Until May 6 Venue: Australian National Aviation Museum, 1 Second Ave. Moorabbin Airport Tickets: $22 Bookings: www. trybooking or enquiries 9580 2389.

- Review by David McLean

Savages of Wirramal

New Trades Directory starts next week

● Reviewer David McLean was unable to attend the second half of Legends of the Skies.

LOTS Theatre Inc. have kindly provided additional details about this production.

Among the nine diverse aviation-related stories presented in the aircraft hangar known as the National Australian Aviation Museum are The Sugar Bird Lady, the Boomerang aeroplane, Sir Lawrence Wackett of the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation, a vital organisation in the defence of Australia during World War Two, and Jim Darcy, one of the catalysts for the emergence of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Music (including Peter Funke playing didjeridoo) and cameo roles intersperse with serious dates and events, helping to highlight the facts and figures and early pioneers of our aviation’s past.

The non-realistic style of LOTS sees actors ranging from eight to 80 play up to five different roles, varying between tragic drama and high comedy.

- Cheryl Threadgold

In This Edition

Your favourite columnists Gavin Wood - West Hollywood latest Kevin Trask - Whatever Happened Nick Le Souef - Outback Legend Cheryl Threadgold - Local Theatre James Sherlock and Aaron Rourke - Movies, Top 10 Lists Ted Ryan - Observer Racing Matt Bissett-Johnson - Cartoon Peter Kemp - Melbourne Arts Rob Foenander - Country Music James Sherlock Aaron Rourke Rob Foenander Cheryl Threadgold

Observer Showbiz

Latest News Around Victoria

Bill recovers

■ Recording industry identity Bill Armstrong is recovering after a double bypass and aortic valve replacement. He was admitted to ICU at Epworth Hospital on Monday (May 1).

Opening night

■ A big black-tie opening night for My Fair Lady is planned for Melbourne’s Regent Theatre at 7.30pm on Tuesday, May 16. The Lerner and Loewe production, celebrating its 60th anniversary, is being staged by Opera Australia and John Frost

Fourth burglary

■ Leopold supermarket manager Hui Shi says he’s battling to keep his business open after being repeatedly ambushed by masked thieves who this week used a stolen car to cave in the front door, reports the Geelong Advertiser.

$100 mil. boost

■ Colac train users are ecstatic that the State Government will allocate $100 million to upgrade the Geelong-toWarrnambool rail line to allow more train services for district travellers, reports the Colac Herald.

Forecast ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Today (Wed.). Partly cloudy. 4°-15° Thurs. Sunny. 7°-17° Fri. Partly cloudy. 12°-19° Sat. Scattered showers. 8°-18° Sun. Partly cloudy. 9°-16°

Mike McColl Jones ● The cast of Savages of Wirramai: Stacey Carmichael (Cassie), Amber Connor (Devina), Philip Besancon (Ron), Lisa Berry (Mary), Keyhly Hemsworth (Angel) and Tom Bartle as Matthew.

■ Geelong Repertory Theatre presents SavThe family patriarch is a Vietnam veteran ages of Wirramai until May 13 at the Woodbin and broad emotional issues of PTSD can be Theatre, Geelong West. observed on the stage because, according to Written by Melbourne playwright Sandy director Walshe-Howling, the audience is inFairthorne and directed by Iris Walshe-Howl- vited in to the script. ing, Savages of Wirramai enjoyed a successWalshe-Howling says the script is ‘a beauful season at La Mama Theatre last year. tifully written three act play’ by Fairthorne, Iris Walshe-Howling, who is highly re- and is a ‘deep piece of theatre’. spected for her work with the Anglesea Per“It is confronting, very emotional … but as forming Arts Group, saw the play at La well as discussing dark things, there is wit and Mama and recognised the importance of bring- humour.” ing such a powerful theatre piece to the comPerformance Season: Until May 13 munity theatre stage.

Venue: The Woodbin Theatre, 15 CoronaSavages of Wirramai deals with family tion St., Geelong West. dysfunction, issues which impact on that hub Bookings: GPAC 5225 1200. we call ‘home’, and the kind of secrets that Please note: The play contains coarse lancan hold a family together, or break them apart, guage. depending on the issues.

- Cheryl Threadgold

Top 5

THE TTOP OP 5 SHO WS WE MIGHT SHOW SEE ON CHANNEL 10 IF THEIR FINANCIAL CRISIS GET SW ORSE GETS WORSE

5. "Couple Feud" 4. "A*S*H" 3. "I'm An Accountant - Get Me Out of Here" 2. "Hail Mary For You At Home" 1. "To Be Advised"

Page 8 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 3, 2017

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Observer People

Peter Isaacson AM, DFC, AFC, DFM ■ Distinguished military hero and successful businessman Peter Isaacson died on April 7 at the age of 96.

Peter Isaacson, of Toorak, was publisher of the Mel-bourne Observer newspaper from 1977 to 1989.

A memorial service will be held today (Wed., May 3) at Temple Beth Israel, and streamed on www.tbi. org.au/live/ Peter Isaacson Publications was also the printer, under contract to Long Family Newspapers, in 199192, of weekly papers at Yea, Whittlesea, Kinglake, Seymour, Nagambie and Kilmore.

He took an active interest in the doings of the Yea, and later Murrindindi, municipalities.

Peter Isaacson was born in London on July 31, 1920, moving to Melbourne at age six.

He was the son of Arnold Isaacson (son of Solomon Kramer), and Caroline ‘Lynka’ (nee Jacobson), born in Vienna, whose father Emile was Dutch, and whose mother Bettina Lipmann, was French.

Arnold Isaacson’s family were in Melbourne: brothers Isidore, Michael, Alex and Abel; and sisters Rebecca and Celina.

Arnold and Lynka married at the Dalston Synagogue, North London, in March 1919. The bride, 19, was 19 years younger, than her husband, who became a manufacturers’ agent, later a printing sales representative, travelling throughout country Victoria.

Peter Isaacson’s planned enrolment at the Geelong Grammar School did not proceed, partly because of the school fees, partly because of ‘Uncle Alex’s’ objection to morning prayers.

Peter attended various state schools in Elwood and Brighton, briefly at Wesley College, and then until age 16 at Brighton Grammar School.

He became the Company Quartermaster Sargeant in the School Cadets.

Peter Isaacson became a messenger boy at The Age newspaper, where his mother worked as Women’s Editor on the weekly Leader rural newspaper. His starting salary was 19 shillings and 6 pence ($1.95) per week.

He attended Dr Hall’s Coaching Academy and matriculated. He enrolled at Melbourne University, doing his study prior to starting at The Age each weekday at 2pm.

At age 18, Peter left The Age and joined Paul Freadman at Coronet Publishing and Paul Freadman Advertising, selling programs and book-

● ‘Pi’ in alleged retirement

“I was the proprietor, editor, reporter, sub-editor, advertising salesman, circulation supervisor, office manager and messenger boy.”

To work his way around newsprint rationing, Isaacson added the Caulfield Advertiser and Carnegie Courier to his list, which tripled his supply.

Later in 1947, Peter Isaacson took over the Southern Cross suburban newspaper. The Herald and Weekly Times Ltd injected working capital into the fledgling business.

He took on involvements with the South Melbourne Record and Camberwell Chronicle newspapers.

He became involved in weekly local papers, part of Gippsland Newspapers, which published the Morwell Advertiser, Moe Advocate and Yallourn Livewire. He was part of the conglomerate that wa successful in winning the GLV-10 television station.

His cousin, Maurice Sloman, friends with Prime Minister Robert Menzies, was also part of the group

● Peter Isaacson spent some of his retirement time at his ‘Bindaree’ property on Whittlesea-Yea Rd, Flowerdale lets sponsored by charities, local councils and other organisations.

He met Anne McIntyre, 16, on vacation from Toorak College, Mt Eliza, at The Milky Way meeting place in Lt Collins St. They were to marry in 1950.

In the middle of 1940, Peter Isaacson was selected for the RAAF Air Crew Reserve. He was called up later in the year for initial training school, then to Narrandera for elementary flying training. He trained in Ottawa, Canada, as fighter pilot.

His work with Bomber Command, England, from 1942 is detailed in the biography Pathfinder by Denis Warner.

Warner quoted Isaacson: “You can’t be too emotional about things like bombing the Germans or Italians. You don’t want to dwell on it. I didn’t. Very few of us did.

“That doesn’t mean that you are lacking in basic sympathies, but you are there to do a job. If you didn’t do it to them, they would do it to you.”

He argued that Germany had started the war, and it was Germany that first bombed open cities.

Peter Isaacson graduated from Halifaxes to Lancasters. A Lancaster’s expected life was 15 to 16 operations. In their dozens of flights they had many ‘close shaves’.

Isaacson and crew were given the task of flying a Lancaster from London to Australia, where it was used to sell war bonds.

‘Q for Queenie VI’ received nationwide publicity as pilot Isaacson ● Anne and Peter Isaacson married at The Registry Office flew under the Sydney Harbour that won the BTV-6 licence at Bridge.

Ballarat.

After the end of World War II, Sloman was also part of a conPeter Isaacson gained special Air sortium to buy land and finance a Force permission to stand as the Libbuilding in Prahran to house the eral Party candidate for Prahran. growing publishing business.

He was defeated by 47 votes. He Other ventures included the Sunsays that being beaten was the best day Free Press joint venture with thing that ever happened to him. He Progress Press at Chadstone, Inwould never have started a business ternational Travel, and This Week In if he had won the seat.

Melbourne (with sister publications Demobbed, he bought the in Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Elsternwick Advertiser suburban Perth, Adelaide, Newcastle, Cairns newspaper business, using £400 in and Darwin). deferred pay to go into business.

Later, the Daily Commercial News As he did many times in his busibusiness was purchased.So too the ness career, Isaacson enlisted the Kompass Industrial Register direchelp of his cousin Maurice Sloman tory of business listings. for working capital.

Expansion followed with the Asian “So here I was, sitting in this two Business Press joint venture. by two office all by myself at a desk In 1977, Maxwell Newton’s era borrowed from Anne’s father, writof the Melbourne/Sunday Observer ing the news, selling the advertising ● War-time Air Force pilot

● In his 20s as an Air Force military hero came to an inglorious end. Peter Isacson purchased the business for $425,000.

Denis Warner wrote: “Isaacson described it as semi-pornographic rag, put together with scissors and paste from a sheaf of lurid overseas publications.”

The Isaacson business for some time continued to accept brothel advertising. He later moved the paper more up-market.

Accounting advisor Ron Pitcher pleaded in later years for Isaacson to close the Observer business because of its ongoing financial losses.

In 1989, the decision was made for him when Rupert Murdoch announced that he would start two Sunday newspapers: the Sunday Sun and the Sunday Herald; and The Age started its own Sunday edition.

Isaacson closed the Observer. It was later re-commenced as a midweek paper by Local Media.

Isaacson also tried the Sunday Territorian business in Darwin, but was thwarted by Murdoch starting an identically named paper.

In the early 1990s, the O’Reilly family’s APN group took over the Isaacson publishing business that was recording group revenues of $35 million, but not making returns at international best standards.

Isaacson remained as a Director for some time, but the APN group took his company in unfamiliar directions. Years later, he made a diary note that he lamented what APN had done to his business.

In his late 70s, 80s and 90s, Peter Isaacson kept up his community interests. He was a Trustee, Chairman and Life Governor of the Shrine of Remembrance. He was a Director of companies including Balmoral Village and Henry Bucks.

He was decorated with the Medal of the Order of Australia ‘for services to the print media and the community”. He was a leader with the Cairnmillar Institute.

Peter Isaacson’s post-nominals also included the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Force Cross and Distinguished Flying Medal.

Anne Isaacson died last year. His sister Barbara ‘Joan’ Beck died on the same day as Peter (April 7). He is survived by sons Tony and Tim and their families.

A memorial service will be held in May. Peter Isaacson was a tough businessman, described as having a “heart of gold”. He could be a bully, and/or an angel.

He lived by a maxim: “when in doubt, do the courageous thing”. His courage was often extraordinary.

- Ash Long

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Arts Ann Kennedy Black

■ Ann Kennedy Black is an award-winning artist who has been painting for over 40 years.

She has had multiple solo exhibitions, including some in the USA and her works have sold internationally.

Ann is a long-time member of the Brighton Arts Society where she has served as President.

Many local Bayside scenes are included in this exhibition of oil paintings by this popular local artist.

Exhibition dates May 7 - 14. Monday Friday 3pm - 5pm. Saturday and Sunday 2pm - 5pm Venue: Highett Neighbourhood Community House, 2 Livingston St, Highett.

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 3, 2017 - Page 9 Melbourne

Observer

Showbiz News

Here, There, Everywhere

Van Gogh exhibition

■ The largest-ever Vincent van Gogh exhibition being held in Australia opened on Friday April 28 at the National Gallery of Victoria.

Present at the launch were Josien van Gogh and Sylvia Crammer, great-grand nieces of Vincent van Gogh, joined the exhibition curator Sjraar van Haugten, renowned Van Gogh expert and former Head of Collections at the Van Gogh Museum, for the first reveal of the world-premiere exhibition.

Featuring nearly 50 stunning, vividlycoloured Van Gogh masterpieces, Van Gogh and the Seasons explores the visionary artist's profound connection with the seasons - springtime, with its blossoming orchards and flowering meadows, summer, with fields of ripe wheat shimmering under the hot sun, autumn, with beautiful harvests and solitary figures sowing seeds; and winter, with peasants digging potatoes out of frozen fields.

One of the world's most famous artists, Van Gogh had a brief but prolific career spanning barely a decade before his suicide in 1890 at the age of 37.

The exhibition runs to July 9.

Uneasy Seasons

■ For the first time in her career, one of Australia's most significant artists, Fiona Hall has created an exhibition especially for teenagers and young children inviting them to consider the significance of the environment and the changing seasons.

Divided into two distinct environments, the exhibition space will feature two large-scale tree-houses, providing a canopy whereby young visitors can participate in art making activities to express their thoughts about the natural world.

The exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria opened April 14 and will close on October 8. Free Entry.

Geelong Gallery

■ Luminous Relic presents a major collaborative painting and moving image work by Mandy Martin and Alexander Boynes, with a score by Tristen Parr. Based on fieldwork around industrial Geelong, this urgent politically charged work examines the ongoing and cumulative effects of industry on landscapes, fragile ecosystems and human conditions].

This exhibition is running until Sunday July 9.

- Peter Kemp

● Karina Byrne, Ash Kearns, Katie Lee, Raechelle Butterfield, John Reisinger, Andrew Hood, Krissi Creighton, Dani Capron, Aeron Savige and Kate Mayer in Table 17.

■ Phillip A. Mayer and his Traralgon-based Landan), Aeron Savige (Tony Murray), Krissi Here There and Everywhere ensemble players Creighton (Helen Murray). Katie Lee (Joan represent a great theatrical success story, which Wakefield), Ashton Kearns (Gavin Wakefield), is a credit to their determination and hard work. Karina Byrne (Amy), John Reisinger (Frank Having won many awards for their original Landan), Dani Capron (Bevan) and Kate Mayer stage shows, the company has also successfully as waitress Kara.

The cast presents some terrific brought regional theatre to the city of Melbourne, performing in seasons at The Lawler and Na- characterisations, particularly Krissi Creighton and Raechelle Butterfield. tional Theatres.

There are laughs galore from the many witty The company’s latest show, Table 17, written and directed by Phillip A. Mayer, was nomi- jokes and one-liners in Mayer’s 90-minute script, nated for more than 30 awards in 2015 on the and social commentary too.

However, wanting to believe the characters One Act Play Festival circuit, with awards including Best Comedy, Best Original Play, Best were real people and become immersed in their Director, Best Ensemble and multiple Audience funny situation, I felt the over-use of contrived humour detracted from the characters’ believFavourite Awards.

Table 17 takes place at the back table at a ability.

But hey, Table 17 was presented for the wedding reception, where diverse family members and friends, invited due to obligation but too Melbourne International Comedy Festival with hard to place on other tables, are seated together. the aim to make us laugh, and we did.

Shining through productions presented by The performance at the National Theatre was presented on the stage, with patrons seated Here, There and Everywhere is an enthusiasm in the same space in a delightfully intimate the- and refreshing energy that makes their shows a pleasure to attend. atre environment.

Congratulations to Phillip A Mayer and his Portraying Mayer’s assortment of colourful, dysfunctional characters are Andrew Hood team.

- Review by Cheryl Threadgold (John Landan), Raechelle Butterfield (Sarah

Realistic Joneses ■ It would be a contradiction of terms to talk of a heightened realism, but, in some ways, that is what is achieved in Will Eno’s The Realistic Jonses currently being performed at the Red Stitch Theatre.

Jennifer Jones (Sarah Sutherland) and her husband Bob (Neil Pigot) exchange pleasantries on their back porch desperately looking for something to talk about.

They are joined by their new neighbours, John Jones (Justin Hoskin) and Pony Jones (Ella Cadwell).

Melbourne Observations

with Matt Bissett-Johnson

The ensuing conversations are awkward, funny and even absurd. Eno plays with the language. Further complicating things is that Bob has a degenerative disease and the medication means he’s not always completely in control of what he says or how he views events.

Jennifer struggles to cope with the demands this imposes on her marriage. Strangely, she finds some comfort talking to John while Pony finds talking to Bob reassuring given the anxiety she feels about her own husband’s behaviour.

It turns out that John, too, has the same degenerative disease which accounts for their presence in the same town – both Bob and John go to the same specialist – and the disjointed talk and erratic behaviour.

If there is a plot, it is the unstated fears and pressures that impinge on people’s worlds; Bob not wanting to accept his diagnosis, John keeping his diagnosis from Pony who is still forging a relationship in a relatively new union, Jennifer coping with the role of care giver and how that has altered her marriage.

The unstated drives the action. The dialogue is but a manifestation of the undeclared problems which are never articulated well. And nothing could be more real than that.

Director Julian Meyrick along with the lighting (Bronwyn Pringle) and sound designer (Ian Moorhead) have kept the set stark and simple.

The emphasis remains on the dialogue. Neil and Justin have more liberty with their roles, their characters being compromised.

This allows for greater differentiation from the norm.

Turn To Page 11

Just Briefly At Heide Museum Call of the Avant - Garde: Constructivism and Australian Art For more than 100 years, artists have drawn inspiration from the early 20th century avant-garde movement.

Its abstract forms, utopian ideals and vision of art's vital role in constructing a new society have continued to act as a beacon for artists if successive generations in many countries.

This extensive survey of over 60 artists explores how Australian artists have responded to this ground breaking modernist movement and its enduring call upon their imaginations form the 1930s to the present day.

A remarkable artistic experiment arising out of the social and political ferment of the Russian Revolution of 1917 Constructivism challenged the idea of the work of art as a unique commodity, explored more collective ways of working and sort to integrate art into everyday life.

Starting from the early influence of British constructivism on Australian painters and sculptors of the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s the exhibition traces a growing awareness of Russian constructivism among artists of later generations through to contemporary times.

The exhibition at Heide Museum of Modern Art will open July 5 and runs to October 8.

- Peter Kemp

This weekend Drawing : Luminous Still Lives Charles Blackman loved the depth of tone and feeling willow charcoal can produce. In this workshop we focus on the tradition of 'rub-back' technique, a great way to improve your observational drawing skills while learning how to creat form through the use of tone.

Suitable for all levels.

Friday May 5, 10am-1pm.

Painting: Light and Shadow.

The technique of chiarosduro (Italian for light and dark) was developed during the Renaissance to give added depth and drama to paintings, such as we had in Charles Blackman's series Schoolgirls, where high contrast light and darks create dynamic rhythms and forms.

Led by Heide's artist educators, this oil painting workshop is suitable for all skill levels.

Saturday May 6 at 9.30am-1.30pm.

- Peter Kemp

Nutcracker

■ Graeme Murphy's interpretation of the classic ballet Nutcracker is being staged by the Australian Ballet.

The story departs from the original and tells of the Clara, an elderly Russian emigrant and former prima ballerina, dreaming of her earlier days with lover and sadness one feverishly hot Australian Christmas eve in the late 80s.

Enjoying an evening if reminiscing and dancing with her Russian friends, then, exhausted she falls into a dream-filled sleep which her childhood experiences are revisited And thus the Nutcracker comes to the stage.

Season: June 2-10.

- Peter Kemp

Melbourne

Observer

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West Hollywood

G’day USA was sparkling success ■ Hi everyone, from my suite at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites comes this week's news.

How good are we!

■ The G'Day USA Los Angeles Gala Dinner was held in Los Angeles and this years honourees were Oscar award winning costume and production designer Catherine Martin and also Internationally acclaimed Executive Producer David Hill who both received the G'Day USA Lifetime Achievement Award.

The G'Day USA award night is the pre-eminent businessnetworking event for Australia and US companies seeking to increase their visibility and presence in both markets.

Frank Howson and John-Michael Howson submitted this original idea to the Australian Government all those years ago. Like most brilliant ideas a higher authority claimed it for themselves and the Australian Government now runs this event.

Richest man eats Maccas ■ Guests at an HBO party for new documentary "Becoming Warren Buffett" dined on the billionaire's favourite foods, such as "macaroni balls" and Dairy Queen treats, but the Oracle of Omaha had McDonald's delivered for him.

"Someone snuck in a burger and a Coke. He has them every day," a source said. In the doc, Buffett credits his late wife Susan with inspiring him to give to charity. He told us he agreed to make the documentary to honour her and his late father.

"I never thought my dad or my first wife had ever gotten full credit," Buffett said.

Big spending POTUS ■ President Barack Obama left the federal government approximately $9,335,000,000,000 deeper in debt than it was when he took office eight years ago, according to data released by the U.S. Treasury.

The increased debt incurred under Obama equals approximately $75,129 for every person in the United States who had a full-time job in December.

The $9,334,590,089,060.56 that the debt had increased under Obama is far more debt than was accumulated by any previous president. It equals nearly twice as much as the $4,889,100,310,609.44 in additional debt that piled up during the eight years George W. Bush served as president.

● Pictured at the event is one of its major sponsors, Ramada Plaza, West Hollywood's Managing Director Mr. Alan Johnson and his wife Lorna Johnson.

Free things to do in WeHo HOTEL MUSIC SERIES Listen to free acoustic music in an awesome setting. The Andaz's Under the Covers series happens monthly on Wednesday nights. The Roxy Theatre owner Nic Adler hand-picks the featured cover musicians, and conducts a pre-show interview with them in an Andaz hotel room (hence the name, "Under the Covers." For a poolside setting, visit The Standard Hollywood's weekly Wednesday night series, Desert Nights.

You'll listen to acoustic performances in the intimate, candlelit Cactus Lounge and sip drinks by The Standard's expert bartenders.

Sir Paul ready for fight ■ Paul McCartney has filed a lawsuit against Sony to regain ownership of the Beatles' songs he co-wrote with John Lennon.

Citing part of the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976 that allows songwriters to get copyrights back 56 years after a legal transfer of ownership, McCartney says he will reclaim rights in October 2018.

According to legal documents, the songs include "Love Me Do," "All You Need Is Love," and "I Want to Hold Your Hand" all of which are currently in Sony's catalogue.

McCartney had initially gotten the ball rolling on getting ownership of the songs back last March, but he decided to file a lawsuit when Sony put up resistance

‘The Donald’ was second ■ Donald Trump's inauguration ratings were the second highest in 36 years, according to Nielsen. 30.6 million viewers saw the swearing-in of the 45th president across 12 networks. The only inauguration over the last three decades that tops Trump's number in the linear ratings? Barack Obama's first inauguration back in 2009 had a record-setting 37.8 million viewers.

BOOK SIGNINGSAT BOOK SOUP Meet your favourite author, listen to a reading and get an autographed book or a picture at Book Shop in West Hollywood. The famous bookstore features author readings most nights a week, and admission is always free.

GavinWood

From my Suite at the Ramada Plaza Complex on Santa Monica Blvd

PERSUE THE SUNSET STRIPFARMER'S MARKET Relax after work or bring the family on an adventure Thursday nights at the Sunset Strip Farmer's Market. Every Thursday night, the famous street hosts a night time farmer's market full of produce, dairy and meat, food vendors and entertainment. While purchasing groceries for dinner costs money, there is often live music and entertainment, which is always free for attendees.

REMODELYOUR HOMEATTHE PACIFIC DESIGN CENTER The Blue Building of the architecture masterpiece that is the Pacific Design Centre is home to countless interior design showrooms. Bring a sketchpad, a camera and your questions: spend the day browsing for ideas for your current house or future dream home.

Special Holiday Offer ■ If you are considering a move to Los Angeles or just coming over for a holiday to see all the sights then I have got a special deal for you.

We would love to see you at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites, 8585 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood.

I have secured a terrific Holiday deal for readers of the Melbourne Observer.

Please mention 'Melbourne Observer' when you book and you will receive the 'Special Rate of the Day'.

Please contact: Joanna at info@ramadaweho.com Happy Holidays, Gavin Wood

GET HEALTHYONYOUR SPECIALDAY Why celebrate turning another year older by stuffing your face with cake and champagne? Add even more years to your life by claiming your free class and gym usage at Lift West Hollywood The gym wants to give you the very special birthday gift of fitness, so mark your calendar on your birthday.

● Sir Paul McCartney

www.gavinwood.us

GETACELEBRITY'SAUTOGRAPH (ANDATASTY TREAT)AT MILLIONS OF MILKSHAKES. Take a walk down the red carpet at Santa Monica Boulevard's Millions of Milkshakes! You never know who'll stop by. Kim Kardashian, Miley Cyrus, Heidi and Spencer, Mario Lopez and more have all stopped by the store to sign autographs, meet fans, take pictures and, of course, create their own drinks! Stop by on a regular day for a delicious celebrity-created treat. Or find out when a star is coming to town and get in line!

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 3, 2017 - Page 11

Melbourne

Confidential Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless

Pride and Prejudice Observer Melbourne

inc orpor a ting the Melbourne A d vvertiser ertiser incorpor orpora Ad ertiser,, Melbourne T ict orian Rur al Ne ws Trr ader ader,, V Vict ictorian Rural New and Melbourne Seniors News News..

Victoria’s Independent Newspaper First Published September 14, 1969 Every W ednesda y Wednesda ednesday

Contact Us Office: 30 Glen Gully Rd, Eltham, 3095 Postal: PO Box 1278, Research, Vic 3095 Phone: +61 3 9439 9927 Fax: +61 3 9431 6247 Web: w w w.MelbourneObserv e rr.. c om.au .MelbourneObserve or@MelbourneObserv e rr.. c om.au E: E dit ditor@MelbourneObserv or@MelbourneObserve

Our Team Editor: Ash Long Features Editor: Peter Mac Associate Editor: Lisa Hodgson Columnists: Len Baker (harness racing), Matt Bissett-Johnson (cartoonist), David Ellis (wine and travel), Rob Foenander (country music), Kerry Kulkens (astrology), Nick Le Souef (outback Australia), Mike McColl Jones (life), Greg Ne wman (r adio ), T erry Radf o rrd d ((C C ourt ewman (radio adio), Terry Radfo roundsman), Aaron Rourke (movies), Ted Ry an (r acing), Jim Sherlock Ryan (racing), (movies, DVDs), Cheryl Threadgold (local thea tr e), K e vin T sho wbiz), theatr tre Ke Trrask ((sho showbiz), Veritas, G a vin W ood (Holly w ood).

Ga Wood (Hollyw Honorary Reviewers: Mark Briggs, Rita Crispin, Martin Curtis, Sherryn Danaher Danaher,, Barbar a Hughes, L yn Hurs t, K a thryn Barbara Lyn Hurst, Ka Keeble, Beth Klein, Deborah Marinaro, G rraeme aeme McC oubrie therine egor McCoubrie oubrie,, Ca Catherine therine,, McGr McGregor egor,, David McLean, Maggie Morrison, Jill P age ylie Rackham, Elizabeth Semmel. age,, K Kylie Distribution: Sam Fiorini, phone 9482 1145

Distribution Sta dition: Available w eekly a tatte E Edition: weekly att approx. 400 newsagents across the Melbourne metropolitan area, Mornington Peninsula, Geelong, Bellarine Peninsula, Surf coast, and Victorian regional centres.

Recommended retail price: $2.95.

If your local newsagent does not curr ently sstt ock the Melbourne Observ er currently Observer er,, why not place a weekly order with them, by using their ‘putaway’ service.

Newsagents should contact All Day Distribution Pty Ltd, 169 Burwood Road, Hawthorn, Vic 3122. Phone: (03) 9482 1145.

Independently Owned and Operated The Melbourne Observer is printed under contract by Streamline PressPty Ltd, 155 Johns t, Fitzr oy, ffor or the publisher Johnstt on S St, Fitzro publisher,, Local Media Pty Ltd. ABN 67 096 680 063, of the registered office, 30 Glen Gully Rd, Eltham, Vic 3095. Distributed

by All Day Distribution. Responsibilityfor election and referendum comment is accepted by Ash Long.

Co p yright © 20 ocal Media P ty L pyright 2011 7 7,, L Local Pty Lttd.

ACN 096 680 063.

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company presents Simon Reade’s stage adaptation of Pride and Prejudice until May 13 in their comfortable, well-appointed theatre in Rosanna.

First published in 1813, Jane Austen’s romance novel has survived over 200 years, with 11adaptations for screen and TV produced between 1938 and 2005, and Reade’s stage adaptation making its debut in 2009.

Under the creative direction of Tim Scott, the performers deliver Reade’s dialogue with articulate authenticity.

This combined with John Shelbourn’s impressive multi-purpose set, and the beautiful costumes designed by Wendy Drowley and her team, transports the audience into a charming early 19th century theatre experience.

Well-rehearsed Regency period ensemble dances, including ball scenes, are nicely choreographed by Dianne Mileo, and elegantly presented in polished style.

Whether principal performer or ensemble member, the cast do great work in bringing Austen’s characters to life.

Stellar performances are particularly enjoyed from Lee Threadgold (Mr Bennet),Abi Richardson (Mrs Bennet) and Venetia Macken (Lady Catherine De Bourgh).

Footmen.

The problem however with backstage crew not wearing black is that moving costumed figures working in the wings distract from the play.

This production will delight Jane Austen fans and those unfamiliar who enjoy a romantic story.

Performance details: Until May 13 Venue: Heidelberg Theatre, 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna Bookings: www. htc.org.au or 9457 4117 - Review by Cheryl Threadgold

● Miss Elizabeth Bennet (Aimee Sanderson) and Mr Darcy (James Antonas) in Pride and Prejudice.

Photo: David Belton The five Bennet serve as characters insisters and Georgiana terweave gracefully Darcy and Charlotte around the stage, and Lucas are delightfully set changes are portrayed by Claire smoothly facilitated by Abagia (Jane), Aimée costumed maids and S a n d e r s o n (Elizabeth),Madalyn McCandless (Mary), Morgan ThomasConnor (Kitty), Courtney Crisfield (Lydia), Louise Newton (Georgiana) and Nicola Taylor (Charlotte), with Aimée presenting an outstanding performance as strong-minded Elizabeth.

Claire Benne delivers a strong perforHear It Here First mance as Caroline Bingley, as do Lynn McGregor (Mrs Gardiner), Diane ■ State Labor MLC Jaclyn Symes was Mileo (Lady Lucas) reportedly 50 minutes late for a school cerand David Fowles (Sir emony at Yea last week ... and is said to have William Lucas). blamed roadworks being undertaken by the There would be no Andrews Government for her tardy arrival. romance without the gents, and James Antonas (Mr Fitz-william Darcy), Tyson ■ A pokies player in Victoria’s west enLegg (Mr Charles sured that she had the venue manager sign a Bingley). Jacob declaration that he sighted a winning combiPilkington (Mr nation on screen on a machine, that she says Collins), and should have meant a $10,000 payment. The Christien Dariol (Mr venue said the machine didn’t sound, and Wickham) do great Intralot says it has no record of a win. This work in their roles. story is not over.

Director Scott’s artistry is a joy to ob-

● From Page 9

Realistic Joneses Sarah and Ella’s characters are a little more nuanced as they cope with their respective husband’s behaviours.

Whilst Eno’s play does not necessarily have a traditional plot arc, the ending is an acceptance of life’s challenges rather than a resolution to the problems being faced.

Bob, having taken a double dose of his medication is in exceptional good humour.

Red Stitch continue bringing challenging and thoughtful theatre to Melbourne.

Some say Eno is an acquired taste. (In Australia the name is synonymous with an antacid). What he does with dialogue, however, is both exciting and revealing which makes this a show worth seeing.

Red Stitch Theatre. Until May 28.

- Review by David McLean

Rumour Mill

50 minutes late

$10,000 missing

Nursing home death

■ VCAT member Ian Proctor has heard that records of the death of a patient, 76, at a nursing home were written to disguise that the victim had struck her head on a fountain, into which she had fallen headfirst.

Catherine Condon, facility manager, and Lea Sanchez, Division 1 nurse, have appeared at the Tribunal over the matter.

Mrs Condon has been reprimanded, and suspended as a nurse for three months.

Ms Sanchez has been cautioned.

Patient notes were written up as “[Resident was] found in the courtyard at [4 pm] lying on the ground, nil pulse, nil respiration, lips cyanotic, appears to have a massive MI.”

Countdown ■ There are only 33 more Melbourne Observers until Christmas.

E-Mail: Confidential@MelbourneObserver.com.au

Your Stars with Kerry Kulkens ARIES: (March 21- April 20) Lucky Colour: Silver Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 2.3.5.6.

Lotto Numbers: 2.15.26.39.34.40.

Some changes that could take you by surprise and most of them should bring increase in your earning power.

Problems with communications could prove costly if you rely on them entirely.

TAURUS: (April 21- May 20) Lucky Colour: Red Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 5.6.2.4.

Lotto Numbers: 5.12.26.34.33.1.

You should be feeling better and getting on with your duties but something could be postponed and change your plans somewhat. Busy social life could take its toll if you do not get enough rest.

GEMINI: (May 21- June 21) Lucky Colour: Mauve Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 5.6.2.3.

Lotto Numbers: 5.12.26.37.8.9.

You could be feeling harassed by people who do not really know what they are talking about. Cut yourself off from unnecessary hassle and concentrate on what you want to get on with.

CANCER: (June 22- July 22) Lucky Colour: Yellow Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 1.2.1.5.

Lotto Numbers: 1.12.26.35.40.33.

Something very intriguing could be happening and you might not know what to do. Trust people who you know are worthy of it but stay out of trouble and away from careless friends.

LEO: (July 23- August 22) Lucky Colour: Peach Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 2.3.6.2.

Lotto Numbers: 2.12.26.35.40.22.

A very good time to look into your own mind and make up your mind independently from others. Improvements are expected by people who know you well and want your best.

VIRGO: (August 23- September 23) Lucky Colour: Apricot Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 5.2.1.3.

Lotto Numbers: 5.12.26.34.22.10.

Very good period romance wise and someone you care about could be taking a special interest in your career matters. Would be wise to be careful in what you say and try to present yourself in a better light.

LIBRA: (September 24- October 23) Lucky Colour: Blue Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 5.3.2.1.

Lotto Numbers: 2.15.5.12.21.22.

You could find something you thought lost forever, many other surprises could be happening during this period and your ability to adapt could become handy.

Luck with someone born in June.

SCORPIO: (October 24- November 22) Lucky Colour: Orange Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 1.6.9.8.

Lotto Numbers: 1.12.26.39.5.44.

Your hunches could pay off during this period and many of your plans for the future could seem that much nearer now. If travel is in your plans make sure everything is above board.

SAGITTARIUS: (November 23- December 20) Lucky Colour: Lilac Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 5.6.8.7.

Lotto Numbers: 5.12.26.34.40.45.

Try not to get involved with someone who will expect you to do something you are not prepared to do. You should be able to solve a problem that has been bothering you for some time.

CAPRICORN: (December 21- January 19) Lucky Colour: Dark Green Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 5.9.6.1.

Lotto Numbers: 1.12.26.5.44.3.

Good period for financial speculation if you know what you are doing. Domestic matters could cause a problem if you are not prepared to compromise and let bygones be bygones.

AQUARIUS: (January 20- February 19) Lucky Colour: Red Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 8.9.1.5.

Lotto Numbers: 8.15.29.37.40.11.

This could be a very profitable time and also good for your career matters but you have to be quick to take advantage of the situation, use your charm to achieve a peaceful solution to a family problem.

PISCES: (February 20- March 20) Lucky Colour: White Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 5.9.6.1.

Lotto Numbers: 5.18.24.40.26.33.

You seem to be very busy in your social life and your company is sought by many people. In your working environment you could be asked to do something new and ability to learn will become useful.

Visit Kerry Kulkens Magic Shop at 1693 Burwood Hwy, Belgrave Phone/Fax 9754 4587 www.kerrykulkens.com.au Like us on Facebook

Page 12 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Observer Showbiz

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Local Theatre With Cheryl Threadgold

Melbourne

Observer

Melbourne Cabaret Festival program launched ■ The eight annual Melbourne Cabaret Festival program has been announced, and Queen of Cabaret, Dolly Diamond, has taken the reins of this year’s Festival, bringing together 10 Australian premiere shows along with some of the best new talent, from Tuesday, June 20 until Sunday, July2 at Chapel off Chapel.

“At last I can reveal the fabulous line-up for this year’s Melbourne Cabaret Festival,” says Dolly Diamond, Artistic Director, Melbourne Cabaret Festival.

“It's full of homegrown Australian talent with a huge amount of new works being presented. It was important for me this year to draw on the talented artists who live and work in Australia, just as I do. I'm a great admirer of artists working all around the world but I felt it was time to focus on the performers who are the backbone of Australian cabaret.”

The Opening Gala presents highlights from shows from across the festival in one extravaganza, hosted by the one and only Dolly Diamond. Tues June 20 , 7pm. Dolly Diamond’s Closing Night Cabaret, a great way to see the festival out, Sunday, July 2, 7pm.

Australia’s Boys of Motown Wednesday, June 21 (preview) to Sunday, June 25, 6.30pm Australia’s Boys of Motown is a modern twist on that distinct soul-pop sound that is Motown.

These boys blend the world’s best known originals, covers and remakes of Motown, with current chart hits in one Motown inspired spectacle. Sing along to the music of Jackson 5, The Temptations, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons to Bruno Mars. Featuring Vincent Hooper, Richard Swanson and Barnaby Reiter. ★ Queen of Broadway – The Ethel Merman Story Wednesday June 21 (preview) to Sunday June 25, 7pm Jon Jackson, acclaimed Australian operatic counter-tenor recreates the life and times of Ethel Merman.

Revisit the era and songs of Cole Porter, the Gershwin’s, Irving Berlin and even Amy Winehouse as Miss Merman comes back to earth for one last show.

However, first she has to find a body to inhabit. She sends out her wish list and ends up with Mr Jon Jackson. He's got the presence and the voice, so his gender is something she's prepared to overlook. ★ Ginger and Tonic: For Love or Money Wednesday June 21 (preview) to Sunday June 25, 8.30pm After a lot of touring and a Green Room Award for Best Musical direction for Desperate and Dateless, the Ginger and Tonic girls are still struggling in love, but that's not going to stop them from being the awesome women that they are.

They have big ideas – huge ideas – to make big bucks! Or do they...? Using their powerful voices and tight harmonies, this time the girls are pitching in more ways than one, hoping to find success in this dog-eat-dog world.

Join Laura Burzacott, Rebecca Moore, Jane Patterson and Danielle O'Malley as they take you on a journey through their ambitions, from humble food dreams to embryo-freezing empires. ★ You're My World – The Story of Cilla Black Tuesday June 27 (preview) to Saturday July 1, 6.30pm Fresh from a sold-out season at Perth Fringe, You're My World – The Cilla Black Story is a biographical cabaret full of the powerhouse vocals and self-deprecating humour that made Cilla Black one of the UK's most beloved performers.

We meet the British pop icon and television personality at the peak of her popularity and reminiscing about her childhood in Liverpool, her meteoric rise to fame and sharing a few cheeky showbiz anecdotes about John, Paul,

George, Ringo and her old mate Queen Elizabeth II. Songs include: Goin' Out of My Head, Alfie, Step Inside Love, Sing A Rainbow, Anyone Who Had A Heart and You're My World. Written and Performed by Danielle O'Malley. Musical Direction by Mark Jones with a line-up of piano, bass, and percussion. ★ Blue: The Songs of Joni Mitchell Tuesday June 27 (preview) to Saturday July 1, 7pm Renowned for her artful storytelling and raw, emotive vocals, cabaret chanteuse Queenie van de Zandt, returns to the cabaret stage with a brand-new show exploring the songs, stories and art of the musical legend that is Joni Mitchell.

In Blue: The Songs of Joni Mitchell, Queenie, along with musical director Vicky Jacobs and a live band, explore her love of all things Joni – affectionately reinterpreting Joni Mitchell's melancholy music, and intimately revealing the stories behind some of her most haunting songs such as A Case of You, Both Sides Now and Little Green. ★ Cyrens – The Swingin’ Songbook of Cy Coleman Tuesday June 27 (preview) to Saturday July 1, 8.30pm A musical revue celebrating the legendary Broadway composer and jazzman Cy Coleman, known for shows such as Sweet Charity, Barnum, On the Twentieth Century, The Life and City of Angels, but his musical roots were in the jazz world.

Cy Coleman’s songs are known for their sophistication and wit. Amanda Harrison (Wicked), Chelsea Renton-Gibb (Chicago) and Melissa Langton (The Fabulous Singlettes) are also known for their sophistication and wit – but more for singing loud and high and knowing how to sell the hell out of a song!

Cyrens is performed with a four-piece band, some dangerously close three-part harmony, arrangements by Mark Jones and a few jokes and a dash of Bob Fosse. ★ Dolly Diamond: The Lady is a Tramp Tuesday June 27 (preview) to Saturday July 1 , 9pm The Lady is a Tramp is an autobiographical tell-all and celebration of the life of a hard-working and fearless woman.

Featuring tales of Dolly Diamond's life, loves and (alleged) lascivious behaviour this show features sensational new material and the incomparable Shanon Whitelock on piano.

Like so many pioneering women before her Dolly refuses to be branded a 'scarlet woman' for simply embracing her sexuality or 'opinionated' for speaking her mind. ★ Plus Shows in Development by established and emerging performers bringing their talents to cabaret for the first time.

Melbourne Cabaret Festival 2017 from Tuesday June 20 until Sunday July w, Chapel Off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel St, Prahran. Tickets from $25.

Bookings: http://melbournecabaret.com

In The Men’s

■ The title In the Mens is a little misleading, rather than some bathroom comedy we were treated to a combination of monologues and duologues with no connection whatsoever.

However playwright Kieran Carroll explains that In The Mens is an examination of certain types of Australian men from World War II onwards with character traits of, honesty, dishonesty, irascible, witty, insecure and loneliness.

His eight short plays, some for the first time provide an insight into these traits and more.

Carroll reconnected with actors Ben Grant and Ben Maclaine to bring back works that had been performed some years ago in Sydney, England and America.

In a two-part The Jockey Who Loved Cheesecake performed by Ben Maclaine we were introduced to jockey Rocket Smith, trying to keep his weight down but having to settle for country races and despite running the wrong way he was offered a race in Hong Kong but stayed put as he was besotted by Rhonda the tallest women in Melbourne at 6ft 5inches.

In the second part he was overweight .had run his last race and was chasing taller “filly” who was 6ft 6inches.

Ben Grant performed two works, The Commuter and The Wanting, the latter with gusto and emotion while as Gavin the Stock broker inThe Commuter he was soft and at times inaudible particularly when looking to the wings.

The versatility of Ben Maclaine was to the fore in his renditions of Basil The Whippet and A 50th Drink at Elms Family Hotel while he shone as Oldest Man at 148 years old.

In the Mens was presented at La Mama Courthouse.

- Review by Graeme McCoubrie

Jewish-ish

■ Michael Shafar is Jewish-ish, that is culturally Jewish not religiously, and while his material predominantly pokes fun at some of the peculiarities of the religion and its faithful, it also ranges far wider than that.

Shafar joins an impressive list who have mastered the art of ridiculing and stereotyping their own kind (think Larry David and Mel Brooks), in his latest show Jewish-ish debuting at the Melbourne Comedy Festival.

After a slightly awkward start (how many times can you thank an audience for coming?)

Shafar manages to find a good pace and moves with confidence from topic to topic.

Subjects covered in his comedic sweep include identity, his of course (Jewish Australian or Australian Jew?), studying law, JFK’s grave site ratings, airline executives, sex with his girlfriend and the optimistic concept of “harmony” football matches (namely between Israel and Lebanon). There is something to tickle everyone’s funny bone.

Discussions about language and the origins of the terms "feminazi" and "anti-Semitic" amuse, but funniest by far was his questioning of the more bizarre mitzvahs, or rather mitzvot.

Mitzvot are like the Ten Commandments except there are more than 600 of them. These commandments are moral or religious duties, and apparently using "fresh" grapes to make wine ranks higher than not smiting your folks.

Shaffer impresses and cleverly draws on earlier material to keep the laughter rolling. An amusing and entertaining 50 minutes, that was well worth its place in the Comedy Festival.

- Review by Beth Klein

Pacific Diamond

● Sydney actor Ben Maclaine

■ Murder on the Pacific Diamond. We all like a good murder perhaps one that was hosted at the 86 Cabaret Bar for the MICF, a “who dun it” where the audience have their chance to solve “who”.

Performed by The Sparrow Men as improvised theatre in its true form and very likely with no two performances similar.

On board The Pacific Diamond, a luxury cruise ship we are party to three very different couples who are each celebrating various celebrations of their unions and who are all suspects.

They were all present when international singer Dame Elizabeth Heinrich played by Andy Balloch is murdered while finishing “her” off key rendition of “I will do anything for love”.

Andy Balloch and Marcus Willis are two Detectives who make it clear that while being professionals they expect the audience – “we have 47 amateur detectives” to help in catching the murderer.

Both play the various characters - a rich sophisticated couple with a daughter in real estate, two elderly gay men reliving the joys of their 30year relationship and a Russian husband and wife team of holidaying assassins.

In playing the various roles, while the dialogue suited well the characters, particularly the diverse roles played by Andy Bulloch, there was much of the sameness with Marcus Willis’s body language and voice throughout all his character portrayals.

To change character they went behind a screen but nothing was different. Adding a scarf, a fur hat, a chef’s apron, a smoking jacket, or even a wig in portraying the characters would have added to their identification and consistency in delivery.

The laughs were there, the audience generally responsive while full credit goes to both The Sparrow Men for their skills in improvisation and immediate responses to the audience questions when finally trying to determine who the murderer was.

- Review by Graeme McCoubrie

Fractured Fairytales

■ Matty Grey is really a big kid and because he is, he knows what makes kids laugh, and that’s just what they did at his Fractured Fairytales for the Melbourne Comedy Festival.

Fractured Fairy Tales originally appeared on The Rocky and Bullwinkle cartoon show in the 1960s and 70s, where a classic fairy tale was hilariously re-written mixing up the characters or changing the plot to a “not so happy ending”.

According to one, Sleeping Beauty’s Prince was a calculating manipulator who preferred the beauty asleep than awake.

In Grey’s Fractured Fairytales, Matty and his trusty side-kick Teddlie visit Matty’s Granny, but when they get there she’s not at home and the house is in a terrible mess.

Teddlie, left to clean up, can’t find a rubbish bin so throws the rubbish into the fire, including a rare book which just happens to be the only magical First Edition Fairy Tale volume complete with the soul of each tale.

With no record of the tales left, Matty and Teddlie must rewrite the book in just 60 minutes.

To do so they re-enact the various tales to ensure they are not forgotten. But oh dear, how quickly they forgot them (clearly their memories aren’t what they used to be) – and so ensues the “fractured fairytales”.

Highlights include Sleeping Beauty and the pop-faced Prince, Little Red Riding Hood – an unruly rapper from the 'hood with intentions to rip off Granny and her baking business, Goldilocks and the three … what? and Jack and the Bean Stalk. The funniest joke by far was Jack’s interrupting mooing cow which received uproarious laughter, and boy did Grey milk it (pardon the pun).

No kids' show is complete without the obligatory fart joke and Teddlie’s explosive version of the hit from frozen, Let it Go, had the kids rolling in the aisles.

Not a lot in it for grown-ups, but judging by the hysterical laughter around me, if you’re between 5 and 12, this could just be the funniest show on earth.

- Beth Klein

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 3, 2017 - Page 13

Page 14 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 3, 2017

■ Dorothy Baker is one of the survivors from the early days of television in Melbourne. It is 60 years since Dorothy began working in television and there are not too many of those original Melbourne artists still working in showbusiness.

In the mid 1950s Dorothy Baker had left school and was working as a secretary in the city when she entered and won a talent quest.

This led to singing engagements at the various dance venues such as Ziegfeld's Ballroom in Hawthorn, the Orama in Footscray and the Moonee Ponds Town Hall.

The Federal Hotel Association, which managed a group of hotels including The Menzies, The Federal and The Savoy Plaza hired Dorothy to sing at their venues.

The Managing Director, Oliver Shawl, said to the young Dorothy "Go home and learn some Vera Lynn songs."

Dorothy replied "Who's Vera Lynn?"

But she soon found out and has been singing the songs of Vera Lynn for over 50 years.

In those days, prior to television, Dorothy was singing at five different venues each night, seven days a week. It is remarkable, Dorothy has never had a singing lesson in her life - it has been a God given gift.

In 1957 Channel Seven were looking for television singers and Dorothy began singing on The Late Show. In 1959, she was contracted to Channel Nine to appear on Graham Kennedy's In Melbourne Tonight.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

"Go home and learn some Vera Lynn songs."

Dorothy replied "Who's Vera Lynn?"

Whatever Happened To ...

Dorothy Baker

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM During her career, Dorothy has performed in television shows such as The Delo & Daly Show, The Bert Newton Show, The Don Lane Show and many more.

Dorothy had a hit song with I'm The Girl From Wolverton Mountain in 1962. In 1963 Dorothy went overseas for two years and worked in England, Germany, France and Italy.

She toured with David Frost, Frankie Vaughan, Adam Faith and Gerry and The Pacemakers - to name a few. Her first single recording Try Being Nice to Me was released in the UK on the Parlophone Label.

In the eighties, Dorothy was working on cruise liners for Sitmar and Flotta Lauro. She sang on many ships including the Castel Felice, Fairsky,

● Dorothy Baker and Philip Brady

Fair Sea, Achelle Lauro and Angelina Lauro.

Her husband Ron Webb, who played trumpet in the original Channel Nine orchestra, passed away in 1998.

Dorothy is the mother of two daughters Kerri and Lisa.

She is very proud of her three grandchildren.

Kerri was a newsreader on ABC television.

Dorothy is still performing on a regular basis and gives talks for local Probus Clubs.

I just adore Dorothy Baker, she is a real professional and I love hearing her sing the Vera Lynn songs.

We meet each Friday for the ‘Brady Bunch’ morning tea hosted by Philip Brady.

Kevin Trask Kevin can be heard on radio 3AW. Remember When - with Philip Brady and Simon Owens.

Sundays at 9pm 96.5FM That's Entertainment - 96.5FM Sundays at 12 Noon 96.5FM is streaming on the internet. www.innerfm.org.au

Surprise in Darwin swimming pool

■ There is quite a spiffy house currently for sale in Darwin with seven bedrooms and five bathrooms, nestling on two hectares - quite a nice little Top End million dollar-plus property.

But there is a difference - there's a pool in the backyard in which dwells Jaws, a 3.6 metre salty.

Jaws was plonked into the pool just a few years ago, and has grown apace since then.

I have read of some individuals owning salty crocodiles in various other countries, and actually taming them down so that they're quiet, docile pets.

One, a huge monster, in the Philippines I think, had a burly owner who would treat him just like a pet dog, and he just wandered all over him, tame as a kitten.

It seems as though Jaws is of sterner stuff. His owner, warns that any future owner will need to closely monitor the reptile if he chooses to keep it.

He was demonstrating to a TV crew recently, using a stout bamboo pole, when Jaws grabbed it, thinking it was his leg, and performed a death roll. Not too friendly that.

So any new owner of this particular property must prepare himself for this unexpected addition! Or contact my mate Graeme at thecrocodile park.

■ I am about to rise early in the morning to view a Sunrise program, which is advertising itself as an expose on black panthers, with somewhat blurry images of big black cats lurking around the bush.

So I'll be up bright and early to view this offering.

It seems that this is a supposedly Victorian creature, but there have been reports of such beasts all over Australia, including often in the NT. Although officialdom is decidedly opposed to the existence of such creatures, it seems to me that one should have been captured or shot by now, but alas, no.

So it's still a mystery. I'll be quite interested to watch more of these beasts tomorrow morning.

Why officialdom should be against the existence of these creatures is a mystery to me - maybe there's a mystery secret they wish to hide. Can't imagine what, though.

Maybe it's a panther escaped from a zoo or a circus, or maybe it's an extinct marsupial, the Marsupial Lion,

The Outback Legend

with Nick Le Souef Lightning Ridge Opals 63 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne Phone 9654 4444 www.opals.net.au Thylocoleo carnefax, last roaming around 20,000 years ago, which makes it a bit more interesting.

■ Although not in the Outback per se, I have always been interested in Gippsland - it has an aura of mystery similar to the Centre.

Many of my friends have chosen to have beach houses along the Mornington Peninsula - and resultantly the costs of such are now astronomical.

However, along the eastern coast, past the Prom, it's a different story.

Houses down there are just a fraction of the rpices of Peninsula properties.

A friend of mine has just purchased a property at Venus Bay. There are kangaroos and wombats roaming around the backyard, with the option of fishing and bush walking, surfing or skin diving just within minutes of his front door.

Whilst Blairgowrie is just awash with visitors at the hint of a holiday can't find a parking spot in the main street anywhere - somewhere like the Gippsland seaside hamlets are just quietish little spots no matter when.

To be able to wander off into the bush early one morning to be greeted by roos and wombats and various other wonderful creatures would appeal to me in a far greater way than competing with a constant wall of traffic.

■ After having recently experienced the heartbreak of a loss of my companion dog of 14 years, Polly, there now comes the new adventure of a new companion. I have always been in a dog family since I can remember - and now is no different.

Even though I started off at about age four with a typical foxy, my constant companion for about 15 years, firstly at Kyabram, and then Blairgowrie, I've strayed from that breed.

There were a few bitsers, which my kids loved, but over the past couple of decades I've chosen poodles.

Although they are reputedly just kissy-faced lap dogs, they were originally bred for hunting, and such a sentiment still lurks deep within their breast.

So when I took Polly to Coober Pedy, she spent most of her time sniffing about after kangaroos, and chasing ground larks across the gibber plains. Never caught them, but was delighted in the chase.

And even in the recent past, along the Blairgowrie dog beach, she would drop down on to the ground, replicating a lioness, at the approach of another dog, whether a Shepherd or a dachshund.

Her high intelligence, combined with her loyalty and sense of adventure was just perfect as a canine companion.

So it'll be another little poodle next week.

With the training of the wees and poos, and the stops and the heels and the yesses and the noes.

■ There was another Top End canine story which surfaced a couple of years ago, and which reminded me of the perils of walking a dog along the beach.

At Blairgowrie there is the dog beach, just west of the Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron, where one can unclip one's pooch and let it scuttle up and down the beach, sniffing out the decaying seaweed patches, coming across an old toad, or paddling about between the sandbanks.

Some of the braver individuals

jumped into the water collecting the thrown tennis balls of their owners.

There don't seem to be any ferocious dogs down there - mainly little fluffies, or well trained and obedient and friendly bigger brown nondescripts.

No danger there.

However I recently read of a couple in Darwin who, when taking their precious little numbers for an evening stroll along the foreshore,

heard a man perched on a grassy knoll, shout out a warning: "Crocodile!"

Sure enough there, about to confront the walkers and their gambolling companions, was a huge salty just lying on the sand with its jaws wide open.

A quick snap of the leashes, and a speedy retreat.

Nothing like that at Blairgowrie!

- Nick Le Souef ‘The Outback Legend’

Local Theatre Rent

■ Forget the likes of the productions at Her Majesty’s, the Regent and the Princes, for Ballarat’s Federation University’s Arts Academy production of Rent has a wow factor beyond any expectation. Tomorrow’s performers, musicians, technicians were outstanding, deserving all the praises, accolades and acclamations for an enlivening, energetic, exciting and emotional performance. I could go on.

A cultural phenomenon of the 1990’s Rent is the story of impoverished young artists struggling to survive and create a life in New York City's East Village in the days of Bohemian Alphabet City, under the shadow of HIV/ AIDS. With some 36 cast members of their 2017 Graduating Music Theatre Company, it is difficult to highlight all of the outstanding individual performances without fear or favour.

Technically it was at the high end, with well devised and executed lighting, incomparable sound and articulate diction with a set, props and costumes all complimenting.

Not forgetting the orchestra that allowed each song whether solo, duet or ensemble to be performed with the raw emotion that is Rent, each carrying a powerful message that seems even more relevant in today’s world.

It was hard to separate the electric performances of Daniel Agar as Mark, Jonathon Reeves as Roger who we should expect to see a lot more of in the future together with Madeline Pratt as Maureen and Laura Morrisby as Mimi who were both show stealers.

Maureen’s feisty on and off affair with Elise Lewis as Joanne was on a par with the relationship between Billy Sloane as Collins with drag queen Jonathon Shilling as Angel.

Director Jeremy Stanford, Musical Director Robyn Womersley and Choreographer Cristina D’Agostino brought together an outstanding team in presenting another unqualified success for the Arts Academy, hot on the heels of their 2016 Melbourne season of The Addams Family.

Where: Athenaeum Theatre 2, Collins Street Melbourne Season: Until 6 May Information and bookings: ticketek - Review by Graeme McCoubrie

Turn to Page 31 for more theatre reports in the Observer Showbiz section

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 10, 2017 - Page 15

Observer Classic Books

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

PERSONS attempting to find a motive in this narrative will be prosecuted; persons attempting to find a moral in it will be banished; persons attempting to find a plot in it will be shot.

BY ORDER OF THE AUTHOR, Per G.G., Chief of Ordnance.

Explanatory

— twelve licks; and all still again — stiller than ever. Pretty soon I heard a twig snap down in the dark amongst the trees — something was a stirring. I set still and listened. Directly I could just barely hear a “me-yow! me-yow!” down there.

That was good! Says I, “me-yow! me-yow!” as soft as I could, and then I put out the light and scrambled out of the window on to the shed.

Then I slipped down to the ground and crawled in among the trees, and, sure enough, there was Tom Sawyer waiting for me.

Chapter II.

IN this book a number of dialects are used, to wit: the Missouri negro dialect; the extremest form of the backwoods Southwestern dialect; the ordinary “Pike County” dialect; and four modified varieties of this last. The shadings have not been done in a haphazard fashion, or by guesswork; but painstakingly, and with the trustworthy guidance and support of personal familiarity with these several forms of speech.

I make this explanation for the reason that without it many readers would suppose that all these characters were trying to talk alike and not succeeding.

THE AUTHOR. Huckleberry Finn Scene: The Mississippi Valley Time: Forty to fifty years ago Chapter I.

YOU don’t know about me without you have read a book by the name of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer; but that ain’t no matter. That book was made by Mr. Mark Twain, and he told the truth, mainly. There was things which he stretched, but mainly he told the truth. That is nothing. I never seen anybody but lied one time or another, without it was Aunt Polly, or the widow, or maybe Mary. Aunt Polly — Tom’s Aunt Polly, she is — and Mary, and the Widow Douglas is all told about in that book, which is mostly a true book, with some stretchers, as I said before.

Now the way that the book winds up is this: Tom and me found the money that the robbers hid in the cave, and it made us rich. We got six thousand dollars apiece — all gold. It was an awful sight of money when it was piled up. Well, Judge Thatcher he took it and put it out at interest, and it fetched us a dollar a day apiece all the year round — more than a body could tell what to do with. The Widow Douglas she took me for her son, and allowed she would sivilize me; but it was rough living in the house all the time, considering how dismal regular and decent the widow was in all her ways; and so when I couldn’t stand it no longer I lit out. I got into my old rags and my sugar-hogshead again, and was free and satisfied. But Tom Sawyer he hunted me up and said he was going to start a band of robbers, and I might join if I would go back to the widow and be respectable. So I went back.

The widow she cried over me, and called me a poor lost lamb, and she called me a lot of other names, too, but she never meant no harm by it.

She put me in them new clothes again, and I couldn’t do nothing but sweat and sweat, and feel all cramped up. Well, then, the old thing commenced again. The widow rung a bell for supper, and you had to come to time. When you got to the table you couldn’t go right to eating, but you had to wait for the widow to tuck down her head and grumble a little over the victuals, though there warn’t really anything the matter with them — that is, nothing only everything was cooked by itself. In a barrel of odds and ends it is different; things get mixed up, and the juice kind of swaps around, and the things go better.

After supper she got out her book and learned me about Moses and the Bulrushers, and I was in a sweat to find out all about him; but by and by she let it out that Moses had been dead a considerable long time; so then I didn’t care no more about him, because I don’t take no stock in dead people.

Pretty soon I wanted to smoke, and asked the widow to let me. But she wouldn’t. She said it was a mean practice and wasn’t clean, and I must try to not do it any more. That is just the way with some people. They get down on a thing when they don’t know nothing about it.

Here she was a-bothering about Moses, which was no kin to her, and no use to anybody, being gone, you see, yet finding a power of fault with

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Mark Twain me for doing a thing that had some good in it.

And she took snuff, too; of course that was all right, because she done it herself.

Her sister, Miss Watson, a tolerable slim old maid, with goggles on, had just come to live with her, and took a set at me now with a spelling-book. She worked me middling hard for about an hour, and then the widow made her ease up. I couldn’t stood it much longer. Then for an hour it was deadly dull, and I was fidgety.

Miss Watson would say, “Don’t put your feet up there, Huckleberry;” and “Don’t scrunch up like that, Huckleberry — set up straight;” and pretty soon she would say, “Don’t gap and stretch like that, Huckleberry — why don’t you try to behave?” Then she told me all about the bad place, and I said I wished I was there. She got mad then, but I didn’t mean no harm. All I wanted was to go somewheres; all I wanted was a change, I warn’t particular. She said it was wicked to say what I said; said she wouldn’t say it for the whole world; she was going to live so as to go to the good place. Well, I couldn’t see no advantage in going where she was going, so I made up my mind I wouldn’t try for it.

But I never said so, because it would only make trouble, and wouldn’t do no good.

Now she had got a start, and she went on and told me all about the good place. She said all a body would have to do there was to go around all day long with a harp and sing, forever and ever. So I didn’t think much of it. But I never said so. I asked her if she reckoned Tom Sawyer would go there, and she said not by a considerable sight. I was glad about that, because I wanted him and me to be together.

Miss Watson she kept pecking at me, and it got tiresome and lonesome. By and by they fetched the niggers in and had prayers, and then every-

body was off to bed. I went up to my room with a piece of candle, and put it on the table. Then I set down in a chair by the window and tried to think of something cheerful, but it warn’t no use.

I felt so lonesome I most wished I was dead.

The stars were shining, and the leaves rustled in the woods ever so mournful; and I heard an owl, away off, who-whooing about somebody that was dead, and a whippowill and a dog crying about somebody that was going to die; and the wind was trying to whisper something to me, and I couldn’t make out what it was, and so it made the cold shivers run over me. Then away out in the woods I heard that kind of a sound that a ghost makes when it wants to tell about something that’s on its mind and can’t make itself understood, and so can’t rest easy in its grave, and has to go about that way every night grieving. I got so down-hearted and scared I did wish I had some company. Pretty soon a spider went crawling up my shoulder, and I flipped it off and it lit in the candle; and before I could budge it was all shriveled up. I didn’t need anybody to tell me that that was an awful bad sign and would fetch me some bad luck, so I was scared and most shook the clothes off of me. I got up and turned around in my tracks three times and crossed my breast every time; and then I tied up a little lock of my hair with a thread to keep witches away. But I hadn’t no confidence. You do that when you’ve lost a horseshoe that you’ve found, instead of nailing it up over the door, but I hadn’t ever heard anybody say it was any way to keep off bad luck when you’d killed a spider.

I set down again, a-shaking all over, and got out my pipe for a smoke; for the house was all as still as death now, and so the widow wouldn’t know. Well, after a long time I heard the clock away off in the town go boom — boom — boom

WE went tiptoeing along a path amongst the trees back towards the end of the widow’s garden, stooping down so as the branches wouldn’t scrape our heads. When we was passing by the kitchen I fell over a root and made a noise. We scrouched down and laid still. Miss Watson’s big nigger, named Jim, was setting in the kitchen door; we could see him pretty clear, because there was a light behind him. He got up and stretched his neck out about a minute, listening.

Then he says: “Who dah?”

He listened some more; then he come tiptoeing down and stood right between us; we could a touched him, nearly. Well, likely it was minutes and minutes that there warn’t a sound, and we all there so close together. There was a place on my ankle that got to itching, but I dasn’t scratch it; and then my ear begun to itch; and next my back, right between my shoulders. Seemed like I’d die if I couldn’t scratch. Well, I’ve noticed that thing plenty times since. If you are with the quality, or at a funeral, or trying to go to sleep when you ain’t sleepy — if you are anywheres where it won’t do for you to scratch, why you will itch all over in upwards of a thousand places.

Pretty soon Jim says: “Say, who is you? Whar is you? Dog my cats ef I didn’ hear sumf’n. Well, I know what I’s gwyne to do: I’s gwyne to set down here and listen tell I hears it agin.”

So he set down on the ground betwixt me and Tom. He leaned his back up against a tree, and stretched his legs out till one of them most touched one of mine. My nose begun to itch. It itched till the tears come into my eyes. But I dasn’t scratch. Then it begun to itch on the inside. Next I got to itching underneath. I didn’t know how I was going to set still. This miserableness went on as much as six or seven minutes; but it seemed a sight longer than that. I was itching in eleven different places now. I reckoned I couldn’t stand it more’n a minute longer, but I set my teeth hard and got ready to try. Just then Jim begun to breathe heavy; next he begun to snore — and then I was pretty soon comfortable again.

Tom he made a sign to me — kind of a little noise with his mouth — and we went creeping away on our hands and knees. When we was ten foot off Tom whispered to me, and wanted to tie Jim to the tree for fun. But I said no; he might wake and make a disturbance, and then they’d find out I warn’t in. Then Tom said he hadn’t got candles enough, and he would slip in the kitchen and get some more. I didn’t want him to try. I said Jim might wake up and come.

But Tom wanted to resk it; so we slid in there and got three candles, and Tom laid five cents on the table for pay. Then we got out, and I was in a sweat to get away; but nothing would do Tom but he must crawl to where Jim was, on his hands and knees, and play something on him. I waited, and it seemed a good while, everything was so still and lonesome.

As soon as Tom was back we cut along the path, around the garden fence, and by and by fetched up on the steep top of the hill the other side of the house. Tom said he slipped Jim’s hat off of his head and hung it on a limb right over him, and Jim stirred a little, but he didn’t wake.

Afterwards Jim said the witches be witched him and put him in a trance, and rode him all over the State, and then set him under the trees again, and hung his hat on a limb to show who done it.

And next time Jim told it he said they rode him down to New Orleans; and, after that, every time he told it he spread it more and more, till by and by he said they rode him all over the world, and

Continued on Page 16

Page 16 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 10, 2017

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Observer Classic Books From Page 15 tired him most to death, and his back was all over saddle-boils. Jim was monstrous proud about it, and he got so he wouldn’t hardly notice the other niggers. Niggers would come miles to hear Jim tell about it, and he was more looked up to than any nigger in that country. Strange niggers would stand with their mouths open and look him all over, same as if he was a wonder.

Niggers is always talking about witches in the dark by the kitchen fire; but whenever one was talking and letting on to know all about such things, Jim would happen in and say, “Hm! What you know ’bout witches?” and that nigger was corked up and had to take a back seat. Jim always kept that five-center piece round his neck with a string, and said it was a charm the devil give to him with his own hands, and told him he could cure anybody with it and fetch witches whenever he wanted to just by saying something to it; but he never told what it was he said to it. Niggers would come from all around there and give Jim anything they had, just for a sight of that five-center piece; but they wouldn’t touch it, because the devil had had his hands on it. Jim was most ruined for a servant, because he got stuck up on account of having seen the devil and been rode by witches.

Well, when Tom and me got to the edge of the hilltop we looked away down into the village and could see three or four lights twinkling, where there was sick folks, maybe; and the stars over us was sparkling ever so fine; and down by the village was the river, a whole mile broad, and awful still and grand. We went down the hill and found Jo Harper and Ben Rogers, and two or three more of the boys, hid in the old tanyard.

So we unhitched a skiff and pulled down the river two mile and a half, to the big scar on the hillside, and went ashore.

We went to a clump of bushes, and Tom made everybody swear to keep the secret, and then showed them a hole in the hill, right in the thickest part of the bushes. Then we lit the candles, and crawled in on our hands and knees. We went about two hundred yards, and then the cave opened up. Tom poked about amongst the passages, and pretty soon ducked under a wall where you wouldn’t a noticed that there was a hole.

We went along a narrow place and got into a kind of room, all damp and sweaty and cold, and there we stopped. Tom says: “Now, we’ll start this band of robbers and call it Tom Sawyer’s Gang. Everybody that wants to join has got to take an oath, and write his name in blood.”

Everybody was willing. So Tom got out a sheet of paper that he had wrote the oath on, and read it. It swore every boy to stick to the band, and never tell any of the secrets; and if anybody done anything to any boy in the band, whichever boy was ordered to kill that person and his family must do it, and he mustn’t eat and he mustn’t sleep till he had killed them and hacked a cross in their breasts, which was the sign of the band.

And nobody that didn’t belong to the band could use that mark, and if he did he must be sued; and if he done it again he must be killed. And if anybody that belonged to the band told the secrets, he must have his throat cut, and then have his carcass burnt up and the ashes scattered all around, and his name blotted off of the list with blood and never mentioned again by the gang, but have a curse put on it and be forgot forever.

Everybody said it was a real beautiful oath, and asked Tom if he got it out of his own head. He said, some of it, but the rest was out of piratebooks and robber-books, and every gang that was high-toned had it.

Some thought it would be good to kill the FAMILIES of boys that told the secrets. Tom said it was a good idea, so he took a pencil and wrote it in. Then Ben Rogers says: “Here’s Huck Finn, he hain’t got no family; what you going to do ’bout him?”

“Well, hain’t he got a father?” says Tom Sawyer.

“Yes, he’s got a father, but you can’t never find him these days. He used to lay drunk with the hogs in the tanyard, but he hain’t been seen in these parts for a year or more.”

They talked it over, and they was going to rule me out, because they said every boy must have a family or somebody to kill, or else it wouldn’t be fair and square for the others. Well, nobody could think of anything to do — everybody was stumped, and set still. I was most ready to cry; but all at once I thought of a way, and so I offered them Miss Watson — they could kill her.

Everybody said:

“Oh, she’ll do. That’s all right. Huck can come in.”

Then they all stuck a pin in their fingers to get blood to sign with, and I made my mark on the paper.

“Now,” says Ben Rogers, “what’s the line of business of this Gang?”

“Nothing only robbery and murder,” Tom said.

“But who are we going to rob? — houses, or cattle, or —” “Stuff! stealing cattle and such things ain’t robbery; it’s burglary,” says Tom Sawyer. “We ain’t burglars. That ain’t no sort of style. We are highwaymen. We stop stages and carriages on the road, with masks on, and kill the people and take their watches and money.”

“Must we always kill the people?”

“Oh, certainly. It’s best. Some authorities think different, but mostly it’s considered best to kill them — except some that you bring to the cave here, and keep them till they’re ransomed.”

“Ransomed? What’s that?”

“I don’t know. But that’s what they do. I’ve seen it in books; and so of course that’s what we’ve got to do.”

“But how can we do it if we don’t know what it is?”

“Why, blame it all, we’ve GOT to do it. Don’t I tell you it’s in the books? Do you want to go to doing different from what’s in the books, and get things all muddled up?”

“Oh, that’s all very fine to SAY, Tom Sawyer, but how in the nation are these fellows going to be ransomed if we don’t know how to do it to them? — that’s the thing I want to get at. Now, what do you reckon it is?”

“Well, I don’t know. But per’aps if we keep them till they’re ransomed, it means that we keep them till they’re dead.”

“Now, that’s something LIKE. That’ll answer.

Why couldn’t you said that before? We’ll keep them till they’re ransomed to death; and a bothersome lot they’ll be, too — eating up everything, and always trying to get loose.”

“How you talk, Ben Rogers. How can they get loose when there’s a guard over them, ready to shoot them down if they move a peg?”

“A guard! Well, that IS good. So somebody’s got to set up all night and never get any sleep, just so as to watch them. I think that’s foolishness. Why can’t a body take a club and ransom them as soon as they get here?”

“Because it ain’t in the books so — that’s why.

Now, Ben Rogers, do you want to do things regular, or don’t you? — that’s the idea. Don’t you reckon that the people that made the books knows what’s the correct thing to do? Do you reckon YOU can learn ’em anything? Not by a good deal. No, sir, we’ll just go on and ransom them in the regular way.”

“All right. I don’t mind; but I say it’s a fool way, anyhow. Say, do we kill the women, too?”

“Well, Ben Rogers, if I was as ignorant as you I wouldn’t let on. Kill the women? No; nobody ever saw anything in the books like that. You fetch them to the cave, and you’re always as polite as pie to them; and by and by they fall in love with you, and never want to go home any more.”

“Well, if that’s the way I’m agreed, but I don’t take no stock in it. Mighty soon we’ll have the cave so cluttered up with women, and fellows waiting to be ransomed, that there won’t be no place for the robbers. But go ahead, I ain’t got nothing to say.”

Little Tommy Barnes was asleep now, and when they waked him up he was scared, and cried, and said he wanted to go home to his ma, and didn’t want to be a robber any more.

So they all made fun of him, and called him crybaby, and that made him mad, and he said he would go straight and tell all the secrets. But Tom give him five cents to keep quiet, and said we would all go home and meet next week, and rob somebody and kill some people.

Ben Rogers said he couldn’t get out much, only Sundays, and so he wanted to begin next Sunday; but all the boys said it would be wicked to do it on Sunday, and that settled the thing. They agreed to get together and fix a day as soon as they could, and then we elected Tom Sawyer first captain and Jo Harper second captain of the Gang, and so started home.

I clumb up the shed and crept into my window just before day was breaking. My new clothes was all greased up and clayey, and I was dogtired.

Chapter III. WELL, I got a good going-over in the morning from old Miss Watson on account of my clothes;

but the widow she didn’t scold, but only cleaned off the grease and clay, and looked so sorry that I thought I would behave awhile if I could. Then Miss Watson she took me in the closet and prayed, but nothing come of it. She told me to pray every day, and whatever I asked for I would get it. But it warn’t so. I tried it. Once I got a fishline, but no hooks. It warn’t any good to me without hooks. I tried for the hooks three or four times, but somehow I couldn’t make it work. By and by, one day, I asked Miss Watson to try for me, but she said I was a fool. She never told me why, and I couldn’t make it out no way.

I set down one time back in the woods, and had a long think about it. I says to myself, if a body can get anything they pray for, why don’t Deacon Winn get back the money he lost on pork?

Why can’t the widow get back her silver snuffbox that was stole? Why can’t Miss Watson fat up? No, says I to my self, there ain’t nothing in it. I went and told the widow about it, and she said the thing a body could get by praying for it was “spiritual gifts.” This was too many for me, but she told me what she meant — I must help other people, and do everything I could for other people, and look out for them all the time, and never think about myself. This was including Miss Watson, as I took it. I went out in the woods and turned it over in my mind a long time, but I couldn’t see no advantage about it — except for the other people; so at last I reckoned I wouldn’t worry about it any more, but just let it go. Sometimes the widow would take me one side and talk about Providence in a way to make a body’s mouth water; but maybe next day Miss Watson would take hold and knock it all down again. I judged I could see that there was two Providences, and a poor chap would stand considerable show with the widow’s Providence, but if Miss Watson’s got him there warn’t no help for him any more. I thought it all out, and reckoned I would belong to the widow’s if he wanted me, though I couldn’t make out how he was a-going to be any better off then than what he was before, seeing I was so ignorant, and so kind of low-down and ornery.

Pap he hadn’t been seen for more than a year, and that was comfortable for me; I didn’t want to see him no more. He used to always whale me when he was sober and could get his hands on me; though I used to take to the woods most of the time when he was around. Well, about this time he was found in the river drownded, about twelve mile above town, so people said.

They judged it was him, anyway; said this drownded man was just his size, and was ragged, and had uncommon long hair, which was all like pap; but they couldn’t make nothing out of the face, because it had been in the water so long it warn’t much like a face at all. They said he was floating on his back in the water. They took him and buried him on the bank. But I warn’t comfortable long, because I happened to think of something. I knowed mighty well that a drownded man don’t float on his back, but on his face. So I knowed, then, that this warn’t pap, but a woman dressed up in a man’s clothes. So I was uncomfortable again. I judged the old man would turn up again by and by, though I wished he wouldn’t.

We played robber now and then about a month, and then I resigned. All the boys did. We hadn’t robbed nobody, hadn’t killed any people, but only just pretended. We used to hop out of the woods and go charging down on hog-drivers and women in carts taking garden stuff to market, but we never hived any of them. Tom Sawyer called the hogs “ingots,” and he called the turnips and stuff “julery,” and we would go to the cave and powwow over what we had done, and how many people we had killed and marked.

But I couldn’t see no profit in it. One time Tom sent a boy to run about town with a blazing stick, which he called a slogan (which was the sign for the Gang to get together), and then he said he had got secret news by his spies that next day a whole parcel of Spanish merchants and rich A-rabs was going to camp in Cave Hollow with two hundred elephants, and six hundred camels, and over a thousand “sumter” mules, all loaded down with di’monds, and they didn’t have only a guard of four hundred soldiers, and so we would lay in ambuscade, as he called it, and kill the lot and scoop the things. He said we must slick up our swords and guns, and get ready. He never could go after even a turnip-cart but he must have the swords and guns all scoured up for it, though they was only lath and broomsticks, and you might scour at them till you rotted, and then they warn’t worth a mouthful of ashes more

than what they was before. I didn’t believe we could lick such a crowd of Spaniards and Arabs, but I wanted to see the camels and elephants, so I was on hand next day, Saturday, in the ambuscade; and when we got the word we rushed out of the woods and down the hill. But there warn’t no Spaniards and A-rabs, and there warn’t no camels nor no elephants. It warn’t anything but a Sunday-school picnic, and only a primer-class at that. We busted it up, and chased the children up the hollow; but we never got anything but some doughnuts and jam, though Ben Rogers got a rag doll, and Jo Harper got a hymn-book and a tract; and then the teacher charged in, and made us drop everything and cut. I didn’t see no di’monds, and I told Tom Sawyer so. He said there was loads of them there, anyway; and he said there was A-rabs there, too, and elephants and things. I said, why couldn’t we see them, then? He said if I warn’t so ignorant, but had read a book called Don Quixote, I would know without asking. He said it was all done by enchantment. He said there was hundreds of soldiers there, and elephants and treasure, and so on, but we had enemies which he called magicians; and they had turned the whole thing into an infant Sunday-school, just out of spite. I said, all right; then the thing for us to do was to go for the magicians. Tom Sawyer said I was a numskull.

“Why,” said he, “a magician could call up a lot of genies, and they would hash you up like nothing before you could say Jack Robinson. They are as tall as a tree and as big around as a church.”

“Well,” I says, “s’pose we got some genies to help US— can’t we lick the other crowd then?”

“How you going to get them?”

“I don’t know. How do THEY get them?”

“Why, they rub an old tin lamp or an iron ring, and then the genies come tearing in, with the thunder and lightning a-ripping around and the smoke a-rolling, and everything they’re told to do they up and do it. They don’t think nothing of pulling a shot-tower up by the roots, and belting a Sunday-school superintendent over the head with it — or any other man.”

“Who makes them tear around so?”

“Why, whoever rubs the lamp or the ring. They belong to whoever rubs the lamp or the ring, and they’ve got to do whatever he says. If he tells them to build a palace forty miles long out of di’monds, and fill it full of chewing-gum, or whatever you want, and fetch an emperor’s daughter from China for you to marry, they’ve got to do it — and they’ve got to do it before sunup next morning, too. And more: they’ve got to waltz that palace around over the country wherever you want it, you understand.”

“Well,” says I, “I think they are a pack of flatheads for not keeping the palace themselves ’stead of fooling them away like that. And what’s more — if I was one of them I would see a man in Jericho before I would drop my business and come to him for the rubbing of an old tin lamp.”

“How you talk, Huck Finn. Why, you’d HAVE to come when he rubbed it, whether you wanted to or not.”

“What! and I as high as a tree and as big as a church? All right, then; I WOULD come; but I lay I’d make that man climb the highest tree there was in the country.”

“Shucks, it ain’t no use to talk to you, Huck Finn. You don’t seem to know anything, somehow — perfect saphead.”

I thought all this over for two or three days, and then I reckoned I would see if there was anything in it. I got an old tin lamp and an iron ring, and went out in the woods and rubbed and rubbed till I sweat like an Injun, calculating to build a palace and sell it; but it warn’t no use, none of the genies come. So then I judged that all that stuff was only just one of Tom Sawyer’s lies. I reckoned he believed in the A-rabs and the elephants, but as for me I think different. It had all the marks of a Sunday-school.

Chapter IV. WELL, three or four months run along, and it was well into the winter now. I had been to school most all the time and could spell and read and write just a little, and could say the multiplication table up to six times seven is thirty-five, and I don’t reckon I could ever get any further than that if I was to live forever. I don’t take no stock in mathematics, anyway.

At first I hated the school, but by and by I got so I could stand it. Whenever I got uncommon tired I played hookey, and the hiding I got next day

Continued on Page 29

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Observer Classic Books From Page 25 done me good and cheered me up. So the longer I went to school the easier it got to be. I was getting sort of used to the widow’s ways, too, and they warn’t so raspy on me. Living in a house and sleeping in a bed pulled on me pretty tight mostly, but before the cold weather I used to slide out and sleep in the woods sometimes, and so that was a rest to me. I liked the old ways best, but I was getting so I liked the new ones, too, a little bit. The widow said I was coming along slow but sure, and doing very satisfactory.

She said she warn’t ashamed of me.

One morning I happened to turn over the saltcellar at breakfast. I reached for some of it as quick as I could to throw over my left shoulder and keep off the bad luck, but Miss Watson was in ahead of me, and crossed me off. She says, “Take your hands away, Huckleberry; what a mess you are always making!” The widow put in a good word for me, but that warn’t going to keep off the bad luck, I knowed that well enough.

I started out, after breakfast, feeling worried and shaky, and wondering where it was going to fall on me, and what it was going to be. There is ways to keep off some kinds of bad luck, but this wasn’t one of them kind; so I never tried to do anything, but just poked along low-spirited and on the watch-out.

I went down to the front garden and clumb over the stile where you go through the high board fence. There was an inch of new snow on the ground, and I seen somebody’s tracks. They had come up from the quarry and stood around the stile a while, and then went on around the garden fence. It was funny they hadn’t come in, after standing around so. I couldn’t make it out.

It was very curious, somehow. I was going to follow around, but I stooped down to look at the tracks first. I didn’t notice anything at first, but next I did. There was a cross in the left bootheel made with big nails, to keep off the devil.

I was up in a second and shinning down the hill.

I looked over my shoulder every now and then, but I didn’t see nobody. I was at Judge Thatcher’s as quick as I could get there. He said: “Why, my boy, you are all out of breath. Did you come for your interest?”

“No, sir,” I says; “is there some for me?”

“Oh, yes, a half-yearly is in last night — over a hundred and fifty dollars. Quite a fortune for

Melbourne

you. You had better let me invest it along with your six thousand, because if you take it you’ll spend it.”

“No, sir,” I says, “I don’t want to spend it. I don’t want it at all — nor the six thousand, nuther.

I want you to take it; I want to give it to you — the six thousand and all.”

He looked surprised. He couldn’t seem to make it out. He says: “Why, what can you mean, my boy?”

I says, “Don’t you ask me no questions about it, please. You’ll take it — won’t you?”

He says: “Well, I’m puzzled. Is something the matter?”

“Please take it,” says I, “and don’t ask me nothing — then I won’t have to tell no lies.”

He studied a while, and then he says: “Oho-o! I think I see. You want to SELL all your property to me — not give it. That’s the correct idea.”

Then he wrote something on a paper and read it over, and says: “There; you see it says ‘for a consideration.’

That means I have bought it of you and paid you for it. Here’s a dollar for you. Now you sign it.”

So I signed it, and left.

Miss Watson’s nigger, Jim, had a hair-ball as big as your fist, which had been took out of the fourth stomach of an ox, and he used to do magic with it. He said there was a spirit inside of it, and it knowed everything. So I went to him that night and told him pap was here again, for I found his tracks in the snow. What I wanted to know was, what he was going to do, and was he going to stay? Jim got out his hair-ball and said something over it, and then he held it up and dropped it on the floor. It fell pretty solid, and only rolled about an inch. Jim tried it again, and then another time, and it acted just the same. Jim got down on his knees, and put his ear against it and listened. But it warn’t no use; he said it wouldn’t talk. He said sometimes it wouldn’t talk without money. I told him I had an old slick counterfeit quarter that warn’t no good because the brass showed through the silver a little, and it wouldn’t pass nohow, even if the brass didn’t show, because it was so slick it felt greasy, and so that would tell on it every time. (I reckoned I wouldn’t say nothing about the dollar I got from the judge.)

I said it was pretty bad money, but maybe the hair-ball would take it, because maybe it

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wouldn’t know the difference. Jim smelt it and bit it and rubbed it, and said he would manage so the hair-ball would think it was good. He said he would split open a raw Irish potato and stick the quarter in between and keep it there all night, and next morning you couldn’t see no brass, and it wouldn’t feel greasy no more, and so anybody in town would take it in a minute, let alone a hair-ball. Well, I knowed a potato would do that before, but I had forgot it.

Jim put the quarter under the hair-ball, and got down and listened again. This time he said the hair-ball was all right. He said it would tell my whole fortune if I wanted it to. I says, go on. So the hair-ball talked to Jim, and Jim told it to me.

He says: “Yo’ ole father doan’ know yit what he’s a-gwyne to do. Sometimes he spec he’ll go ’way, en den agin he spec he’ll stay. De bes’ way is to res’ easy en let de ole man take his own way. Dey’s two angels hoverin’ roun’ ’bout him. One uv ’em is white en shiny, en t’other one is black. De white one gits him to go right a little while, den de black one sail in en bust it all up. A body can’t tell yit which one gwyne to fetch him at de las’.

But you is all right. You gwyne to have considable trouble in yo’ life, en considable joy. Sometimes you gwyne to git hurt, en sometimes you gwyne to git sick; but every time you’s gwyne to git well agin. Dey’s two gals flyin’ ’bout you in yo’ life. One uv ’em’s light en t’other one is dark.

One is rich en t’other is po’. You’s gwyne to marry de po’ one fust en de rich one by en by.

You wants to keep ’way fum de water as much as you kin, en don’t run no resk, ’kase it’s down in de bills dat you’s gwyne to git hung.”

When I lit my candle and went up to my room that night there sat pap — his own self!

Chapter V. I HAD shut the door to. Then I turned around and there he was. I used to be scared of him all the time, he tanned me so much. I reckoned I was scared now, too; but in a minute I see I was mistaken — that is, after the first jolt, as you may say, when my breath sort of hitched, he being so unexpected; but right away after I see I warn’t scared of him worth bothring about.

He was most fifty, and he looked it. His hair was long and tangled and greasy, and hung down, and you could see his eyes shining through like

he was behind vines. It was all black, no gray; so was his long, mixed-up whiskers. There warn’t no color in his face, where his face showed; it was white; not like another man’s white, but a white to make a body sick, a white to make a body’s flesh crawl — a tree-toad white, a fish-belly white. As for his clothes — just rags, that was all. He had one ankle resting on t’other knee; the boot on that foot was busted, and two of his toes stuck through, and he worked them now and then. His hat was laying on the floor — an old black slouch with the top caved in, like a lid.

I stood a-looking at him; he set there a-looking at me, with his chair tilted back a little. I set the candle down. I noticed the window was up; so he had clumb in by the shed. He kept a-looking me all over. By and by he says: “Starchy clothes — very. You think you’re a good deal of a big-bug, DON’T you?”

“Maybe I am, maybe I ain’t,” I says.

“Don’t you give me none o’ your lip,” says he.

“You’ve put on considerable many frills since I been away. I’ll take you down a peg before I get done with you. You’re educated, too, they say — can read and write. You think you’re better’n your father, now, don’t you, because he can’t?

I’LL take it out of you. Who told you you might meddle with such hifalut’n foolishness, hey? — who told you you could?”

“The widow. She told me.”

“The widow, hey? — and who told the widow she could put in her shovel about a thing that ain’t none of her business?”

“Nobody never told her.”

“Well, I’ll learn her how to meddle. And looky here — you drop that school, you hear? I’ll learn people to bring up a boy to put on airs over his own father and let on to be better’n what HE is.

You lemme catch you fooling around that school again, you hear? Your mother couldn’t read, and she couldn’t write, nuther, before she died. None of the family couldn’t before THEY died. I can’t; and here you’re a-swelling yourself up like this.

I ain’t the man to stand it — you hear? Say, lemme hear you read.”

I took up a book and begun something about General Washington and the wars. When I’d read about a half a minute, he fetched the book a whack with his hand and knocked it across the house.

To Be Continued Next Issue

Observer Crossword Solution No 11 F L OP P I E R A Z U K I N CHOR T L E S E N U D I V S H E E P S N O M H AGU R EG I ME N N D N P E B B F OR E S AW I W N R N UN S T UD I E D N N N N S L I A I S I NG O R E U VO L T AGE E U L NON D E POS E D R V MO I S E NC AMP M I L L E A P L E T SGO G A R E Y R I E ME A N T N E W B A N A L T R E L A Y S X T H A I L A PO L L O O E A R I N S P L A S T E R P R R E N I MA R T I N I I P G E N I CHO L A S T O L T A OU T S I D E R S N P I S EMB A S S Y I A R MA NG I N I T I A L N L A Y E A S H Y E N A S B A D MA T U MA RGA R E T N G N E E I D E S C E ND S

E X C A V A I GU Y RO A E L MA ND E E N N H E C T L E R L EON P W F UNG HUN I L L U S T O O H E C K L E K V R A I S E T N N OUGH T N I S AM I D I E UNCOU D U U F OS U L I L L OY D E M L F I B R E T U N ODDME V S S E NME S R E A I N T R T R H E A V L E M R E P A T M C H A B I T A A I T URNO G N S CO T S

A T E E L DOR A DO T ON E D E A F H A S T E N W NOM M V O P E S N A Z A R E T H WA R B L I NG D Y L A N N S OV E R E C G L A O I NDOOR S R P R E T T Y N Y L ON O M T A S T E L H I C L GA ND E R D H A S B E E N T E N S E S T I ORD E A L O A E E R H E A T S I N I TW I T S ME A T A X E N T C N E R I R S I N A N E T R AGE D I E S S UND A E S OR B S R F M I E E B T S E T S E EGG F L I P S P S A L M U I D U O T T E R S E A RMU F F S A I R B A S E O M D M Y T OMB T T R M I A OW O V I N E L E S S E E S I P N OWN N A NGE R L V T O T EM E DGE D E M E A D OW L E E A I D E M A N T I N K I R E L A ND MOB S G N AGGE D M V P O I R CH E E P E I P L E P A L A T I A L I P L A Z A E R A I A C U S U A L R R T A T T L E S S U I T K ME A S L Y S P I N E T S N T HOU P I P L E A T WE DGE A L E A D T O I E D R S I I M I NC E C R T RUC E N E R V E U T T E R E D I P A K T ROA R E E E N T S S T A L L I NG R E A P E R S E A V E S E N I E T L I H M P A S T E RN E NG I N E E R OP E N A I R S AGS T M C E O N R ROA S T UN S C E N T E D T E E N AGE W C L R U N E S T S L A S H T MA R A UD S R E S P E C T R E L A T E D N L S T L A S S E N T N S L A C K E N CH A F F C E P A S S E E S U E T F I A NC E E T D E S I S T T BON E L K NOA H T G E V E R O I L P A I N T MA NHO L E S R A YON E N U P S I O T MA N N EG L I GE E S P A C I OU S

Page 22 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 3, 2017

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Observer Victorian Sport Melbourne

Professor Tom wins at Y. Valley This Week ■ Wednesday - Maryborough/Mildura, Thursday - Cobram/Ballarat, Friday Kilmore, Saturday - Melton, Sunday Bendigo, Monday - Yarra Valley, Tuesday - Swan Hill.

Horses To Follow ■ Sevens Hope, Star In Sight, Soaked, Hakuna, Rocknroll Magic, Ark, Yankee Redback, Max Richter, Steves Star, Badland Star.

Landed double ■ Melton duo Maree and John Caldow landed a double at Bendigo, 5Y0 gelding Stagger Lee taking the Northern Rivers Equine Pace for C5 & C6 class in 1.53.8 and the 1650 metre Evolve Accounting Pace Final for C1 class with Millwood Brandy in 1.58.1.

Hot favourite ■ Potential superstar San Carlo a 6Y0 Mach Three-Bridge Player gelding chalked up his 11th victory from only 12 starts with an all of the way victory in the 2nd Heat of the Victorian Country Clubs Championship for C6 or better class over 2190 metres at Maryborough on Thursday.

Trained at Shepparton by Steve O'Donoghue and driven by Bec Bartley, San Carlo was never let go, scoring by 4.2 metres in 1.57.4 over Alotbettor along the sprint lane from three back the markers and Reign Of Pain which trailed the winner. San Carlo will start a hot favourite in the weeks Final at Tabcorp Park on Saturday.

Came from backmark ■ At Ballarat on Thursday, octogenarian Daylesford trainer Bob Conroy provided ever reliable Bacardi Lindy-Lady Pepperell filly Margaret Ruth to greet the judge in the Campana Bros. 3Y0 Trotters Handicap over 2200 metres. Driven by daughter AnneMaree, Margaret Ruth came from a daunting 20 metre backmark to score by 3.7 metres from Clarkes Hill and The Spanyen in 2.05.6.

Did all the work ■ In-form 6Y0 Art Major-Aratusa Lass gelding Major Crocker was a tough victor of the Captain Sandy Free For All at Tabcorp Park Melton on Friday. Trained at Bolinda by Vince Vallelonga and driven by regular reinsman Greg Sugars, Major Crocker did all of the work in the race, parking outside the free running leader Maximan before showing a great will to win over the concluding stages, scoring by a head in a slick 1.51.9. Warragul Cup winner Mister Wickham flashed home late from last to be a metre away in third place.

Easy win at Shepp ■ Bonny 5YO Skyvalley-Thepowerof-healing mare Sky Petite was an easy winner of the $25,000 (Group 3) Shepparton Club Inc, Trotters Cup for M0 or better class over 2690 metres at Shepparton on Saturday much to the delight of trainer Dean Pattison and reinsman David Moran, both locals, Despite a slow beginning from 19 metres, Sky Petite made a sharp move from mid0field to assume control within a lap and toyed with her rivals, scoring by 5,8 metres in advance of Maorisfavouritesun and Shared Interest which led out in a mile rate of 2-04.6 in an all Shepparton area trifecta.

■ Picturesque Yarra Valley raced on Monday April 24, the highlight being the victory of inform 4Y0 Art Major-Petes Dream stallion Professor Tom in the $25,000 United Petroleum Eastern Challenge for C3-C4 class over 2150 metres.

Trained at Drouin by Gary and Debbie Quinlan, Professor Tom driven by Gavin Lang possied mid-field in the running line after starting from gate three on the second line as the raging hot favourite Form Analyst led easily from the pole, Coming with a sweeping run out wide on straightening, Professor Tom registered a 2.3 metre margin over Herehecomes (three back the markers) who looked the winner on turning when dashing clear, with Dikerry a game third 3.3 metres away after facing the open. The mile rate 1.55.8.

Led throughout ■ Speedy 4Y0 Majestic Son-Conshe mare The Cooler made it two wins in a row after a Mildura victory a couple of weeks earlier when successful in the 2150 metre T1 or better class De Bortoli Trotters Handicap at Yarra Valley, returning a mile rate of 2.04.6.

Trained at Bolinda by Brent Lilley, The Vooler with regular reinsman Rod Petroff in the sulky, led throughout from the pole to defeat Supplements which trailed by 2 metres, with Jeter coming from a mile back to be 2.6 metres back in third place.

Swan Hill good time ■ The Swan Hill Harness Racing Club held a terrific meeting on Tuesday April 25 with the feature being the $25,000 Alabar Bloodstock Northern Region Championship for C1 & C2 class over 2240 metres taken out by the David Aiken (Avenel) trained and Josh Aiken driven Kiwi bred 3Y0 gelding Laredo Torpedo. Starting from gate five on the second line, Laredo Torpedo coming off a second in the Tasmanian Derby at the start of the month settled a long way off the pole pacemaker Hammerhoff which easily retained the front running as the mobile pulled away..

Trailing home both Parisian Rockstar and Nickys Idol in the three wide line for the final circuit, Laredo Torpedo produced a whirlwind finish out wide in the straight to record a 2.8 metre margin over the hot favourite Rocknroll Icon which raced in the open before leading on turning, with Carter Bromac using the sprint lane for third after a one/one trip. The mile rate 1.57.8.

Began brilliantly ■ The Aiken stable had earlier captured the $7,000 Swan Hill Anzac Centenary Cup for C5 or better class over 2240 metres in a track record mile rate of 1.56.1 with 8Y0 Art Major-Vangold gelding Cold Major, a winner of 23 races going into the race.

Thrown in on handicaps as he was assessed at C17 class (had it been a handicap he would have been giving some of his rivals up to 120 metres start), Cold Major began brilliantly from gate two on the second line only to be left uncovered, before pressing forward to draw past the leader Keayang Starzzz who began equally as fast from outside the front line.

Coasting at the head of affairs, Cold Major gave his rivals the slip on the final bend, racing away to score by 7.3 metres in advance of Classy Western (three wide home turn) and the well backed Hoo Nien which became buried three back the markers before running on late when clear.

Made amends ■ Four year old Sportswriter-Jilliby Mia mare Jilliby Shania trained by Marg Lee at Terang and driven by son Jason, made amends for the defeat of Keayang Starzzz earlier in the night when successful in the Swan Hill RSL Inc. Pace for C2 to C4 class over 2240 metres.

Starting from the extreme draw, Jilliby Shania

Harness Racing

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with Len Baker followed Parisian Ruler (gate four) forward at the start and effortlessly assumed control shortly after when the last start Kilmore winner Glen Eyre was restrained to take a trail.

Travelling easily, Jilliby Shania had plenty left in the tank on turning and kicked away to score by 3.2 metres from Mildura hope Ark which ran home strongly from well back in a rate of 1.59. Des Hilton's Itmademyday was 2.5 metres away third after racing parked from the bell.

Sprouted wings ■ Bendigo (Shelbourne) trainer Larry Eastman's Courage Under Fire-Duel Castle gelding Dennis was outstanding in winning the President Barry Townley 3Y0 Pace over 1750 metres at Swan Hill. Walking away from the pole, Dennis ended up looking hopeless buried alive four back along the markers as the well supported Ferdinand led from outside the front line.

Extricated into the clear by Chris Alford in the back straight, Dennis despite being wide on the final bend sprouted wings on turning to record a runaway 1.8 metre margin over Ferdinand and a death-seating Eliza Dushku in a slick 1.55.1.

In rare form ■ Lara trainer Darren Bradley has 8Y0 Modern Art-Curry And Rice gelding Ballan Road racing in rare form at present, bringing up two wins in succession by taking the DNR Logistics Trotters Mobile for Tr1-Tr8 class over 1720 metres at Tabcorp Park Melton on Wedmesday.

Driven by Matty Horsnell, Ballan Road led throughout from the pole, accounting for Imagunnadogood (three back the markers) by an easy 9.1 metres and Argyle Melody which trailed the winner. The mile rate 2.03.2.

Highly promising ■ At Bendigo on Wednesday, Ardmona's Doc Wilson snared the Hygain 3Y0 Trotters Mobile over2150 metres with highly promising Nad Boy Truscott-Secret Message gelding Dark Secret, returning a mile rate of 2.02.9.

Making only his second race appearance, Derk Secret raced uncovered from gate four throughout, proving much too strong over the concluding stages for the leader Star In Sight, with Silicon Valley (one/one last lap) third. The margins a half neck by 13.5 metres.

Baker’s Delight Dates For Inter ■ The Western Australian Trotting Association and RWWA have released the dates for this year's Inter Dominion Series, the last of a three year period.

The series will commence at Gloucester Park on Friday November 24, with heats at Bunbury on Tuesday November 28, then back to GP on Friday Dec 1, with the $1.1 Million Dollar Final to be held on Friday December 8.

Blistering mile ■ Victorians scooped the pool at the big Menangle meeting in NSW on Saturday with champion pacer Lennytheshark taking the $50,000 (Group 2) Bulli Cup and outstanding juvenile Lumineer the $322,000 APG Final for 2Y0 Colts and Geldings, both races over 1609 metres.

Lennytheshark (David Aiken - Chris Alford) led throughout to return a blistering mile rate of 1-49.7, with Lumineer (Ange McDowall - Jason Lee) doing similar in 154.4.

- Len Baker

Travel Extra Pie eaters unite ■ PIE eaters unite – because come June the NSW Southern Highlands will be the place for the coming together of lovers of that great Australian institution, the pie… be their favourite meat, seafood, vegetables, fruit or whatever else they can think of, at this first-ever festival they’re going to call Pie Time.

With the Highlands having a-near thirty direct-outlet pie bakeries, which for pie buffs is more per square kilometre than anywhere else in Australia, and with pies of all varieties amongst favourites in the region’s famed eateries during winter, organisers are planning pie-making demonstrations, pie tastings, pie and beer matchings, pie talks and pie judgings.

And throughout June the cafés, hotels and restaurants of the Southern Highlands will be creating signature pie dishes with unique “Dine with a Pie” menus.

As well, to help visitors find their way around, a Southern Pie-lands Pie Trail map has already been created and is available highlighting all the local Pie outlets at which devotees can get stuck into the best of these places’ pie products year-round. The map can be accessed on DSH Planner Pie Trail 2017.

The month-long June Pie Time will culminate with the public crowning of the Southern Highlands’ very best professional and apprentice bakers and their award-winning pie products over the weekend of June 24 and 25 in Bowral.

For more information including help with booking ‘Pie, Bed & Breakfast’ packages if you are planning a visit during Pie Time, call 1300 657 559, or visit www.pietime.com.au - David Ellis

Finished best ■ Scandinavian reinsperson Marlin Hammarskjold was successful aboard 9Y0 Pegasus Spur-Miami Spice gelding Brynmor at Maryborough. Trained at Terang by "boss" Mattie Craven, Brynmor spent most of the race three back the markers from gate two, peeling three wide in the final circuit. Finishing best, Brynmor nabbed the hot favourite Twice As Much in the closing stages to record a 5.4 metre margin n a rate of 2.01.7. It was Brynmor's first victory since November 2015.

● The NSW Southern Highlands will become the Southern Pie-lands when they host pie eaters for the first-ever Pie Time in June.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 3, 2017 - Page 31 e urn lbo Me

Every Week in the Melbourne Observer

ver N ser O Ob TI C SE 3

Observer Showbiz

Radio: Latest Melbourne ratings ............................. Page 32 Theatre: Circus cum cabaret ............................................ Page 33 Country Music: Rob Foenander’s column .................... Page 32 Jim and Aar on: Top 10 lists, best movies ........................... Page 34 Aaron: Cheryl Threadgold: Local theatre, people, shows ............. Page 35 PL US THE LLO OVATT”S MEGA CRO PLUS CROSSSWORD

CIRCUS SHOWCASE A Fine Romance

● Imogen Moore and Joe Meldrum in A Fine Romance: The Magic of Fred Astaire.

Photo: Andrew Follows ■ For a nostalgic, enjoyable musical tribute to legendary performer Fred Astaire, don’t miss A Fine Romance: The Magic of Fred Astaire when it returns to Melbourne later this year.

Written by versatile theatre practitioner Margaret Fisk, A Fine Romance is directed and choreographed by Jeremy Hinman, with musical direction and terrific arrangements

by Shanon Whitelock.

The 65-minute show stylishly blends toe-tapping songs, dance, music and narration to celebrate Fred’s life.

From his first screen test evaluation: “Can’t sing, can’t act, slightly balding, can dance a little”, to dancing with sister Adele, his successful Hollywood days, to screen romances with leading ladies including Ginger Rogers, Judy Garland, Audrey Hepburn and Rita Hayworth.

The morning performance I attended played to a full house at the Moonee Ponds Clocktower Centre, and featured Joe Meldrum as Fred Astaire, Imogen Moore portraying female figures in Fred’s life, and Daniele Buatti with his superb piano accompaniment.

Margaret Fisk has crafted a great mix of songs, ensuring they are of ‘just right’ duration. Numbers include The Way You Look Tonight, They Can’t Take That Away From Me, Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off, Cheek to Cheek, Puttin’ on the Ritz, Top Hat, That’s Entertainment, ‘S Wonderful, Night and Day and more.

Impressive triple threat Joe Meldrum and choreographer Whitlock, beautifully capture Fred Astaire’s unique, light-footed dance style, and charming Imogen Moore’s polished dancing and singing are delightful.

I felt if Imogen lowers the tone of her speaking voice, it would add richness and clarity to her storytelling.

The show is obviously a joy for Joe, Imogen and Daniele to present, and this carries through to ensure a happy, memorable audience theatre experience..

A Fine Romance: The Magic of Fred Astaire, presented

by JTM Productions, has toured South Australia and Victoria, soon tours Queensland, returns to Melbourne later this year, then a national tour.next year..

As the song says, Nothing But Blue Skies From Now On … congratulations to all involved.

- Cheryl Threadgold

Selby and Friends

● Piri Goodman (and legs belonging to Ela Bartilomo) in NICA’s Circus Showcase 2017.

Photo: Aaron Walker ■ The National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) presents Circus Showcase 2017, Circosis: Left Brain, Right Brain from June 15-24 at the NICA National Circus Centre, Prahran.

Directed by Kate Fryer, the imagination, athleticism and humour of Australia’s next generation of circus talents will be on show in Circosis: Left Brain, Right Brain, a two-part production of elite-level circus.

Set in a world where obsession is the norm, the graduate showcase performances range from the poignant and evocative, to the flamboyant and outright absurd.

The 23 NICA circus artists have spent the last three years honing their circus and performance skills, guided by worldclass trainers.

They present solo acts such as aerial ladder, cloudswing, Chinese pole, hoop diving, trapeze, rolla bolla, rotating ring, tissu and roue Cyr. Performers include Melbourne’s Elise Nicole Jaworowski, a seasoned performer on aerial rope whose background includes studying criminal law in Japan and working on Norwegian cruise ships and Australian film sets; NYC-born circus, actor and stunt specialist Taylor Krasne, whose experience includes performing in Tim Robbins's The Actors' Gang in Los Angeles and harness work at Madison Square Garden for the rock band PHISH; Emily Gare’s poetic rotating ring routine, which sees her trapped inside a bomb shelter; Jeff Young who juggles while playing Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony on the piano; Jack Wilde whose ladder-walking act as a Las Vegas-style performer exuberantly captures the razzle dazzle of golden age circus; and Katie Martin, who fell in love with Chinese pole acrobatics at the age of eight (after seeing Cirque Du Soleil’s show Saltimbanco), and is currently completing her PADI Dive Master Ticket, aspiring to become a scuba diver in water-based circus shows.

NICA is Australia’s Centre of Excellence for training in contemporary circus arts. It is one of eight national arts training institutes and offers Australia’s only Bachelor of Circus Arts.

Graduates of NICA have gone on to pursue exciting careers both locally and internationally and have contributed to the development of Melbourne’s vibrant circus arts industry.

Performance Season: Thursday, June 15 – Saturday, June 24 Venue: NICA National Circus Centre, Prahran Bookings: www.nica.com.au - Cheryl Threadgold

● Musicians Andrew Haveron, Kathryn Selby and Timo-Veikko Valve will perform at Federation Square on May 24.

■ Australian pianist and chamber music entrepreneur Kathryn Selby invites SSO Concertmaster Andrew Haveron and ACO Principal Cellist Timo-Veikko Valve to join her in piano trio versions of orchestral works by Beethoven, Ravel and Haydn for a tour of Australian states from May 21 - 28.

Historically, chamber ensemble arrangements of orchestral works were performed in music-lovers’ homes as the only way to repeatedly enjoy great orchestral music.

In this tradition, composers and their colleagues have over the years arranged popular orchestral works for piano trio. Rarely performed nowadays, a selection is presented in by arrangement.

Originally composed for orchestra in 1791, Joseph Haydn’s Symphony No. 96 in D major (Miracle) opens this Selby and Friends program in an adaptation for piano

by Johann Peter Solomon.

Solomon was a well-known musical impresario who was instrumental in the premieres and publication of the original London Symphonies as well as his own piano trio adaptations of Haydn’s Symphonies 91-96.

The Baroque-style suite Le Tombeau de Couperin was composed by Maurice Ravel for orchestra in 1919, two years after his original piano version.

Almost a century later, composer, educator and pianist Matt Van Brink published this arrangement for piano trio.

Currently head of Songwriting and Composition at Concordia Conservatory in Bronxville, New York, Van Brink’s works and arrangements are performed around the world.

Beethoven’s beloved ‘Triple’ Concerto Op. 56 rounds out this Selby and Friends program in an arrangement by Carl Reinecke.

A prolific composer and arranger, Reinecke took Beethoven’s full-orchestra concerto of 1804 featuring violin, piano and cello and successfully reduced the ultra-rich musical textures down to the three solo instruments on their own.

“It is a special privilege for a pianist to have the opportunity to participate in these glorious works, and so it is a dream to share this experience with my good friends Andrew and Tipi once again in the warmth and intimacy of a chamber music setting,” says Selby.

Kathryn Selby boasts a string of international and Australian performance awards. In 2016 she celebrated the 10th anniversary of her brainchild Selby and Friends, a hallmark of which is the relaxed and intimate performance format which sees musicians speaking with the audience from the stage about their personal experiences in music.

May 24 at 7.30pm at Deakin Edge, Federation Square.

Tickets for ‘By Arrangement’ are available at the Selby and Friends website or by phoning 1300 511 099.

Dreyfus at protest at Arts Centre Melbourne ■ Melbourne composer George Dreyfus will be joined by supporters outside the State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne, on Thursday (May 4) between 6.30pm and 7.30pm, to distribute flyers in a bid to urge Opera Australia to reconsider staging his Government-funded opera The Gilt-Edged Kid. For further information please email gdreyfus@bigpond.net.au or telephone 9809 2671.

Page 32 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Observer Showbiz Country Crossroads

By Rob Foenander info@countrycrossroads.com.au

New for Gary ■ Bone on Bone is the new album release for Melbourne singer-songwriter Gary Hammond.

The 12 tracks are all written and produced

by Gary and adds to his vast catalogue of self-penned material.

Gary is also the lead singer front man for local group The 4 Peace Band that plays the club circuit around the suburbs.

More info at www.garyhammond. com.auo od eal.

For Beyond Blue

■ Melbourne band Midnight Mist is volunteering itsmusic talents for a fundraising effort supporting Beyond Blue.

The dinner dance will be held on July 15 at Grand Receptions Mulgrave and will be compered by Rob Foenander. For more info and tickets contact Ben, 0417 530 027.

Hepnotics back ■ Iconic 80s band The Dynamic Hepnotics will be back on stage for a historic reunion on Fri day-Saturday, June 23-24 at St Kilda's Memo Music Hall.

A live album and DVD will also be launched as part of the series of shows that features the original line up of band members.

- Rob Foenander ■ Cabaret debuted at the Athenaeum Theatre on Monday night (May 1). There were some sound problems in the second half.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

News around Victoria

Smooth is big winner ■ Melbourne music station, Smooth 91.5, was the big winner in the latest radio ratings figures announced late last week.

Smooth 91.5 achieved a 9.9 per cent share of the Melbourne listenership, measured all people aged 10 and over, Monday-Sunday, 5.30am-Midnight.

3AW remains the top rating commercial station, but other stations are chipping away at the dominance of the market leader.

ABC Melbourne (774) has failed to regain its competitive edge, in terms of audience numbers, over the past year or two.

It was bad news too for the SEN 1116 breakfast program helmed by Garry Lyon. The early show, measured from 5.30am-9am was only able to attract 2.9 per cent of the available audience.

This compares to Ross Stevenson and John Burns who achived a 19.3 per cent share in the same timeslot.

At ABC Melbourne, Red Symons and the AM program achieved 13.8 per cent, but a slice of the audience switched off when morning host Jon Faine took to the microphone (12.9 per cent).

Neil Mitchell (3AW, mornings) increased his audience, winning a figure of 15.5 per cent.

FM stations continue to fight for the morning audiences. In the breakfast timeslot, overall figures were: 3AW, 19.3. ABC Melbourne, 13.8. Triple M, 8.0. Nova, 7.3. Smooth, 7.2. KIIS, 6.8. Gold, 6.6. Fox, 6.4. Radio National, 4.9. JJJ, 2.9. SEN, 2.9. ABC FM, 2.7. ABC News, 1.8. Talking Lifestyle, 1.1.

In the early afternoons, Denis Walter (3AW), with 11.6 per cent, is being hotly pursued by Gold and Smooth, each on 10.9, and Fox on 10.1 In the drive session, meadured 4pm-7pm, Fox and Nova (10.3) are marginally ahead of Tom Eliott (3AW) on 10.2.

Radio Briefs

■ Jonathan Coleman has been doing nights from 9pm -midnight on Talking Lifestyle radio heard in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. The station’s ratings dropped by half, from 2.9 per cent to 1.4 per cent.

■ Charles ‘Chas’ Lumsden has passed away at the age of 77. In his final years he was living on the Sunshine Coast. He worked for several stations including 7EX, 3UZ, 5KA, 7HT, 7HO 3TR and 4AY. He was the father of Todd, Michael and Jacky. A private service was held on Thursday, April 20, reports Jocks Journal.

■ Rohan Chabaud is leaving 3NE/Edge Wangaratta is heading to Southern Cross Austereo at Albury. He’s accepted a fulltime role as Commercial Producer.

r Obser vbeiz On This Day Show

Wednesday Thursday May 4 May 3 ■ Crooner Bing Crosby was born in 1903. He died aged 74 in 1977.

Folk singer Pete Seeger was born in New York in 1919.

Lead singer with the Four Seasons, Frankie Valli, was born in 1937.

Cricketer David Hookes was born in 1955. He died aged 48.

Suburban Footballer

Radio

■ British comedian Eric Sykes was born in Lancashire in 1923.

Belgium-born Hollywood actress Audrey Hepburn was born in 1929. She died aged 63 in 1993.

Oldest of the brothers, Jackie Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana in 1951 (66).

He visits Australia,

Planet Broadcasting podcast launch ■ From the Melbourne-based creators of the highly successful USA’s The Weekly Planet podcast comes a local Australian brand of the Planet Broadcasting Podcast Network that has been launched in time for the beginning of the 2017 Melbourne Comedy Festival. .

Married couple James Clement and Claire Tonti have created Planet Broadcasting that will send Australian comedians into the world market by cross-promoting their content through their Youtube, social media and podcasting channels.

The project grew out of James Clements popular Youtube channel Mr Sunday Movies, where he releases weekly videos of himself reviewing popular comic movies, television series and books, which expanded into a podcast with his friend Nick Mason.

It boasts some 600,000 subscribers and over 1 million downloads or hits a month.

“Generally the videos get about 200,000 downloads but sometimes they can be up to four million, depending on the content and whether the video catches eyes,” Claire Tonti said.

The launch at the Rivoli Theatre saw some of Australia's best podcasters and comedians already on board, including Ugly Bad Guys, Dragon Friends, Human/Ordinary, Two in the Think Tank, Aunty Donna, Josh Earl and many more.

While it is all about self-promotion, Planet Broadcasting Podcast aims to connect with the community by supporting causes, raising awareness and funds for world projects.

Already a contributor through The Weekly Planet podcast to Pharmaceutical Aid for Nigeria and Movember, awareness of critical men's health issues particularly men's suicide.

“Planet Broadcasting will be the Avengers of podcasting” said Claire Tonti, in looking for Australian brands “interested in jumping on board”, being at the forefront of the couple’s business plan.

There are endless links but best to start with www.planetbcasting.com, or contact@planetbcasting.com. Perhaps you are already a favourite of The Weekly Planet podcast every Monday? And now we have a local Planet Broadcasting Podcast Network.

Graeme McCoubrie was a guest at the launch.

● Tom Siegert is The Suburban Footballer.

■ Thousands of Generation Y spend a whole winter braving the elements, scantily clad, and that’s not just the men these days endeavouring to control an oval ball – dubbed the Sherrin around a grassy oval just to kick it in between two large white sticks amid tumultuous applause.

In his The Suburban Footballer, Tom Siegert is the epitome of your local footy coach with his frustration, hope, some joy and ultimate despair.

As coach of the Caulfield Bears they haven’t won a match during the year or a premiership in 72years, so facing relegation or ultimate closure.

There are the warm ups, the robust inspirational music, the up lifting speeches that all seem to have little effect.

Using a magnetic board the Coach names his players by their nicknames from the back line to the interchange with players such as “Harvey Norman, no interest for 12 months” as an example, with all nicknames suiting their character and commitment to the game.

While we learn a lot about the players off field behaviour so did we about the trainer’s habits as well as the committee - all to much mirth.

In “daring to dream” as Coach, that a miracle could happen, the Bears face their last match of the season against the well qualified Cats.

We go through the preparation and live the drama of every quarter, with the first quarter an unqualified disaster, some five goals to one point. A lot happens before the final siren that leaves us saying “what a result”’.

In a well-crafted script we were kept laughing throughout, with perfect timing and delivery – demonstrating Tom’s dedication in playing the game but as a comedian with his Suburban Footballer.

As a fun and fund raiser Tom tours the production particularly to football clubs – bookings at tomsiegert@hotmail.com. You will not be disappointed I can assure you.

- Review by Graeme McCoubrie Melbourne

Observer

Friday May 5

Saturday May 6

■ American actress Alice Faye was born in New York in 1915.

She died aged 83 in 1998.

Australian runner Cliff Young was born in Victoria in 1922.

American actress Ann B Davis was born in 1928.

Michael Palin was born in 1943 (74).

■ Actor Stewart Granger was born in London in 1913. He died aged 80 in 1993.

British comic actor Sid James was born in South Africa in 1913.

He died aged 62 in 1976.

NZ-born actor Alan Dale was born in 1947.

The ex-Neighbours star is 70.

Sunday May 7 ■ US actor Gary Cooper was born in 1901.

He died aged 60.

Argentinian radio and film star Eva Peron was born in 1919. She died aged 33 in 1952.

Pop and jazz singer Teresa Brewer was born in 1931, and died in 2007 (77).

Marty Rhone (Karel Van Rhoon) is 69.

Monday May 8

■ British naturalist Sir David Attenborough was born in England in 1926.

He has been seen on Aussie TV since 1956 US comedian Don Rickles was born in New York in 1926. He died last month.

Singer Rick Nelson was born in 1940.

He died in a plane crash.

Tuesday May 9 ■ Sir Sidney Kidman, pastoralist, was born in South Australia in 1857. He died aged 78 in 1935.

Scottish author J M Barrie was born in 1860. He died aged 77 in 1937.

British actress Joan Sims was born in Essex, England in 1930. She died aged 71 in 2001.

Thanks to GREG NEWMAN of Jocks Journal for assistance with birthday and anniversary dates.

Jocks Journal is Australia’s longest running radio industry publication.

■ Melbourne Find out more at www.jocksjournal.com

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

ShowBiz!

Observer Showbiz

Forget-Me-Knot

● From left, Elise D’amico, Stephen Barber, Kendall Brown and Tina Bono in Forget-Me-Knot .

Photo: Michael Papier ■ The Basin Theatre presents the comedy Forget-Me-Knot from May 19 – June 10.

Written by David Tristram and directed

by Gregor McGibbon, the story tells of a man who may or may not be Robert Zeinfeld, found wandering the streets claiming to be suffering from amnesia.

Detective Inspector Monroe is the man charged with working out who this mystery man is, with the help – or rather hindrance – of Mrs Zeinfeld and his own wife Samantha.

The play is billed as having “more twists than a buckled slinky” and is said to be quite safe from prosecution under the Trade Descriptions Act. The Basin Theatre Group invites audiences to enjoy this comedy and “Come laugh at the Basin Theatre”, where free parking and program, pre-show sherry, tea/coffee/ biscuits at interval, and a light post-show supper with glass of wine with the cast, are all included in the ticket price of $27.

Performance details: May 19-June 10 Venue: The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin Tickets: $27 Group Discounts also apply.

Bookings: www.thebasintheatre.org.au or phone 1300 784 668.

Nikki Britton

■ Nikki Britton is a talented, funny lady.

Her current show Nikki Britton is Romanticised as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival displays this.

She has the audience smiling and laughing throughout, is very approachable and brave performing to an almost full house in a small venue at very ‘close quarters’. True or not her stories are well told and funny in a show with flow.

This Sydney entertainer is clever ‘on her feet’ diverting as the need requires based on the audience reactions and involvement, yet coming back to the theme effortlessly.

She comments a few times on the use of her ‘cheat notes’ ( my word not hers), but as she was not trying to hide the fact it didn’t matter making her seem more vulnerable which suited the character. This is not a perfect woman, with a perfect track record for love and luck, if something can go wrong it will.

Whilst this is a solo performance there are other characters on stage including her more perfect alter ego Catherine. She too is hilarious yet only ‘pops up’ occasionally. Huey Lewis provides inspiration with one well known song .

Britton exhudes confidence and energy on stage. An actor, storyteller, comedian, yet if this performance is anything to go by not sure if she is much of a singer, perhaps this is to add to the imperfect persona she has created.

Britton’s strength and point of difference is her ability to create strong visual images for the audience with both her words and mannerisms. It is easy to imagine witnessing her embarrassing moments. She has no trouble entertaining for over one hour, great value for money.

- Review by Elizabeth Semmel

Melbourne Obser ver - Wednesday, May 3, 2017 - Page 33

TV, Radio, Theatre Latest Melbourne show business news - without fear or favour

Homage to Bricolage

■ Homage to Bricolage is being presented for three performances at the Butterfly Club on May 11, 13 and 14.

Written, directed and performed by Mark J Wilson (Welcome to Woop Woop, Dead Letter Office) and developed in conjunction with Emilie Collier (RN, La Mama) and Angus Cameron (MTC, Malthouse) Homage to Bricolage is a new production that questions concepts of ‘self’ and ‘identity’ in online worlds.

Mark Wilson says he has always loved songwriting and performing.

“The songs are partly autobiographical and partly my observations of modern life”, says Mark “I'd been tinkering with different elements for years, and it finally feels like the right time to bring it all together.

“The stage becomes a canvas as image, text, music and media create a surreal rainbow world.”

In Homage to Bricolage , Wilson takes audiences on a journey as he reflects on identity, love, modern life and politics.

Performance Dates: May 11, 13, 14 at 7pm Venue: The Butterfly Club, Carson Place (off Little Collins St. between Swanston and Elizabeth Sts.) Bookings: https://thebutterflyclub.com/ show/homage-to-bricolage - Cheryl Threadgold

● Mark Wilson

The Morning After ■ What recollections do you have? What did I do? Who did I offend? Oh my head?.

How did I allow myself to finish up in a heap last night?

Well, all quite simple as we delve into the mind of the person who did just that.

Evan Hocking’s The Morning After explains it all in plain language with humour and explanations as to why.

“Never be ashamed to admit to a having a drink” was a theme throughout – as he pieced together the events of a rather loose night out.

How can it be called “Happy Hour” when in fact it is advertised as 5-7pm while

in some places it’s a four-hour “Happy Hour”, all to encourage drinking.

Thirsting for a drink he goes to a country pub where RSA, Responsible Serving of Alcohol is swept under the carpet.

Whilst his morning after is bad enough particularly after throwing his window open to vomit but not realising he had not removed the flyscreen, it is the flow on effect during the week that causes more stress as he faces the consequences of his actions.

A drama of tipping a car onto its roof, a demand for cash repayment or a new car, a television news service interview

and his father saying “If you make a mistake, acknowledge it and then fix it”.

With some power point sequences we saw the effect of his actions although I had trouble linking his Spiderman invasion of the football field with a loose night out?.

In using a hand mike Evan lost some of his lines and some endings when he lowered his voice while often we caught just his breathing.

Let us hope not everyone experiences the same dramas following their Morning After.

- Review by Graeme McCoubrie

Circus cum cabaret ■ Soap is wet but never sloppy. On opening night the cast of this cheeky, circus cum cabaret thrillingly mesmerised a packed house.

On a set comprising six bathtubs, the performers’ diverse, high-level skills are tested with a liberal use of water in and out of tubs.

Highlights included Ethiopian Adem Endris, juggler extraordinaire who performed a comic strip-tease while all the time juggling. His final act was with none less than seven balls.

We were amazed by Daniel Leo Stern’s muscle control in his use of acrobatic straps and Mario Espanol’s bathtub edge hand balancing on loose blocks with the added danger of water. His feats inspired my theatre companion to conquer her personal handstand goal.

Soap is propelled by lead female comedienne, Nicole Ratjen, whose naughty, coquettish sketches drew in the audience and gave cohesion to the show.

Coupled with soprano diva, Jennifer Lindshield, they performed comedic renditions of opera arias and classic and popular music from Beethoven to the Beatles and much more.

Adorned with only a towel, the audience

cheered the three male performers’ version of Tchaikovsky’s Sugar Plum Fairy.

I hasten to add that this act and the entire show is family friendly.

Great Moscow State Circus acclaimed performer, Liudmila Nikolaeva, had us entranced with her seeming effortless foot juggling of drums and bath towels.

Lena Reis’s outstanding acts of contortion and aerial display underscored Reinhard Bichsel’s Berlin-based company’s superlative physicality in this brilliantly directed and choreographed production. Direction by Markus Pabst and Maximillian Rambaek.

This was a Melbourne International Comedy Festival must see.

- Review by Sherryn Danaher ■ Eliza Sum has joined to the Herald Sun as Digital News Producer. She moves to the paper after five months at Leader Newspapers as a Digital Producer.

■ Luke Henriques-Gomes has been appointed Political Reporter for The New Daily based in Melbourne and Canberra.

Sally Seltmann ■ Sally Seltmann will perform a one-off show at the Hawthorn Arts Centre, on Friday May 19, using the venue’s Steinway grand piano.

The award-winning Australian singer songwriter will showcase songs from her albums, Hey Daydreamer, Heart That’s Pounding, Somewhere, anywhereand The Last Beautiful Day. Held in the historical Hawthorn Arts Centre, Seltmann will perform her vintage pop songs for the audience, accompanied by her talented live band.

Sally will also play renditions of her songs on the beautiful Steinway grand piano. Guests will enjoy a cabaret-style atmosphere, with wine, beer and gourmet cheese platters available from the bar.

Having toured with prolific artists including Cat Power, Broken Social Scene, Feist, Stars, Bright Eyes, Bon Iver, Architecture In Helsinki and Paul Kelly, Sally is set to shine with this one night only solo performance.

Sally explains, “I really love working alone on albums and projects, but I also like to balance things out by collaborating with other artists.”

In 2011, Sally formed the band, Seeker Lover Keeper, whose debut self-titled album peaked in the Australia ARIA charts at number three.

The band celebrated the success of their hit Even though I’mA Woman, coming in at number 17 in the Triple J Hottest 100 Countdown of 2011.

After recently performing with her band at the Friday Nights at NGV as a part of the Andy Warhol and Ai Weiwei exhibition, Sally released a new single Dancing In The Darkness.

Written and produced with her husband Darren Seltmann, the song is a beautiful ode to honouring the darker side of your psyche.

The song is featured in the pilot for the ABC Television show, The Letdown, along with a full score composed by the husband and wife duo.

Sally and her husband work closely to compose and record all her solo music.

The artist has been working on her fifth studio album as well as working on a new Seeker Lover Keeper album alongside Sarah Blasko and Holly Throsby.

Performance: Friday, May 19, 8pm Tickets: $35 Venue: Hawthorn Arts Centre, 360 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn Bookings:www.hawthornartscentre.com.au/ event/sally-seltmann/ - Cheryl Threadgold

Latest Shows

■ ■ Cathouse Players: Steel Magnolias (by Robert Harling) May 26 - June 3 at Kyneton Masonic Centre, 7-9 Yaldwyn St. West, Kyneton. Director: Bette Sartore. Bookings: w w w. t r y b o o k i n g . c o m / b o o k / event?eid=249841.

■ The Mount Players: True West (by Sam Shepard) May 26 - June 10) at The Mountview Theatre, 56 Smith St., Mt Macedon. Director: Travis Handcock.

Bookings: www.themountplayers.com or 5426 1892.

■ The Southern Peninsula Players present The 39 Steps from May 5 – 13 in the Rosebud Memorial Hall. Adapted by Patrick Barlow from the novel by John Buchan and movie by Alfred Hitchcock, this show is directed by Gabe Noonan.

Performances are being presented in both cabaret and classic row seating styles: Cabaret style, BYO refreshments on May 5, 6, 12, 13 at 8pm, tickets $30 inc. complimentary drink and program. Classic row seating: May 7 at 2pm and May 10 at 8pm, $25 ($20 concession) inc. complimentary tea/coffee.

Bookings: www.spptheatre.com - Cheryl Threadgold

Page 34 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Observer Showbiz What’s Hot and What’s Not in Blu-Rays and DVDs

● Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, one of the very best in the series, 40 years on and Star Wars is still an exhilarating ride!

FILM: ROGUE ONE - A STAR WARS STORY: Genre: Sci-Fi/Action/Adventure/Fantasy.

Cast: Felicity Jones, Forest Whitaker, Ben Mendelsohn, Diego Luna.

Year: 2016.

Rating: M. Length: 133 Minutes.

Stars: **** Verdict: With 40th anniversary celebrations starting this week, Star Wars still thrills with this exhilarating prequel to the original "Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope" (1977). The Rebellion who are up against the ruthless and unforgiving Empire, who learn of the existence of a new super weapon, the Death Star, and a possible weakness in its construction is uncovered, the Rebel Alliance set out to steal the plans for the Death Star. The future of the entire galaxy now rests upon its success, and in doing so, set up the epic saga to follow. All the bells and whistles you expect from a "Star Wars" movie are right here, loud and clear, like fireworks on New Year's Eve. This is the best and most entertaining edition to the landmark series since "The Empire Strikes Back" (1980). Director Gareth Edwards (Monsters/2010) keeps in sharp, exciting, dark, witty and thrilling for every moment of its inter-galactic screen time. Stellar cast, along with a jaw-dropping surprise or two, all shine, most notably Ben Ben Mendelsohn as a villain. Along with spectacular eye-popping special effects and rousing music score, they all combine to create an unforgettable rollercoaster ride!

May the 4th be with you.

FILM: ARRIVAL: Genre: Mystery/Sci-Fi/Drama.

Cast: Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker.

Year: 2016.

Rating: TBC. Length: 116 Minutes.

Stars: **** Verdict: Set present day, twelve mysterious spacecraft touch down across the globe, an elite team, led by expert linguist Louise Banks - is brought together to investigate and tasked with interpreting the language of the alien visitors, and search for answers, as Earth balances on the verge of global war. Amy Adams is a standout in every frame of her screen time as the linguist desperate to solve a riddle from another world, and supported with superb performances

by Jeremy Renner as a theoretical physicist (Mathematician) and Forest Whitaker as the U.S. Army Colonel heading the base camp.

As far away removed from the 'Star Wars' universe as you can get, 2017 Oscar nominations include Best Picture, Screenplay (by Eric Heisserer), Cinematography (by Bradford Young), Editing and Production Design. Following the compelling 'Incendies' (2010), the fiercely gripping 'Prisoners' (2013) and 2015's nail-biting 'Sicario,' director Denis Villeneuve excels again! Not for everyone's palate, more in tone and atmosphere to Andrei Tarkovsky's 1972 'Solaris' than 'Star Wars,' this is however thought provoking, highly ambiguous, intellectually stimulating and haunting 'thinking man's' mystery-science fiction-drama that is sure to create much discussion and debate long after it's over. Affectionate nods to such sci-fi classics include 'The Day The Earth Stood Still,' 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind,' 'Contact,' '2001: A Space Odyssey,' 'It Came From Outer Space,' and 'The Abyss.'

FILM: JACK REACHER - NEVER GO BACK: Genre: Action/Crime/Thriller.

Cast: Tom Cruise, Cobie Smulders, Aldis Hodge.

Year: 2016.

Rating: M. Length: 118 Minutes.

Stars: ** Verdict: Sequel to the genuinely gripping 2012 film, 'Jack Reacher,' of former major in the U.S. Army Military Police Corps, this time follows Reacher who goes on-the-run with an Army Major who has been framed for espionage. Inferior cliché riddled screenplay drips like sludge, surprisingly bland direction by the usually reliable Edward Zwick (Glory, The Last Samurai, Blood Diamond), saggy pacing, and poor performances, of which star and co-producer Tom Cruise has rarely been so dull or uninspired, and plot holes bigger than a moon crater. Brain numbingly boring, 'Jack Reacher: Never Go Back' is based on the novel by Lee Child, in which there are 21 in total, and was to be the second in an intended action franchise, however, this has no doubt put the nail in the coffin of that idea.

Jack Reacher should never have gone back. A total misfire!

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Movies, DVDs With Jim Sherlock and Aaron Rourke

Rourke’s Reviews: Truman ■ Truman (MA). 108 minutes.

Now available on DVD. With loud, expensive blockbusters bombarding our screens so regularly now (more often than not involving superheroes), it is so refreshing when a quiet, more thoughtful film comes our way, and Truman is definitely such a film.

The story gets under way when Tomas (Javier Camara) arrives in Madrid to pay a surprise visit on his childhood friend Julian (Ricardo Darin), who has been diagnosed with cancer.

At first hesitant to see his terminally ill friend face-to-face, Tomas gradually becomes involved in Julian's attempts to bring closure to various aspects of his life, most importantly finding a new home for his beloved old dog, Truman.

The following four days will see Tomas examine his friendship with Julian, knowing that this will be the last time he'll see him.

What is terrific about Truman is the way it artfully avoids cheap melodrama, and although the premise sounds depressing, the film is actually filled with a tranquil warmth, allowing the audience to feel like they are sitting in with these two lifelong friends.

In fact, if you are looking for a big dramatic moment, one that conveniently encapsulates Tomas and Julian's journey in one scene, you will not find it.

Co-writer / director Cesc Gay (who helmed the arthouse success A Gun In Each Hand) is more interested in wanting his audience to invest in the entire trip, carefully connecting a series of observations and conversations, unobtrusively working towards a finale that is both moving and satisfying.

The director couldn't have cast two better actors in the lead roles.

Darin, a superstar throughout Europe, is superb as the ailing but practical Julian.

What could have been a showy performance is instead beautifully understated, bringing to life a flawed individual who wants to set things straight.

This accomplished actor has a strong body of work, which includes The Lighthouse, Nine Queens, The Aura, The Secret In Their Eyes, Chinese Takeaway, A Gun In Each Hand, and Wild Tales (the last of which is still frustratingly unavailable on DVD).

Camara (Living Is Easy With Eyes Closed / A Gun In Each Hand / I'm So Excited / Bad Education / Talk To Her), is equally as good, portraying Tomas's move from uncomfortable visitor to accepting companion with consummate skill.

Also worth noting is Delores Fonzi (Paulina / The Aura), who is fine as Julian's headstrong cousin Paula.

Of course Truman the dog, who is effectively symbolic throughout, is adorable. Like the recent An, Truman deals with people in a natural, credible manner, and as such should be welcomed by those who crave a genuinely humane viewing experience.

RATING - ****.

■ Bone Tomahawk (R). 127 minutes. Now available on DVD and Blu-Ray. An unusual mix of characterdriven western and disturbing horror, Bone Tomahawk is one of those genuine discoveries that both surprises and satisfies.

Set in the small town of Hope Springs, we see the series of events that unfold after the arrival of a mysterious stranger named Purvis (David Arquette).

The seemingly aloof loner, whose true colours are shown in the opening scene, attracts the attention of sheriff Franklyn Hunt (Kurt Russell) and his civilian deputy Chicory (Richard Jenkins), and is quickly and violently apprehended.

Notorious sharp-shooter Brooder (Matthew Fox) is sent to fetch the local doctor, Arthur O'Dwyer (Patrick Wilson), to tend to Purvis’s gunshot wound.

Housebound with a broken leg, Arthur sends his qualified wife Samantha (Lili Simmons) instead, who treats the injured prisoner under the supervision of deputy sheriff Nick (Evan Jonigkeit).

When Samantha, Purvis, and Nick are suddenly taken by abductors unknown, Franklyn, Arthur, Chicory, and Brooder, wanting to find the trio before they meet a horrific fate, begin a journey across hostile territory that will lead them into a dark world of blood and death.

Bone Tomahawk takes its time setting up character, atmosphere, and locale, and its deliberate pacing may irritate some viewers, but it is a daring move that pays off as the film goes on.

What also makes this unique tale fascinating is writer/director S. Craig Zahler's approach to the material, combining a gritty, believable western with a terrifying variation on Joseph Conrad's classic tale Heart Of Darkness, where man is continually drawn towards repetitive acts of violence and cruelty.

Casting is another reason for the film's overall success.

Russell, who has made quite the comeback in films such as The Hateful Eight, Deepwater Horizon, The Fate Of The Furious, and Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2, brings tremendous gravitas to the role of Hunt, and shows he has not lost his ability to fully command the screen.

Jenkins (The Visitor), Wilson (Little Children), Fox (Lost TV series), and Simmons all fit into their roles perfectly.

You will need to prepare yourself however, as there are scenes of graphic, unrelenting horror, and the film's R-rating is completely warranted.

For a low-budget film, Bone Tomahawk has a convincingly dusty look, and is stylishly shot by cinematographer Benji Bakshi. You truly believe that thisWest is a tough place to etch out an existence in.

Bone Tomahawk quietly surfaced on the scene, but it is a thoughtful western that makes for memorable (if dark) viewing.

RATING - **** - Aaron Rourke

Top 10 Lists APRIL 30 to MAY 6.

THE AUSTRALIAN BOX OFFICE TOP TEN: 1. THE FATE OF THE FURIOUS. 2. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (LIVE ACTION).

3. THE BOSS BABY. 4. GOING IN STYLE. 5. THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE. 6. SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE. 7. THEIR FINEST. 8. TABLE 19.

9. GHOST IN THE SHELL. 10. DANCE ACADEMY. NEW RELEASES AND COMING SOON TO CINEMAS AROUND AUSTRALIA: APRIL 27: BATTLE OF MEMORIES, FREE FIRE, RULES DON'T APPLY, THE INNOCENTS, THINGS TO COME. MAY 4: A DOG'S PURPOSE, EMO THE MUSICAL, GET OUT, PORK PIE, SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT AS ME, THE ZOOKEEPER'S WIFE. THE DVD AND BLU-RAY TOP RENTALS & SALES: 1. MOONLIGHT [Drama/Mahershala Ali, Naomi Harris].

2. ALLIED [War/Thriller/Brad Pitt, Marion Cotillard, Jared Harris].

3. ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY [Fantasy/Adventure/Felicity Jones].

4. COLLATERAL BEAUTY [Drama/Will Smith, Helen Mirren, Kate Winslet].

5. PASSENGERS [Sci-Fi/Adventure/Jennifer Lawrence, Chris Pratt, Michael Sheen].

6. ASSASSINS CREED [Action/Fantasy/Adventure/Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard].

7. JACKIE [Drama/Natalie Portman, John Hurt, Billy Crudup].

8. WHY HIM? [Comedy/Bryan Cranston, James Franco].

9. THE FOUNDER [Drama/Michael Keaton, John Carroll Lynch, Laura Dern].

Also: FRANK & LOLA, MONSTER TRUCKS, FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM, MOANA, PATERSON, UNDERWORLD: BLOOD WARS, I DANIEL BLAKE, SING, DOCTOR STRANGE, HACKSAW RIDGE. NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON DVD THIS WEEK: LION: 2 Disc Extended Australian Edition [Drama/Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman, Rooney Mara].

A UNITED KINGDOM [Drama/Rosamund Pike, David Oyelowo].

LA LA LAND [Musical/Romance/Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone].

THE AUTOPSY OF JANE DOE [Drama/Horror/Brian Cox, Emile Hirsch].

WHISKEY GALORE [2016/Comedy/Eddie Izzard, James Cosmo].

NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON BLU-RAY THIS WEEK: LION: 2 Disc Extended Australian Edition [Drama/Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman, Rooney Mara].

A UNITED KINGDOM [Drama/Rosamund Pike, David Oyelowo].

LA LA LAND [Musical/Romance/Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone].

THE DISH [2000/Comedy/Historial/Sam Neill, Roz Hammond, Billy Mitchell].

THE AUTOPSY OF JANE DOE [Drama/Horror/Brian Cox, Emile Hirsch].

NEW & RE-RELEASE AND CLASSIC MOVIES ON DVD HIGHLIGHTS: THE DISH [2000/Comedy/Historial/Sam Neill, Roz Hammond, Billy Mitchell].

NEW RELEASE TELEVISION, DOCUMENTARY AND MUSIC DVD HIGHLIGHTS: WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION: MiniSeries.

BRIAN COX: Life Of A Universe.

THE LAST SHIP: Season 3.

UNFORGETTABLE: Season 3.

UNFORGOTTEN: Season 2.

Turn To Page 38

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 3, 2017 - Page 35

Observer Showbiz The Tribe ■ In this day and age, there is barely a time where the word ‘Muslim’ is not linked to ideas of terrorism or border control in our media.

How refreshing then, to sit through a simple story of a Shiite Lebanese family where not an ounce of political negativity distracts us.

Based on the novel by Michael MohammedAhmad and directed by Janice Muller, this piece brings all the elements together for a very special experience.

After arriving at the Substation, the audience is led along the train line and through a few streets to the performance space, a Newport backyard.

This intimate space laid the groundwork for a performance that will stick with me for some time.

Hazem Shammas skillfully weaves the story of Bani, a young Australian-born Lebanese boy who tells us stories of his childhood, and in particular about the death of his Grandmother, his Tayta.

We jump between adult reminiscence and boyhood experiences, but the moments are seamless.

And alongside the spoken narrative, the beautiful compositions of Oonagh Sherrard told stories too, her cello sometimes accompanying and sometimes taking over what was unsaid.

Shammas captured us with his first few words and there was never a time where we were not engaged.

His voice, like the instrument next to him, could convey a hundred different emotions with a simple inflection.

And, as if carefully orchestrated, the wind and darkening sky accented the changing pace of the play.

Of particular note, was the recollection of the school playground, and the moment Bani learns his Tayta is dead.

The subtle sounds of children playing, and the tension building plucks of the cello build to the moment of revelation, and the audience joins Bani in his shock and dismay.

It is impossible for me to retell this story.

What I was left with at the end was not a distinct narrative, but a mood, an experience.

I felt as though I had been let in to an intimate family moment and I was better for it.

- Review by Kylie Rackham

Thanks to our reviewers

■ Mark Briggs, Rita Crispin, Martin Curtis, Sherryn Danaher, Barbara Hughes, Lyn Hurst, Kathryn Keeble, Beth Klein, Deborah Marinaro, Graeme McCoubrie, Catherine, McGregor, David McLean, Maggie Morrison, Jill Page, Kylie Rackham, Elizabeth Semmel.

AUDITIONS ■ Peridot Theatre: Life After George (by Hannie Rayson) May 3 at 7.30pm at Unicorn Theatre, Lechte Rd., Mt Waverley. Director: David Lawson-Smith. Enquiries: 0402 464 645.

■ MOARTZ: Caravan (by Donald MacDonald) May 8 at the Uniting Church hall, Newborough. Director: Mike Pullar. Enquiries 0438 579 987.

■ Malvern Theatre Company: Brief Encounter/We Were Dancing May 14 and 15 at 29 Burke Rd., Malvern. Director: Horrie Leek. Further information: 98008 8438.

■ The 1812 Theatre: Never the Sinner May 28 at 7.00pm aat 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully.

Director: Geoff Hickey. Audition bookings: 9874 1571.

■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG): The Female of the Species (by Joanna MurraySmith) May 28, 29 at Strathmore Community Theatre, Cnr. Loeman and Napier Sts., Strathmore. Director: Kris Weber. Details: www.stagtheatre.org

Local Theatre With Cheryl Threadgold

Les Mis at the National ■ CLOC Musical Theatre presents a new production of Boublil and Schönberg’s Les Misérables from May 12-27 at the National Theatre, St Kilda.

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century revolutionary France, Les Misérables is the world’s longest running musical and has been seen by more than 65 million people worldwide in 42 countries and in 22 languages.

Playing the pivotal role of Jean Valjean, around whom the epic tale revolves, is Melbourne music theatre performer Mark Doran, whose extensive resumé covers nearly 40 productions over the past 20 years.

One of those productions was in 2006, when he appeared as Enjolras, the student leader, in a production of Les Misérables. Now, 11 years later, he finally has his chance to play his dream role.

Pictured with Mark is Ava Rose HoubenCarter, who at nine years old and in Grade 3, is the youngest member of the 37 strong cast.

Ava is one of two young girls who are sharing the role of young Cosette, and who has one of the special moments in the show, alone on stage singing the haunting Castle on a Cloud.

Based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel, Les Misérables is an epic and uplifting story about the survival of the human spirit.

The magnificent score includes the classic songs I Dreamed a Dream, On My Own, Stars, Bring Him Home, Do You Hear the People Sing?,

● Mark Doran (Jean Valjean) and Ava Rose Houben-Carter (Little Cosette) in Les Miserables opening at the National Theatre on May 12.

Photo: Ben Fon One Day More, Master of the House and many more.

Performance Details: May 12 – 27 at 7.30pm, 2pm matinees on May 14 and 21.

Venue: The National Theatre Melbourne, 20 Carlisle St., St KildaTickets: Adults $58, Conc / Groups $52, Children $40.

Bookings: www.cloc.org.au

Legends of the Skies SHOWS

■ LOTS Theatre Inc: Legends of the Skies Series 4, May 4, 5, 6 at 8.00pm at the Australian National Aviation Museum, 1 Second Ave., Moorabbin Airport. Tickets: $22. Bookings Trybooking or 9580 2389.

■ Sunshine Community Theatre: Veronica's Room (by Ira Levin) Until May 13 at the Dempster Park Hall, Phoenix St., Sunshine North. Director: David Prince. www.sctheatre.com.au ■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: Pride and Prejudice (by Simon Reade, based on the novel

by Jane Austin) Until May 13 at 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: Tim Scott. Bookings: www.htc.org.au or 9457 4117 ■ Geelong Repertory Theatre Company: The Savages of Wirramai (by Sandy Fairthorne) Until May 13 at The Woodbin Theatre, 15 Coronation St., Geelong West. Director: Iris WalsheHowling. Bookings: GPAC 5225 1200.

■ Adelphi Players Theatre Company: Silver Wedding (by Michael Clayton Hutton) Until May 7 at the Booran Rd. Hall, 264 Booran Rd., Ormond. Director: Michael Mace. Tickets $15/ $12 Bookings:9690-1593.

■ Off the Leash Theatre: Checklist for an Armed Robber (by Vanessa Bates) Until May 13 at the Richmond Theatrette, 415 Church St., Richmond. Director: Cameron Gray, Also: May 5 at the Old Drouin Butter Factory; May 12 at the VRI Hall, 18-20 Queens Pde., Traralgon, and May 13 at Stratford Courthouse, 66 Princes Highway, Stratford.

Bookings: www.offtheleashtheatre.com.au/cheklist-for-anarmed-robber Tickets: Please contact 9808 0770.

■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: The One Day of the Year (by Alan Seymour) Unti May 6 at 64 Parkers Rd., Parkdale. Director: Judy Corderoy. Bookings: 9587 5141 ■ Melbourne French Theatre: La Comtesse Bis by Moliére May 4 - 6 at 8.00pm and 2.30pm May 5 and 6 atCollingwood College Theatre, McCutcheon Way, Collingwood. Director: Ros Campagnaro. Bookings: 9349 2250.

■ Eltham Little Theatre: Freedom of the City (by Brian Friel) May 5 - 20 at Eltham Perform-

ing Arts Centre, 1603 Main rd., Research. Director: Samuel Chappel. Bookings: 0411 713 095.

■ Phoenix Theatre Company: The Addams Family May 12 - 20 at the Doncaster Playhouse, 679 Doncaster Road, Doncaster. Director: Craig Maloney; Musical Director: Tony Toppi; Choreographer: Renee Maloney. Bookings: 9012 5891.

■ CLOC Musical Theatre: Les Miserables May 12 - 27 at the National Theatre, St Kilda.

Bookings: www.cloc.org.au ■ Tangled Web Productions: The Vandal (by Hamish Linklater) May 12 - 20 at Brunswick Mechanics Institute, Sydney Rd., Brunswick. Director: Michelle Swann. Bookings: 0404 942 143 or www.tangleweb.com.au ■ Torquay Theatre Troupe: The Laramie Project (by Moises Kaufman) May 15 - 27 at 16 Price St., Torquay. Director: Zina Carman. Bookings: www.trybooking.com ■ Brighton Theatre Company: Hats Off! (by Alison Campbell-Rate) May 18 - June 3 at Bayside Cultural Centre, Cnr. Wilson and Carpenter Sts., Brighton. Director: Denise Wellington. Bookings: 1300 752 126.

■ MLOC Productions: Footloose May 19 - 27 at the Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Rd., Parkdale. Bookings: www.mloc.org.au ■ Nova Music Theatre: Godspell May 19 - 27 at The Whitehorse Centre, Nunawading. Bookings: 1300 304433.

■ The Basin Theatre Group: Forget Me Knot (by David Tristram) May 19 - June 10 at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Director: Gregor McGibbon. Bookings: 1300 784 668.

■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG): The Dixie Swim Club(by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten) May 25 - June 4 at Strathmore Community Theatre, Cnr. Loeman and Napier Sts., Strathmore. Bookings: 9382 6284 or www.stagtheatre.org ■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre: One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest (by Dale Wasserman) May 25 - June 10 at the Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre, 39-41 Castella St., Lilydale. Director: Catherine Garside. Bookings:9735 1777.

Melbourne

Observer B# BIG BAND

● Henry K, Founder, Manager and Director of the B# Big Band.

■ Following a sell-out show in March, the B# Big Band will be returning to the Italian community club, The Club Fogolar Furlan , at 1 Matisi St, Thornbury, on Saturday, May 27.

The 17-piece band is augmented by swing vocalist Miss Fiona Thorn and smooth crooner M. Frank Benedetto, who got toes atapping when they appeared last at the Club.

People missed out on tickets to the last show which was a great success, so the organisers recommend early bookings.

Bookings can be made online following the prompts on the furlanswing.com.au website, or by calling the Furlan Club on 9484 0477.

THREE ONE-ACT PLAYS ■ It is always refreshing to have three One Act Plays in one program. Such was the case at Peridot Theatre Inc. one of the leading non-professional theatre companies in Melbourne, choosing a youth play and two adult themed works.

The variety was there, all well cast and in all cases well directed. Commencing the program were four young actors under playwright and director Hayley Lawson-Smith in Captain Jester’s, a fast food outlet with all the expectations one would have with drive through and counter service.

A simple set highlighted by a life size figure of a sailor outfitted as Captain Jester.

The script well suited Tammy, played by Thalia Dudek, and Hannah, played by Ellie Wood, as they had to deal with patrons Nate played by Husham Juma and scene stealer Lucas played by Campbell McNish. While entertaining it could have been tightened.

Award-winning playwright Cerise de Gelder’s work Pop, directed by Amy Jenkins caused some mirth with a morbid theme of death and Alzheimer’s.

Jessica played by Dominique Musico calls three friends to kill her after being told she is facing a terminal illness.

The diagnosis is wrong, but too late as the friends endeavour to kill her, by running her over, by shooting, and by knife while devoted husbandCraig played by George Benca wants to use a plastic bag over her head. How she escapes these attempts on her life is the core theme.

The final work The Stanley Parkers by Irish playwright Geraldine Aron and directed by well credentialed Robyn Kelly was an emotional journey of gay couple Stanley played by Gavin Baker and a younger Dimitri played by Joe Dias.

Taking us through their 17 years together, they each gave a monologue style overview of each other before the union was sadly separated by death.

Overall, a compact three-play performance.

- Review by Graeme McCoubrie

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page g 36 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, y, g May , 3, 2017 Melbourne

Observer

Lovatts Crossword No 11 Across

1. More droopy 6. Dig 11. Legendary gold city (2,6) 15. Having a poor ear for pitch (4-4) 20. Relations 21. Undue speed 22. Pen name, ... de plume 23. Gleefully chuckles 24. Tent supports (3,5) 25. Jesus' home town 27. Singing with trills 28. Prima donna 29. Writer, ... Thomas 31. The O of PTO 32. A wolf in ... clothing (5'1) 36. ANC hero, Nelson ...

37. Within house 38. Lovely 41. Dutch centre of govt, The ...

44. Fishing-line fibre 45. Sample 48. Way of life 49. Very busy 52. Goose & ...

56. Out-of-vogue star (3-4) 57. Small stone 58. Most uptight 61. Arduous experience 62. Foretold 63. West African nation, Sierra ...

64. Warms 65. Fools 66. Cleaver 67. Without artifice 71. Toadstools 73. Silly 75. Catastrophes 80. Ignore 82. Ice-cream desserts 83. Globes 85. Acting as go-between 86. Treat cruelly (3-3) 88. African disease fly 90. Nourishing drinks (3,5) 91. Bible song 93. Current flow rating 94. Interjectors 95. Ski headwear accessory 96. Military flying facility (3,4) 97. No part 99. Burial vault 100. Removed from power 104. Hoist (flag) 105. Cat cry 106. Of sheep 107. Leaseholders 111. Slightly wet 113. Crab's pinch 114. Have 115. Wrath 117. Pitch tent 118. Should, ... to 121. Tribal post, ... pole 122. Moved slowly 125. Field 126. Jump high 127. The ... of Capri 129. Assistant 131. Opposed to 132. Releases grip (4,2) 135. Among 136. Emerald Isle 139. Hordes 140. Scolded 144. Eagle's nest 145. Chick's call 146. Aimed 147. Disengage (train carriages) 148. Splendid (mansion)

Across

Down

149. Public square 150. Lacking originality 152. Customary 154. Baton races 157. Flying saucers (1,1,2) 158. Blabs 162. Matching outfit 163. Meagre 166. Flag down (cab) 167. Speech defect 169. Butterfly catchers 171. Biblical you 172. US moon rocket 173. Composer, Andrew ... Webber 175. Cloth fold 176. Chock 179. Culminate in (4,2) 180. Wash lightly 182. Recline, ... down 183. Repetitive strain injury (1,1,1) 184. Grind (meat) 186. Powder, ... of Paris 189. Thread 190. Peace pact 191. Sense receptor 192. Said 196. Tenant's payment 197. Bellow 198. Vermouth cocktail 199. Remnants 201. Playing for time 202. Harvesters 203. Roof overhangs 204. Last Russian tsar 205. Entangle 208. To the rear 210. Bridge designer 211. Sector 212. Outdoors (4-3) 213. Sinks in middle 215. Unfavoured horses 219. Lead-in 221. Sunday joint 223. Not perfumed 227. Juvenile 228. Ambassador's office 230. Move with effort 231. Cut wildly 232. Pillages 233. Mutilate 234. Admire 238. Delighted 239. First 240. Meal 243. Approval 246. Loosen 247. Dough ingredient 250. Corn husks 251. Out of style 253. Laughing scavengers 256. Frequent visitor 257. Female betrothed 258. Cease 262. Spy, ... Hari 263. Steak cut (1-4) 266. Ark builder 268. WA wine-growing region, ... River 269. Business income 270. Artist's medium (3,5) 271. Sewer coverings 272. Born as 273. Man-made fabric 274. Raises (the ante) 275. Climbs down 276. London/Edinburgh express, Flying ...

277. Lacy robe 278. Roomy

1. Confronts 2. Holed atmosphere layer 3. Erect (3,2) 4. ... out a living 5. Coming up (of sun) 7. Red pepper spice 8. Brutal 9. Michael Flatley's Lord of ... (3,5) 10. Simple 11. Famous volcano 12. Inclinations 13. Continually (2,3,2) 14. Phenomenal 15. Turrets 16. Actor, ... Sharif 17. Fire fragment 18. Remove from home 19. Misty 24. Pastime 26. Multitude 30. Lounges about 33. Barn dance 34. Distinguished 35. Actor, Sam ...

38. Ringing (of bell) 39. Nudged 40. Drama venue 42. Afresh 43. Unties 46. Junkies 47. Compared to 49. Cooperative 50. Top of head 51. List down 53. Non-believer in God 54. Roman moon goddess 55. Staff schedules 59. Proximity 60. Able to be rubbed out 67. Uncared-for 68. Traffic jam (5-2) 69. Undoes (envelope) 70. Sly suggestion 72. Opening 74. Telling 76. Debatable 77. Energies 78. Copy 79. Siblings 81. Until now 84. Mattress frame 87. Paint thinners 89. Called 91. Autocue 92. Insane lady 98. Fireplace shelf 101. TV host, ... Dingo 102. Egg shapes 103. Give work to 108. Stoat 109. Colloquial language 110. Inspire 112. Inventiveness 116. Feared Mongolian ruler (7,4) 119. Inattentive 120. Grotesquely 123. Small coffee cup 124. Welcoming 128. Clinging gastropods 130. Hero-worship

Down 132. Feebler 133. Fish commercially 134. Survive (3,2) 137. Turn out 138. Disgust 141. Granny Smith fruit 142. Cogwheel set 143. Personal memoirs 151. On dry land 153. Lucky charm 155. Dismiss (from college) 156. Map book 159. Desire for food 160. Tethered (4,2) 161. Pleads 164. Swiftly 165. Fluid unit 168. Laziness 170. Glimmers 173. Unused portion 174. Public referee 177. Filth 178. Coming into view 181. Water (pasture) 185. River flows 186. Allspice 187. Orange/pink shade 188. Libya's capital 193. Afternoon break 194. Vote back into office (2-5) 195. Wanted 200. Uniformity 201. Divide 206. Not either 207. Car horns 208. Takes into custody 209. Type of spanner 211. Appoints 214. Sultan's wife 216. Sissy 217. Austere 218. Disappoints 220. Hobo 222. Conscious (of fact) 224. Held tenderly 225. Subtleties of meaning 226. Infinite 229. Famous US university 232. Army dining room 235. And so forth (2,6) 236. Greek philosopher 237. Coffee drug 241. Legal trade ban 242. Lawsuits 244. Surgical blade 245. Kissing & cuddling 248. Eases off 249. Which 251. Repressed, ... up 252. Postage stickers 253. Hot & damp 254. Gains 255. Proverb 259. Moral principle 260. Eskimo hut 261. Cricket matches 262. Fix 264. Roughage 265. Midday 267. Padlock clasp

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 3, 2017 - Page 37

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Page 38 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 3, 2017

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport

Doomben 10,000 Classic tips

■ The Gai Waterhouse-Andrew Bott trained mare, English, heads the early charts for the time honoured Doomben 10,000 to be run on May 13.

The mare was disappointing at her last run in the All Aged Stakes when failing to run on, finishing out of a place starting a warm favuorite.

Her form of late has been a bit off , but if you look to her big run in the T.J.Smith Classic it was good going down to the best sprinter in the world, Australia's own Chautauqua.

So it would pay to forget that run as on her day she is very good, having won five of her 15 starts.

On the second line is Takedown who finished unplaced in the Hall Mark Stakes behind Redzel.

On his day he is good, being a winner of the top echelon Winterbottom Stakes at Ascot in Western Australia beating some of Australia's finest sprinters.

He is in the care of an astute trainer, Gary Moore, who trains out of Rosehill.

On the same line of betting is top Victorian sprinter, Malaguerra, who has won 12 of his 26 starts for Peter Gelagotis and his previous trainer, Lee Freedman.

Racing on a bog at Randwick, conditions didn't suit him and if he can crack it for better conditions in the Sunshine State he could be hard to beat.

One you can't leave out is the talented sprinter, Spieth, named after the famous young American golfer.

He blotted his copybook in the Newmarket Handicap up the straight six at Flemington, but is much better than that and conditions should suit in Queensland.

Spieth is under the guidance of top trainer, Bryce Heys, at Warwick Farm.

The talented young sprinter, Russian Revolution, with the Snowden team, Peter and Paul, failed to flatter in the T.J. Smith, after being backed off the map, but is much better than that and will be well suited in the 10,000.

You have got to put him in your multi bets.

On the next line is another good sprinter who ran a top third to Chautauqua in the T.J. Fell Swoop, prepared by young mentor, Mathew Dale in Canberra.

He is a model of consistency and has won nine of his 22 starts with seven minor placings.

Don't leave him out.

Of the others you have the grand sprinter, Terra Vista, looked after by young Sydney trainer, Joe Pride, he is a winner of the Lightning Stakes at Flemington and always tries his heart out.

The other is the Darren Weir-trained Hellbent, who never runs a bad race, running third behind the flying Redzel, in the Group 3 Hall Mark Stakes over 1200 metres at his last outing.

A lightweight who will give his all.

Another two good sprinters, the Gai Waterhouse-Andrew Bott mare, Global Glamour, and the Peter Gelagotis sprinter, Illustrious Lad, have both come into calculations.

■ From Page 34

Top 10 Lists

HOUSE HUSBANDS: Series 5.

AMERICAN TAKEDOWN: Season 1.

WYNONNA EARP: Season 1.

THE COLLECTION: Season 1.

GANGLAND UNDERCOVER: Season 1.

THE PARTRIDGE FAMILY: The Complete Series.

THE KILLING SEASON: Season 1.

DIAGNOSIS MURDER: Season 6.

Review: Toyer

● Spieth Well done, Jason, Peter, Melinda, and the His interview with 16 year-old, Liv Ryan, the winner of the Women's side of the Stawell Seven team, for a terrific coverage.

I had the pleasure of calling three Stawell Gift was great.

Gits in 1992-93-94, and it was a delight to watch these highly professional people in action.

Ted Ryan

Disappointing

■ I was all set to journey off to Deniliquin, for the Racing Club's big ANZAC meeting, but I was dealt a blow when we were told that the meeting for the Diggers Cup was off due to heavy rain in the area.

I was journeying up with race caller, Nigel Killip, his wife, Caroline and son Jake for the big day intending to stay the night and return on Wednesday.

The Club, through Secretary Joan Douglas, Treasurer Peter Simpson, and their hard working committee had planned a big day.

There was to be Fashions on the Field, a Punters Club, plenty of entertainment for the children, plus other areas of enjoyment, including the popular two-up after the last.

The Club had also arranged buses for racegoers to and from the track.

I was looking forward to a good day working on the P.A., but the Club will inform Nigel and I when the meeting is re-scheduled.

It comes under the banner of the New South Wales Racing, so we will have to wait on them for a new date.

Pat on the back

■ Young racecaller Matthew Hill has slipped nicely in to the role of number one caller for Racing Victoria, after taking over the reins from the top man, Greg Miles.

His annunciation is spot on, and his accuracy superb, and one of the nicest people in racing.

Greg Miles will not be lost to racing as he will be doing a number of features for Racing. com

■ Javier Camara and Ricardo Darin take a stroll with the title character in the wonderful drama/comedy Truman, now available on DVD. Waiting at Flinders St Station I couldn’t help feel disappointed I wasn’t scared. I had just been to see the Australian debut of Gardner McKay’s play Toyer at the Courthouse Hotel.

A lovely venue in a good location. The play is American as the accents revealed, yet could have been set anywhere. The location a well-stocked apartment overlooking shrubland and hills, the play deemed a thriller.

This production produced by North of Eight theatre , with director Sarah Hallam was performed by Faran Martin and Kashmir Sinnamon.

Both are obviously accomplished, talented actors. Particularly Sinnamon in the role of Peter gave multi ‘levels’ to his character.

Friendly yet mysterious, keeping the audience wondering throughout whether or not he was he a ‘good guy’.

Martin in the role of Maude did not have as many dimensions to her character, though the script allowed for many character changes.

She tended to play nervous throughout, and quite loud for such an intimate location and space. The music was also loud, the lighting in the first half bright and stark hindering the scariness to the piece, the second half too many unnecessary transitions.

At interval the play could have been finished, making it an interesting ‘one acter’. My guest and I were not wondering nor caring what would happen next or anticipating a thrilling conclusion.

Perhaps giving a hint of what could come next; the closing of the door, a set of missing keys and a dark house after interval may have made a big difference in creating a scary, intriguing start to the second half.

A lthough my mind wandered at times, at others I was ‘drawn in’ wondering what it would be like to be Maude in her situation, whether I would flee or fight, and more importantly how.

An interesting concept to ponder on Flinders St after midnight, interesting yet not quite thrilling.

Performance Season: Until May 13 Venue: The Courthouse Hotel, 86-90 Errol Street, North Melbourne Bookings: www.northofeight.com.au Full $28 / Concession $22 / Preview $15 - Review by Elizabeth Semmel

OK: John O’Keefe

Top telecast

■ I must congratulate Channel 7on their splendid telecast of the Stawell Gifts this year.

Their three on-camera personalities Jason Richardson, Peter Donegan, and former Olympian sprint star, Melinda Gainsford, had it down pat.

Melinda, with her professional comments was good, referring to the runners competing.

Peter Donegan, as usual, was spot on with his calling, msot professional.

Jason Richardson, who I called winning the 1993 Stawell Gift, was absolutely brilliant, with his comments and interviews with the winners after each heat, semi and finals.

He was able to relax them completely, especially the two young ones, who won the Gents and Ladies Stawell Gifts.

Michael Rizzi, who won the Gents Stawell Gift, is only 18, but Jason had him completely relaxed after his big win.

Showbiz Extra

● Malaguerra, top Victorian sprinter

■ WHOOPS. The sacking of journalists in the print media has caused problems down the line in all departments. A suburban weekly recently reviewed a local band. The freview raved about one band member quoting him 'being on drugs' - should have read 'being on drums' Whoops the proofreader got the push in the next round of dismissals.

■ MANAGER MESS UP. The music manager of Alanis Morissette is charged with ripping off the legendary artist to the tune of $7 million. Most of the stolen money was allegedly spent on gambling. Reminds me of one of Australia's favourite rockers who was ripped off by his then manager.

The manager stole hard earned big bucks supposedly to pay for overseas air tickets.

The artist later discovered the air fares were a no-charge-contra arrangement and the manager trousered the money.

- John O’Keefe

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 3, 2017 - Page 39

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Horses

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$49.95

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Page 40 - Melbourne Obser ver - Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Horses

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 3, 2017 - Page 41

Real Estate

Page 42 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 3, 2017 p

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au y

1 Limes tone R oad Y ea Road Yea The Entertainer!! On 4.5 acres This rendered brick family home with three car accommodation is for the family that loves to entertain: Set on 4.5 acres the home consists of three bedrooms with robes, two bathrooms, study, modern kitchen with meals area, formal living-dining room and mud room-laundry. The amazing family room which is hub of the home to keep the family entertained and together in front of the large wood stove.

There are full bar facilities / games room and gym complete with second bathroom. Large picture windows open up to an undercover barbecue area.

Outside the land is fully fenced, so room for a couple of horses. The fabulous 12Mx6MX4M shed with concrete floor and 3 phase power - with its own access & separate fenced area - would be ideal for a home based business STCA. The property is connected to town water and all this is only two minutes from town.

Price by Negotiation over $550,000

3893 Melba Highway Glenburn This blissful rural retreat awaits you, a very private place of relaxation, nestled on approx. 7 and a half acres of lush green landscaped grounds surrounded by Farms & Murrindindi ranges, really has a marvelous feeling of freedom. A most attractive property in a sought after area, a property of immense beauty, you can share your dream with your family here and this property is close to all schools and all facilities and central to Yarra Glen & the township of Yea. A beautiful designed home with all the modern fixtures you dreamed of having, designed for today's needs. Living rich, Living well, Living is here.

Comprising four large bedrooms, main with ensuite and WIR, Formal & informal living zones, Big boy spa to main bathroom, huge outdoor entertainment area with swim spa, fireplace & low reflective outdoor TV to enjoy watching from the pool. There is also a guest house / 2nd dwelling with 2 Bedrooms plus kitchen bathroom allowing an income or B & B potential. Two car garages attached to the house plus a huge workshop & storage sheds with ample storage area and allows undercover parking for up to 11 cars.

Open plan living with 9 ft ceilings opening out onto a large North facing entertaining area overlooking a large in ground sparkling pool.

A chef appointed kitchen that works well as a central point in the home, 90cm cooktop & a double oven and built in microwave, ducted vacuum system. The home is powered by a 9.2 kw solar power system with a backup diesel 65 kva generator plus mains when required that switch over automatically.

Pric e b y Negotia tion $1, 100 Price by $1,100 100,, 000 - $1,200 $1,200,, 000

Kerryn Rishworth, Sales Manager Landmark Har Harcc ourts Y Yee a A 5522 High SStr tr eet, Y ea VIC 337717 treet, Yea W w w w.landmarkhar ww .landmarkharccourts. ourts.ccom.au

P 5797 2799 M 04 1234 6169 E kerryn.r@landmarkharcourts.com.au

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 3, 2017 - Page 43

Page 44 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 3, 2017

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