Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 5, 2014 - Page 37
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POP ROYALTY AT CROWN Party musical ‘Grease’ is fun
● Gretel Scarlett stars in Grease The Musical ■ Grease The Musical is a fun party musical, playing at Her Majesty’s Theatre until March 30. It is not Shakespeare, doesn’t pretend to be, but has plenty of laughs and toe-tapping enjoyment. I first saw Grease in 1972 - that’s 42 years ago with Natalie Mosco in the lead role. At the time, it all seemed a bit grubby. Fast forward to 2014, and the show made famous by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, hits the Her Maj boards with fast dancing and tight ensemble performances. Kate Herbert, Herald Sun reviewer, in giving 3½stars to the latest production, criticises the show as being sluggish, "dialogue clumsy and physical comic business awkward". The opening night performance that I attended had Todd McKenney milking it for laughs, using every theatrical trick in the book, for his 3:52 appearance as ‘Teen Angel’. Much loved Aussie TV icons Bert Newton and Val Lehman did exactly what they were asked to do: pull in the crowds, and play the link roles. Ms Herbert incorrectly submits that Bert has been “miscast”. The Herald Sun reviewer also asks readers to believe that “there is no chemistry” between lead actors Rob Mills and Gretel Scarlett. Wrong! The pair play the Rydell High School young lovers well. They are well supported by Anthony Callea (Johnny Casino), Stephen Mahy (Kenickie) and Lucy Maunder (Rizzo). Allison Hillbig of TheatrePeople.com.au says: “The Grease Mega-Mix Finale ensures you'll leave the theatre smiling and singing along.” Congratulations to producer John Frost on bringing back the tale of Danny, Sandy, Rizzo, T-Birds, the pink ladies, Rydell High, Vince Fontaine, Miss Lynch and Greased Lightning. Grease is still the word. - Ash Long www.greaseistheword.com.au
B y JULIE HOUGHT ON HOUGHTO
● Normie Rowe, Colleen Hewett, Johnny Young ■ For anyone who was a teenager before 1980, the names Normie Rowe, Colleen Hewett and Johnny Young are pop music royalty. And these three Australian icons are joining forces and coming together or two special concerts on Fridayand Saturday, February 14-15. People over 50 will agree that the 1960s produced some legendary Australian talent who were trailblazers for the local music industry. What is unusual is the longevity of Normie, Colleen and Johnny. Johnny Young was in our lounge rooms every Saturday night in the 1970s as host of the original Young Talent Time, that produced stars like Tina Arena, Debra Byrne, Philip Gould and Jamie Redfern, but he was already an established pop artist in his own right, with number one hits, Step Back and Cara-lyn, and in 1967 he recorded All My Lovin' which became his signature song. He won the Logie for Best Teenage Personality in 1967 for his work on the Go!! Show. Normie was one of the first 'long hair' Melbourne entertainers influenced by the Beatles era and was followed by screaming girls and crowned King of Pop and achieved number one hits, and was heading for international stardom before the government decided they needed him in the army for the controversial Vietnam War. Colleen Hewett's career took off when she was cast in the musical Godspell in the 1970s, and she recorded the hit song from that show, Day By Day, and later Dreaming My Dreams With You and Wind Beneath My Wings. She was crowned Queen of Pop two years running. In recent years she has been known for her stage work, including playing Peter Allen's mother Marion Woolnough in The Boy From Oz, Johnny O'Keefe's mother in the musical Shout, and Pat Oliver, the mother of jockeys Jason and Damian in the movie The Cup. In the two special concerts that have brought them together, audiences will hear the hits Que Sera Sera, It's Not Easy, It Ain't Necessarily So, Day By Day, Superstar, Wind Beneath My Wings, Step Back, All My Loving and many more. Producer Dennis Smith promises that there will be a surprise guest, so if you fancy a trip back to your glorious teenage days, be at The Palms at Crown at 8pm on Friday or Saturday, February 14-15. Tickets: 1300 795 012 or www.ticketek.com.au
Showbiz Briefs ■ Mike Munro, 61, is to become the national weekend anchor for Ten Eyewitness News. “Joining Ten is like coming home,” said Munro, sounding like Derryn Hinch, whenever he re-joins a radio or TV station from which he has been previously sacked. ■ The first night of My Kitchen Rules attracted 1.67 million viewers across the five major metro-city markets. Melbourne was the biggest audience base for the Seven Network program with 486,000 viewers. ■ Radio ratings have started be surveyed under a new company. The first survey results are due to be announced on Tuesday, March 11. There will be eight radio ratings results announced during the year.
$100,000 prize for literature
PHOTO: FACEBOOK
● Heidi Victoria, Patricia Cornelius with State Premier Denis Napthine ■ Premier Dr Denis Napthine last week announced poet Jennifer Maiden as the winner of Australia’s richest single literary prize – the Victorian Prize for Literature. Ms Maiden won the prize for Liquid Nitrogen, a collection of poetry that weaves political events of the times with tributes to friends, family and melody. In Liquid Nitrogen, Ms Maiden ventures into the minds of public figures including Hillary Clinton and Eleanor Roosevelt, and imagines conversations that explore both the personal and political. Dr Napthine congratulated Ms Maiden on the award, and commended her imaginative collection. “Jennifer Maiden’s work has been singled out as a remarkable piece of brilliant imagination and craft,” Dr Napthine said. More than 300 members of the literary community gathered at Government House for the announcement of the winners of the awards, which include five main award categories. As well as winning the $100,000 Victorian Prize for Literature, Ms Maiden is also the recipient of the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for Poetry, for which she won a further $25,000. Ms Maiden’s work was chosen from a strong group of category winners who each received $25,000: Alex Miller for Coal Creek (fiction); Henry Reynolds for Forgotten War (non-fiction); Patricia Cornelius for Savages (drama); and Barry Jonsberg for My Life As An Alphabet (writing for young adults). These five writers were chosen from a shortlist of 22 writers from around Australia and a record number of entries. “Congratulations to the category winners for their works, which take us through incredibly diverse territory from white settlement to post-World War II Queensland, from the dark side of mateship to the life of a 12- year-old girl who sets out on a mission to make everyone happy,” Dr Napthine said. First-time novelist Hannah Kent is the winner of the People’s Choice Award for Burial Rites. The People’s Choice Award gives readers an opportunity to vote online for their favourite work. This is the fourth year that the Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards have been administered by the Wheeler Centre for Books, Writing and Ideas on behalf of the Premier of Victoria. - Tamara Zimet
Page 38 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Observer Showbiz
Radio Confidential News from stations from around Victoria
JJJ, Smooth countdown hits
Country Crossroads
■ Vance Joy topped the JJJ Hottest 100 with Riptide, in the Australia Day event. At Smooth 91.5FM, Whitney Houston won top spot. Smooth has released a Top 50 CD, at $35.99.
info@country crossroads.com.au Big Breakfast Show. Southern FM 88.3. Tues. 6am-9am.
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HOLIDAY RADIO PROMOTIONS WIN LISTENERS
ACE man to KIIS/Mix ■ Jarryd Haefele is moveing from the ACE Radio Network to KIIS 106.5/MIX 101.1, reports Jocks Journal. He is now the new Digital Content Producer for the drive show.
Moves at Fox
Rob Foenander
Lee, Sara take the gold ■ Australian country music's night of nights, The Golden Guitar Awards, have been done and dusted for another year. In what has to be one of the most controversial award nights in its history, the main winners this year were Lee Kernaghan and Sara Storer who took home three trophies each. Victorian Pete Denahy, along with Lachlan Bryan and the Wildes, also received Golden Guitars for their work.
New release for Gary ■ Melbourne singer songwriter Gary Hammond has released his new CD, I Once Lived Here. The 12 tracks on the album are all original material of Gary's and showcases an artist who has done the hard yards and knows his craft well. A very impressive collection of easy listening tunes are on offer with Gary's vocals a standout feature. More info at www.garyhammond.com.au
■ Byron Cooke is now on FOX FM mornings. He replaces Michael Christian, who is now anchor on the national Maz and Dan drive show, reports Greg Newman.
Worth a listen on 3CR
3AW update ■ Bruce Mansfield and Philip Brady have been working together for “18 years”, according to the cover page of the 3AW website. They have been a team for “over 20 years” says the Nightline page. The pair have actually just entered their 25th year together, having started in 1990. Time for an edit, 3AW.
● Seeker Athol Guy (centre) visited Golden Days Radio and recorded an interview about the Kids Under Cover organisation, of which he is a Patron. He is pictured with Golden Days Radio General Manager Alex Hehr, and President-Program Manager Larry James.
In isolation
Harder to tame
■ Former 3AW ‘drive’ presenter Derryn Hinch continues on his 50-day jail sentence. He has been held in isolation 23-hours a day at the Metropolitan Assessment Prison, and is now at Langi Kal Kal, bear Beaufort. ■ Meanwhile, Derryn’s replacement, Tom Elliott, seems to have embraced the craft of radio story-telling, dropping his previous penchant for money stories.
■ Aussie country rockers McAlister Kemp have used the recent Tamworth festival to showcase their new CD release Harder To Tame. The award-winning duo have become one of this countries well loved and recognised acts. The boys have already tasted success in the USA with performances to crowds exceeding 40.000. No doubt this album will assist them in their international endeavours.
Whittlesea set to go ■ The annual Whittlesea Country Music Festival takes place on Saturday (Feb. 8) The twilight concert will feature Jetty Road, Christie Lamb, plus Greg Champion with a special appearance by Glenn Shorrock (LRB). It's a free event with a street party commencing earlier at 10am. ■ The contract of Debora McInnes, Acting PR and Communications Director of the Melbourne Theatre Company, has come to its conclusion, her e-mail to industry contacts says.
r Observbei z Show
● Daddy Cool’s Ross Wilson was special guest with 8.6 Plenty Valley FM’s Chris Keating on a live outside broadcast from the City of Whittlesea offices at South Morang on Australia Day.
■ Elle Conwell, formerly Triple M ‘drive’, has joined as Executive Producer for Nova’s national Drive show Kate, Tim and Marty. ■ Mitch Braund has been appointed Head of Presentation for Mix 101.1.
Anniversaries go on air
■ Golden Days Radio 95.7 FM is broadcasting wedding anniversary\ details of its members. The volunteer-run station, which also broadcasts on the internet at goldendaysradio. com, is compiling a register of the celebration dates, and airing a weekly segment. Station Manager Alex Hehr says the station wants to know songs or music that were played at the wedding, and any special significance of the date and place. mail@goldendaysradio.com Melbourne
Observer
On This Day
Wednesday, Thursday, February 5 February 6 ■ Actor John Carradine died aged 82 in 1988. Actress Jackie Woodburne was born in Northern Ireland in 1957 (57). Aussie cricketer Darren Lehmann was born in Gawler in 1970. Princess Mary (Donaldson) is 42.
New at Nova
● Ralph Knight ■ We had forgotten how engaging 3CR Nostalgia Unlimited (8pm, Sundays) host Ralph Knight can be.
■ Former US President Ronald Reagan was born in 1911. He died aged 93 in 2004. Former Victorian RSL President Bruce Ruxton was born in 1926. The ardent fighter for veterans died in 2012 aged 85. Reggae singer Bob Marley was born in 1945. He died aged 36 in 1981.
Friday, February 7
Saturday, February 8
Sunday, February 9
Monday, February 10
Tuesday, February 11
■ Charles Dickens was born in Porstmouth, England, in 1812. He died aged 58 in 1870. Artist Sir Russell Drysdale was born in Sussex, England, in 1912. He died aged 69 in 1981. Actress Hattie Jacques was born in Kent, England, in 1924.
■ Jack Larson, who played Jimmy Olsen in Superman, is 81. He was born in Los Angeles (1933). French author Jules Verne was born in 1828. He died aged 77 in 1905. Hi-ho everybody. Radio man Jack Davey was born in 1910. He died in 1959, aged 49.
■ Broadcaster Derryn Hinch was born in New Plymouth, New Zealand, in 1944 (70). Cricketer Glenn McGrath was born in Dubbo in 1970 (44). Singer Michael Buble was born in British Columbia in 1975 Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith was born in 1897.
■ Golfer Greg Norman was born in Mt Isa in 1955 (59). Actor Peter Allen (Woolnough) was born in Tenterfield in 1944. He died aged 48 in 1992. Comedian and actor Jimmy Durante was born in New Tork in 1895. He died aged 92 in 1986.
■ Singer Chad (Chadwick Morgan) was born in Wondai, Queensland, in 1933 (81). Singer Gene Vincent was born as Vincent Eugene Craddock in 1935. He died aged 36 in 1971. Actress Jennifer Aniston is 45 today. Surfer Kelly Slater is 42 today (1972).
Thanks to GREG NEWMAN of Jocks Journal for assistance with birthday and anniversary dates. Jocks Journal is Australia’s longest running radio industry publication. Find out more at www.jocksjournal.com
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 5, 2014 - Page 39
Observer TV, Radio, Theatre Showbiz Latest Melbourne show business news - without fear or favour Media Flashes Voices in the making In Melbourne
ShowBiz!
Cybec Electric starts
The Long Pigs
■ MTC’s Cybec Electric – a series of semistaged readings featuring plays from Jane Harrison, S. Shakthidharan, Sue Smith, Declan Greene and Kylie Trounson, runs from February 6-22 at Southbank Theatre, The Lawler.
Farlap and Max
● Nicci Wilks, Clare Bartholomew and Derek Ives. Photo: Ponch Hawkes ■ The Long Pigs,directed by Susie Dee, will be staged March 13-23 at fortyfivedownstairs. The Long Pigs takes its title from the Melanesian Pidgin phrase for “human flesh”, where three black nose clowns have been scalping clown noses and slicing the very symbol of innocence off their once red nose cousins. Clare Bartholomew, Derek Ives, Nicci Wilks and Susie Dee have long histories associated with the development of clown in Australian theatrical culture having worked in companies including Candy Butchers, Kage, Circus Oz, Rock n Roll Circus (now C!RCA), Die Roten Punkte, Melbourne Theatre Company and The Business. Preview: 8pm Wednesday, March 12 Opening: 8pm Thursday, Martch 13 Times: 8pm Tue – Sat, 5pm Sun Venue: fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Duration: approx. 60 min. with no interval Tickets: $35 Adult / $28 Concession / $30 Groups 6+ / $25 Preview Bookings: 9662 9966 or fortyfivedownstairs. com
Fashion On Film ■ Viva Le Mode: Fashion on Film will be presented at the Australian Centre For The Moving Image, Federation Square from March 5-12 as part of the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival cultural program. ACMI Film Programmer James Nolen said: “A selection of some of the latest fashion documentaries, all making their Australian premieres at ACMI looking at the traditions of fine tailoring to the latest runway shows in Paris is the perfect start to the fashion festival. Although the films are focused on European events, it’s always fascinating to see the resonance with the Australian market.”
At Schwartz Gallery ■ Anna Schwartz Gallery will launch its 2014 Melbourne program with a solo exhibition of new works created by Australian artist Mikala Dwyer, presented from tomorrow (Thu., Feb. 6) until March 29.
Showbiz Briefs ■ The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Melbourne Recital Centre present Australia’s most important festival of contemporary music, the 2014 Metropolis New Music Festival. The Festival features 10 world and nine Australian premieres over 12 days at the Melbourne Recital Centre, April 1-12, says publicist Prue Bassett. ■ ART-Town's call for artists will close on Monday, March 3. ART-Town takes artists onto the streets of the Chapel Street Precinct. The 2014 residencies will take place on the weekends of March 29-30 and April 5-6. Emerging artists are encouraged to apply. Selected artists will also be vying for a number of visual arts awards with a total prize pool of $4000. Registration: www.arttown.com.au
■ Max Wellington has returned home with fiance, Jani Taljaard, after a three-year world tour by motor-cycle and horse. The pair will host a a pop-up exhibition at Nest Coworking in Thornbury tomorrow (Thu.) night at 5.30pm to show video footage promoting slow travel. www.farlapandmax.com/RSVP
Constell-action at Sq. ● Richard Mills Selecting singers for VOYCE will ■ Victorian Opera has a fine reputation for nurturing young talent from coincide with the announcement of primary school years, a tradition the new students in the Master of started by the company's founder, Music (Opera Performance) degrees, Richard Gill, with a series of success- which is run in partnership with the ful operas performed by Victorian Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, Youth Opera. University of Melbourne. Current artistic director Richard "Well into the future, following Mills is continuing the musical op- their secondary and undergraduate portunities available for talented studies, some of the young singers young singers with a new program from VOYCE may join the Master called VOYCE - the Victorian Op- program - VOYCE provides the era Youth Chorus Ensemble. building block to reach this goal," VOYCE will give selected sing- Mills said. ers aged 13 - 18 weekly lessons in Victorian Opera has always taken vocal skills, languages and stage the idea of developing artists as a craft, to continue developing the core function, so VOYCE is an inistars of tomorrow. tiative that will support this aim. There are many exciting singers Co-directed by Jonathon Bam and in their 20s in Melbourne and beyond Angus VOYCE will join comwho are now making their names munityGrant, choirs on the stage of Hamer with professional careers, who started singing under the auspices of Hall in October for Victorian Opera's first ever Big Sing concert. Victorian Opera as youngsters. Audition for VOYCE will be held Victorian Opera says that VOYCE is the first program in Australia to on February 14-15 - register by Feboffer training for young singers from ruary 10 at www.victorianopera.com/ a professional company throughout au/education-2014 - Julie Houghton the school year.
New orchestra debuts ■ A new orchestra takes to the stage on Saturday, February 16 at 2pm. The day marks the debut concert of the Australian Asian Orchestra, the brainchild of exciting young Melbourne conductor Robert Dora. This unique new community ensemble has been formed to bring people together through the performance of music from both Eastern and Western cultures in a symphonic setting. A typical musical menu will encompass great Western classical works, new and traditional Eastern music and original Australian compositions. For the debut concert, Dora is featuring international ChineseAustralian soprano Shu-
● Robert Dora Cheen Yu, and rising Melbourne violinist Matthew Rigby. Musical treats in the debut concert include Grieg's Peer Gynt Suite No 2, Johann Strauss II's Gypsy Baron Overture, and a selection from Rimsky Korsakov's Scheherazade, alongside symphonic arrangements of well known Chinese folk songs, and an original Australian work for violin and orchestra, Gypsy Trance, among other items. Robert Dora has just completed his Master's
of Music degree at Melbourne University and is also conductor of the Monash Medical Orchestra, as well has having a strong performing background of his own, including a stint as juvenile lead Gavroche in a professional Melbourne production of Les Miserables in his younger days! Be part of making history with the Australian Asian Orchestra at the James Tatoulis Auditorium, Methodist Ladies College, 207 Barkers Rd, Kew. at 2pm on Sunday February 16. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 concession and can be bought on online at www.try booking.com or at the door. australianasian orchestras.weeby.com - Julie Houghton
■ The Australian premiere of Constell-action lights up Fed Square from February 13-21. Visitors can use their mobile phone to ignite light waves across an installation of 400 small lights at the interactive light installation. The display of blinking lights, by Polish new media artists panGenerator, is showing as part of Pause Fest 2014.
Michael joins JMQ ■ Michael Harding has been brought into the John Montesante Quintet. Jim Glasson is moving overseas and his final gig was on January 25. Jim replacement is Tony Hicks. A gig featuring Mirim Waks will be from, 5.30pm on Friday, February 14 at Uptown Jazz Cafe, Fitzroy.
Alliance Française gig
■ The 2014 concert series of the Alliance Française, Jeudi Vibes (previously known as Jeudi Jazzy) will debut with jazz vocalist, the Lyn Gillett Quartet Personnel, on Thursday, February 13. Lyn will present a program including classics and a selection of her original jazz, accompanied by the pianistic panache of musical director Adam Rudegeair (piano), Adam Spiegl (bass) and Thom Mitchell (drums). Venue: Alliance Française, basement, 51 Grey St, St Kilda Time: Doors open at 7.45pm for 8pm concert Price: Full $20 AFM Members/students: $15 Bookings essential as places are limited online at: www.afmelbourne.com.au or by phone on 9525 3463
Worldwide audience ■ Melbourne radio station, Golden Days Radio, is attracting a worldwide audience through its online streaming service. Listeners can hear the station through the internet: www.goldendaysradio.com Station Manager Alex Hehr says new listeners to the stream are averaging 1267 per week and the number of people tuning in on average weekly is now 3993. Many people tuning in via iTunes Internet, Apple TV, web2TV and other streaming providers. Average listening time is 86 minutes.
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Page 40 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Shannon Noll’s ‘Invincible’ tour
Melbourne
Observer
Showbiz Latest
Gold Logie in the making
We love music: why Triple J’s Hottest 100 still rocks By MARK POLLARD Head, School of Contemporary Music at University of Melbourne
www.theconversation.edu.au
● Shannon Noll ■ Multi-platinum selling Australian artist, Shannon Noll, will embark on a six-date tour across Australia in February, March and April. The 'Invincible Tour' will travel from Toowoomba, Sydney, Melbourne and Geraldton with tickets on sale now. Publicist Angela Ceberano says 2014 is set to be an even bigger one for Shannon, with new music on the horizon and touring Australia with a full band. The tour will see Shannon perform a mixture of old and new songs. "I can't wait to get back out on the road and play some new songs and of course, all the old classics. I'm really proud of the new songs and I can't wait to belt them out on this tour," said Noll. Shannon is a popular singer-songwriter, proving his longevity 10 years after being named runner up in the first series of Australian Idol. He has earned the record as the only Australian male artist in national chart history to have ever achieved 10 consecutive top ten singles. His first album That's What I'm Talking About was certified three x platinum with 17 platinum and three gold accreditations to follow. In recent years he released an autobiography, Shannon Noll, So Far, an album A Million Suns, with new record label Universal Music Australia as well as appearing on Seven Network's Dancing With The Stars. Friday, February 14. Toowoomba, City Golf Club. Friday, February 21 and Saturday, February 22. Sydney. The Basement Friday, February 28. Melbourne, The Espy Saturday, March 1. Melbourne, The Gateway Hotel.
Lifetime award for Ted Egan ■ The CMAA Lifetime Achievement Award, in recognition of the outstanding contribution that has been made to Australian country music over the decades, has been presented to Ted Egan. The Northern Territory’s outback icon was honoured in front of his peers at the 42nd Country Music Awards of Australia at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment & Conference Centre. Egan was born in Melbourne but has lived most of his life in the Northern Territory. For many years, from 1949 he worked in outback postings as a patrol officer, reserve superintendent, teacher, entertainer and writer. He served as Governor Administrator of the Northern Territory from 2003-2007 and was declared ‘Territorian of the Year’ in 2000 and listed as a ‘Living National Treasure’ in 2002. His albums include Bangtail Muster, Rodeo Australia, Drover’s Boy and The Urupunga Frog. The award was presented by John Williamson.
● Madeleine West (as Dominique McGuire) and Robert Mammone (as Tony Mokbel) in the Nine Network’s Fat Tony & Co. ■ The Nine Network has something very special with its latest creation, Fat Tony & Co. The new production from Screentime tells the story of Australia’s most notorious drug baron, from the day he all the while investing quit cooking pizza in his profits in honest sive fortune, and how favour of cooking bricks and mortar, de- he became a fugitive on drugs, to the heyday of termined to leave a a yacht bound for his $140 million dollar legacy for the family Greece, desperate to esdrug empire, all the and the city that he cape mounting criminal law battles. way through to his ar- loves. rest in an Athens café the burnand his 22-year sen- ingHowever, between tence in Victoria’s Carltension and the maximum security Crew is quicklyCarlton devolvprison. ing into all-out war – Robert Mammone Melbourne Gangstars as Tony Mokbel the that would with Vince Colosimo as land War claim some Alphonse Gangitano, eventually 30 lives. Gyton Grantley as Carl is losing control Williams, Les Hill as of Tony his well-ordered opJason Moran, Madeleine eration, and is finding West as Danielle Mc- it harder and harder to Guire, Simon Westaway remain a neutral busias Mick Gatto, Debra nessman. Byrne as Judy Moran, But Tony isn’t like Hollie Andrew as other figRoberta Williams, ures - underworld he always has a Gerard Kennedy as Gra- plan and ● Libby Trickett an eye to the ham Kinniburgh and future, even ■ Triple Olympian and when it Kevin Harrington as seems like the police multiple world chamLewis Moran. closed every door pion Libby Trickett has Fat Tony & Co. also have officially joined the him. features Shane Jacob- to The ambition and Nine Network's Today son, Stephen Curry, drive that it took for show as the health and Steve Bastoni, Richard Tony Mokbel rise lifestyle reporter. Cawthorne, Simone from a suburbanto milk Trickett, one of the Kessell and Nicholas bar owner to Australia’s most popular women in Bishop. Already a key player most wanted man was Australian sport, has on the Australian drug matched only by the long been a guest comscene in his own right, sheer determination of mentator on the show, Fat Tony becomes more the police in their ten- appearing regularly on deeply embroiled in the year battle to shut Fat the show's discussion panel, The Grill. underworld as he joins Tony down. Meanwhile, across at The Victorian and forces with up-andcoming drug dealer Federal Police under- the Ten Network, morntook a marathon at- ing producer Adam Carl Williams. He strikes an uneasy tempt to bring him to Boland has resigned, truce with the Carlton justice, spanning count- soon after his launch of Crew, the territorial less arrests, legal Wake Up and Studio 10. Boland suffers from and dangerous royalty battles and the downfall of the Melbourne under- of more than one cor- bipolar disorder and has resigne dbecause of “ill world, even doing busi- rupt officer. Fat Tony & Co. is the health”. ness from time to time Peter Meakin starts with the Moran family. true story of Tony With his three broth- Mokbel; how he grew as Executive Director ers and Carl Williams, entangled with the of News and Current Tony expands his drug country’s most notori- Affairs at the Ten Netempire into a multi- ous underworld figures, work on February 17. - Veritas how he built his mas-
Veritas
The Critic Without Fear Or Favour
Libby joins Today show
■ Australia’s national youth station, Triple J, has come in for some criticism lately, with a spate of articles accusing it of homogenising Australian music tastes or excluding too many local acts from the all-important Triple J playlist. Plenty others have sprung to the station’s defence, but the Hottest 100 – a major annual Triple J event marking the 100 most popular songs of the last year, as voted by listeners – serves as a timely reminder that the station still provides a great service to most Australians. The Hottest 100, held every year on Australia Day, is marketed as the world’s biggest music democracy, and, in this case, the truth is actually not too far from the spin. Listening to the Triple J Hottest 100 countdown, often over a barbecue or at a party with friends, is an Australia Day tradition for many, partly because there’s usually something for everyone in the list. Tastes change over time, of course, but the Hottest 100 consistently serves up one of the most diverse collections of music styles of any popular music survey in the world – and that’s something of which Australia should be proud. The first Hottest 100 vote was held in 1993, shortly after the youth station moved to the ABC national network. For many young Australians living outside major cities, Triple J was the first radio station they had encountered that wasn’t limited by commercial advertising and top-of-the-pops-style, high rotation play lists. It coincided with the coming of age of alternative rock signaled by the Billboard chart success of Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit and the emergence of acts such as Radiohead, Bjork, Spiderbait, Powderfinger, Rage Against The Machine and Regurgitator. The vote and countdown quickly became music to the ears for a huge early-90s youth audience desperate for alternatives to the pop networks. And, lo, another Australia Day ritual was born. Of course there are many music charts. One of the most commercially important is the US-based Billboard Hot 100 weekly chart that is based on a mix of data from sales, airplay and streaming, rather than a voting system. The Rolling Stone surveys, such as the The 500 Greatest Albums of all Time, are often based on surveying artists and industry. Local community stations sometimes hold their own music votes; 4ZZZ FM in Brisbane has, since 1976, had a Hot 100 vote and an Australia Day countdown. But the Hottest 100 is one of the only major surveys that includes a heavy dose of alternative music (as opposed to the commercial, Top 40 stuff). Yes, commercial tracks make their way in there but few music surveys can boast the breadth of genres of the Hottest 100. Its sheer size and reach (this year, more than 1.4 million votes were received from well over 100,000 voters) means it is one of the best snapshots of national music tastes, and it does this job at a time of year when many commercial music stations are still in holiday mode. The huge size of the survey sample and fact that it is not traditionally focused on commercial music means that the list is a good broad taste indicator, often containing wildly diverse music styles. The Hottest 100 also allows us to track how Australian music tastes change over time. Last year, Triple J held a vote for the Hottest 100 of the last 20 years. The resulting song list provided a great sonic snapshot of critical generational shifts and changing moments in popular music history, including the groundswell of support for alternative rock acts such as the UK’s Radiohead and The Cranberries, and Australian acts such as Spiderbait, Regurgitator and Silverchair in the 1990s. Then came electronic acts such as the Chemical Brothers, Fat Boy Slim, The Prodigy and The Avalanches, followed by a returned focus on rap (such as Adelaide hip-hoppers Hilltop Hoods) and the singer songwriter genres (including Australian artists such as Sarah Blasko, Missy Higgins and Angus and Julia Stone). Turn to Page 41
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 5, 2014 - Page 41
Showbiz Latest
The Wolf of Wall Street is a howling disappointment ■ Sometimes too much is just too much. Martin Scorsese’s latest film is swamped by its excesses. Paramount Pictures’ The Wolf of Wall Street is Martin Scorsese’s Scarface – and that isn’t meant as a compliment. I watched Brian De Palma’s 1983 film again recently. I had been looking forward to it: the Blu-ray edition on the nice TV with the surround sound. I had only seen it once before, and on pokier equipment. I couldn’t wait to fully experience De Palma’s festival of 1980s excess, to wallow in the mire of bacchanalian indulgence that is Tony Montana’s cocaine-fuelled rise from Cuban-refugeecamp underpass-dwelling-street-thug, to international-drug-kingpin-mansion-dwelling street thug. On re-watching, Scarface turned out to be a hollow disappointment for the same reasons The Wolf of Wall Street is. It turns out too much is actually more than enough – and excess quickly becomes wearing and depleting. Yet characters finding joie de vivre in all the wrong places, with hedonistic content matched by formal amplitude on the director’s part, isn’t an inherently problematic approach to filmmaking. Far from it! See the films of Fellini, Almodóvar and Pasolini for some prime examples (there’s something in the water on the Mediterranean). Martin Scorsese and Leonardo Di Caprio at the 2014 Golden Globes. EPA/Paul Buck What most certainly is a problem is the way we are positioned in relation to the snorting, fornicating and otherwise un-PC behaviour of those wild and crazy guys in The Wolf of Wall Street. This film wants to be both a stinging indictment of late-capitalist excess, and to have a little fun with dwarftossing, hookers and quaaludes while we’re at it. “But can’t we have both?” No Marty, I’m afraid we can’t. What makes the film queasy viewing is that it’s Marty, and so it can’t be dismissed entirely. Not because of
By HUW WALMSLEY-EVANS Lecturer in Creative Industries Faculty at Queensland University of Technology
www.theconversation.edu.au ● From Page 40
We love music: why Triple J’s Hottest 100 still rocks ● Sometimes too much is just too much. Martin Scorsese’s latest film is swamped by its excesses. some auteurist defer- put up US$10,000 for way, but they are cars Season” films. Unence to Scorsese’s place one of the secretaries to neutralised by the slack, like many of my conin The Pantheon of Di- shave her head. She’s bloated, ugly, pointless temporaries, Spike rectors, but because he agreeable, as she wants passages that run be- Jonze’s Her left me is, for all of his foibles, the money for a breast tween them. Tedious completely cold. a master filmmaker. enlargement: “she’s al- sex-capades on luxury I was amazed that a The man is just brim- ready got C-cups, but cars, yachts and planes; vision of the future that ming with cinema. All she wants D-cups,” pro- t r y i n g - t o - d o - s h i t - was so unambitious of film history and its claims Belfort-as-carni- while-high jinks; and could be so utterly unaccrued technique are val-barker. some particularly bald convincing, and found The crowd goes nuts. gay and disabled slurs. the central characters at his disposal, and he This kind of striving uses it liberally. Scorsese and screen- and their “relationThrillingly. When for the unnecessary ex- writer Terrance Winter ships” pathetic (the bad he’s on message, it’s tra cream is what might well protest that kind of pathetic). they’re all about. The this is just Belfort’s subreally something. But you know what? There’s a scene early woman’s head is jectivity at play – the At least it wasn’t poiin the film when Jordan shaved, roughly, hap- screenplay is based on sonous, retrograde, maBelfort, the stockbroker hazardly. the felon’s memoir, af- cho bullshit. Its homeoAt this point Scorsese ter all. and lead character pathic innocuousness played by Leonardo adds further layers. Into This is Belfort’s story doesn’t bother me any DiCaprio, addresses the the room marches a and this is how he sees more since a real black trading floor of his male brass band in box- and treats women. But hat swaggered in to fledgling brokerage ers and Y-fronts, then there’s such a clear dis- town. firm, Stratton Oakmont. some lingerie-clad tinction between Meanwhile, I thorBy this point we’ve strippers … or are they Scorsese’s authorial oughly enjoyed David seen the young Belfort’s prostitutes? Women are voice in the “indict- O. Russell’s American scruples, both financial whores or whinging ment” passages (few Hustle, and thought it and moral, tutored away wives in this film. and far between) when had some transcendent The US$10,000 is compared to the “hey moments. I’m thinking by his first boss (Matthew McConaughey in a thrust upon the shavee let’s have some crazy of Amy Adams and similar part to the one by hands eager to be fun with these fun crazy Christian Bale’s emelse- guys” (the bulk of the brace in the spinning he played in Steven occupied Soderbergh’s excellent where. picture) that the satire rack at the drycleaners She was just a warm- defence can safely be as they fall for each 2012 film, Magic Mike) And we’ve seen him up act, and she rises and struck off. other, and an unhinged humbled by the crash of walks gingerly through Scorsese is doing Jennifer Lawrence ‘87, reduced to selling the room, her head a what Belfort did: slap- cleaning the house anpenny stocks out of a careless mess of ping a veneer of re- grily while belting out Long Island strip mall. patches and remnant spectability on some Wings’ Live and Let These under-regulated, strands. junk and peddling it to Die. A wide shot: shiny a public who might not high profit margin But a niggling voice stocks are the swampy gold tickertape fills the be savvy enough to held me back from ground upon which air, the sound of the rau- know the difference. It gushing about it. The Belfort builds an em- cous room fades out — worked, too. He got my voice was my own, and pire. In this scene his replaced by dark, eerie money, and I’m old it said: “sure it was vision finally crys- music — the motion enough to know better. good, and Russell can slows and the lights cut Might Jordan Belfort whiz a camera around, tallises. Like Scarface … and in and out, and we hang posters replace Tony but he’s just the poor there a moment con- Montana posters on the man’s Scorsese”. Now I not in a good way. Belfort announces templating the grim tab- bedrooms of under- wonder whether it isn’t that everyone has leau. It’s a concise, art- graduate boys? There’s the other way round. worked very hard at ful distillation of a cul- every chance. Maybe my next making (dirty) money ture corrupted by capiFor me, the valuable viewing of Goodfellas that week, and so it’s tal. thing about The Wolf of will feel like a Scarface There are one or Wall Street is how it re-run. time for some end-ofweek shenanigans. two other moments in made me feel about - Huw Belfort himself has the film that work this some of the other “Os Walmesley-Evans
Then came the rise of the music producer and DJ through acts such as Sydneysiders The Presets and Flume; and in 2011, the arrival of dubstep with the likes of US musician Skrillex and UK electronic music producer, James Blake. The Hottest 100 compilation discs, released every year after the countdown, are a brilliant historical record of a broad cross section of pop and alternative music in any given year. Throughout all of this there is a healthy dose of local content, with many Australian acts taking the number one spot or making repeat appearances. According to this interactive chart by The Guardian, Brisbane rockers Powderfinger have had more tracks (22) in the Hottest 100 since its inception than any other artist, while Hilltop Hoods outrank US hip hop superstars Jay-Z and Kanye West combined, scoring 12 tracks in the Hottest 100 since the band formed. But the countdown is not without controversy. In 2010, the ABC accidentally leaked the number one song before the countdown took place (it was Little Lion Man by banjo-wielding UK folksters, Mumford & Sons). Last year, a group was able to glean enough voting data from social media to create a pre-countdown spoiler list known as the Warmest 100, which accurately predicted the 2012 Hottest 100 number one song and many other songs on the list. Triple J’s response was to change the voting process to try and stop this type of data mining but it didn’t prevent the group from creating another Warmest 100 this year. Of course, there are always surprises in the list. Why do successful acts and songs sometimes appear further down the list than other, more obscure acts? Why do some songs not appear at all? Why, for example, did U2’s song Vertigo appear on the 2004 list when it wasn’t even played on Triple J that year? Not everyone will love every song on the Hottest 100 list this year, and expect to hear plenty of complaining from those whose favourite songs or genres were not well-represented. Prepare yourself for a few noisy voices whining that Triple J has sold out, that the top songs are too commercial these days (an argument trotted out when US hip hop duo Macklemore and Ryan Lewis scored the top spot in last year’s Hottest 100 with the song Thrift Shop), or that the vote is somehow rigged. But democracy means you get a vote. It doesn’t mean always getting what you want and just because they aren’t your favourite songs doesn’t mean they aren’t someone’s favourite songs. It’s true the Hottest 100 is just a survey of Triple J listeners, rather than a representation of all popular music and all Australians. That said, it’s still a valuable snapshot of a moment in Australian cultural history and a tradition spanning two decades. I, for one, will be joining the Australia Day masses in trying to guess the number one with a snag and a beer around the barbie, as I did 20 years ago, and I look forward to receiving the compilation discs on Father’s Day. - Mark Pollard
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Page 42 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Homophobic ■ As part of the Midsumma Festival and ‘celebrating the legacy of homosexual composers’, Three Shades Of Black, presented Homophonic, New Classical Music by Queer Composers. The 12 musicians and two singers, dressed in black with rainbow ties around neck or hair, played new and experimental music by Australian composers. The program was introduced by Musical Director Miranda Hill. One of the compositions included the use of plastic bottles crushed to make an odd noise, tumblers of water filled to different levels to produce musical sounds, and bows scraped across polystyrene by the percussionist. A violin and double bass player produced a scratch tone by scraping their bows across the strings of their instruments: the result was an unusual, discordant sound, but this is new and experimental music. The other pieces seemed to me, to be all similar in composition. However, occasionally in these showcase productions, a piece stands out and grabs your attention. In this production, it was Ad Astra Per Aspera, by Sally Whitwell from a text adapted from the writings of Carl Sagan, and inspired by J S Bach and the Voyager Space Probe. It was melodic and memorable with an interesting story presented, narrated and beautifully sung by soprano Anna-Louise Cole accompanied by cellist Jennifer Mills. If stage direction and production had allowed for highlighting these two performers with the rest of the stage in darkness, this would indeed have been a polished gem. The evening’s performance, which ended with the entire ensemble playing and inviting the, audience to join in singing, March Of The Women written in 1911 by suffragette Ethyl Smith, was applauded and cheered by an appreciative audience. - Rita Crispin
Star Bursts Morning Melodies ■ Silvie Paladino will be performing in the Morning Melodies concert at Hamer Hall on Monday,February 24. Silvie's singing career began in her tweens and took off when she won the Young Talent Time talent quest at age 14.
Welcome party ■ The Aussie Millions Welcome Party took place on Monday (Feb. 3) at the Crown Towers pool deck. Premiership winning captain of Hawthorn, Luke Hodge, launched the event on Sunday (Feb. 2), said Crown spokeswoman Natasha Stipanov.
Razor gang hits ABC ■ The Coalition Federal Government has established a razor gang to examine waste and inefficiency at the ABC and SBS. This comes as Foreign Minister Julie Bishop fears the ABC's Australia Network is failing to meet its charter obligations.
Interplay at Southbank ■ Sydney Dance Company returns to Melbourne this year with a new production, Interplay, playing from April 30 to May 10 in The Sumner at Southbank Theatre.
Wogboys Live returns ■ Wogboys Live will be back in Melbourne at the Princess Theatre for four shows from March 7-9.
Lost WWI Diary ■ Comedian Damian Callinan’s childhood penchant for acting out the Battle of Lone Pine in his backyard manifests itself as The Lost WWI Diary of Private Paddy Callinan at the Melbourne Comedy Festival (Mar. 27-Apr. 20).
Melbourne
Observer
Midsumma Festival
Thank You For Being A Friend
● Julia Billington (Rose), Donna Lee (Sophia), Darren Mapes (Dorothy) and Chrystal de Grussa (Blanche) in Thank You For Being A Friend. A problem for me, ■ Victoria's 26th Mid- Worsley and Thomas summa Festival featured Duncan-Watt, with di- however, was distrac131 events presented at rection by Neil Gooding tion by the expressive 87 venues in Melbourne and Luke Joslin, Thank faces and physicality of You For Being A Friend the puppeteers standing and regional Victoria. Midsumma Chair recaptures the era of the alongside the very limAaron Hockly describes original TV series with ited facial movement of the Festival as "both a David Horne's warm, their older puppet charcelebration of diversity comfortable set, the acters, resulting in characters' watching eight faces in and a showcasing of es- puppet tablished and emerging wardrobe and inter- the house, rather than scene screening of ads four. artists". While this innovaAn early starter, from the era. Controversial social tive puppet concept Thank You For Being A Friend, was pre- issues including same- suited Midsumma's disented by Matthew sex marriage and versity, a winner for Management and Neil parenting, abortion, mainstream audiences Gooding Productions, at anti-ageing, plastic sur- could be to ditch the gery and sham conve- puppets, beef up the Theatre Works. This show re-unites nience marriage are dis- script and present the Dorothy, Sophia, Rose cussed amid some show performed by real-life actors. and Blanche from the funny one-liners. The talented perThank You For Bepopular 1980s/90s TV sitcom The Golden formers operating the ing A Friend will no puppets are Chrystal de doubt continue to enjoy Girls, in puppet form. These four previ- Grussa (Blanche), a loyal following from ously married colourful Donna Lee (Sophia), Golden Girls die-hard older women share the Julia Billington (Rose) fans, and if audiences ups and downs of life and Darren Mapes (Dor- fill the theatre with while living in the same othy), with multi-role laughter, then that's a playing by versatile good thing. Miami house. - Cheryl Threadgold Written by Jonathan Nigel Turner-Carroll.
No One Likes Me
■ “I’ve got something to say,” Darren Vizer playing his younger self tells us in the opening scene of No One Likes Me , “when I grow up, I’m going to be a girl.’ What follows are short vignettes - autobiographical snapshots - of Vizer’s rites of passage growing up gay. We follow Vizer’s quest to fit into an intolerant world through stints as a child model in 1970s Brisbane, an elite athlete, and a dancer and actor. This is a dark tale told with humour and scaffolded with dynamic dance sequences. The production is purposefully inyour-face and honest and Vizer is a hugely engaging entertainer with a self-deprecating comic persona. In particular his dialogue with his audience during costume changes always a fraught moment in productions with multiple short scenes proved his expertise as a raconteur. Part of the production’s success lies in the emotive physicality of the dance sequences. The often frenetic and hard-edged choreography, devised by Vizer himself, is powerfully exerted and
● Darren Vizer in No One Likes Me. Photo: Sarah Walker evolves with energy and purpose. Considering Vizer’s varied, moving and often fascinating life story it is unfortunate that at times the script, written by Vizer and Amy Malsem, is predictable, occasionally labouring the point or a punchline. Nevertheless, Vizer doesn’t play it safe and puts his heart as well as his considerable skill into his performance. While we may have seen similar stories before, it is powerful to be reminded of the high cost of bullying and intolerance for no other reason than sexual orientation. That we need to be reminded of this in 2014 is all the more tragic. - Kathryn Keeble
The Worst of Scottie ■ The Worst of Scottie was a great choice for Theatre Works’ Midsumma Festival program, offering incredibly creative diversity, but refreshingly devoid of same sex marriage issues. Directed by Chris Goode, UK Scottie sits in profile inside a photo booth, with a close up of his face screened to the audience via an interior camera. Wearing weird make-up, wig and dark glasses, he renders a great vocal rendition of Cry Me A River, karaoke style, with dark, oily tears running down his face and front as the audience roars with laughter. Scottie removes his make-up and oil tubes, and following this performance art we eventually meet the real Scottie, a cuddly, genuine but sad-looking young man, who wants to find out what people really think of him. Scottie grew up on an English housing estate, played up in his teens, and his photo booth now serves as a confessional, as he tells of pretending to have AIDS and stealing money, among other misdemeanours. Intermittent closing of the booth’s black curtain allows concentration on candid video interviews with people who knew Scottie at his ‘worst’, interspersed with Scottie evaluating his relationships. Stunned silence replaces audience laughter when Scottie, wearing prison garb and unfairly accused of rape as a 13-year-old, talks of being stigmatised on his estate and shunned by his school. Scottie’s recounting of his harrowing experience becomes unexpected, powerful theatre. This may be about Scottie at his worst, but Scottie exposes how bad things can happen from the worst in other people. This was Scottie’s Australasian premiere, so if he returns to Melbourne, don’t miss seeing this mega talented young man. Opening night was 15 minutes late starting, but worth the wait. - Cheryl Threadgold
Look At The Funny Lady ■ Nine talented female performers escaped from the Funny Closet to present Black Apple Theatre’s Midsumma show Look At The Funny Lady at Northcote’s Wesley-Anne. Director Cheyney Caddy and musical director Tiffani Walton believe there are too many women kept in the Funny Closet, and too many people want them to stay there. So, Look At The Funny Lady, presented a hybrid of cabaret, variety and ‘two parts anarchy’ to promote female comic performers and the playwrights and composers who write for their talents. Nine sassy ladies entered the cabaret in fullvoice to take onstage chair positions, forming a protective sisterhood around solo performers. Accordion player/comedian Liz Skitch opened the show with pizzaz, looking resplendent in lurex mini shorts, jacket and long boots, engaging her audience with seasoned expertise. Accompanied by Tiffani Walton’s beautiful keyboard playing, the show featured strong vocal numbers from Ruth Flynn, Aubrey Flood, Kristina Benton and Jenny Knox. Specialising in comedy routines were Hannah Monson, Stephanie Lillis, Honor Wolff and Alicia Beckhurst. Admittedly humour appreciation is open to individual interpretation, but I felt some comedy material needed more work to retain audience interest and maintain the show’s high standard. Better to leave the audience wanting more than drag out a segment for whatever reason. It was also surprising that Stephanie Lillis, a fine actor with great stage presence, performed the material about the map with exaggerated movements and thin storyline. She deserves a better script. Most importantly, however, the audience in the atmospheric Wesley-Anne loved the show. Congratulations to Cheyney and Tiffani on forming Black Apple Theatre and creating this show for the Midsumma Festival. - Cheryl Threadgold
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Everything I Know I Learnt From Madonna
● Writer, producer and performer Wayne Tunks. ■ Writer, producer and performer Wayne Tunks returned to La Mama with another Midsumma Festival performance. Everything I Know I Learnt From Madonna is Tunks’s tale of his love life to date, told through Madonna lyrics. Tunks has always been a major fan of hers, he says, and feels he can relate every key moment in his life to a lyric from one of Madonna’s songs. No great feat when you think of how many Mads songs there are: upwards of 140 …and counting. Still, it’s the bravery with which Tunks performs and the tenacity with which he approaches life that makes Everything I Know I Learnt From Madonna an interesting experience for spectators. Upon arriving, the audience is taken straight into the performers childhood bedroom where an obsession with Madonna is immediately clear. Many memories and dating experiences are retold at length and frequently related back to words and phrases found in Madonna’s songs, sometimes woven into the storytelling, other times squeezed in. Tunks is (brutally) honest and open both with what he shares in his play and how he speaks to his audience. However, there’s a disappointing sense of detachment to what he is saying and his one-sided conversation, so well rehearsed, becomes empty of true feeling and depth. This is a real pity. When the story eventually surfaces from the mundane to some potentially very moving moments, the audience is stuck on the outside, watching Tunks’s pain instead of sharing it. The show is about words and lyrics, not music, but I can’t help feeling Everything I Know… would be greatly improved with a more cabaret style performance. Tunks certainly has the singing voice and charming stage presence to do it well! - Deborah Marinaro
● Alicia Beckhurst in Look At The Funny Lady. (Review on page at left) Photo: Amelia Ducker
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 5, 2014 - Page 43 Melbourne
Observer
Midsumma Festival
Standing On Ceremony ■ At Chapel Off Chapel, Ellis Productions’ Midsumma show Standing on Ceremony: The Gay Marriage Plays, comprised nine short plays offering different, thought-provoking perspectives on celebrating love and marriage. Conceived by Brian Schnipper, the show was directed by Helen Ellis, Wayne Pearn, Russell Fletcher and Justin Stephens. Written by leading American playwrights, the plays explore various same-sex love and marriage situations. The terrific ‘wedding band’ comprising musical director Dave Ellis, drummer Karl Lewis and vocalist Laura Burzcott, entertainingly sustained momentum between plays. Justin Stephens’s striking set design included stacked white cardboard boxes cleverly providing a backdrop for screened images, and symbolically repositioning during the show. The first-rate cast included Michael Veitch, Helen Ellis, Pia Miranda, Spencer McClaren, Olivia Hogan, Luke Jacka and Brett Whittingham. Particularly memorable was Michael Veitch’s brilliant, poignant monologue London Mosquitoes, by Moisés Kaufman. A widower stands beside his longterm partner Paul’s coffin, reflecting
on their 46 years together, and how Paul believed that love surpasses marriage. Therefore, celebrating Paul believed that love surpasses marriage. Therefore, celebrating their first wedding anniversary would risk devaluing their time already spent together. Another highlight, Paul Rudnick’s The Gay Agenda, featured Helen Ellis as the formidable Ohio homemaker who loves her gay neighbours, but doesn’t think they should be allowed to marry. Doug Wright’s innovative play On Facebook, featuring the Ensemble, gave marvellous opportunity for anonymous, spirited same-sex marriage debate, splendidly directed by Justin Stephens. Jordan Harrison’s play The Revision, starring Spencer McLaren and Brett Whittingham, tells of two men rewriting their vows to reflect a gay couple’s options. A fun play, but when one vow is considered “too traditional ... like a man and a woman,” that surely contradicts the aim for marriage equality? Attitudes and laws are changing since Standing On Ceremony’s first Broadway performance, but this show will continue to reinforce, or open minds and hearts, regarding attitudes to same-sex marriage. A most enjoyable show - Cheryl Threadgold
The Songs of Noël Coward ■ Robert Green made his Melbourne debut as part of the Midsumma Festival to wow audiences with his marvellous one-man show Here And Now – The Songs of Noël Coward. The intimate Butterfly Club in Carson Place, Melbourne, was the ideal performance venue for Green to pay tribute to the ultimate ‘Gay Cabaret Entertainer’, with a beautifully crafted blend of history, personal anecdotes, impeccable articulation and a delightful medley of Noël Coward’s songs. Equally impressive was pianist Alexander Sussman’s performance – superb accompaniments played completely without music. Green’s obvious genuine passion and admiration for Coward’s work never falters. He first heard ‘the master’s’ music at 15 when buying his mother a record for Mother’s Day and playing it on his gramophone, and he recounts how Coward’s language precision has positively influenced his career as a lawyer. With more than 30 years’ performing experience giving him a relaxed, charismatic confidence, Green chats
● Robert Green wowed audiences with his Noël Coward tribute, Here And Now. Photo: Sarah Walker amicably with his audi- solo performance was ence, confiding that awesome - particularly Coward wrote so many on a very, very hot night good songs, it was hard in a non-air-condito know what to leave tioned theatre! out of his show. Thank you Robert He also discusses liv- Green for a fabulous ing in a changing world night of entertainment. and how he’d like the Don’t miss this show Queen to bless same sex next time it comes to marriage. Melbourne. I certainly Green’s generous, won’t! full-on high-energy, - Review by continuous one-hour Cheryl Threadgold
● Focus on the Family member Helen Ellis presents a sadly hilarious plea in Standing on Ceremony: The Gay Marriage Plays. Photo: John Shelbourn
The Temperamentals
● Tim Constantine (Rudi Gernreich), Angus Cameron (Chuck Rowland), Sebastian Bertoli (Dale Jennings), Angelo de Cata (Harry Hay) and Jai Luke (Bob Hull) in The Temperamentals. Photo: Chris Baldock ■ Mockingbird Theatre’s outstanding show The Temperamentals is set in a climate of paranoia and fierce opposition against homosexuality and communism, in late 1940s, 1950s America. The Temperamentals (a code word used to describe fellow homosexuals) highlights the courage and determination of Harry Hay and his male friends to protect and achieve rights for fellow homosexuals through their Mattachine Society. Jon Marans’s excellent, fast-paced docudrama came to life under the masterly direction of Chris Baldock. The informative, yet flowing naturalistic dialogue is two-fold in conveying history and capturing the problems, emotions and political struggles endured by Harry and his activist friends, with the ever-hovering danger of being outed or arrested. A screening of the propaganda movie Boys Beware, warning young men of ‘friendly strangers’, instantly transports the audience into the era’s irrational fear. Five young men wearing the anonymous conformability of grey suits, reposition their chairs, and a riveting, seamlessly staged drama begins, The marvellous cast worked as both individuals and ensemble, with Angelo De Cata delivering a mesmerising performance as pragmatic, conventionally married Henry ‘Harry Hay Jr, giving him an unforgettable, larger than life presence. Tim Constantine’s fine portrayal of Harry’s lover, costume designer Rudi Gernreich, skilfully depicted his contrasting elegance and ambition, with both actors beautifully conveying the sensitive intimacy of their relationship. Sebastian Bertoli (Dale Jannings), Angus Cameron (Chuck Rowland) and charismatic Jai Luke (Bob Hull) gave impressive performances as recruited Mattachine Society members, and others Jason Bovaird’s lighting design of the minimalistic set was, as usual, artistically splendid. The Temperamentals offers the opportunity for all audiences, straight or gay, to learn of a true, significant aspect of 20th century history. Mockingbird’s theatre program unashamedly touts: Great plays, great actors, great stories. Spot on! The company’s March production, When The Rain Stops Falling, can be seen at Theatre Works. - Cheryl Threadgold
Page 44 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 5, 2014
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Movies, DVDs With Jim Sherlock and Aaron Rourke
What’s Hot and What’s Not in Blu-Rays and DVDs
● Oscar winning actress Cate Blanchett is almost certain to win a second Oscar for her performance in Woody Allen's superb Blue Jasmine. FILM: BLUE JASMINE: Genre: Comedy/Drama. Cast: Cate Blanchett, Alec Baldwin, Peter Sarsgaard, Alec Baldwin. Year: 2013. Rating: M. Running Time: 98 Minutes. Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: **** Verdict: Cate Blanchett gives a compelling Oscar worthy performance as a once wealthy socialite who is now deeply troubled and in total denial as she arrives in San Francisco to seek help from her sister. Beautifully written and directed by the legendary Woody Allen, this ranks as one of his best out of an already staggering career. Wonderfully rich in dialogue, characters, characterization and performances by a stellar cast, most notably Alec Baldwin, Andrew Dice Clay and Bobby Cannavale, but it is Cate Blanchett that captivates with extraordinary emotional and powerful impact for every single moment of her screen time as the story alternates between her wealthy socialite life and her shattering fall from grace. Not to be missed! FILM: ROBBIE WILLIAMS - ONE NIGHT AT THE PALLADIUM: Cast: Robbie Williams, The Muppets, Lily Allen, Rufus Wainwright. Genre: Music/Comedy. Year: 2013. Rating: PG. Running Time: 85 Minutes. Format: DVD. Stars: **** Verdict: A spectacular live performance which sees Robbie Williams back in top form over a decade after his legendary concert at the Royal Albert Hall. The DVD is an extended release and includes five unseen performances and an exclusive behind-the-scenes documentary. The songs feature a dazzling collection of swing classics including Puttin On The Ritz, Somethin Stupid, Mr Bojangles, and Mack The Knife, as well as other songs from his hit album Swings Both Ways including Dream A Little Dream, Shine My Shoes, the beautiful Go Gentle and the all time classic I Wanna Be Like You from Walt Disney's The Jungle Book. So join Robbie Williams, The Muppets, Lily Allen, Miss Piggy, Rufus Wainwright and even his Dad as he lifts the roof off the Palladium in this hugely enjoyable musical fun ride! FILM: RED 2: Genre: Comedy/Action. Cast: Bruce Willis, John Malkovich, Helen Mirren, Anthony Hopkins, Brian Cox, Catherine Zita-Jones, Mary-Louise Parker. Year: 2013. Rating: M. Running Time: 116 Minutes. Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: *** Verdict: Our unlikely team of retired Cold War operatives from the 2010 hit reunite for a global quest to track down a missing nuclear device with the aid of a brilliant but eccentric physicist, but must spring him from a Looney bin before heading off to Russia stop the bomb. Unfortunately, it misses the spark and bite of the first one and the cliché's are thick and fast. Bruce Willis just seems to be going through the motions, but Anthony Hopkins and others in this stand out cast are clearly having a ball, and even though it's not a patch on its predecessor there's some fun to be had. FILM: RIDDICK: Genre: Science Fiction/Action/Thriller. Cast: Vin Diesel, Karl Urban, Katee Sackoff. Year: 2013. Rating: MA15+. Running Time: 119 Minutes. 127 Minutes - Director's Cut BLU-RAY. Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: **½ Verdict: What began with the science fiction hit "Pitch Black" in 2000 and continued with "The Chronicles of Riddick" in 2004, now see's our futuristic hero Riddick left for dead on a sun-scorched planet and finds himself up against an alien race of predators, but that's the least of his problems, as he is about to confront his past. If you liked the original "Pitch Black" you'll get a kick out of this one, which is a similarly themed sci-fi thrill romp. Riddick is a strong screen character on a "Mad Max" level and Vin Diesel here is in his usual form, as are the special effects and production design. And unlike the more confusing second installment "The Chronicles of Riddick" this is a welcome, if slightly too dark and somber, return!
Summer Viewcation ■ Welcome back everyone, and I hope you all had a joyful Christmas and an eventful New Year. 2014 has kicked off with a bang, with a number of Oscarnominated films filling cinemas over the past month, and there are more to come in the next few weeks. Jim Sherlock and I will do our best to rave about and recommend the best films out there, either in theatres or on DVD and Blu-Ray. Here are some of the movies I saw over the summer break, some I liked, and some that others may like. Let's see if 2014 can become a great year for film. Let the viewing commence. American Hustle (MA). 138 minutes. Now showing in cinemas. ***. Entertaining if overly derivative crime-con/comedy/drama features a gallery of outstanding performances, convincing period detail, and some strong writing, but director David O. Russell (The Silver Linings Playbook) imitates Martin Scorsese so much that the film has no real identity of its own, the end result feeling somewhat hollow and overlong. The Wolf Of Wall Street (R). 180 minutes. Now showing in cinemas. ****½. Now here is the real thing, and this big, bold, brainbusting explosion of sight and sound is Scorsese's best film in years, and he uses every cinematic trick to achieve maximum effect. Despite the chaos happening on screen, Scorsese displays incredible vision and focus, and its epic three-hour running time moves by pretty quickly. Frozen 3D (G). 105 minutes. Still showing in cinemas. ***½. Refreshingly old-school Disney animated feature that relies on simple, classical plotting and genuinely likeable characters, rather than burying everything under a barrage of pop-culture references and tiresome one-liners. Beautifully designed for 3D. Enough Said (M). 92 minutes. Coming soon to DVD. **½. Despite some nice moments and a tender performance from the late James Gandolfini, this generally sweet film unfortunately falls too often into TV sitcom-style cliche and contrivance, making it an uneven experience. August : Osage County (M). 121 minutes. Now showing in cinemas. **½. Overly stagey adaptation of the hugely successful play where everything, including the performances, has an air of affectation about it. An impressive cast is hindered by static, awful direction by John Wells (The Company Men), which in turn drains the power of the clever, lively dialogue by Tracy Letts (Bug / Killer Joe), who has obviously been inspired by the classic Cat On A Hot Tin Roof. Filth (R). 100 minutes. Coming soon to DVD. ****. Profane blend of dark comedy and gritty drama, from the author of Trainspotting. Star James McAvoy is superb in a difficult role. Unforgiven (MA). 135 minutes. Coming soon. ***½.
● Wolf Of Wall Street Solid Japanese remake of Clint Eastwood's western parable, with the old gunslinger now a retired samurai. Gorgeously shot, with strong work by Ken Watanabe and Koichi Sato, but its only real problem is that it is a redux of an authentic modern classic. Inside Llewyn Davis (M). 105 minutes. Now showing in cinemas. ****½. Fascinating, at-times dreamlike film from the Coen Brothers is a brilliantly low-key examination at how America was trying to find itself in the early 60s, as shown through rootless folk singer Davis. Exceptionally well-crafted and acted. 12 Years A Slave (MA). 134 minutes. Now showing in cinemas. ****½. Bruising, deeply felt drama (based on a true story) about a free black man living in New York who is kidnapped and forced into slavery down south. Director Steve McQueen (Hunger / Shame) vividly creates such a crushing atmosphere of oppression and humiliation that it makes everything we see feel heartbreakingly real. Even at the end there is still an overwhelming sense of sadness and loss. The Terror Live (MA). 98 minutes. Coming soon. ***½. Compact South Korean thriller about a radio presenter who goes head-to-head with a mysterious caller who threatens to set off a series of bombs around the city. Killer Toon (MA). 104 minutes. Coming soon. ***½. Imaginatively shot thriller about a manga artist whose latest grisly work seems to be coming to life. Stumbles a little towards the end, but is still fun (if bloody) entertainment. Milius (M). 90 minutes. Coming soon. ***. Pleasant documentary on writer/director John Milius (Jeremiah Johnson / Apocalypse Now / Conan The Barbarian / Big Wednesday) is diverting enough, but is not as thorough and informative as you would like it to be. Oh Boy (M). 86 minutes. Coming soon. ****. Romantic drama about a young man who refuses to take responsibility for his life balances smartly between meloncholy and playful comedy. Stylishly shot in black-andwhite, with a well-measured performance from Tom Schilling (the mini-series Generation War). Received a number of nominations at the recent European Film Awards. - Aaron Rourke
Top 10 Lists THE AUSTRALIAN BOX OFFICE TOP TEN: 1. THE WOLF OF WALL STREET. 2. FROZEN. 3. THE BOOK THIEF. 4. SAVING MR. BANKS. 5. PARANORMAL ACTIVITY :THE MARKED ONES. 6. JACK RYAN: SHADOW RECRUIT. 7. THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG. 8. 47 RONIN. 9. FREE BIRDS. 10. PHILOMENA. NEW RELEASES AND COMING SOON TO CINEMAS AROUND AUSTRALIA: JANUARY 30: 12 YEARS A SLAVE, GRUDGE MATCH. FEBRUARY 6: LABOR DAY, LAST VEGAS, MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM, MISTAKEN FOR STRANGERS, ROBOCOP, THE PAST. THE DVD TOP RENTAL & SELLERS: 1. BLUE JASMINE [Drama/Cate Blanchett, Alec Baldwin, Peter Sarsgaard]. 2. RIDDICK [Science Fiction/Action/ Vin Diesel, Katee Sackhoff]. 3. RUNNER RUNNER [Drama/Ben Affleck, Justin Timberlake, Gemma Arterton]. 4. RED 2 [Action/Comedy/Bruce Willis, Helen Mirren, John Malkovich, Anthony Hopkins]. 5. WE'RE THE MILLERS [Comedy/ Crime/Jennifer Aniston, Jason Sudeikis]. 6. NOW YOU SEE ME [Crime/Mystery/Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson]. 7. LOVELACE [Drama/Amanda Seyfried, Peter Sarsgaard, Juno Temple]. 8. GROWN UPS 2 [Comedy/Kevin James, Chris Rock, Adam Sandler]. 9. WHITE HOUSE DOWN [Action/ Thriller/Jamie Foxx, Channing Tatum]. 10. THE WOLVERINE [Action/Sci-Fi/ Hugh Jackman, Tao Okamoto, Will Yun Lee]. Also: THE BEST OFFER, EMPIRE STATE, KICK ASS 2, PERCY JACKSON: SEA OF MONSTERS, THE WORLD'S END, STOKER, ELYSIUM, PAIN & GAIN, PACIFIC RIM, THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY - The Extended Edition, WORLD WAR Z. NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON DVD THIS WEEK: RUSH [Biographical/Drama/Action/ Chris Hemsworth, Daniel Bruhl]. THANKS FOR SHARING [Comedy/ Tim Robbins, Gwyneth Paltrow]. A CASE OF YOU [Romance/Comedy/ Peter Dinklage, Evan Rachel Wood]. NEW & RE-RELEASE CLASSICS ON DVD HIGHLIGHTS: SCOBIE MALONE [Drama/1975/ Jack Thompson, Judy Morris, Noel Ferrier]. FEAR CITY [1984/Crime/Mystery/ Tom Berenger, Billy Dee Williams]. INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS [1978/Sci-Fi/Donald Sutherland]. DON'T LOOK NOW [1973/Drama/ Mystery/Julie Christie, Donald Sutherland]. BREATHLESS [1960/Drama/Jean Paul Belmondo, Jean Seberg]. CONTEMPT [1963/Drama/Brigitte Bardot, Jack Palance]. DARLING [1965/Drama/Julie Christie, Dirk Bogarde, Laurence Harvey]. Turn To Page 51
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 5, 2014 - Page 45
Observer Showbiz
Local Theatre With Cheryl Threadgold
Evolution and Revolution SHOWS ■ fortyfivedownstairs: Evolution, Revolution and the Mail Order Bride (Written and performed by Zulya Kamalova) February 5 - 16 at fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne. Tickets: $35/$30. Bookings: 9662 9966 www.fortyfivedownstairs.com ■ Red Stitch Actors' Theatre: Out of the Water (by Brooke Berman) February 2 - March 8 at the Red Stitch Theatre, 2 Chapel Street, St Kilda. Director: Nadia Tass. Bookings: 9533 8082. www.redstitch.net ■ La Mama Theatre: The Madness of the Day February 6 - 16 at La Mama Theatre, 205 Faraday Street, Carlton. Director: Lawrence Stranglo. Bookings: 9347 6142 www.lamama.com.au ■ Peridot Theatre: The Hallelujah Girls February 7 - 22, 2.15pm matinees February 9, 15 and 4.00pm matinee February 16 at the Unicorn Theatre, Lechte Road, Mount Waverley. Director: Annie Blood. Bookings: 9898 9090 (between 10.00am and 3.00pm Monday to Friday) or peridotboxoffice@yahoo.com.au ■ Geelong Repertory Theatre Company: Almost, Maine (by John Cariani), February 7 - 22 at the Woodbin Theatre, Coronation Street, Geelong West. Director: Kelly Clifford. Tickets: $25. Bookings: 5225 1200 www.geelongrep. com.au ■ Dirty Pretty Theatre and Theatre Works: The Bitter Tears of Petra Von Kant Until February 8 at 14 Acland Street, St Kilda. Tickets: $33 Full/$25 Concession. Bookings: www.theatreworks.org.au/whatson/ ■ Thornbury Theatre: Osiris - An Extravaganza of Cabaret, Music, Comedy, Djs and Dancing for a Very Good Cause Saturday, February 8 at 7.30pm at the Thornbury Theatre, 859 High Street, Thornbury. Some of Melbourne's most highly regarded performers will take the stage to present a fundraiser for Osirir Hadchiti-Dunmore. Osiris is the son of Rima, the world's tiniest belly-dancer and writer and comedian, Carl Dunmore. Osiris's birth at 24 weeks was indeed miraculous, but he has some remaining challenges, including a serious aversion to eating. Rima and Carl need to take Osiris to a specialist overseas clinic as there are no comparable clinics in Australia. This is expensive, so can you help? The answer is: Can you Party? Tickets: $35 and b/f or $40 at door. Bookings: thornburytheatre.oztix.com.au/?Event=41121 ■ Williamstown Little Theatre: Almost, Maine (by John Cariani), February 13 - March 1 at 2 Albert Street, Williamstown. Director: Kris Weber. Tickets: $25/$22. Bookings: wlt.org.au/bookings 9885 9678. ■ Ilbijerri Theatre Company: Little Black Bastard February 13 - 15 at Arts House, North Melbourne Town Hall, 521 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne. Tickets: $25/ $20. Students $15. Bookings: 9322 3713 artshouse.com.au Mordialloc Theatre Company: Quartet (by Ronald Harwood) February 14 - March 1 (two Sunday matinees) at the Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Road,Parkdale. Director: Eric Heyes. ■ The Basin Theatre Company: Quartet (by Ronald Harwood) February 14 - March 8 at 8.00pm (Sunday matinees at 2.00pm) at The Basin Theatre, Corner Doongalla and Simpson Roads, The Basin. Director: Graham Fry. Tickets: $25, Groups of ten plus $20. Bookings: 1300 784 668 (between 7.00 and 9.00pm only). www.thebasintheatre. org.au ■ Eltham Little Theatre: Natural Causes (by Eric Chappell), February 14 - March 1 at 8.00pm, February 23 at 2.00pm at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1605 Main Road, Research. Director: Mel de Bono. Bookings: 0411 713 095 or www.elthamlittletheatre.org.au ■ La Mama Theatre: The Great Game until February 16 at La Mama Courthouse, 349 Drummond Street, Carlton. Tickets: $25/$15. Bookings: www.lamama.com.au ■ Chapel Off Chapel: An Afternoon with Actor/Musician George Huxley Monday, February 17 at 2.00pm at 12 Little Chapel St., Prahran. Host: Robert Chuter. Tickets: $5.50 (can be purchased at box office on day). ■ La Mama Theatre: This Is What It Feels Like (by Lauren Bailey and Adam J. A. Cass) February 19 - March 2 (Wed, Sun at 6.30pm, Thurs, Fri, Sat at 8.30pm) at 205 Faraday Street, Carlton. Bookings: 9347 6142 www.lamama.com.au ■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG): The Secret Tent (by Elizabeth Addyman) February 27 - March 9 at the Strathmore Community Hall, Corner Loeman and Napier Streets, Strathmore. Tickets: $20/$15. Bookings: 9382 6284 www.stagtheatre.org/reservations ■ Sherbrooke Theatre Company Inc.: Play in a Day February 22 from 7.30pm to midnight at Doncaster Secondary College, Church Road, Doncaster. Pay at door. www.sherbrooketc.org.au
Natural Causes
● Steve Saul, Denise Kuchmar, Phil Holmes, Debbie Rowland and Peter Hatherley in Eltham Little Theatre’s Natural Causes, opening on February 14. Photo: Beth Klein ■ Eltham Little Theatre presents Eric Chappell’s comedy Natural Causes from February 14-March 1 at 8pm, with a 2pm matinee on February 23, at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1605 Main Rd, Research. Directed by Mel de Bono, the story tells of Vincent from Exodus, an euthanasia groups that assists people to suicide. When he is invited to Walter Bryce’s country house to assist in the disposal of Walter’s wife, he senses something is wrong. Why are the suicide notes unsigned? What is the role of Walter’s attractive secretary? Why has the Samaritan been sent for? Tickets: $22.50 full, $17.50 concession. Bookings: 0411 713 095 or www.elthamlittletheatre.org.au
SHOWS ■ Theatre Works: Pacific Overtures by Stephen Sondheim and John Wiedman February 19 - March at Theatre Works, 14 Acland Street, St Kilda. Director: Alister Smith; Musical Director: Robyn Womersley; Choreographer: Michael Ralph. Tickets: $39 full, $20 concession, $49 Gala Night. Bookings: 9534 3388. ■ Brighton Theatre Company: As Bees in Honey Drown (by Douglas Carter Beane) February 20 - March 8 at the Brighton Arts and Cultural Centre, Corner Wilson and Carpenter Streets, Brighton. Director: Peter Newling. Tickets: $23/$21. Bookings: 1300 752 126. ■ Cardinia Performing Arts Centre (CPAC): Whistle Down the Wind February 22 - March 7 at the Cardinia Cultural Centre, Lakeside Blvd., Pakenham. Tickets: $32 Adults, $29 Concession, $25 Children U15, Family $100. Bookings: 0407 090 354. ■ Chapel Off Chapel: Show-Off-At-Chapel February 28 from 10.30pm onwards at 12 Little Chapel St., Prahran. Host: Trevor Jones. A late-night, post-show, foyer showcase of new and loved acts performed for you by emerging or established talents, or those simply game enough to get up and Show-off their skills. Email showoffatchapel@gmail.com with details of two songs you would like to perform. Free event. ■ Malvern Theatre Company: Trap for a Lonely Man (by Robert Thomas) February 28 - March 15 at 29 Burke Road, East Malvern. Director: Kevin Trask. Tickets: $20. Bookings: 1300 131 552.
AUDITIONS ■ Wendy Samantha Productions: Fantastic Mr Fox February 8, 9 from1.00pm - 5.00pm at the David McGrail Theatre, Balwyn. Characters 6 - 12 years of age. Enquiries: 0403 802 952., http://wendysamantha.com ■ Peridot Theatre: Heroes February 9 at 6.00pm and February 10 at 7.00pm at the Unicorn Theatre, Lechte Road, Mount Waverley. Director: Geoff Hickey. Audition bookings: 9874 1581. ■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre: Twelve Angry Men (by Sherman L. Sergei, adapted by Reginald Rose) February 9 at the Athenaeum Theatre, Castella Street, Lilydale. Director: Catherine Carr. Audition bookings: 0425 435 866 ■ Windmill Theatre Company: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Further auditions) February 9 at 1.00pm. Please call 9704 5410. Further details: wtctheatre.com.au ■ The 1812 Theatre: Beyond Therapy (by Christopher Durang) February 9 at 2.00pm at 3-5 Rose Street, Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: John Mills. Enquiries: 9758 3964.
Melbourne
Observer THE BASIN THEATRE GROUP ■ The Basin Theatre Group had lots to celebrate at the end of 2013, when almost scooping the pool at the Victorian Drama League awards, particularly for its production of The Woman In Black. The company won Best Production, Best Director (Justin Stephens), Best Actor (Keiran Tracey), Set Design (Justin Stephens and Gerald Overton), Best Sound Design (Justin Stephens) and Best Lighting Design (Peter Dalwood). Brenda Overton was also nominated for Best Costume Award. 2014 is The Basin Theatre Group’s 60th anniversary year and their first show will be Ronald Harwood’s Quartet, directed by Graham Fry who has been a member for 60 years. Quartet will be presented from February 14 – March 8 at The Basin Theatre, Cnr Doongalla and Simpson Rds, The Basin. Tickets: $25. Groups of 10+ $20 per ticket. Bookings: 1300 784 668 (between 7pm and 9pm only) www.thebasintheatre.org.au
● Basin Theatre Group’s 2013 VDL Award winners: (back left) Peter Bartlett, Graham Fly, Peter Dalwood, Keiran Tracey, Chris McLean, Justin Stephens, Alison Minty (President) and Saharah Foley. Photo: Sally Larwood
HEIDELBERG THEATRE COMPANY ■ The Glass Menagerie is considered by many critics to be Tennessee Williams’s best play and also his most autobiographical. Directed by Karen Wakeham, Heidelberg Theatre Company is presenting this beautifully written play from February 20-March 8 at 8pm, with 2pm matinees on Sunday February 23 and March 2, at 36 Turnham Ave, Rosanna. Set in 1937 as a ‘memory play’, The Glass Menagerie also invokes the ways in which the past plays its tricks to haunt us all. Its well known plot deals with the author, represented by Tom Wingfield, a writer and dutiful son to his deserted mother, Amanda. He lives with her and his sister Laura, in claustrophobic genteel poverty. Tom stifles his creative instincts, working in a shoe factory to support them all, seeking escape at night in the bars and movie-houses of St Louis. Laura seems to her mother to be on the way to a humiliating life as an old mais, so Amanda asks Tom to bring home a gentleman caller for her. When handsome stranger Jim O’Connor arrives, nothing is as before. Tickets: $25 Full price, $22 Concession (not Seniors Cards), Group 10+ $20 per ticket. Box office bookings: 9457 4117 or email htc@htc.org.au
AUDITIONS ■ The Mount Players: Harold and Maude (by Colin Higgins) February 15, 16 at 10.00am at the Mountview Theatre, 56 Smith Street, Macedon. Director: Craig Lenaine-Smith. Enquiries: 0416 062 371. ■ ARC Theatre Company: All Shook Up February 16 at 4.00pm and February 17 at 7.00pm at St Gabriel's Parish Hall, Viola Street, Reservoir. Director: Liam Kilgour; Musical Director: Rebecca Dupy-Purcell; Choreographer: Narada Edgar. Audition bookings: 0435 062 087 or auditions@arc-theatre.com ■ Mooroolbark Theatre Group: Noises Off (by Michael Frayn) February 20 at 7.00pm at the Mooroolbark Community Centre, 125 Brice Avenue, Mooroolbark. Director: Yvonne Miller. Enquiries: 9736 3737. ■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company Inc: The Rise and Fall of Little Voice (by Jim Cartwright) February 23 at 11.00am at the Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre, Castella Street, Lilydale. Director: Justin Stephens. Enquiries: littlevoice@innocent.com http:// lilydaleatc.com/ ● More on Page 50
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Page 46 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 5, 2014 www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne
Observer
Lovatts Crossword No 4 Across
1. Overbalancing 6. Flusters 11. Genetic inheritance 15. Lunar ray 20. Company head (1,1,1) 21. Sloped backwards 22. Vat 23. Relays (6,2) 24. Stipulations 25. Maturity 27. Having no pips 28. Half 29. Quay 31. Hunter's quarry 32. Laud 36. Humiliating remark (3-4) 37. Chilled cuppa (4,3) 38. Honey drink 41. Defensive castle ditches 44. Scientist, ... Newton 45. Latin American dance 48. Rugby handling error (5-2) 49. Royal offspring 52. Trick into crime 56. Competition 57. Fall 58. Adopt (policy) 61. Pranks 62. Greek shipping magnate 63. Kinder 64. Spotted pattern, ... dots 65. Sorcerers 66. Passage (of goods) 67. Brazilian music style (5,4) 71. Undeveloped insect 73. Uncensored (movie) 75. Gladdened 80. Large rodents 82. Rome or Naples native 83. Nosegay 85. Authenticity 86. Comedy team, Monty ... 88. Puzzle 90. Peter Pan writer (1,1,6) 91. Honoured with party 93. Kidnappers' demands 94. Pledges 95. Draw attention away 96. Terrorist's captive 97. Leave room 99. Tiny amount 100. Arms cache 104. Actress, Vivien ... 105. Mutilates 106. Wine, ... Riesling 107. Surgical insert 111. Singer, ... Minogue 113. Glacial period, ... Age 114. Yes in French 115. Frightening 117. Tennis star, Andre ... 118. Revolving tray, lazy ... 121. Peace prize 122. Visual perception 125. Bred 126. Fabled whale, ... Dick 127. Liquefy 129. Wine barrels 131. Exclude 132. Verb modifier 135. As far as (2,2) 136. Ripped apart, torn ... 139. Boulder 140. Speared 144. Magician's ... Pocus 145. Rest on knees 146. Ultra manly 147. Hard copy (5-3)
Across 148. Contagious outbreak 149. Crisscross weave 150. Diaper 152. Chat-show hostess, ... Winfrey 154. Speaker 157. Mongolian desert 158. Announce (4,3) 162. Eye membrane 163. Legless grub 166. Timber fastener 167. Twig shelter 169. Immediately following 171. Oriental continent 172. Violet/blue 173. Male deer 175. Bumpkins 176. Skid Row drink 179. Lusaka is there 180. Cutting beam 182. Relaxation art, t'ai ... 183. Adult education group (1,1,1) 184. Portion 186. Doctor's ... manner 189. Ganges country 190. Last Greek letter 191. Milan opera house, La ... 192. Swirling 196. Stagger 197. Hitler follower 198. Casablanca is there 199. Popular hymn (3,5) 201. Boatman 202. Seepage 203. Harsh-tasting 204. Pre-dinner sherry 205. Touched with lips 208. Defeated 210. Unaffected 211. Sheet of glass 212. Go back in (2-5) 213. Consequently 215. Vending machine 219. Dame Nellie ... 221. Belittle 223. Criminal fire-starters 227. Pastry snacks, Cornish ... 228. Harms 230. Two times 231. Cardiac organ 232. Indian leader, ... Gandhi 233. Lady's title 234. Redesign (hair) 238. Manoeuvring space 239. Enchant 240. Most timid 243. By mouth 246. Raises (5,2) 247. Requirements 250. Mountainous 251. Ancient 253. Length measures 256. Day-to-day 257. Granted 258. Merriest 262. Single sound system 263. Drive off 266. Dowdy 268. Slandered 269. Sleeker 270. Slender toughness 271. Long race 272. Gist (of story) 273. Argentina's Buenos ... 274. Beatles, The ... Four 275. Summer frock 276. Bemuse 277. Accented 278. Curly-tailed marine creature (3,5)
Down 1. Extra serving (3-2) 2. Noodle food 3. Welsh vegetables 4. Non-coms (1,1,2) 5. Swiss city 7. Cockerel 8. Mythical horned horse 9. Junior Girl Guides 10. Waist ribbon 11. German Mr 12. Imposing buildings 13. Factor 14. Lethargy 15. Artefacts gallery 16. Comply with 17. Gentle prod 18. Expel 19. Skinflint 24. Time signals 26. Luncheon meat 30. Davy Crockett's fort 33. Collided with (3,4) 34. Cuts into 35. Passion 38. Louder 39. Absurd pretence 40. Condense 42. Burden of responsibility 43. Cylindrical 46. Social chaos 47. Concoct 49. Punishment 50. Become liable for 51. Sure 53. Sea god 54. Souvenir 55. Spectre 59. Mollifies 60. Ill-matched 67. German alpine state 68. Broken-limb supports 69. Et cetera (3,2,2) 70. Insensitively 72. Minor planets 74. Modernising (software) 76. Easy seat 77. Joins forces (5,2) 78. Buddhist heaven 79. Lowest (voice) 81. Last Supper guests 84. Briniest 87. Upstage 89. Nudist 91. Turns into alcohol 92. Break (partnership) 98. Portugal's capital 101. Inflexible 102. Eventuate 103. Hands on hips 108. Flowering shrub, crape ... 109. Commit to memory 110. Sister's daughter 112. Childbirth contractions (6,5) 116. Marzipan (6,5) 119. Most important 120. Adding up (to) 123. Hebrew 124. Vietnam's ... City (2,3,4) 128. Toils 130. Singer or dancer
Down 132. Let in 133. Outspoken 134. SE France river 137. Extremely 138. US naval port, San ... 141. Star, ... Centauri 142. Cymbals sound 143. Failed to (4'1) 151. Golfer, ... Palmer 153. Astonished 155. Cowgirl, ... Oakley 156. Fuses (of bones) 159. Somalia's neighbour 160. Receipt 161. Not moved (by argument) 164. Crippled 165. Pungent bulb 168. Intensify (of war) 170. December conifer (4,4) 173. Ceylon (3,5) 174. Letter recipient 177. Fellow players 178. Bridging 181. Vigorous exercise classes 185. Career barriers, glass ... 186. Blitz 187. Makes gloomy 188. Tilt 193. Expressionless 194. Sloping typeface 195. Slums 200. Gains entry to 201. Dirtily 206. Prisoners 207. Fabric retailers 208. More cocky 209. Stiffly 211. Financed in advance 214. Ground oats 216. Massive 217. Illegal hunter 218. Britain's 1066 invaders 220. Non-clergy 222. In vain, to no ... 224. Giving green light to 225. Unsuitably 226. Abnormal tissue growths 229. Bargain sell-off 232. Man 235. Heavenly 236. Bell-shaped flower 237. Government supporter 241. Rugby fending move (4-3) 242. Slipped by 244. Greed 245. Boarders 248. Second book in Bible 249. Air pollution 251. Betting chances 252. Stage-plays 253. Childhood swelling disease 254. Hawk's claw 255. Famous Swiss mountain 259. Flooded (of decks) 260. Anaesthetic 261. 1000 kg unit 262. The M of YMCA (3'1) 264. Canadian lake 265. Female sheep 267. Baseballer, ... Ruth
Solution on Page 31 g
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 5, 2014 - Page 47
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RADIO GOLDEN DAYS RADIO 95.7FM. The great music of the 30s to 60s. Streaming through the web: www. goldendaysradio.com Phone: 9572 1466
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RARE DVDs PLAY MUSIC. Shop 4/ 50 Bourke St, Melbourne. Phone: 9650 0652. Mon-Sat 10am-9pm. Sun. 11am-6.30pm. Contact: Rex.
TILCO. Wholesalers to farmers and contractors. 29 Thackeray St, Toowoomba, Qld 4359. Phone: (07) 4633 0624. Mobile: 0422 399 544. Contact: Barry.
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MAROONDAH SPORTS CLUB. Cnr Mt Dandenong & Dublin Rds, Ringwood East, Vic 3135. Phone: 9879 2922. Fax: 9879 7280. maroondahclub.com.au
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www.ecell.com.au. Recover from injury and pain in half the time. The e-cell provides pain relief by encouraging cellular regeneration.Phone 1300 764 117.
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GROSVENOR IN CAIRNS HOLIDAY APARTMENTS. Fully self-contained, 1 and 2 BR apartments. www.grosvenorcairns. com.au E-mail: info@ grosvenorcairns.com. au Phone 1800 629 179.
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Bloomsday courses
Joseph, Dreamcoat
■ The Bloomsday in Melbourne Organisation is presenting two courses on James Joyce’s classic novel, Ulysses. A six-hour introductory course on Reading James Joyce’s Ulysses will be held on Sunday (Feb. 9), 10.30am to 5.30pm. A six-hour advanced course on reading the more challenging chapters of James Joyce’s Ulysses will be held on Sunday, March 23, 10.30am to 5.30 pm. Venue: The Celtic Club, cnr La Trobe and Queen Sts, Melbourne Tickets: $60 or $40 concessions Bookings: www.trybooking.com/DTJS or phone Bob, 9898 2900. ■ Then by popular demand on Sunday, February 23, Bloomsday In Melbourne presents the return of actor/director Wayne Pearn as Monk O’Neil in Jack Hibberd’s play A Stretch Of The Imagination. This one-off production will be at a wonderful venue, the Paramoor Winery in Carlsruhe, via Woodend, go to enquiries@ paramoor.com.au see Coming Events. So you can spend time strolling around the vineyard, see a fun play and taste and buy some wine and they also serve platters of cheese – a good way to spend a pleasant afternoon. Venue: Paramoor Winery, 439 Three Chain Rd, Carlsruhe via Woodend. Tickets: $25. Bookings: Essential. www.trybooking. com/DZKE or phone Bob: 9898 2900 - Rita Crispin
■ The Young Australian Broadway Chorus sell-out Melbourne season of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Beckett Theatre, The Malthouse, featuring such high calibre young performers, leaves no doubt that Australian musical theatre’s future is assured. Robert Coates directs Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic musical in superb, fastpaced style, creating a visually spectacular production featuring 84 youthfully energetic cast members. Coates utilises theatre entrances and levels for cast entrances, integrating audiences into this musical Biblical story. Musical director Andy Coates’s great band renders an assortment of music styles, with some talented all-rounder performers alternating playing instruments. Jacqui Green’s innovative choreography is vibrant and polished. Bravo also to Costume Designer Jennifer McKenzie, whose monochrome palette for the Biblical and Egyptian costumes certainly gives prominence to Joseph’s beautiful, colourful dreamcoat. When colour is introduced, the overall sparkle and costume spectacle is stunning, complimented by Linda Hum’s striking lighting design, which also cleverly covers performers re-positioning for new scenes. Personable David Duketis uses his lovely singing voice, gymnastic agility and handsome good-looks to deliver a terrific portrayal of Joseph. Vivienne Awosoga is a delightful narrator (and guitarist), engaging us with her strong stage presence and animated storytelling, without detracting from the show. The energetic entrance of Joseph and his brothers reveals them to be the charming young men earlier ushering patrons to seats.
COOLUM BAYWATCH RESORT. Stay with the stars. Sunshine Coast. Close to some of Australia’s most famous attractions. PO Box 34, Coolum Beach, Qld 4573. Phone: (07) 5446 5500. Contact: Elaine and Peter. Web: www. coolumbaywatch.com E-Mail: info@coolum baywatch.com
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TRAVEL: TAS SAFETY COVE SEA CHANGE, SAFETY COVE. Amazing Tasmanian Holiday Experiences. 425 Safety Cove Rd, Port Arthur. Phone: (03) 6250 2719. www.sea changesafetycove.com. au E-Mail: safetycove @bigpond.com
www.aboutmyself. com.au Get cash and have fun. Find out about making spare cash. Contact: Dr Juergen Ude. Web: www.aboutmyself.com. au
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WHAT’S PUBLICON NOTICES AUTOSOL is available at all Super Cheap auto stores. See the display ad in this edition. Free sample offer: send self-addressed envelope to PO Box 309, Freshwater, NSW 2096. Shine and preserve metal forever. Power to treat dull, corroded metal
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ECHO 4x4 CAMPERS. Find out why everyone is talking. Tried, tested and trusted for 30 years. Phone: 1300 324 649. www. echo4x4.com.au
TED RYAN. Looking for a professional to run teh show? Compere/ host, auctioneer, promotions, A-grade journalist, voice-over commercials, race caller, all sports, race nights, TV-radio-press, respected member of the media. Phone: 9876 1652. Mobile: 0412 682 927. ted. ryan@optusnet.com. au
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ROBINVALE WINES. Certified bio-dynamic and organic wines. Free wine tasting. Cellar door sales. 243 Sea Lake Rd, Robinvale. Phone: 5026 3955. Mobile: 0408 663 695. Door to door delivery Australia wide. www.organicwines.com. au
SATURDAY COMMUNITY MARKET WHITTLESEA. Sat., Feb. 15. 8am-1pm. 3rd Sat. of each month. Whittlesea Secondary College, Laurel St. Mel 246, G10. Single sites from $20. Enquiries: 0419 357 395. Arts, crafts, plants, clothes, food and more.
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TRAVEL: 4x4 CAMPERS
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Showbiz Briefs ■ Yalukit Wilum Ngargee: People Place Gathering, the biggest indigenous music and arts celebration in Victoria, opened the St Kilda Festival’s nine day program last Saturday (Feb. 1). Held in St Kilda’s O’Donnell Gardens, music performances were given by Yirrmal and theYolngu Boys, Buddy Knox Band and Crystal Mercy. ■ The launch of Wonderment Walk Victoria on Wednesday next week (Feb. 12) at the Yarra Gallery, Federation Square, will be the first step in an innovative plan to introduce newly commissioned sculptures created to promote art, science and knowledge into Melbourne’s historical, architectural and creative walking tours.
‘Oklahoma’ by PLOS ● From Page 31
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LATEST SPORTING NEWS
■ Kiwi raiders have won a plethora of A.G. Hunter Cups including the past four and added another one to the list when five-year-old Christian Cullen/Splendid Dreams gelding Christen Me returned to the winners list by taking out the $400,000 (Group 1) Del-Re National Food Group Hunter Cup for M0 or better class over the marathon journey of 3280 metres at Tabcorp Park Melton on Saturday (Feb. 1) in front of a tremendous and enthusiastic crowd. Trained in Christchurch by Cran Dalgety who couldn't make it across the Tasman after suffering a nasty jet ski accident requiring a long operation, Christen Me with regular reinsman Dexter Dunn in the sulky carrying the colours of the sponsor, stepped safely from barrier four on the second line to settle well back in the field, with Abettorpunt (barrier six) beginning brilliantly to lead and crowd favourite Smoken Up (barrier four) immediately moving outside him. Both Mah Sish from the pole and Pembrook Benny next door were slow to hit their straps throwing away their barrier draw advantage. - Len Baker
Melbou rne
● Scott Hili (Ali Hakim), Robert Clark (Jud Fry) and Matthew Clayton (Curly) in Oklahoma! presented by PLOS Musical Productions. Photo: Mike Fletcher Liam Kilgour (Will Parker) and Ashleigh Kreveld (Ado Annie) made a lively duo, Lauren Doutch’s (Gertie) laugh added humor, while Robert Clark brought conflict and strong vocal work to his convincing portrayal of loner Jud Fry. I also particularly enjoyed the outstanding performances of Scott Hili (Ali Hakim), Lindy Yeates (Aunt Eller) and ensemble member Benny Burton. From a critical perspective, dialogue rushed occasionally, but this was an entertaining show, with the excellent cast including an impressive ensemble of competent musical theatre performers. PLOS will present Oliver! in June, followed by The Addams Family in December. Congratulations to all concerned on bringing quality theatre to the suburbs. - Cheryl Threadgold
Showbiz Briefs ■ A tour around Victoria, Todd McKenney Sings Peter Allen, will begin in April. Julie Houghton will have details in the Melbourne Observer later this month. ■ Composer/lyricist Matthew Robinson presents the premiere concert of the event musical Atlantis on Sunday, February 23 at 6pm. Venue: Chapel Off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel St, Prahran. Bookings: phone 8290 7000 or www.chapeloffchapel.com.au
● David Duketis (Joseph) with Adrian Agisilaou (Pharaoh) in YABC’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Photo: Kit Haselden Photography Another audience connection with the show. Top performances are delivered by Joseph’s brothers, and Joshua Mulcahy (Jacob), Adrian Agisilaou (Pharaoh), Grace Collins (Potiphar’s Wife/Simeon’s wife), Kelsey Oberin (Asher’s wife), Natalie Speechley (Reubin’s wife) and the wonderful ensemble and children’s chorus. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat tours to the Adelaide Fringe Festival in March. Hearty congratulations to all involved for presenting such a high quality, splendid production. - Cheryl Threadgold
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Page 50 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 5, 2014 Melbourne
Observer
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Showbiz Extra
Edited by Cheryl Threadgold
Off beat fun in ‘Great Game’
● Katherine Connolly, Charlie Laidlaw and Bernard Caleo in The Great Game at La Mama until February 16. Photo: Daisy Noyes ■ The Punters Guide to the 2014 AFL Season, by Cliff Bingham and Greg Oberscheidt, is to be released in time for the first matches on March 14. ■ Entertainer Brendan Scott will perform this month at Springavle RSL (Feb. 5); Wantirna Club (Feb. 6); Zagames Berwick (Feb. 12); Lilydale International (Feb. 19); Bentleigh Club (Feb. 20); and Darebin RSL (Feb. 21).
■ The Great Game is a comical and curiously offbeat period play set in the austere Victorian era about two sisters, “virtuous and decent ladies”, fantasising their days away. The play was written by Katherine Connolly, who also plays younger sister Georgiana, and is directed by Rosina Gannon. Performers Charlie Laidlaw and Bernard Caleo are also credited with creative input. History buffs are sure to appreciate the many historical references. The Great Game is actually a term that described the rivalry between Britain and Russia in the later part of the 1800s, over Russia’s move into South Asia, threatening Britain’s hold on India. A strange premise for a play set in rural Australia in 1886, but as the play progresses its meaning becomes apparent. Following the death of their father, a strangely comic highlight, the two sisters venture into his private library for the first time. There they find the instruments to fuel their fevered imaginations - the memoirs of 19th century
adventurer and soldier, Lieutenant Colonel Frederick Burnaby. The dramatic and often hysterical re-enactments of Burnaby’s adventures are the backbone of the play, and give the sisters a reprieve from their intensely lonely and confined existence. Both Katherine Connolly and Charlie Laidlaw’s performances as the two Victorian sisters are strong. Their comic timing, understated impersonations of all sorts of animals, and the nuances in their interactions with each other were delightful. Bernard Caleo has fun in his role as the daring Flashman-esque hero Frederick Burnaby, a role he carries off with some aplomb. I found certain aspects of the play confusing but over-
all it achieved its aims by showing us that our life experiences rarely live up to our expectations. The set worked well and the dim lighting effective in creating an atmosphere appropriate to the time and occasion, though I’m not fond of bright flashing lights directed at the audience, which in my view, distracted from the action on stage. This is an interesting and quirky play with plenty of laughs. Performance season: Wednesday and Sunday at 6.30pm; Thursday to Saturday at 7.30pm until February 16. Venue: La Mama Courthouse, 349 Drummond St, Carlton. Tickets: $25, $15. Bookings: www.lamama. com.au or 9347 6142 - Beth Klein
Showbiz Briefs ■ 3AW Nightline and Remember When listeners have sent messages of condolence to co-host Philip Brady who lost his companion of 14 years, Matt, in mid-January. ■ Australia’s regional music radio stations pulled the plug on their internet streams at the weekend in protest at paying additional fees for performing rights to the Phonographic Performance Company of Australia Ltd. ■ Channel 7 staffers mourn the passing of Don Smith, former OB supervisor. A service was held last week
Local Theatre Auditions From Page 45
■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: Dixie Swim Club (by Nicholas Hope, Jamie Wooton and Jessie Jones) February 23, 24 at 7.00pm at 36 Turnham Avenue, Rosanna. Director: Gayle Poor. Enquiries: gaylepoor @hotmail.com ■ Peridot Theatre: Play Readings: One Act Plays February 26 at 7.30pm at the Unicorn Theatre, Lechte Road, Mount Waverley. Plays for the June One Act Play season include No Strings (by John Tilbrook), By the Half (by Jimmie Chin) and Peter Stone (by Alison Knight). If attending, please contact Alison Knight on a8knight@ bigpond.net.au ■ Strathmore Community Theatre Group (STAG): Barefoot in the Park (by Neil Simon) February 26 at 7.00pm, March 2 at 10.00am at the Strathmore Community Centre, Cnr. Loeman and Napier Streets, Strathmore. Director; Natasha Boyd. Enquiries: 0413 188 513.
Melbourne
Observer Victorian Sport
Gala dinner for Greyhound of the Year award ■ Another name will be added to the honour roll of Victorian Greyhound of the Year when the award is presented at a gala function at Crown this Friday night (Feb. 8). Guests will enjoy a great night of entertainment including a performance by X Factor winner Dami Im, as well as the various awards. This is the 40th anniversary of the Victorian Greyhound of the Year, won by some of the champions of the sport. Finalists for the main award of Victorian Greyhound of the Year are: Black Magic Opal (winner of Melbourne Cup, Geelong Cup and Maitland Cup) Destini Fireball (winner of Zoom Top, Superstayers, Brisbane Gold Cup and National Distance Championship) Xylia Allen (winner of National Sprint Championship, Sapphire Crown, Peter Mosman Classic, Launceston Cup and Sandown Shootout) Other awards to be presented on Friday night include the Ken Carr Medal for contribution of excellence at club level, Chairman's Award, Ned Bryant Silver Fox award for outstanding achievement and the 2013 Victorian Trainer of the Year. A most popular greyhound award is also being contested on Facebook at the moment, with numerous Victorian chasers vying for this title.
Greyhounds
with Kyle Galley
Walk Hard wins ■ The first Country Cup of the year at Warragul produced a popular win for Clyde trainer Nikki McRae and her dog Walk Hard. Walk Hard has been plagued by injuries during his career, but McRae has nursed the dog through those issues, and back to health. He rewarded his connections with a track record breaking win in the Cup Heat, and a follow-up win in the Final, worth a $43,750 winners purse. Walk Hard has now won over $100,000 in stakes courtesy of 17 wins and 12 placings from just 35 starts. Nikki has had Walk Hard in her care since he was a three month old pup. She will now set the dog for the Healesville Cup series, as the dog enjoys racing on the straight course.
Strained muscle ■ Meanwhile, top sprinter Black Magic Opal, which disappointed when unplaced in the Warragul Cup Final, turned out to have strained a monkey muscle according to trainer Jason Thompson, and will miss the upcoming Australian Cup series. This is a terrible blow for connections, who will now face the big decision of whether they will alow the dog to recover and return to racing, or retire him and focus on a stud career. No doubt there will be a large number of trainers watching on keenly for this decision, should connections decide to send the Melbourne Cup winner to stud.
At Healesville ■ The Healesville Cup Final will be staged this Sunday (Feb. 9) and will comprise a top field of short course sprinters over the 350 metre journey. In recent years the Healesville club has really gone ahead in leaps and bounds. The course started out as a grass venue, but a massive redevelopment in 2011 saw a new track built, with a sand surface, along with a new public grandstand. Healesville is one of only two remaining tracks in Australia where racing is conducted on a straight course instead of an oval circuit, the other being Capalaba in south
eastern Queensland. A very picturesque course, on land behind the local football ground, Healesville is only a short trip from Melbourne in the Yarra Valley tourist area.
Raising funds ■ Greyhound Racing Victoria has announced community partnerships with charities the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and the McGrath Foundation for 2014. Throughout the year, the PCFA logo will adorn the four (blue) rug in Victorian races. Also, all 13 of Victoria's clubs will support the Foundation's Big Aussie Barbie fundraising promotion in December. GRV's link to the McGrath Foundation will continue through its popular ‘Go The Pink Dog’ campaign, which will be staged in April. Since 2009 this campaign has raised more than $280,000 for the McGrath Foundation, courtesy of $500 being donated for every winner which wears the pink rug (box eight) during the month.
Heat policy ■ The greyhound racing ‘Heat Policy’ has been getting a workout over the summer period. Under the policy, on days of significant heat trainers can withdraw their dogs from races without penalty, while race meetings may also have their start times al-
tered, or may even be cancelled if the weather is too hot, as happened with one Horsham Tuesday afternoon card. Several meetings around the state were transferred from day time to night time programs, to avoid the hottest part of the day. Some were also moved to morning timeslots so they could be completed for the heat became too oppressive. Unfortunately some cards were decimated by scratchings but overall the welfare of the dogs is paramount. It can be a fine line between animal welfare and the need for the industry to keep functioning but overall disruption to the sport was minimal. Greyhounds are housed in airconditioned kennel blocks once they arrive on-course, and are only outside for the brief duration of their race. They are hosed down immediately after completing the event before being returned to the kennel block.
Coming meets
■ Wednesday: The Meadows (Day), Bendigo (Twilight), Cranbourne (Night), Ballarat (Night); Thursday: Warragul (D), Traralgon (T), Sandown Park (N), Warrnambool (N); Friday: Bendigo (T), Geelong (N); Saturday: Shepparton (T), The Meadows (N); Sunday: Healesville (D), Sandown Park (D), Cranbourne (T), Sale (T); Monday: Ballarat (D), Geelong (T), Shepparton (N); Tuesday: Horsham (T), Warragul (N).
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 5, 2014 - Page 51
Melbourne
Observer Victorian Sport
Showbiz Extra ■ From Page 44
Top 10 Lists
Who will sparkle? ■ The coveted Blue Diamond Stakes to be run at Caulfield on February 22 is bringing together one of the best fields ever to contest the classic. The early favourite is the brilliant Sydney youngster, Rubick, beautifully named being out of the good race mare, Sliding Cube, by the outstanding sire, Encosta De Lago. The colt, a flashy bay colt, who had shown plenty on the track, was sent out a very short priced favorite in a small field, but was never off the bit smashing the class record in great fashion. Prior to his first start after a brilliant track gallop, he firmed in from $34, into favouritism for the big one. His trainer said he is a better horse than one of his best ever in the prolific producer of good horses in, Snitzel. Closely on his tail is another top class filly in Earthquake, from the powerful Peter Snowden stable, a prolific winner at her first start in Sydney winning by just under three lengths. Of the Victorian chances, Chivalry and Nostradamus along with another of the Snowden runners, Mohave, who all have won in good style so far appear to be the main chances Rubick was a $460,000 purchase at the Magic Millions yearling sales, by well known racing commentator and host David Raphael, from the draft of the Vinery stud. Rubick is a three quarter brother to Group One Winning sire, Manhattan Rain, who raced under the care of Gai Waterhouse. Sliding Cube, a multiple stakes winner, by Rock Of Gibraltar, is a threequarter sister to Redoute's Choice and Platinum Scissors - the latter being the sire of recent Caulfield winner, Finishing Card. Another of the favourites, Nostradamus, is a lovely horse, a big strider and was impressive in winning at his
Ted Ryan
THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK [1939/James Whale/Adventure/Louis Hayward]. Andy Warhol's BLOOD FOR DRACULA [1974/ Horror/Udo Kier, Joe Dallesandro]. Andy Warhol's FLESH FOR FRANKENSTEIN [1973/Horror/Udo Kier, Joe Dallesandro]. Andy Warhol's TRASH [1970/Cult-Drama/Joe Dallesandro]. Andy Warhol's FLESH [1968/Cult-Drama/Joe Dallesandro]. Andy Warhol's HEAT [1972/Cult-Drama/Joe Dallesandro, Sylvia Miles]. HAMMER HORROR COLLECTION BOX SET [Assorted Years & Stars] - includes: DRACULA: PRINCE OF DARKNESS, PLAGUE OF THE ZOMBIES, QUATERMASS AND THE PIT, RASPUTIN: THE MAD MONK, THE DEVIL RIDES OUT, THE MUMMY'S SHROUD, THE REPTILE, FRANKENSTEIN AND THE MONSTER FROM HELL, FRANKENSTEIN CREATED WOMAN, THE QUATERMASS XPERIMENT, THE WITCHES and THE WORLD OF HAMMER DVD.
● Chivalry Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754
first start for the strong Hawkes Camp. Nostradamus is beautifully bred being by the American sire, Medaglia D'Oro, from the very good race mare, Leone Chiara. Leone Chiara won seven races from 1000 to 1100 metres, with three minor placings, from only 26 race starts. He is closely related to a Blue Diamond Stakes winner, Star Witness. A ready made galloper, the Hawks team feels that they have a colt with great potential and I agree after seeing him win at Flemington. Another with a big chance is the Mark Kavanagh trained Chivalry, who showed plenty at his first two starts running an unlucky second on his home track at Flemington and then was most impressive in scoring at Moonee Valley. As we get a little closer to the running of the classic
we will analyse the field again.
Trainers required ■ Pakenham's CEO. Michael Hodge is finding it a bit of a struggle at the moment getting trainers to take up residency at their new complex at Tynong. Michael was hoping to have locked in ten trainers to take up the Club's offers, but at the time of going to press was finding it a bit of a battle. He was hoping to sign up 10 trainers by last Friday, when tenders closed. The first 18 trackside allotments in size from a half acre to one hectare have a minimum price of $220,000 for the smaller blocks. Pakenham's ViceChairman, Simon Conn, had a chat with representatives of Jason Warren at their last meeting on January 11, and they are hopeful they
might lock the young Mornington trainer in. If the initial allotments cannot sell, the disposal of further lots could be difficult, resulting in a loss of potential funds for the track, which will host 40 to 50 meetings annually starting from March next year.
Stars to shine ■ Racing Victoria's new catch cry ‘Relaxed Racing’ is catching on in a big way. Tomorrow (Thurs.) at Caulfield, a galaxy of stars will gather with members of the media, as they
● Rubick wins on debut. Photo: Magic Millions
● Nostradamus Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754 launch seven weeks football star, James of Relaxed Racing Bartel, along with with Group 1 events TV personality, as well as an array Scherri-Lee Biggs. There will be a of Country Cups, which include the number of racing last Cup at Pak- personalities in atenham on February tendance including, Group One stars, 9. Yarra Valley will Glen Boss, who pihold their big day on loted Makybe Diva March 16, while the to three Melbourne day before, I will be Cup wins. He will be joined in Bendigo for their big Golden Mile by top trainer Mark Kavanagh along Day. Tomorrow the ac- with his recently retion will get under- tired Cox Plate winway at Caulfield ner, Maldivian. from around 9am, with a number of special guests. Among them, in- ■ It's on a sad note ternational Rugby that the Pakenham League star Billy Racing Club will Slater from the close the gates, for Melbourne Storm, the last time after and his family. the rescheduled, Billy has a back- Sale meeting on ground in racing February 14. which a number of The Pakenham fans may not know Cup to be held on about. Sunday (February Slater was for- 9), will be the last merly with leading under the PRC bantrainer, Gai Water- ner, at the track. house in Sydney beI have had the fore his breaking pleasure of working into the world of with the Club for ‘Block and Tackle’. around the past five One of the nicest guys around he is years and they are a sure to attract plenty great team. I will officiate at of attention from their last Cup meetthe ‘snappers’. Among the ing and hope to join guests will be lead- them at their Tying model Nadia nong track in 2015. Sayonara. Coppolino, the girl friend of Geelong - Ted Ryan
Shop shuts
NEW RELEASE TELEVISION, DOCUMENTARY AND MUSIC DVD HIGHLIGHTS: FOYLE'S WAR: Series 8. SPIES OF WARSAW. THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO THE JFK ASSASSINATION. BOMB GIRLS: Season 2. BECKER: Series 4. THE AMERICAN MOB. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC: BANGED UP HOLLYWOOD. NORMAN WISDOM: TROUBLE ON TOUR. H.R. PUFNSTUF. ARCHER: Season 4. 101 THINGS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD. BEDLAM: Series One. BEDLAM: Series Two. ALIEN DAWN: Season 1 - Part 1. ALIEN DAWN: Season 2 - Part 2. TOP BLU-RAY RENTAL & SELLERS: 1. BLUE JASMINE [Drama/Cate Blanchett, Alec Baldwin, Peter Sarsgaard]. 2. RIDDICK: Directors Cut [Science Fiction/ Action/Vin Diesel, Katee Sackhoff]. 3. RED 2 [Action/Comedy/Bruce Willis, Helen Mirren, John Malkovich, Anthony Hopkins]. 4. RUNNER RUNNER [Drama/Ben Affleck, Justin Timberlake, Gemma Arterton]. 5. WE'RE THE MILLERS [Comedy/Crime/Jennifer Aniston, Jason Sudeikis]. 6. LOVELACE [Drama/Amanda Seyfried, Peter Sarsgaard, Juno Temple]. 7. GROWN UPS 2 [Comedy/Kevin James, Chris Rock, Adam Sandler]. 8. NOW YOU SEE ME [Crime/Mystery/Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson]. 9. WHITE HOUSE DOWN [Action/Thriller/Jamie Foxx, Channing Tatum]. 10. THE WOLVERINE [Action/Sci-Fi/Hugh Jackman, Tao Okamoto, Will Yun Lee]. Also: The Best Offer, Empire State, Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters, Kick Ass 2, The World's End, Elysium, Pain & Gain, Stoker, Pacific Rim, World War Z 3D + Blu-Ray. NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON BLU-RAY THIS WEEK: RUSH [Biographical/Drama/Action/Chris Hemsworth, Daniel Bruhl]. THANKS FOR SHARING [Comedy/Tim Robbins, Gwyneth Paltrow]. A CASE OF YOU [Romance/Comedy/Peter Dinklage, Evan Rachel Wood]. FEAR CITY [1984/Crime/Mystery/Tom Berenger, Billy Dee Williams]. INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS [1978/ Sci-Fi/Donald Sutherland]. DON'T LOOK NOW [1973/Drama/Mystery/Julie Christie, Donald Sutherland]. BREATHLESS [1960/Drama/Jean Paul Belmondo, Jean Seberg]. Andy Warhol's BLOOD FOR DRACULA [1974/ Horror/Udo Kier, Joe Dallesandro]. Andy Warhol's FLESH FOR FRANKENSTEIN [1973/Horror/Udo Kier, Joe Dallesandro]. - James Sherlock
New at Seven News ■ Jo Silvagni has taken over as weather presenter from Giaan Rooney at Seven News Melbourne, who is on maternity leave.
Page 52 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 5, 2014
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Melbourne
Observer Victorian Sport Racing Briefs
New Year win at Echuca ■ Four year old Sealed N Delivered/Wide Glide mare Thankbonnie was successful in the Frank Ryan Memorial Pace for C0 class over 1755 metres at Echuca's traditional New Year's Night meeting in a slick rate of 2-00.6, much to the delight of Horsham breeder/owner Rosalie Dougherty. Trained by Larry Eastman at Shelbourne (Bendigo) and driven by Chris Alford, Thankbonnie from gate three on the second line settled with most of the field ahead of her, before making a sharp forward move to park outside the pacemaker Whos That Guy prior to the bell. Surging clear in the last lap, Thankbonnie scored by a metre over Narryna Jester which trailed the leader, with Fiddlers Lane third.
Long lay off ■ Very smart Bettors Delight/Twice As Hot four year old entire Flaming Flutter resumed from a long lay off with a brilliant victory of the 1st Heat of the Central Victorian Pacing Championship for C2 or better class over 2150 metres at Lord's Raceway Bendigo on Tuesday December 31. Trained by Geoff Webster at Bannockburn and driven by Greg Sugars, Flaming Flutter a former South Australian Derby winner having his first outing since April, stepped cleanly from the 10 metre mark to settle four back the markers, with the heavily backed ex-Kiwi Bushrod going for three wins on the trot assuming control over Nimble Jack shortly after the start. Moving to lead up the outside division racing for the bell, Flaming Flutter joined Bushrod along the back straight and the pair drew away to fight out the finish. In a ding-dong tussle all the way up the running, Flaming Flutter prevailed by 2.7 metres in a mile rate of 1-58.3 (last half mile 54.7 quarter 27.2), with Nimble Jack running his usual honest race for third.
Victory to ex-Kiwi ■ The first heat of the Central Victorian Trotting Championship saw victory go to former New Zealand four year old gelding Unico Crown, a gelded son of Monarchy and Sunny Gem trained by Dean Braun at Lara for Tasmanian Todd Struthers. Making his first race appearance since May when unplaced at Ashburton, Unico Crown with stable reinsman Chris Alford aboard, jumped straight to the front from barrier two and rated to perfection, held too many guns for the Breeders Crown victor Quite A Moment (30 metres) which circled the field to race in the open midrace, going down fighting by 4.6 metres in a rate of 2-04.9 (last half 58 - quarter 28.4). Sun Of Sonoko finished third 27.1 metres away after being very slow to begin.
Horsham Cup winner ■ It was Horsham Cup Day on Sunday January 5, with the $60,000 (Group 2) Wimmera Mail-Times Horsham Pacing Cup for M0 or better class horses over 2700 metres going to the five year old Riverboat King/AlimarStar gelding Keayang Steamer for Terang trainer Marg Lee, nephew Glen Craven and the Craven family. Although small in numbers, the field attracted a tremendous array of talent headed by champion Smoken Up, along with last year's Hunter Cup winner Mah Sish, outstanding gelding Abettorpunt and potential stars Keayang Steamer, Magical Telf and Im Corzin Terror. Despite racing without cover for the majority of the trip, Keayang Steamer held a 4.7 metre margin to the wire, defeating Smoken Up which led, with Hugo Play running the race of his life to finish 3.6 metres in arrears of the pair in third place. Keayang Steamer returned a new track record mile rate of 1-59.8 for the journey.
Holiday harness highlights ■ Evergreen 11-yearold Tinted Cloud/ Carnlough Bay gelding Smoken Up showed that there is plenty of life still in the old legs by smashing the track record at Bray Raceway Ballarat on Thursday December 26 in winning the $30,000 Laser Electrical Lightning Mile for M0 or better class horses. Burning across the face of the field from gate seven in unison with Keayang Cullen (gate eight) outside him, Smoken Up was able to lead running into the first turn parking Keayang Cullen, with the hot favourite Restrepo trailing from the pole after being unable to match the other pair. Allowed to bowl, Smoken Up returned a mile rate of 1-53.1 after quarters of 26.3, 30.3, 28.7 and 27.9, gaining a $10,000 bonus for breaking the track record by .4 of a second. It was Smoken Up's 71st victory in 136 race appearances for stakes in excess of $3,514,427.
Cup Day ■ It was Jim Phillips Memorial Cobram Pacing Cup Day on Friday December 28, with a bumper crowd of Murray River holiday makers enjoying the nine-race card. Bannockburn trainer Geoff Webster having won three of the past five - Genuine Star (2008), Mister Zion (2009) and Lets Slash An Burn (2010), was looking to make it four with much travelled gelding Rakarebel, as was Melton based reinsman Greg Sugars aboard the Webster elect, after guiding Genuine Star, Lets Slash An Burn and Jaccka Clive to victory in 2011 for Avenel's David Aiken. The $25,000 feature for M0 or better class (Discretionary Handicapped) over 2678 metres attracted a small but quality field, with prolific winning Jaccka Clive (one of four runners from the Aiken barn) the 20 metre backmarker. Last year's successful trainer Tim Butt made it back to back cup victories, when five-year-old Grinfromeartoear/Against The Wind gelding Pass Them By with John Caldow in the sulky
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prevailed. Beginning brilliantly from barrier four, Pass Them By pounced on the lead, with Uncle Wingnut from outside the front line moving outside him, polemarker Washmepockets trailing the leader, Rakarebel (barrier two) one/one being followed by Wartime Sweetheart and stablemate Smudge Bromac from the 10 metre mark, with Jaccka Clive last. Composed settled three back the markers, with stablemates Lovable Larrikin and Jaydens Castle trailing him. With no moves being made until the last lap, Wartime Sweetheart was eased three wide to commence a forward move, giving Jaccka Clive a ride home and Smudge Bromac working between runners. Joining Pass Them By on the final bend, Wartime Sweetheart issued a strong challenge, however Pass Them By after a relative easy trip, rallied to gain the day by a head in a punishing finish, with Washmepockets using the sprint lane for third just in advance of Composed which also made use of the inside run. Rated to perfection by Caldow in quarters of 29.6, 30.1, 28.4 and 28.5 for the last mile, Pass Them By raced by a large number of stable clients returned a new track record mile rate of 1-59.5, bettering Mister Zion's 1-59.9 by .4 seconds.
Highlight ■ The other highlight of the afternoon being the $15,000 Central Murray Credit Union Cobram Trotters Cup for TM0 or better class (D-H) over 2678 metres, with victory going the way of David Aiken's all American bred seven-year-old
Ken Warkentin/Kovel rig My High Expectations, obliterating the track record by two seconds. Well in on handicaps to start from a 20 metre backmark, My High Expectations stepped cleanly with old timer Oi You beginning best to lead from barrier three, before surrendering to the Kiwi Thanesan entering the front straight on the first occasion. Biding his time with most of the field ahead of him, My Expectations moved to be one/one mid-race when I See Icy Earl ahead of him eased away from the markers to lead up the outside division before taking cover on Bellingham from last. Taken four wide in the final circuit, My High Expectations quickly joined Thanesan on the home turn and raced away to score by 6.8 metres in a mile rate of 2-01.3 (last half 58 seconds - quarter 28.9) over Thanesan who was game in defeat, with I See Icy Earl (three wide last lap) third 5.1 metres away. It was My High Expectations 23rd victory from only 71 outings. David reaped all of the rewards, as apart from training and driving the winner, he also races him.
■ Apart from the Horsham Cup, all eyes were on champion squaregaiter Blitzthemcalder who destroyed his rivals in the $15,000 Conch Deville HorshamTrotters Cup for TM0 or better class (Discretionary Handicapped) over 2700 metres. The four year old intact son of Metropolitan/Like A Calder gave his rivals up to 50 metres start after a very slow beginning from the pole, however driver Chris Alford was never concerned at any stage and Blitzthemcalder after circling the field in the last lap, careered away to score by an official margin of 35 metres in a mile rate of 2-04.9 (last half 64.1 - quarter 33) over Lightning Joy and Trappers Puzzle which recovered after an early gallop. The mile rate being only .9 of a second outside Sir Gondola's race record set in 2005.
Top night for Victoria
Harness Review on radio
■ A tremendous night of racing was held at Globe Derby Park, South Australia on Saturday January 11, when the SA Harness Racing Club conducted their annual cup night program featuring the $125,000 (Group 1) 2014 Betezy.com.au SA Cup, $30,000 Tattsbet S-A Trotters Cup and the $30,000 (Group 3) SEWEurodrive SA Pacers Derby in front of a very large crowd on a glorious balmy night and what a night it was for Victoria. Ever reliable stallion Caribbean Blaster was successful in the cup run for the first time since 1987 over the short course of 2230 metres, much to the dismay of a number of traditionalists who had been outspoken in a change of conditions and distance from the 2660 metre journey. However the race was full of action from the outset, with polemarker Mark Dennis leading out, before taking a trail on American Muscle who then handed over to stablemate and favourite Youranut. Lance Justice aboard crowd favourite Smoken Up going for five victories in the feature event, wasted no time in sending him forward to occupy the position outside the leader, with Kate Gath restraining Caribbean Blaster away from inside the second line to possie midfield in the running line. Easing three wide racing for the bell, Caribbean Blaster was left on a limb for the remainder of the journey, being trailed by the Kiwi Pass Them By and Abettorpunt. Showing great courage, Caribbean Blaster raced to the lead on straightening, with Smoken Up trying his heart out to catch him and Pass Them By four wide issuing a challenge. Holding a margin all the way up the running, Caribbean Blaster denied Smoken Up to score by a head, with Pass Them By a neck away in third place, with Harrison Maguire a 96/1 chance flying the flag for the locals by finishing fourth three metres away. A six-year-old son of Bettors Delight and Kalypso raced by Sydneysider Rob Nalder and Alabar Bloodstock, Caribbean Blaster trained at Long Forest by Andy Gath returned a mile rate of 1-57.7, running his last half mile in 57 seconds and final quarter in 28.2,taking his stake earnings to over $1 million.
■ Listen to Len Baker on Harness Review, 8pm-10pm Mondays, on 97.9 FM, streamed in 979fm.com.au Len Baker has been the Melbourne Observer harness racing correspondent for many years, and is the recipient of a number of industry awards.
■ Ararat trainer Emma Hamblin recorded her second ever victory as a trainer, when seven year old Keystone Salute/Downsouth Soon gelding Trappers Puzzle bred and raced by Portarlington's Gary Bailey snared the Trotters Cup in a mile rate of 2-03.9. Travelling beautifully all the way, Trappers Puzzle made full use of the sprint lane to score by a nose over Zedalite in a tricky finish, with Mister Zion so game in defeat finishing a half neck away in third place. - Len Baker
Second-ever victory