Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 6, 2012 - Page 63
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Showbiz People: Annie Opening Night ... Pages 64-65 Radio Confidential: with Melb. Flashbacks ....... Page 66 The Spoiler: Next week’s ‘soaps’ plotlines ............ Page 67 Jim and Aaron: Best DVD-film selections ................. Page 68 Cheryl Threadgold: Community Theatre - it’s a wrap ...... Page 69 PLUS THE LOVATT”S MEGA CROSSWORD
VOYAGES CONCERT AT ST KILDA Reliving 50 years of Aust. Ballet
● Natasha Kusen of The Australian Ballet ■ Free exhibitions are always a delightful idea, and the Australian Ballet is celebrating its golden anniversary with Time In Motion: 50 Years Of The Australian Ballet. Opening on Saturday (June 9) and running until Sunday, September 23, in the Arts Centre's Gallery One and Two, the exhibition aims to give ballet lovers a behind the scenes look at the history and creative process of ballet. Follow the Australian Ballet's history of producing national and international dancers through photographs, designs, costumes, memorabilia and archival footage. Melbourne is fortunate to have an extensive Performing Arts Collection at the Arts Centre, and much of the exhibition has been sourced from that fine collection. The Australian Ballet made its debut as the country's first fully professional ballet company in 1962, with the support of then-Prime Minister Robert Menzies and ballet legend Peggy van Praagh, who became the company's first Artistic Director. The company's first ballet was the classic Swan Lake at Her Majesty's Theatre in Sydney on November 2, 1962. Current Australian Ballet Artistic Director David McAllister says that the exhibition bought back a lot of memories for him. "It's a fascinating collection of costumes and behind the scenes memorabilia and I'm delighted that the Arts Centre has been able to pull together such a beautiful anniversary tribute to share with the public," he said. www.artscentremelbourne or 1300 182 183 - Julie Houghton
New Golden Days CD ■ Golden Days Radio is releasing the third volume of its popular CD series. GDR President Larry James says the CDs are available for $25, which includes postage. Orders may be placed through PO Box 287, Glen Huntly Vic 3163. You can contact Golden Days Radio by telephoning 9572 1466.
Wonderful night of musical theatre
● Radhey Gupta Sitar, director Matthew Fagan and Wang Zheng-Ting-Sheng will perform in the Voyages Multicultural Community Performing Arts Concert on June 24 at 3pm at the St Kilda Town Hall. Photo: Mark Russel ■ International guitar virtuoso Matthew Fagan will direct the Voyages Multicultural Community Performing Arts Concert on Sunday, June 24 at 3.00pm at the St Kilda Town Hall, 99A Carlisle St, St Kilda. Doors open at 2.00pm. There will be a display of works of local arts groups, information stalls and more. Voyages showcases a fusion of cultures into a seamless music and dance event. Audiences will be visually delighted by a fiery dance of Flamenco, Belly Dance, Samba, Tap, indigenous Australian and African dance. The event also features world musicians from India, China, Europe, the Far East, Africa, Brazil, indigenous Australia, local schools, local music and dance groups. Admission: $20 full price, $15 concession, Family (2 adults and 2 children) $40, plus booking fee. A proportion of ticket sales will be donated to the Port Phillip Community Group Food Parcel Program. Tickets available at www.moshtix.com.au 1300 438 849. For more information contact 0438 881 985
Todd chats on 3RPP ■ Todd McKenney and The Celtic Divas will be interview guests on the Sugar and Spice radio program presented by Bob Phillips and Judy Banks on 3RPP-FM tomorrow (Thurs.), 9am11am. The Dancing With The Stars judge is currently appearing as ‘Rooster’ in Annie. Also appearing on the 3RPP program will be Melbbourne Observer Editor Ash Long.
● Todd McKenney
● Brian Amos, guest reviewer ■ Babirra Music Theatre is presenting the evergreen favourite Lionel Bart's Oliver! Director Sue Salvato has created a performance that could move to any stage with her direction and staging of this show. During the set changes, that were carried out swiftly and quietly, her performers sang a reprise of the music taking your attention away from other activities. Her strong leads and the entire cast were flawless. Oliver was played by a young lad who celebrated his 12th birthday on opening night, Jordie Race-Coldrey. His diction and his reading of the role was perfect, Fagin (Peter Roberts) was played with all the energy needed for the role. Nancy (Rosa Mc Carty) was delightful and her singing was outstanding, Bill Sykes (Matt Hillman) played the role well but I would have liked to seen a little more aggression in this role, and Mr Bumble (Martin Spottiswood) played the role to perfection, and it is lovely to see this talented singer back on stage after many years. All other cast members contributed to a wonderful night of musical theatre. The sets were some of the best I have seen at Babirra productions. They are big and set the mood of the action perfectly. Musical Director Ryan Jacobs put together an excellent 17-piece orchestra for this production which did not compete with the singers. The choreographers, Cameron O'Reilly and Lisa-Maree David, had every dance step and movement perfect, especially the 15 children of varying ages. For this reviewer it was an evening of great enjoyment. Congratulations to all who have provided another night of first class non-professional theatre at the Whitehorse Centre, Whitehorse Rd, Nunawading. - Brian Amos, guest reviewer, Non-Professional Theatre Program, Radio Eastern 98.1, Croydon