Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 7, 2012 - Page 49
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Observer Showbiz Every Week in the Melbourne Observer
Radio Confidential: Vertigan returns today ... Page 50 Showbiz: Ethnic stations welcome Minister ........ Page 51 The Spoiler: Next week’s ‘soaps’ plotlines ............ Page 51 Jim and Aaron: Best DVD-film selections ................. Page 59 Cheryl Threadgold: Community Theatre - it’s a wrap ...... Page 61 PLUS THE LOVATT”S MEGA CROSSWORD
MTR CLOSES: $15M LOST
● Steve Vizard was heard on MTR 1377
■ Voluntary administrators were appointed to Melbourne Radio Operations Pty Ltd, the joint venture company that has operated MTR 1377 (‘Melbourne Talk Radio’) for the past two years. The station was pulled off-air at 5pm Friday, and has been replaced by a music track station, My MP, owned by station licence holder, Pacific Star Network. PSN also operates SEN 1116. It is part-owned (14.9 per cent) by Fairfax Media, operators of 3AW and Magic 1278. PSN’s partner in the joint venture, Macquarie Radio Network, led by Sydney advertising man, John Singleton, wanted to conclude the joint venture, and served a notice, cancelling working capital, and calling in any moneys due and payable from MRO. Under the joint venture deed, PSN provided the licence, and Macquarie provided the working capital, and sustained any losses, which some reports have had listed as high as $15 million. The station, captained by Program Director Steve Price, only attracted 1.4 per cent of the Melbourne radio listening audience. It was able to only secure about $856,000 advertising revenue in the past half-year, averaging less than $200 an hour. Leading presenters Steve Price and Steve Vizard are employed by Macquarie. - More on Page 62
It’s instant entertainment
Melbourne Opera’s La Bohéme ■ Melbourne Opera opened its 10th anniversary season last Saturday night with Giacomo Puccini’s four-act romantic opera La Bohème at the Athenaeum Theatre. Set in 19th century Bohemian Paris, with libretto by Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi Illica, La Bohème tells a tragic story of young love. Melbourne Opera has assembled a terrific cast under the direction of Hugh Halliday, including Lee Abrahmsen and Danielle Calder alternating as seamstress Mimi, Roy Best and Paul Biencourt (Rodolfo), Antoinette Halloran and Angela Hogan (Musetta), Phillip Calcagno and Matthew Thomas (Marcello), Nathan Lay and Kristian Gregory (Schaunard), Steven Gallop and Graeme Russell (Colline), Roger Howell (Benoit/Alcindoro), Richard Wilson, Te Ua Houkamau and Tim Jaques (Parpignol), Stephen Brodie (Sergeant) and Michael Carr (Customs Official). The Melbourne Opera Chorus and Orchestra are conducted by Greg Hocking and the pleasing variety of ages in the Chorus
adds realism to ensemble scenes. The atmospheric and clever multi-purpose sets have been designed by Richard Jeziorny. First class performances on opening night included 2010 Sun Aria winner Lee Abrahmsen’s portrayal of Mimi (her aria in Act One was a show highlight), Paul Biencourt (poet Rodolfo), Antoinette Halloran (Musetta), Phillip Calcagno (Marcello) and the dynamic Nathan Lay (Schaunard). This most enjoyable production of La Bohème can be seen at the Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne on March 7, 10, 14, 17 at 7.30pm and March 18 at 2.30pm. Bookings: www.melbourneopera.com or 1300 795 012 A gala performance is being presented on Saturday, March 31 at 8.00pm at the Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash University. Bookings: www.monash.edu/mapa or 9905 1111. For more details of Melbourne Opera's performances, visit www.melbourneopera.com - Review by Cheryl Threadgold
● Lliam Amor and Amy Moule ■ Forget long hours of rehearsals, getting scripts word perfect - Impro Melbourne has its new show Generations currently running on Sundays at The Space in Prahran. These talented improvising actors are loving their teambased format that is fun for the whole family. Generations has teams of experienced improvisers with some new faces, all ready to take a story in any direction that might occur to them or the audience. Taking the kids or the grandkids to an Impro Melbourne show is a great way to get them interested in theatre, because it is so accessible and it doesn't matter if the kids get a bit excited - that's the spirit of improvisation! Anyone who has enjoyed Thank God You're Here on television will love seeing the real thing happen right in front of them. For this new show, experienced improvisational actors Jason Gear, Patti Stiles, Mark Gambino and a host of colleagues will strut their stuff every Sunday in March. Tickets are only $15 adults and $10 concession, so it's an affordable afternoon out with the family. Details: The Space, 5 Carlton St, Prahran, for a 7 30 pm show on Sunday, March 11, 18 and 35. Bookings at www.impromelbourne.com.au - Julie Houghton
Easter Children’s Week
● Phillip Calcagno (Marcello), Roy Best (Rodolfo), Lee Abrahmsen (Mimi), Nathan Lay (Schaunard) and Steven Gallop (Colline) in La Boheme. Photo: Robin Halls
■ Skyhigh Mount Dandenong is providing entertainment for children from Sunday, April 1-Sunday, April 8. Attractions include Igor The Giant’s Treasure Hunt, CFA display and badge making, didgeridoo lessons, mini pets, games and music, Jungle Jim’s play centre, nine-hole mini golf, an Adventure Walk, pony rides, planting with the gardener, face painting, farmyard friends and Black Snake Productions with a reptile display. Phone: 9751 0443.