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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 7, 2014 - Page 7
Showbiz News
It’s All About You!
Melbourne
Aliens will be revealed by Observer Vatican, claims entertainer In This 96-Page Edition
Mark Richardson: Straight from Heart .... Page 4 Melb. Observer: Ash Long around town ... Page 8 Tribute: Raymonde Holmes, Mavis Ellis .. Page 9 Di Rolle: “I love my job” .................... Page 10 Melb. Confidential: 3AW loses ratings .. Page 11 Frank Howson: A personal story .......... Page 12 At the Logies: Been and seen ............. Page 13 West Hollywood: Gavin Wood reports .... Page 15 Extra: James Garner profile ............... Page 18 Victoria Pictorial: Nostalgic photos ..... Page 20 Yvonne Lawrence is on extended leave Special feature on Harry Haythorne by Cheryl Threadgold, P46-47
It’s not easy being green
Observer Showbiz
Latest News Flashes Around Victoria
Fears for radio
● Lord Mayor Cr Robert Doyle with Wicked’s Reg Livermore at Melbourne Town Hall on Monday night. Photo: Kevin Trask ■ The Melbourne CBD precinct around the musical theatre leading role is Steve Danielsen Town Hall was turned emerald green on Mon- as Fiyero, while doyenne of stage and screen, day night in a ceremony overseen by Lord Maggie Kirkpatrick returns as Madame Mayor Cr Robert Doyle and Wicked’s Reg Morrible. The role of Nessarose is played by newLivermore. The ‘greening’ moment celebrates the comer Emily Cascarino, while Edward Grey Broadway musical Wicked’s the 10th Anni- plays Boq and Nathan Carter performs as Dr versary Tour, which officially opens at The Dillamond. Regent Theatre on Saturday night (May 10). Reg Livermore appeaedr in costume as the Wizard for the first time and was joined by two ensemble cast members in full costume. Livermore and Cr Doyle jointly pushed the plunger to will bathe the Melbourne Town Hall in green light, the colour of the Emerald City. Also be “greenified” are the Regent Theatre, the Forum Theatre, Manchester Unity Building, the Sofitel On Collins and the Collins St trees. The show stars Lucy Durack as Glinda and Jemma Rix as Elphaba, both reprising the roles which shot them to stardom during the original Australian tour. Joining the Wicked Company in his first ● Jemma Rix and Lucy Durack
Mike McColl Jones
Top 5 THE T OP 5 A US TR ALIAN PLA CES TOP AUS USTR TRALIAN PLACES WHERE FLIGHT MH 370 COULD HA VE LANDED UNDETE CTED HAVE UNDETECTED 5. Canberra Airport. 4. Swanston Street, Melbourne. 3. Anywhere in the Docklands. 2. At the MCG during a game between Brisbane and Melbourne. 1. Behind Clive Palmer's washing.
● Don Crawford ■ Melbourne entertainer Don Crawford predicts the Vatican is about to present “real aliens”. Crawford, a magician who shares his time between Melbourne and Bangkok, says the chuch “will tell us that Jesus Christ was not who he said he was”. Crawford says a psychiatrist has told him that he has “psychic” abilities. Crawford, who had an early career at radio stations including 3AW and 3GL, says “Satan created the Church as a mastermind play of deception”. “Jesus did not die on the cross leaving instructions for a church to be run. It shouldn’t exist.” Crawford says: “Very soon an announcement will be made from Lucifer’s lair, the Vatican. “They are going to present us with actual alienswho will tell us that Jesus Christ was not who he said he was. “Lucifer’s church has tortured, murdered and raped its way through history. “The ultimate aim is to deceive people away from the truth of God the Creator, and His human form Jesus Christ. Job’s been done nicely.
Spaceships
“There will be spaceships landing in key places globally with in canvass meetings with leaders to deliver ‘The Lie’,” Crawford says. “The final component is being engineered right now. They needed Chinesesepaking alients to land in Beijing. One world, one religion, the Church of Lucifer. “Genetic and cosmetic surgery is being performed. They are ‘mid flushed ‘ and demon hosted. They now truly believe they are alien space travellers. “MH 370 provided the final payload required to create the China contacts. There are at least eight, possibly more, missing planes, involving key languages over the last 13 years. “Gun control is a major agenda as it is human nature, if confronted by an ‘alien’ to shoot. These amazingly superior travellers who seem to be able to speak any language, and have information to destroy all religions if shot at, will drop dead as they are human hybrids. “Don’t go anywhere near a church, they are all in on this.” Crawford says he was told his mission every night in a recurring dream from ages 4-8. He says he has waited 44 years to pass on the message. “I have always known the future and sometimes it is not a great thing. I knew my father was sick and going to die three weeks before he or even a doctor knew.”
■ Community radio stations fear that Federal Government will introduce financial cuts in next Tuesday’s Budget. They are campaigning for supporters to contact Treasurer Joe Hockey.
New CD launch ■ Golden Days Radio will soon launch a new CD, Golden Memories (Vol. 5).
Drug lab at Belgrave ■ Police have discovered a clandestine drug laboratory at Belgrave Heights after investigating the theft of power tools from a Bayswater property. Police conducted a house raid, and found chemicals alleged to be used in manufacturing methamphetamines.
Jazz workshops ■ The Victorian Jazz Archive in Wantirna will conduct the Over 25’s Jazz Improvisation Workshop from Saturday, July 5 until Saturday, September 20. $220 for 12 weeks. Contact Marina Pollard, 9781 4972.
Dog attacks double ■ Dog attacks in the Yarra Ranges Shire have doubled over the past 12 months, the local Council reports. There have 51 attacks at the start of this year, compared to 27 in corresponding months last year.
Moving memorial ■ Bendigo Tamways will restore a 1914 tram to commemorate those who served at war. The No 18 tram, formerly from the Malvern, Caulfield and Kew districts was used by World War I soldiers, and will benefit from a ANZAC Centenary Local Grants Program.
No pest problem ■ A cockroach found in a meal at Mitcham Private Hospital was an isolated incident, according to a report published by Whitehorse Council. A full inspection of the kitchen area was made by officials, said executive Sam Dodd.
Korea Festival ■ Federation Square will host the Korea Festival on Saturday, May 17. Attractions include dance, fashion, music, a traditional wedding ceremony and food tasting.
Weather Forecast ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Today (Wed.). Partly cloudy. 3°-16° Thurs. Clear. 6°-17° Fri. Mostly cloudy. 9°-18° Sat. Chance of rain. 10°-18° Sun. Chance of rain. 7°-16°
Page 8 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Iw ould lik would likee, if I ma mayy, to tak ou on a takee yyou str ange journe trange journeyy
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Ash The Melbourne Observer Editor Ash Long is heard: ● 8.45am Wed., with Ron Burke, 3NRG-FM Sunbury ● 10am Wed., with Denis Scanlan, Pulse 94.7 Geelong ● 9.15am Thu., with Bob and Judy Phillips, 3RPP Peninsula
● Ash Long with Craig McLachlan camp it up ■ Rocky Horror Show is a delightfully naughty romp where star Craig McLachlan verbally spanks the audience all night long for laughing in all the right - and wrong - places. This 40th anniversary presentation of Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show is a playful five-star pleasure ... which, of course, is the theme of the warped classic gracing the stage of Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre. John Frost (‘Frosty The Showman’) has teamed with Sir Howard Panter (Ambassador Theatre Group) to expose the Transylvanian Dr Frank-N-Furter to an entirely new generation’s audience, as well as the loyal fishnet fans who have been coming “up to the lab” since RHS was staged by Harry M Miller at the old HSV-7 teletheatre in Fitzroy in 1975. Tim Maddren and Christie Whelan-Browne lead as Brad and Janet. They add much humour to these straight-man roles. Tim, a member of Hi-5, and known for Altar Boys and The Addams Family Musical, milks the laughs. So does Christie. Melbourne loves Christie (as they do her husband, Rohan Browne, currently starring in the Sydney production of Strictly Ballroom). Christie brings a powerful voice to this role, as she did with previous roles including Grease, The Boyfriend, Xanadu, Singin’ In The Rain and A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum. Christie and Craig McLachlan endlessly exploit the physical comedy especially in their bedroom scene. The audience would not have known Christie battled a heavy cold during the opening night, as she belted out her parts - with faultless choreography - in Damn It Janet, Over At The Frankenstein House, Time Warp, Sweet Transvestite, I Can Make You A Man and her solo, Touch-A Touch-A Touch Me. Leggy, striking Erika Heynatz opens (and closes) the show as the Usherette, rendering a compelling Science Fiction. Riff Raff is played by Kristian Lavercombe, who admits he was terrified when he was first auditioned for RHS. The terrror was worth it; he won some of the loudest audience cheers. Ashlea Pyke pleasured us as the tap-dancing Columbia; Brendan Irving portrayed the press-upping and chin-upping Rocky. In his first lead role, he was a little under-developed vocally with The Sword of Damocles, but made up for it with his six-packed snatch, clean and jerk. Nicholas Christo appeared as Eddie, certainly doing the Hot Patootie better than a young Meatloaf ever did. Christo also appeared as Dr Scott. He understudies as Frank. A special tickle was Tony Farrell’s portrayal as The Narrator. The audience has to wait until the finale for his special moment during the encore of the reprise of Time Warp. Tony was a policeman for 15 years, before quitting to follow his show business dreams. Tony is equal to the pedigree of Rocky narrators which have included Tommy Dysart, Stuart Wagstaff, Molly Meldrum, Noel Ferrier, Gordon Chater, Bernard King, Red Symons and even Derryn Hinch. The Phantoms comprise Vincent Hooper (who understudies as Brad, Riff Raff, Frank, Rocky and Eddie/Dr Scott), Luigi Lucente, Meghan O’Shea and Angela Scundi. A special word for the band under Musical Director Dave Skelton. No-one could complain they were unable to hear the loud works of saxophonist Carlo Barbaro, guitarist Glenn Moorehouse, bass Brett Canning and drummer Mark Charters. But, of course, the love bites for the show go to Craig McLachlan who continues the tradition of Max Phipps, Reg Livermore, Jon Finlayson, Daniel Abineri, Tim Ferguson and Maria Mercedes (yes, Maria Mercedes!) McLachan dances, prances, skips, jumps, cavorts, teases, jokes, whispers, grinds and flirts. He is genuinely funny, and exploits his enormous goodwill with the audience in a role that he first played in 1992. It is a physically demanding role that McLachlan engineers to look effortless. If you want a night at the theatre that leaves you smiling, singing and perhaps even feeling a little bit sexy, you’ll shiver with anticipation with Rocky. ★★★★★ ■ Rocky Horror Show is at the Comedy Theatre, Melbourne, until mid-July. - Ash Long
New book ■ Ramona Koval will speak about her new book, By The Book:A Reader’s Guide To Life at Brighton Library, Wilson St, from 6.30pm-7.30pm on Thursday, May 22. She will appear as part of the Words By The Bay literary series. Ramona is known for her broadcasts on 774 ABC (formerly 3LO) and Radio National. Cost: $5 (bookings essential). 60 spaces. Bookings: www.trybooking.com
● Kathleen Amarant of Theatre People interviews Richard Reid of the Today show at Rocky Horror
● Marg Downey on the red carpet at the Comedy
● Chelsea Renton-Gibb and Amanda Harrison
● Gary Sweet, Tim Campbell, Gyton Grantley and Anthony Callea at The Rocky Horror Show
Dame Kiri at Recital Centre this weekend
● Dame Kiri Te Kanawa performs at the Melbourne Recital Centre this weekend. Julie Houghton has all the details on Page 43.
Hall of Fame for James
● Troy Warfield, James Hogan and David Dingle ■ Melbourne-born James Hogan has been inducted into the British Travel and Hospitality Industry Hall of Fame in honour of his “significant part in creating and developing the travel and tourism industry in Britain and globally”. Global Industry Travel News reports that the announcement was made during a gala dinner in London on April 25. He was appointed in 2006, bringing more than 30 years of travel industry expertise to the Abu Dhabi-based airline, including senior positions at Hertz , British Midland Airlines, Forte Hotels and Gulf Air. Hogan is to this year accept a position on the board of Virgin Australia.
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 7, 2014 - Page 9
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Showbiz News
Raymonde Holmes
Goodbye Miss Monroe Briefs Go Show
● Colleen Hewett ■ The artists to perform at the Go! Show 50th anniversary concert on August 2 at the Palais have been named. They are Hev Harrell, Bobby Bright, Buddy England, Colin Cook, Colleen Hewett, Doug Parkinson, Johnny Young, Marcie and the Cookies, Masters Apprentices, Mike Brady, Normie Rowe, Pussyfoot, Ronnie Burns, Ronnie Charles, Ross D Wyllie, The Mixtures and Tony Worsley.
In jail ■ Luke Osmond has appeared in court after allegedly driving along the wrong side of the Hume Freeway at more than 150kmh following a Police chase. He remains in custody and is due to return to Seymour Magistrates’ Court on May 15.
Fined ■ Red Hot Spot Pty Ltd of Brighton has been fined $2000 after it was forced to recall faulty ‘learning fun puzzle car’ toys. It must also pay refunds to customers, director Hiabin Zhang has acknowledged.
■ Grayboy Entertainment’s production of Good-bye Miss Monroe played its Melbourne season last week at Chapel Off Chapel. Telling the story of Hollywood dance-maker Jack Cole and his muses, the show features the combined impressive creative talents of three USA-trained Australians. Writer/director Liam de Burca trained at the State University of New York, Matt Young (Jack Cole) at New York University and Anna Burgess (Mitzi Gaynor, Marilyn Monroe, Gwen Verdon, Jane Russell, Betty Grable and Rita Hayworth) trained with Lee Strasberg in New York City. Set in 1962 in Jack Cole’s Hollywood studio and other locations, Good-bye Miss Monroe is predominantly a biographical monologue presented by Cole’s character. Now typing a magazine advice column, Cole laments lost industry status when dance directors became choreographers, and reflects on his successful career and the women he mentored to achieve stardom during Hollywood’s Golden Age. Anna Burgess depicts the six glamorous muses with skilled versatility, providing colourful contrast to Matt Young’s earnest portrayal of Jack Cole. Burgess and Young are also superb dancers and their 1930s club act to Benny Goodman’s Sing Sing Sing, staged by Liam de Burca, is a show-stopper. Jason Bovaird’s visually engaging lighting design effectively helps create various scenes and moods in Cole’s narration. Marilyn Monroe is Cole’s favourite star, and her biography is sketchily presented by Cole throughout the show, and also discussed by other muses during their individual appearances. For me, the fragmentation of switching between highlights of Monroe and Cole’s careers and snippets from
● Anna Burgess as Marilyn Monroe in Goodbye Miss Monroe. the other muses’ lives risks incomplete character treatment, even for Cole. However, de Burca’s terrific concept of reviving the history of this Hollywood era and creating awareness of the pioneer work of dance director Jack Cole, is to be strongly applauded. - Review by Cheryl Threadgold
10-min. Quickies ■ Eltham Little Theatre’s Ten Minute Quickies Play Festival can be seen on May 8, 9 at 8pm and May 10 at 2pm (the Saturday Gala Night is sold out) at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Rd, Research. Ten plays, each of 10 minutes’ duration, have been selected for performance from many hundreds of entries, plus the Youth Category winning play, Bus Stop Boy, by Lily McCarthy (Vic). The plays include A Right Royal Stuff Up by John Leahy (Vic), The Unexpected by Greg Gould (ACT), Roughing It by Kylie Rackham (Vic), Plus or Minus 40 Weeks by Suzy Wilds (NSW), No Sequel by Rachel le Rossignol (Vic), Couch by Martin Lindsay (WA), Ragout by Audrey Farthing (Vic), Achilles by Alex Broun (NSW), Rosie by John Tilbrook (Vic) and The Thingamajig by Jo Hamlet (WA).
Melbourne Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson
● Steff Castles, Lily McCarthy (Youth Award winner) discuss their roles in Eltham Little Theatre’s Ten Minute Quickies Play Festival. Photo:Paula Armstrong Directing these selected plays are Susan Rundle, Tanya Ryder Barnes, Sam Chappel, Roderick Chappel, Karen Parrott, Andrew Kelso, Lily McCarthy, Anna Ruth Laird, Brad Buckingham, Kellie Tweeddale and Damian and Deborah Uselioates. Judges Chris Hodson, Deborah Fabbro, John Mangan and Glyn
Wilson will choose the Best Play and award the playwright $1000. Winner of the People’s Choice Award as voted by audiences, will receive a $500 cheque, and Lily McCarthy, winner of the Youth Category, will be awarded her prize of $500. An exhibition by local artists will also be held on the ground level of the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, one hour prior to each performance. Art will be available for purchase. Artists include Ann-Maree Gentile,Andrew Follows, Stephanie Castles, Julian Grant, Terry Marston, Rhian Lisa Coulson, Renee O'Brien, John Tilbrook, Anna Valentine-Lee, Robin Horsborough and Graham Parrott. Tickets: $22.50. Bookings: Email eltboxoffice@ gmail.com or call Pat 0411 713 095. - Cheryl Threadgold
News Briefs ■ The original Marquee Entertainment Luncheon will be held at Marquee Restaurant, Toorak, on Wednesday (May 14), advises Garry Spry. ■ Tourism Australia managing director, John O’Sullivan, and Anna Pollock, have been announced as speakers at the inaugural Victorian Tourism Conference to be held in Geelong in July. ■ The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) presents Palo Alto the impressive directorial debut of Gia Coppola, based on a book of short stories by James Franco, in June. ■ The Beville family announced that their bid to reacquire the business and retain the 80-year old Bevilles brand has been successful. The new Bevilles Corp, will be headed by Michelle Beville.
● Raymonde Holmes ■ Friends gathered on Friday at Tobin Brothers Chapel, North Melbourne, to pay tribute to the life of Raymonde Holmes, mother of 3AW-Magic 1278 personality Jane Holmes. ‘Ray’, born on June 8, 1932, died on ANZAC Day (April 25), aged 81, ‘Ray’ worked in the publicity department at Melbourne radio station 3KZ during the 1950s promoting shows such as The Oxford Show. She met and married the popular singer and drummer Lennie Holmes from that show. When their only child Jane was born, Ray virtually retired from radio to become a full-time mother. She wrote scripts for Lennie when he was working with Bert Newton at 3UZ during the 1970s. Ray was a good friend of the Melbourne Observer, often sending caring notes and cards. Observer columnist Kevin Trask said: “I enjoyed having Lennie Holmes as a regular guest on That's Entertainment on 96.5FM. “On the final program prior to Lennie's passing in 2005, Ray joined us in the studio and it was a joy to see them both working together.” The funeral service was conducted by Catholic priest Fr Bob McGuire, even though Ray was a member of the Anglican church. Fr Bob said he was privileged to accept the invitation. The chapel was full of radio colleagues, family and friends. The service began with the song Being A Chum Is Fun. Jane paid tribute to her mother and Peter Acfield read a poem during the service. ❦
‘Harmonica Mavis’ Ellis ■ ‘Harmonica Mavis’ Ellis, who brought much joy to the listeners of the late Keith McGowan’s Overnighters radio program on 3AW, has died. Keith’s widow, Angela McGowan, was a speaker at the funeral service held last week at Fawkner. Mavis Sylvia Ellis, 92, was wife of Alby (dec. ). mother of Ted, Peter and Des; mother-in-law of Sue (dec. ), Dianne and Annalene;grandmother of Gary, Jason, Brendan, Kylee, Cassie, Breearn, Manon.
● ‘Harmonica Mavis’ Ellis
Page 10 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 7, 2014
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To
I ♥ Kate Langbroek
Di
I love my job!
■ I have to say I love seeing Kate Langbroek at the desk on The Project (Channel 10) and do hope the producers have the sense to have her on permanently. She is so understatedly combatant on the desk and the format suits her down to ground. She commands a great strength and brings a wonderful balance to the panel. I love her opinions and she is never afraid to speak out as she delivers all her thoughts with that wonderful dry sense of humour. Not only that, she looks good too. So note to the producers of The Project: I want more of Kate Langbroek. I am sure I speak on behalf of a lot of people, the response on Twitter to her appearances recently were very strong. Speaking of The Project, Rove McManus returns this week to the desk as a special guest co-host. He is excited, I believe, to be joining his long=time friends and former colleagues, Carrie Bickmore and Pete Hellier (who is also doing a great job at the desk). Rove will be on the show for just the week. With an international career going from strength to strength, and having recently become a father, Rove returns to Australia on the eve of his new television comedy series, Riot, which is set to launch in the United States in the coming weeks. The Project is news delivered differently 6.30pm weeknights on Channel Ten. I never miss it. Did I tell you I want more of Kate Langbroek?
For My favourite TV shows come alive
■ I watch a lot of television. There are programs I am totally addicted to; the major one is House Of Cards which in my opinion best television series - next to True Detective - that I have seen for a long time. CSI is also a favourite of mine and I catch it whenever I can. There are always
great actors in CSI and it’s the same with Law & Order. A lot of times the great actors in these series become so comfortable to watch and they become firm favourites and then they pop up in another guise. One of these people is an actor’s whose face is so well known and has been
in lmy ounge room many times and I’ve seen him on the screen. One of these actors is Robert Davi. He is coming to appear in the Melbourne International Jazz Festival from May 30 to June 8 . More about Robert coming up, the Melbourne International Jazz Festival is set to bring the world’s mod-
Naturally 7 tours Aussie ■ Every time Michael Buble visits our shores he brings with him the most wonderful group of musicians. He also brings with him the best support artists. Naturally 7 have toured with Michael many times and when they complete their Australian tour with him, Naturally 7 will do a solo tour of Australia. Fresh from a big tour with Coldplay after lead singer Chris Martin asked them personally to tour with them- and after two sold out concerts at Melbourne Recital Centre in 2001- N7 returns to Melbourne Recital Centre on Sunday June 1 with two shows, 1.30pm and 7.30pm. Extremely talented, this formidable energising band present an a two-hour magnificent show short of mind blowing. Captivating a broad, cross-generational audience with their irresistible mix of Bronx street cred and showmanship, Naturally 7 are an R&B /urban/soul phenomenon that must be seen to be to be believed. Taking a cappella to the next level in a style they dub ‘vocal play’ astonishingly they pump out not just the melodies and harmonies, but all the sounds of drums, guitars, horns, strings, turntables and beats using nothing other than their voices! Covering a wide mix of music, Naturally 7’s performances include sensational interpretations of pop classic by iconic groups such as The Beatles, Seals and Crofts, Coldplay and Queen, as well as music born out of collaborations with jazz luminaries Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones and star rapper Ludacris, alongside –self penned hits. Naturally 7 are: Robert Thomas (Musical Director, arranger, first baritone, rap); Warren Thomas (percussion, guitar, clarinet, third tenor); Rod Eldridge (first tenor, scratching, trumpet); Napoleon (polo); Cummings (fourth Tenor, guitar); Dwight Stewart (second baritone, vocals, trumpet); Garfield Buckley (second tenor, harmonica)’ and ‘Hops’ Hutton (bass) They bring with them to Melbourne Recital Centre a brand new live show launching their CD release Hidden In Plain Sight. ■ Sunday, June 1. 7.30pm. Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, Tickets $89 ($79 concession) presented by Melbourne Recital Centre and JCP). Bookings – tickets will sell fast with this one melbournerecital.com.au or phone 9699 3333.
● Naturally 7
with leading Melbourne publicist DI ROLLE
ern masters of jazz to Australia and more particularly Melbourne with a thrilling program of big name artists, straight ahead jazz, genre – bending crossovers, blistering instrumentalists and soulful singers, alongside the best Australian artists. The 10-day festival is the largest of its kind in Australia and includes headline shows at Melbourne’s iconic venues, intimate club gigs, film screenings, events for families and children and a range of free events. The 2014 line-up brings together over 300 artists from Australia, USA, UK, Italy, Israel, Spain, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Greece and New Zealand to perform in more than 100 events. Very exciting and something for everyone. I have chosen a couple of my favourites of which to speak: Chick Corea and Gary Burton, two of the biggest names in modern jazz. Each a musical giant in his own right, as a duo they are nothing short of legendary. Delving into material from the jazz world and beyond with their trademark timbral blend, mercurial interplay and joyful spontaneity, this concert will demonstrate why they remain the most exciting duo in modern jazz. And Robert Davi – the man most recognisable but not known as a fabulous jazz vocalist. Robert Davi is an award-winning Hollywood actor and jazz vocalist. Robert from makes his Australian debut with his acclaimed tribute to Frank Sinatra
– Davi Sings Sinatra. One of the film industry's most recognised tough guys, on both the big screen (Licence to Kill, Die Hard), and the small (CSI), Davi comes to Australia with his hard-swinging six-piece band. Davi Sings Sinatra sounds fabulous. I have heard that he has been hailed as magnificent, a soaring voyage and displaying an unabashed passion for the finer details behind Sinatra’s craft. After seeing the show, Quincy Jones is said to have commented that he was absolutely touched by Davi down to his soul
and brought back the essence and soul of ‘Ol Blue Eyes himself. They are pretty special words and what a recommendation. There are some great artists performing at the 2014 Melbourne International Jazz Festival and I recommend a visit to melbourne jazz.com to check out all the artists performing. Another artist who has caught my eye and got me ringing for tickets is one of the most influential, prolific and original guitarists in the industry, four-time Grammy Award winner Larry Carlton. - Di Rolle
Chocolate at Crown ■ Chocolate, Crown, Ann Peacock - a delicious combination. The Waiting Room at Crown Towers is a wonderful place to meet a friend for a glass of champagne or a high tea. However the new experience that The Waiting Room has launched is just superb. They have launched the decadent new ‘High Coffee’ experience. Hosted by Ann Peacock, High Coffee has really set the town talking and seems to be the place to go from all accounts. Long been a popular choice for a leisurely afternoon spent sipping tea and sampling scones, but with a new High Coffee menu, the sophisticated cocktail lounge that is The Waiting Room will bring a darker, more indulgent and very ‘Melbourne’ experience to the lobby of Crown Towers. A culmination of Executive Pastry Chef Roberto Molleman’s desire to offer an urban and contemporary alternative to the traditional High Tea and Melbourne’s never-ending obsession with coffee, The Waiting Room’s new High Coffee offering includes a selection of decadent sweets, sorbet, scones, sandwiches and hot savouries. Seen indulging in some of the fabulous hospitality at the launch of this place to be was Nadia and Jimmy Bartel, Brodie Harper and Mike Larkan. With a fabulous extensive drinks list – I highly recommend this, for more information visit www.crownmelbourne.com.au or phone 9292 5777. My mouth is watering, I am off to grab a cab and go to Crown right now.
Cheers at Hophaus
● Staff member Bree with architect Peter Maddison ■ I always equate beer gardens and beer halls with Germany; from memories of my travels they have the best. How wrong am I? Dexus Property Group and Red Rock Leisure have announced the opening of modern German beer hall, Hophaus, in our very own Melbourne town. Where you ask? It is at the Southgate restaurant and shopping precincts iconic space, previously occupied by Bluetrain which is now on Southgate’s upper level. It’s a great space. A contemporary twist on the great Bavarian beer halls, Hophaus is the latest edition to Red Rock Leisure’s stable of social pubs, drawing inspiration from the history of the world’s original ‘craft breweries’ that celebrates the Germanic approach to brewing, one of both art and science. With unparalleled views along the Yarra, housing up to 350 patrons, Hophaus is set to become an exciting new destination for Melbourne social gatherings. This is a very good idea. Hophaus will house over 30 draught taps around its huge central bar. With an impressive selection of German, Austrian, Belgian and Czech brews on offer, Hophaus will be a unique drinking house, somewhere to taste and learn about the famous German beer styles that have influenced the drinking habits of generations across the globe. Hophaus’ architectural design has been created by the multi award-winning Maddison Architects founded by Peter Maddison of Grand Designs Australia. I was sold on this when I first found out about this new establishment. The kitchen will open for lunch and dinner, while a bar menu will complement an afternoon or late night brew. Visit www.redrockleisure.com.au for more information.
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 7, 2014 - Page 11
Confidential Melbourne
Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless
3AW defeated by ABC in latest radio ratings
Bitch Melbourne’s Secrets
Pierce off Brosnan
■ Melbourne radio station 3AW has been defeated by 774 ABC, in the latest radio ratings results. It is an embarrassing loss for the commercial radio station, with morning presenter Neil Mitchell (12.3 per cent) just narrowly ahead of the ABC’s Jon Faine (12.2 per cent). 3AW have launched a ‘Number 1 Breakfast’ advertising campaign in Melbourne newspapers owned by its parent company, Fairfax Radio. The widespread campaign shows a pair of thongs against a pair of polished shoes, to represent the breakfast show hosts Ross Stevenson and John Burns. Fairfax Radio ratings have fallen since the company was taken over by executive Adam Lang, who replaced industry veteran Graham Mott. ‘Drive’ host Tom Elliott, with 9.0 per cent of the audience, trailed 774’s Raf Epstein (9.9 per cent), Nova (9.5). He was closely followed by Fox (8.9), Gold (8.2), and Mix (7.5). The afternoon program on 3AW, hosted by Denis Walter (9.1) lagged
● Adam Lang, Managing Director, Fairfax Radio behind Gold (11.1), hotly chased by 774’s Richard Stubbs (9.0). The 3AW night-time combination of Bruce Mansfield and Philip
■ Love, Lust And Other Complications is the name of the book launched on Thursday by Golden Days Radio presenter Rob Anderson. Author P.M. George signed copies of the books for guests assembled at the Sandringham Yacht Club.
Hinch trains for his long walk PHOTO: ASH LONG
● Pierce Brosnan ■ Melbourne Observer Editor Ash Long had to be quick to get this pic. Ex-007 actor Brosnan 'did' the red carpet in Melbourne for three seconds before retreating inside the Comedy Theatre. If you're going to accept the free ticket, Pierce, you have to play the game. Brosnan refused a fan's request for an autograph; he told her she could shake his hand, and then "move on"
■ Arthur Parsons is requesting Dromana Magistrates’ Court to conduct a Registrars’ Hearing on Monday (May 12) at 10.30am, where he is due to allege a civil claim against John Reason for “monies due”. The hearing is set down for 10.30am. ■ The Sheriff’s Office is stepping up its campaign to wheel-clamp vehicles belonging to people who owe millions in unpaid fines. ■ Northcote MLA Fiona Richardson (Labor) is back at work after six months’ leave following a diagnosis pf breast cancer.
■ Broadcaster Derryn Hinch is in training for a 10-day walk that will take him from Langi Kal Kal Prison, Trawalla, to Parliament House, Melbourne. The former 3AW presenter wants to promote his ‘Jail 2 Justice’ campaign that starts at 7.30am on Saturday, May 17. Hinch is callin for volunteers to keep him com● Derryn Hinch pany as he walks in twohours twice daily (7.30am-9.30am and 3.30pm-5.30pm). Sat., May 17. Langi Kal Jal-Blackbottom Rd.Burrambeet. Sun., May 18. Burrumbeet-Remembrance DriveBallarat. Mon., May 19. Ballarat-Bungaree. Tues., May 20. Bungaree-Gordon-Old Geelong Rd Wed., May 21. Old Geelong Rd-Ingliston-Settlement Rd.-Ironbark Rd and McCormack Rd. Thu., May 22. McCormack Rd-Bacchus MarshMelton. Fri., May 23. Melton-Melton Hwy-Sydenham. Sat., May 24. Sydenham-Keilor-Essendon. Sun., May 25. Essendon-Brunswick. Mon., May 26. Brunswick-Parliament House.
Brady had its worst ratings in years with a ratings result of 10.1 per cent, behind 774’s Lindy Burns (13.8). At weekends, 3AW (9.5) was bested by the ABC (10.2 per cent). 3AW insiders say the summer sports broadcasts, especially cricket, saw many listeners leave the station for the first time in years. At nights, loyal listeners moved from AW to ABC, Smooth and Gold. Bruce Mansfield and Philip Brady scored their best ratings when they had a heavy calendar of personal appearances. Mansfield is now 70, Brady is 75 next month. Thousands of listeners moved from 3AW to 774 ABC when the station sacked Derryn Hunch, replacing him with Elliott. Overnights, after the retirement of Keith McGowan in 2011, the station lost listeners when it chose a national format for the the program hosted by Andrew McLaren and Mark Petkovic. ■ Disclosure: Until 2011, the Melbourne Observer was a paying advertiser on 3AW. The newspaper was sacked as a client after it published a critical report on the new format of the midnight-dawn show.
Rumour Mill
Hear It Here First
Knockback for Megs? ■ The Rumour Mill hears that Melbourne video blogger Megan Castran was refused permission to work the Logies red carpet at Crown Melbourne late last month. Megan runs a widely popular social media site, and is a personal friend of Oprah Winfrey, who visited her Toorak home.
● Megan Castran
Big cash at Magic ■ While Smooth 91.5 FM is offering $10,000 cash weekly prizes, Magic 1278 is offering $100 to a listener - at the end of the day- who can identify hourly tracks from an artist. And they wonder why they had lost half their audience?
Pop goes the weasel ■ One Melbourne media woman was asked on Twitter if she had “too many bubbles” at a City function last week.
E-Mail: Confidential@MelbourneObserver.com.au
Whispers
Tale of 2 cities
Craig Huggins ■ Gold 104.3 FM host Craig Huggins won 10.2 per cent of the audience in the latest Melbourne radio ratings for his morning program. By coincidence it was exactly the same figure that Craig earned for the 1pm-4pm show that he hosts on Adelaide station Cruise 1323.
To Court
■ Knox Basketball Inc. has asked for a Melbourne Magistrates’ Court Registrars’ PreHearing Conference this morning (Wed.) where it is due to allege a civil claim against Wayne Francis Carroll for “return of goods/damages”. The hearing is timed for 9.15am.
Numbers game
● Mick Pacholli ■ Toorak Times operator Mick Pacholli claims that his website has had more than 5000 users logged in simultaneously ... the Herald Sun and Age would love these incredible figures for their own sites. ■ Send your news tips anonymously to PO Box 1278, Research, Vic 3095.
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Page 12 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Melbourne
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Ash On Wednesday
Time to fez up ■ What do you do when you try a fashion trick ... that falls on its face? Long Shots wanted to add a bit of a ‘Brad and Janet’ theme when invited to the opening night of Rocky Horror Show at the Comedy Theatre. We opted for the Buddy Holly specs, bowtie and cumberbund ... and thankfully decided to leave the fez at home! OK, it was all a bit OTT (‘over the top’). But at least we had a go. Thanks to Di Maden, owner of Metamorphys Costume Hire of Eltham, where we hired our gear. What has been your most outrageous fancy dress? Or your biggest fashio0n disaster?
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● Peter Rowland, John Blackman and Garry Stewart ■ Channel 9’s Peter Smith has just celebrated 50 years with the Nine Network. Pete, one of Melbourne’s funniest man, was accorded a special party by GTV-9 to celbrate the half-century. TV legend Bert Newton told the gathering that their friendship dated back to April 1964 when Pete transferred from ABV-2 to Channel 9 and radio station 3AK. Pete appeared on Graham Kennedy’s In Melbourne Tonight, with Ernie Sigley and Don Lane, was voiceover man for Sale Of The Century, and has been Nine’s Community Director for some years.
Festival mood ■ As Deputy Mayor of the City of Port Phillip, Cr Serge Thomann is a mighty ambassador for St Kilda. Serge was pictured this week with Peter Rowsthorn, who will be MC of the St Kilda Film Festival that runs from May 22-31, mainly at the Astor and Palais.
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● Serge Thomann, Peter Rowsthorn
Frank Howson
Observer Treasury Thought For The Week ■ “Happiness comes when we stop wailing about the troubles we have, and offer thanks for all the troubles we don’t have. ■ “Many a man labours under the delusion that standing on one’s dignity will enable him to see over the heads of the crowd.”
Observer Curmudgeon ■ “Most of us spend a lifetime going to sleep when we’re not sleepy and getting up when we are.” ■ “A man gace a woman his seat on a bus, she fainted. When she revived, she thanked him, he fainted.”
Text For The Week ■ Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” - John 11:23-26
■ Melbourne radio station Gold 104.3 is aiming at attracting a younger audience. It is re-branding as ‘Pure Gold’ - with less emphasis on ‘Classic Hits’ and is playing more music from the 1990s. ■ Melbourne comedian Marty Fields says: “I can’t believe how strong the winds were last night. I nipped out to get my wife some milk and got blown clear into the pub.” Contents of Court Lists are intended for information purposes only. The lists are extracted from Court Lists, as supplied to the public, by the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria, often one week prior to publication date; for current Court lists, please contact the Court. Further details of cases are available at www.magistratescourt.vic.gov.au The Melbourne Observer shall in no event accept any liability for loss or damage suffered by any person or body due to information provided. The information is provided on the basis that persons accessing it undertake responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of its content. No inference of a party’s guilt or innocence should be made by publication of their name as a defendant. Court schedules may be changed at any time for any reason, including withdrawal of the action by the Plaintiff/Applicant. E&OE.
■ The following recollections are of a childhood. They are painful to have to regurgitate and I’ve spent most of my life since trying to overcome their scars and move on. Most of these traits in my behaviour I always interpreted as a result of the verbal and physical violence I witnessed in my childhood home. My dad was an alcoholic and his painfully cruel verbal abuse directed at my Mum mostly, although not confined to her, was soul and ego destroying. When the words failed to crumble their target it was not uncommon for physical violence to follow. Perhaps my sense of alienation was already genetically ordained and the abuse I witnessed was merely the topping on the cake. I don’t know and will leave that intellectual prognosis to others more learned than myself. I always had an overpowering feeling of being alienated from others. My mother used to smother me with praise and affection. My father, when sober, was a kind and loving man, who also dotted on me. Whereas my mum was very touchy feely, verbal and open in her display of affection, my dad was a complete contrast. He was a man of few words and I don’t ever recall him ever saying “I love you” or giving a hug. He was of another time of men and he too carried the scars of his childhood having lost his mother when he was but two years of age. He’d grown up without any maternal love. . My sisters were openly jealous of my mother’s affection for the “baby” of the family. When I was a toddler they were already teenagers. I always remember them being very critical and saying a lot of sarcastic things about me in front of guests and boyfriends in order to humiliate me. Most times they simply ignored me. This resulted in me purposely trying to annoy them to grab their attention and validate my existence. This childish plan of mine didn’t work and resulted in me being type-cast as “spoiled”. I probably was. But spoiled in the true sense of the word from what I saw and heard around me. It was a confusing world for an over-sensitive soul. As a child with no siblings to play with and two much older sisters who couldn’t be bothered, I had lots of times of feeling alone. I used to play soldiers and would act out both sides of the fight. Games of imagination became a big part of my existence, as well as listening to the radio. My mother said that by the age of 3 and 4 I could name just about every singer on the radio just by hearing them sing a couple of words. I recall many hours of listening to the radiogram with my ear up against the speaker. This love of music and studying singers would become a lifelong obsession of mine. To this day I can just about name any hit record of the sixties and late fifties. In many cases I can even name the ‘B’ sides of the singles. I used to wet the bed almost every night. It became a ritual. I hated the feeling of waking in a cold bed in the middle of the night but I didn’t seem to be able to stop or control it. I’d wake and go into my parent’s room. They would get me dry pajamas, strip my bed of its wet sheets, and I would get in with them. My earliest memory is of someone screaming at our front door and my parents and I running down the street in a panic. Turn To Page 17
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Showbiz People
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 7, 2014 - Page 13
At the 2014 Logie Awards Crown Melbourne Photos: How TV industry people saw themselves on social media
● Val Jellay and son Marty Fields
● Dave Hughes and Carrie Bickmore
● Natalie Bassingthwaighte
● Rich Cawthorne with Debra Byrne
● Reporters Andrew Hornery and Donna Demaio
● Susie Elelman on the Red Carpet
● Michelle Stamper, Nine Publicity Director
● Zoe Walsh
● Kate Swifte
Major Logies winners
● Samantha Armytage and Lincoln Lewis
● Julie Kiriacoudis of the Herald Sun
TV WEEK GOLD LOGIEAWARD Scott Cam MOSTPOPULARACTOR Chris Lilley, Ja'mie: Private School Girl, ABC1 MOSTPOPULARACTRESS Asher Keddie, Offspring, Network Ten MOST POPULAR PRESENTER Scott Cam, The Block, Nine Network MOST POPULAR NEWTALENT Bonnie Sveen, Home And Away, Channel Seven MOST POPULAR DRAMA SERIES Home And Away MOST POPULAR LIGHT ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAM Hamish & Andy's Gap Year MOST POPULAR REALITY PROGRAM MKR MOST POPULAR SPORTS PROGRAM The NRL Footy Show MOST POPULAR LIFESTYLE PROGRAM Better Homes And Gardens See more at www.tvweeklogieawards.com.au
Page 14 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 7, 2014
PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
Agusan Valley Lodge, Philippines hosts Gippsland Lakes Lodge No. 715 Open night at Kyneton Lodge
■ Kyneton Lodge No. 192 will be opening its doors to the public for an Open Night on Wednesday, May 21 from 7:30pm. The guest speaker for the evening will be VWBro. Ruary Bucknall, Grand Superintendent of Membership. Kyneton Lodge encourages all from around the Macedon Ranges district to come along for this evening. Please contact VWBro. Ern Hinneberg on hinne@oneseniors.com.au or RWBro. Brian Davenport on bda44864@bigpond.net.au or call 0467 036 909 to register your attendance.
Ceremony of the Vacant Chair
● WBro. Len Prettijohn. Past Master of Bairnsdale Daylight Lodge; MWBro. Peter U Lim Lo Suy, PGM; VWBro. Alipio G Olita Jr., DDGM Installing Master; WBro. Jesus A Tantay, WM; WBro. James E Moore, PGStdB and Chaplain for 5 years in this lodge; WBro. Harry Stephens, Past Master of The Union Lodge of North Gippsland; RWBro. John Britton PJGW, Past Master of the Gippsland Lakes Lodge.
● Members of the 430 Air Cadet Squadron, Macedon Ranges Shire. ● Members of the Lodge of Agusan Valley Lodge ■ RWBro. John Britton of Gippsland Lakes Lodge No. 715 and two other Past Masters WBro. Harry Stephens, Union Lodge of North Gippsland No. 62 and WBro. Len Prettijohn, Bairnsdale Daylight Lodge No. 877 visited the Lodge of Agusan Valley No. 160 on the register of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines for their 54th Installation. WBro. James Moore, PGStdB specially invited the group to attend the installation, having moved to the Philippines, but who is still a member of Gippsland Lakes Lodge. WBro. James is now a member of Agusan Valley Lodge and has been invested there for the fifth year as Chaplain. As international visitors the group ● Enjoying the bowling lawns at the Mt Waverley Bowling Club. was given the sincerest of welcomes by members of the Lodge of Agusan ■ A wonderful day of bowls was held on Sunday, April 6, at the Mount Valley and were looked after so well Waverley Bowling Club to help raise funds towards the Royal Freemasons that WBro. John said that he hopes to Homes. attend next year as well. A mixed-team event, all enjoyed the opportunity to pop on their whites, have a bowl amongst friends, as well as enjoy a catered lunch, thanks to the "The installation banquet was one support of the Freemasons Victoria Taskforce. of the best we had ever attended,” Over the years, the Royal Freemasons Homes have evolved to meet the WBro. John said. "In excess of 300 changing needs of the community, and today operates a state-wide network people were in attendance". of accommodation, services and facilities in retirement living, in-home "We hope to have other brethren community care and residential aged care. accompany us next time and hopefully For more information about the Mountt Waverley Bowling Club visit: some of the members of the grand www.mwbc.com.au team that WBro. James was a part of Many thanks go to Perertz Samuals and Aleck Miller who voluntarily as a Grand Steward,” WBro. John organised the event. said.
Freemasons Charity Bowls Day
● Four Air Cadets with their Admin Officer, Corporal Jenny Taylor and Flag Officer Lou Perez. ■ The Kyneton Lodge No. 192 conducted the Ceremony of the Vacant Chair on April 7 to remember those who lost their lives bravely serving their country in wars past. Kyneton Lodge has carried out this special ceremony for the past 29 years, and for the last six, members of the Macedon Ranges Shire 430 Air Cadet Squadron have been present to parade and display the four flags around the pavement. This year the Flag Party, including a Piper, was comprised of young ladies. Together with members of the Lodge, the Flag Party form the escort party to form a guard around a mound of dirt. A rifle in reverse is placed where a solder is laid to rest in the battle field. On some occasions the memorial is dedicated to the Battle of Long Tan with a replica cross, and plaque to bare a date in 1969. This ceremony has been carried out in a number of Lodges throughout Victoria over many years, from Dromana, Albert Victor, Diamond Valley (9 times), Donald, and Lockington and a number of other lodges. At the end of the night the Oration to the Ceremony of the Vacant Chair this year was made by Wing Commander, WBro. Nick LeRay-Meyer, AM. There were more than 50 people present on this occasion with the Kyneton Municipal Band entertaining in the ‘South’.
● To find out more about Freemasonry, how to become a member, or attend upcoming public events, please visit www.freemasonsvic.net.au or ’Like’ our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/freemasonsvic for the most up to date information. ● Don't miss Series 2 of Freemasons: The Inside Story, airing Monday nights at 8:30pm on Channel 31, or visit www.C31.org.au to watch it online.
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne
Observer
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 7, 2014 - Page 15
West Hollywood
American athletes to play AFL From my desk at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites comes this week's news
Actor Bob Hoskins dies
US embraces our game
■ The third annual AFL US Combine was just held in Los Angles, California . Some 20 athletes from across the US are given a crash course in footy and put through tests and learn the basic skills required to play Australian Football. Recruiters from a number of AFL clubs were present over that weekend looking for the next Eric Wallace, Jason Holmes or Patrick Mitchell. The athletes come primarily from basketball backgrounds and have been selected for their size, age and athletic abilities. The combine is lead by AFL Talent Manager Kevin Sheehan, Academies Development Manager Mick Ablett and an address by Sydney Swans premiership player and AFL International Talent Manager Tadhg Kennelly, who is regarded as one of the most successful international recruits in AFL history. Assisting at the event is USAFL Operations Manager Doren James, President Denis Ryan, Communications Manager Amy Bishop, USA Revolution Coach Matt Bishop and USA Freedom Coach Leigh Barnes. Alan Johnson, former director of North Melbourne Football Club, has been a sponsor of the AFL US Combine for more than 20 years.
● Bob Hoskins
George Clooney off the market ... for now ■ Amal Alamuddin may have just accomplished what many believed was the impossible: snagging Hollywood's most notable bachelor. The Lebanese-born British beauty is reportedly engaged to George Clooney, who many thought could never be tied down. Not a lot is known about Alamuddin, who is said to have started dating the actor in October. But here is what I do know: 1. She's a well-respected attorney. Alamuddin's profile on the site The Legal 500 says she "specialises in international law, human rights, criminal law and extradition." Some of her clients have included the Royal Court of Bahrain and WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. "She is also part of the legal team representing the government of Cambodia in a case involving a territorial dispute with Thailand at the International Court of Justice in The Hague," the site says. "She has previously worked as a legal adviser to judges at the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, and as senior legal adviser to the prosecutor of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon." 2. Clooney isn't the only one who finds her attractive. She was named one of the 21 hottest female barristers in London on the blog "Your Barrister Boyfriend." "These are three short words that come to mind when thinking about this dazzling beauty," the blog states about her. "Amal Alamuddin may make some feel inadequate because she has achieved the seemingly unattainable ideal of contemporary femininity: She is both breathtakingly beautiful and formidably successful." 3. She's a world traveller. In addition to being fluent in both Arabic and French, Alamuddin has traveled widely. Her time in the United States included graduating from the New York University School of Law, and among her trips is a safari to Tanzania she reportedly took with Clooney in March. 4. She's discreet. Alamuddin, 36, hasn't been speaking out about her relationship with the 52-year-old star. People magazine reported on the engagement based on information from "a source with knowledge of the situation" and reports that the attorney was spotted with a sparkler on her left ring finger.
● Amal Alamuddin
GavinWood
From my Suite at the Ramada Plaza Complex on Santa Monica Blvd
City of West Hollywood
● Alan Johnson and Gavin Wood at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites on Route 66 ■ West Hollywood, affectionately known as WeHo, is a city of less than four square miles completely surrounded by Los Angeles and Beverly Hills. It was formed in 1984 from a previously unincorporated area of Los Angeles County adjacent to Hollywood, at the foot of the Hollywood Hills. It was the 84th of 88 cities incorporated in Los Angeles County, making it one of the youngest cities in the county. Santa Monica Boulevard is in contrast to the grunge, punk, hip-hop, rock n' roll scene on the Sunset Strip, but it all coexists in relative harmony in WeHo. The other dominant scene in West Hollywood is design, from interiors to fashion to fine art; this is the place to find it. Santa Monica Blvd: Main Street to the Hip and Famous Relax, eat, shop and live it up in West Hollywood's 1.9 mile stretch of historic Route 66. The eclectic thoroughfare is an inspiring walking exploration of Los Angeles culture, featuring a vibrant LGBT community, as well as the most concentrated single Russian-speaking community in US outside of New York. Cruise designer boutiques, lively cafes and restaurants and larger-than-life public art exhibits lining the boulevard. That's my City and I would love you to come an experience this wonderful community.
www.gavinwood.us
■ Bob Hoskins, the pugnacious British actor known for playing gangsters, tough guys and working-class gentlemen in such films as Who Framed Roger Rabbit, The Long Good Friday Mona Lisa and Mermaids, has died, publicist Clair Dobbs announced last week. Hoskins was 71. His passing comes nearly two years after he retired from acting following a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. Hoskins was perhaps best known for 1988's live-action and animation hybrid Who Framed Roger Rabbit. In the comedy, he played detective Eddie Valiant, who hates "toons" cartoon figures who live in a separate showbiz world bordering Valiant's 1940s Los Angeles - and takes up the task of proving the innocence of the cartoon title character, accused of murder. The film was the second-highest grossing movie of 1988, after Rain Man. He followed with performances in a variety of films, including 1991's Hook in which he played Smee, the pirate assistant of Captain Hook; 1995's Nixon as FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover; and 2001's Last Orders as the gambler friend of protagonist Michael Caine, whose pals gather to spread his ashes after his death. Hoskins was nominated for an Oscar for 1986's Mona Lisa as a cabdriver who establishes a relationship with a highpriced call girl. Caine was also in the film. Hoskins won both a BAFTA and Golden Globe for his performance. Robert Hoskins was born on October 26, 1942, in Bury St. Edmunds, England, the only child of a bookkeeper and a cook. He dropped out of school at 15 and took jobs as a truck driver and window cleaner, among others, before falling into acting by accident: A friend was auditioning for a part and Hoskins, who was waiting nearby, was asked to try out. A natural, he got the role. "I fit into this business like a sore foot into a soft shoe," he told the UK paper The Telegraph in 2009. In Britain, he gained fame for his performance as a Depression-era song-plugger in Dennis Potter's miniseries Pennies From Heaven, later turned into a 1980 movie starring Steve Martin. Though he had a handful of recognizable roles in films after Pennies - including 1980's The Long Good Friday, 1982's Pink Floyd The Wall and 1985's Brazil (in which he played a gleefully malevolent repairman), it wasn't until Roger Rabbit that he broke through to mainstream American audiences. That film drove him a bit nuts, he told The Telegraph. "I think I went a bit mad while working on that. Lost my mind. The voice of the rabbit was there just behind the camera all the time," he recalled. "The trouble was, I had learnt how to hallucinate. My daughter had an invisible friend called Jeffrey and I played with her and this invisible friend until one day I actually saw the friend." It was his daughter, however, who set him straight. "My daughter, when I came back from filming in San Francisco, she said 'Dad, slow down, slow down. You're going barmy, mate.' And I was." Always a steady and straightforward worker - no "method acting" for Hoskins - he appeared in at least one production every year from 1972 until his retirement in 2012. "There's two things I love about this business. One's acting and the other one's getting paid for it," he told the UK paper The Guardian in 2007. "The rest of it is a mystery to me." In one of his last roles, he played the elf Muir in 2012's Snow White and the Huntsman. In the 2011 TV miniseries and Peter Pan prequel Neverland, he played Smee - a character he had portrayed in Hook. But true to his working-class roots - The Telegraph described his natural voice as "cockney as jellied eels" -- he hated to put on airs. "I met a little old fella in Regent's Park when I was walking a character around. He said, 'you are who you are, ain't you?' and I said, 'Yeah, I am who I am.' And he said, 'That's good. I grow roses,' " Hoskins recalled. "And we sat talking about roses all afternoon. It was wonderful." His wife, Linda Banwell, and four children survive Hoskins.
Special Holiday Offer
■ I have managed to secure a terrific holiday deal for all readers of the Melbourne Observer. When planning your trip to Los Angeles, come and stay at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites, 8585 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood. Right in the heart of the excitement. Please mention 'Melbourne Observer' when you book and you will receive the special rate of the day. Please contact: Joanna at info@ramadaweho.com Looking forward to seeing you. Happy Holidays, Gavin Wood.
Page 16 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Melbourne
Observer
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Travellers’Good Buys
with David Ellis
Hey, did you hear the one about ...? ■ QUESTION: What is there in common between a fellow losing his false teeth overboard while being seasick on an Atlantic cruise, a family unable to remember where they’d buried their video camera “for safety” on a beach in England while they went swimming, and a farmer who lost his mobile phone up the back end of one of his cows while using the phone’s light as he assisted her in calving? Or more outrageously, a young lady in England who reckoned her mobile phone failed while she was using it in vibrator mode as an adult toy, a tourist in Athens who broke his nose walking into a bus shelter corner post while ogling young ladies in bikinis, and a bloke who suffered a heart attack in a brothel in West Africa – and complained he’d not got his money’s worth? ANSWER: They all claimed on their travel insurance – and remarkably all but the bloke in West Africa had their claims paid. These bizarre tales are but a miniscule example of the thousands of weird and wacky claims that pour into insurance companies world-wide daily, alongside the more serious that remind us of the perils that await the traveller health-wise and accidentwise, and of the need to never leave home without travel insurance. Grant Waldeck from major Australian insurance comparison website,
● Don’t leave your car unattended in wildlife parks – or lean out of the window with your camera, as you may not have it much longer as one man found.
Melbourne
Observer Wines & Liqueurs
with David Ellis
Something from same-variety blends ■ Way back in the 1860s Dr Henry Lindeman realised the advantages of blending same-variety wines from different regions with differing growing conditions, and thus creating that “something special” in varietal taste and enjoyment. And while the company has regularly blended single varieties from different regions since, it’s just released a new label it calls its Regional Series and which showcases classic single varieties from complementary regions. These blends, it says, capture the best characters from each region to deliver wines that are beautifully balanced and expressive of variety. With vineyards dating back to 1843 in the Hunter Valley and later in Watervale and the Clare Valley, the Adelaide Hills and Yarra Valley, Lindeman’s has excellent assets to draw on for unique, outstanding characteristics in these new single variety blends. Using fruit from two vineyards for each of three Regional Series blends – a 2011 Pinot Noir Chardonnay Vintage Cuvee, 2013 Chardonnay and 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon – they’ve crafted wines of great value at just $23 each. The Regional Series Chardonnay is particularly rewarding, being made from fruit from the Hunter Valley and Adelaide Hills, with creamy stonefruit, refined citrus and green apple flavours to the fore … and ideal to partner with pork or veal dishes.
One to note ■ Some 40-odd years ago, in the 1970s, Claret was all the rage to bring out at the barbecue or to put on the table for Sunday’s family roast beef lunch. Not many makers label a wine Claret in Australia these days, however, preferring instead to put the blend (mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot) on their labels. But the Hunter Valley’s Andrew Margan has just released a very more-ish 60 per cent Cabernet and 40 per cent Merlot as a Margan Special Reserve Claret, and it’s a real standout of this classic French-origin combo that will only improve with age: fleshy Merlot characters upfront, intense cigar box and spiced plum from the Cabernet, and lovely tannins. An ideal wine with barbecued steak and mushrooms, or after-dinner cheeses. Pay $50.
Pictured ■ Dr Henry Lindeman had the right idea way back in the 1860s – same-variety blends such as this one that’s ideal with pork or veal dishes. ■ Label you don’t see much of these days, but Claret is a classic blend of French origin to enjoy with barbecued steak and mushrooms.
comparethemarket.com.au says too many travellers fail to take out travel insurance suited to their individual needs, make the wrong choice by doing so on price alone, or worse, don’t take out travel insurance at all. And he quotes some worrying facts, including how 1.2-million Australians are victims of identity theft every year (and suggesting that when travelling we take a pre-paid travel card not connected to our bank, and keep our passports on us at all times.) Grant also says that while traffic accidents are the Number One cause of death of international travellers, before leaving home you should also check-out the reputations of local services such as ferries and the like that you are planning on using, and that to avoid being conned, mugged or raped, never use un-licenced taxis, only those from a rank or displaying an official licence. Also, be aware of the health dangers of swimming on polluted beaches… amazingly the UK has fifty such beaches currently threatened with closure, and in the US there’s at least one polluted beach in every coastal state. And there are places you actually need keep watch for pirates. “While the risk is low, areas in which to be wary include India, the Western Maldives and Madagascar. And petty theft is common in these regions on local boats,” Grant warns. “So always be cautious in these areas, and never take valuables aboard with you.” Not that all thieves are of the human kind. One travel insurance company paid out after a visitor to England’s Longleat Safari Park, leaned out of his car’s window to take a photo, and had a monkey snatch and scamper off with his camera. And a woman walking her dog on a beach in Wales and talking on her mobile phone, put in a claim after a seagull grabbed the phone and flew off with it, while in Malaysia a couple returned to their hotel to find they’d left the window open – and invading monkeys had dragged all their clothes out into the surrounding jungle. Closer to home a tourist ducked into an Aussie outback grocery store, and came out to find a camel kicking his rental car. His travel insurance company paid after he produced video footage of the grumpy camel in action. But best we think was the lawyer in America who bought two dozen very expensive cigars, insured them against damage “by flood, storm or fire,” and after enjoying smoking all 24 over some time, claimed to his insurance company “all had been totally lost in a series of small fires.” When the insurance company refused to pay he took them to court, with the judge ruling that as the contract “did not specify the type of fire,” the insurer had to pay-up. It did – but he was then charged with 24 counts of arson and insurance fraud, jailed for two years and fined USD$24,000. For useful guidance about travel insurance visit www.compare themarket.com.au
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Observer
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 7, 2014 - Page 17
Frank Howson
‘I always felt painfully shy with the other kids’ From Page 12 We got to my grandmother’s place and I recall looking into her room as my Uncle Alf soaped her fingers trying to get her rings off as she lay unconscious on her bed. She was dead. I was two years of age but I remember it clearly. I always felt painfully shy with other kids. I would wait to be invited to play. I didn’t have the nerve to just stroll up and take part in any existing cliques. Yet, this shyness didn’t translate to performing. I knew all the words to Tommy Steele’s hit The Little White Bull and if I was invited to a birthday party I would nag my mother to ask if I could sing the song for everyone. It was easier for me to perform to strangers than to talk to them. When I was embarrassed, I would talk in a falsetto voice. Almost like I was too exposed if I used my “real” voice. I would also not look people in the eyes. I always thought that this was because I was very shy. I only overcame this because someone I worked with at my first job, noticed this and brought it to my attention. He used to make me look people in the eyes. I concentrated on this and overcame this lack of selfesteem with practice. My mother said that I virtually had an in-built aversion to school even before I understood what it meant. Melbourne
She said she’d wheel me past the local school in my stroller and I would start crying and screaming. Being sent to school was very traumatic for me. I had to leave the protective shell of my parents and spend the whole day with strangers my own age. I felt alienated, stupid and useless at school from the very beginning and it never got much better. I showed ability for drawing and religious study. The latter because I had the knack of always remembering a story once it had been told to me. The bible stories were full of imagery and danger and they stuck in my memory in all their detail. With every other subject I was hopeless. Mathematics was gibberish to me. To this day I still have no concept of what Algebra is other than a headache. I used to sit in class and count the minutes to home time. Hoping I wouldn’t be noticed by the teacher and asked a question. In my later years I learned to use humour as a shield and would, when questioned and out of my depth, I would answer with something so inane that it would make the class and even the teacher laugh. If I was going to be a fool I opted for being an entertaining one. I hated the discipline and boring ritual of school. I remember trying to concentrate and study in class but it
was difficult for me to stay “focussed” and not daydream or become sleepy. Sleep has always been my welcome escape. The more problems I have, the deeper I sleep. My mother transferred me to a better school. In her mind anyway. Christian Brothers College. In those days CBC was very strict and big on punishment. If her idea was that fear would propel me to learn more, she was grossly off target. This “fear” of being punished for uttering a wrong answer only succeeded in dragging me further into my inner world. I was weary from the fear I witnessed every night in our lounge room with my patents raging World War 3 and then sent off to school in the morning to face another fear. I remember always feeling mentally tired as though my mind was on overload. And continual daydreams which I couldn’t seem to overcome no matter how much I tried to concentrate on the subject at hand. I struggled very badly. Homework was a nightmare. Most times I couldn’t do it and would wake in the morning sick to my stomach knowing if I didn’t come up with some excuse I would be strapped for not doing it. Usually I developed breathing problems and would be kept home from school due to ill health. One day the headmaster Brother McCartney asked my mother, “How
come Frank has the highest I.Q at the school and the lowest grades?” She didn’t know the answer anymore than he did. Or I did. At playtime I gravitated to the kids no one else wanted to play with. The outcasts. We had much in common and they were grateful for my friendship. I was grateful for theirs. I stayed away from school a great deal with illness. The grades got even worse. Finally, I was kept down a year, which lost me the friends I had made in my class. I tried to learn but my mind wandered too much. It was restless with anything it couldn’t immediately understand. Also, anything I couldn’t master straight away I tended to give up on and blame myself for being stupid. I was also mad keen to have a life in show business and kept thinking that it was no use wasting all this time learning boring school stuff that wasn’t going to be any use to me in my real career. At home I kept lists. I had an exercise book and I would write in it lists of all the number one records on the charts. A separate list of all the records I wanted to buy. A list of all the bands I enjoyed. A list of all my favourite films. A list of books I wanted to read. I recently found this book and it filled me with such sadness for that lonely, frightened boy who wrote it.
I was very quiet in the presence of anyone I didn’t know. Didn’t want to say anything that may be considered “inappropriate” so I would sit back and wait for others to talk. Once I felt that I knew what the other person was all about I would then begin to open up and talk about things they were interested in. I hated anyone to see me hurt myself. Hated feeling vulnerable in front of others. If I fell over my mother would tell people not to go to me or acknowledge it in any way. If they did I was liable to get up and kick them in the shins. If they ignored me, I would get up in silence, no matter in how much pain, and go on. For most of my life I’ve detested being laughed at. It’s okay if I send myself up and others laugh at me, because then I’m in “control” of the situation even if it’s self-depreciating. But if I’m laughed at it makes me feel like the frightened, vulnerable, stupid school student. So I usually tried to get in first to laugh at myself. I think I’ve succeeded in overcoming most of these traits, but it has been a lifelong struggle. Somewhere along the way, the fear washed away, or perhaps I just got tired of carrying it, and I became fearless. That too brought its own price. Funny, I’ve finally found myself and feel comfortable just as the light is ebbing.
Observer
Showbiz Extra Miss Galaxy
istered these concerts as Reconciliation Week events. Later in the week, younger children and families will have the opportunity to learn about the Orchestra in Richard Gill’s Classic Kids program which promises to get everyone singing and smiling as they experience all the spectacular sights and sounds of a symphony orchestra. Symphony In A Day, one of the Orchestra’s most popular community initiatives, will conclude Education Week. Now in its third year, this program provides active amateur musicians with the opportunity to perform alongside the MSO in a concert performance of works by Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky, Saint-Saëns and Mussorgsky.
■ Young Mornington Peninsula girl Jessica Martini has just been crowned Miss Galaxy Australia 2014 at the national finals. Chosen from 47 beautiful girls from all over Australia, Jessica flies to Florida for the Miss Galaxy World final in August. The former Miss Mornington dropped in on 3RPP’s Sugar And Spice program last Thursday and charmed hosts Bob and Judy (Banks) Phillips and station staff, with her warm, natural and all Aussie personality. Jessica is a passionate supporter of the Pink Ribbon breast cancer appeal.
MSO Education ■ Two of Australia’s great conductors and music educators will be brought together this month when the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra opens the doors to the Melbourne Town Hall for the fourth annual Education Week. Richard Gill and the MSO Patricia Riordan Associate Conductor Chair Benjamin Northey will welcome more than 10,000 school students, parents and teachers to 13 performances over five days. Held between May 26-31, MSO Education Week is dedicated to sharing the joy of musicmaking through the first-hand experience of live orchestral music. “This year’s Education Week features some of our most diverse and exciting programming to date,” said Bronwyn Lobb, MSO Education Manager said. “Benjamin, Richard, and all the other wonderful artists we have bought together for the week, have such a wealth of experience and knowledge to share with our audiences, and we have also focused on creating new ways for people to engage with the Orchestra in less a formal environment.” The week will be launched with a playful crafting event Paper Orchestra which invites Melburnians to put their creative skills to the test. P participants will be encouraged to craft an imagined instrument and then “play” them alongside the musicians of the MSO. This year’s program will also feature two new events - the Secondary Symphony Project, where 50 lucky secondary students have been selected to share the stage with musicians of the MSO for a public performance conducted by Richard Gill on the evening of Thursday,
● Jessica Martini has just been crowned Miss Galaxy Australia. Photo: Rab Siddhi May 29, and a pub-style Trivia Night, featuring live Orchestra, on Friday May 30. Richard Gill will be joined by Phillip Sametz (ABC Classic FM) and soprano Antoinette Halloran as they host four rounds of classical music trivia, all linking to famous orchestral music, performed live by the MSO. On Wednesday and Thursday, May 28-29, more than 6000 primary school children will join Benjamin Northey as he presents four interactive Meet the Orchestra concerts exploring the works of great Australian composers and how these works relate to places, life and culture in Australia. The Orchestra and Northey will be joined by special guests Jessica Aszodi (soprano), Shane Charles (didgeridoo) and EricAvery/Marrawuy Kabi, who has written this year’s audience participation piece titled Yananha. The audience will perform Yananha with Eric, Shane and the MSO at the concerts. Meet The Orchestra is made possible by the Ulmer Family Foundation and the Orchestra has reg-
Fiona meets Kaya
● Kaya Skodelario and Fiona Trask
■ Whilst many of the audience at the opening night of The Rocky Horror Show at the Comedy Theatre were enthralled to see Pierce Brosnan in the audience, theatre enthusiast Fiona Trask was keen to speak to one of her favourites, UK actress Kaya Skodelario (at right). Kaya is currently filming The Sun And The Moon in Melbourne with Brosnan. Kaya was happy to pose for a photo with Fiona. Kaya Skodelario is a rising star with credits which include Wuthering Heights, Skins, True Love and Southcliffe.
It’s a boy! Welcome Jimmy ■ Victorian actress Marney McQueen and her partner Frank had welcome a new arrival: James Donald Arangio. “Jimmy is a little beauty and was very kind to his mother weighing in at 6 pounds 9,” Marney told Facebook friends on Monday night. “Heart is full.”
Brendan to tour ■ Melbourne entertainer Brendan Scott has a busy schedule at Victorian venues before spending some time in Minnesota, USA next month. His latest gigs include Springvale RSL (Fri., May 9 and Sat., May 10); Darebin RSL (Fri., May 16); Kilsyth Club (Wed., June 18); Darebin RSL (Fri., June 20); Tosaria Club Rowville (Fri., June 20); Reservoir RSL (Wed., June 25); Wantirna Club (Thu., June 26); and Springvale RSL (Sat., June 28).
Book night ■ Author Robert Hillman will be in conversation with Morag Fraser at Eltham Bookshop, ELTHAMbookshop, 970 Main R\d, Eltham, from 6.30pm-8pm on Tues., May 20 Cost: $35.00 includes a copy of hisbook Joyful, mulled wine and refreshments Prepaid early bookings are essential: 9439 8700. elthambookshop@bigpond.com
PHOTO: MARNEY McQUEEN/FACEBOOK
● James Donald Arangio meets his cousin Mac
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Page 18 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 7, 2014
■ I have observed the career of James Garner as an actor for more that 50 years. I think my favourite of his films was The Notebook for which he received the Screen Actors Guild Award nomination in 2004 for an Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role . James Scott Bumgarner was born in Oklahoma on April 7, 1928. James and his two brothers had a troubled childhood. Their mother died when James was five and his father married a lady who was brutal to the children. She eventually left after a fight with James. In his teenage years James joined the United States Merchant Marines and then worked as a swimwear model in Los Angeles. He enlisted in the Army and saw service in Korea where he was wounded twice. As a result was awarded the Purple Heart on two occasions. He was cast in a non-speaking role in the Broadway play The Caine Mutiny and this led to television commercials and small roles in television productions. He was cast in his first film role in Toward The Unknown in 1956. He married Lois Clarke and they have enjoyed almost sixty years of marriage. James was originally considered for the role of Cheyenne in the western television series but the role went to Clint Walker.
Whatever Happened To ... James Garner By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM In 1957 he was cast as Bret Maverick in the hit series Maverick. James became a popular actor throughout the world. The demands of producing a quality series each week became demanding and it was decided that Bret would be joined by his brother Bart played by Jack Kelly, and they would share the workload. In 1962 James left the series following a dispute with Warner Brothers Studios. I loved the Maverick series. In 1967 James Garner visited the US troops in Vietnam but I do not think he came to Australia. His films have included Darby's Rangers, Support Your Local Sheriff, Cash McCall, 36
● James Garner Hours, The Great Escape, Skin Game and Victor Victoria. He co-starred with Doris Day in Move Over Darling and The Thrill of it All. In 1974 he had another hit television series when he played Jim Rockford in The Rockford Files. Although he starred in the show for six sea-
on the physical demands of the role became too much and he decided to leave. Over the years James Garner has starred in many television shows. In 1985 he was nominated for an Academy Award for his performance in Murphy's War. During his career James received many nominations and awards for his work in television and films. He played the opposite Mel Gibson in the film version of Maverick based on the television series. He teamed with Clint Eastwood and Tommy Lee Jones for the film Space Cowboys in 2000. His autobiography The Garner Files: A Memoir was published in 2011. James has had many health issues in recent years with heart surgery, knee operations and a minor stroke but at the age of 86 he is still enjoying life in retirement with his wife Lois, their two children and three grandchildren. James Garner is one of my favourite actors and I love watching his work in film and television shows. Kevin Trask The Time Tunnel - with Bruce & PhilSundays at 8.20pm on 3AW That's Entertainment - 96.5FM Sundays at 12Noon 96.5FM is streaming on the internet. To listen, go to www.innerfm.org.au and follow the prompts.
High hopes for Kate’s opal necklace ■ One of the highlights of 1954 was the visit of Her Maj and the good old Duke. I recall, as a 1st Sorrento Sea Scout, lining up to greet her at Cerberus Naval Base. And, to the pride of all Aussies, she was overwhelmed with Aussie gifts. And one of them was a magnificent item of jewellery - the ‘Anda-
mooka Opal’ pendant. This had been a rough piece cut into several stones a huge pendant, a pair of earrings, and some cuff links for the Duke. The only problem, especially for us opal-mining Aussies, is that nobody's ever seen her wearing it. I was hoping that Kate may have trotted it out on her recent visit, but no such luck.
Review:Patient 12
● Will Ewing in Patient 12 at La Mama Courthouse. ■ Repatriated from the horrors of set and costuming compliments the Flanders fields, patient 12 lies in a unfolding drama on show. There is nothing wrong with the hospital bed unconscious, mortally wounded with no chance of recov- premise of this play. However, it is let down by its slow pacing and is ery. This tragic circumstance brings just too long. There is occasional portentoustogether a group of people who arrive at the hospital all hoping that ness in delivering lines that slows patient 12 is their long lost son or down the drama and it is also dragged down by some overwriting in the third lover. Directed by Don Mackay, there act. Rather than fleshed-out characis a lot to like about Patient 12, an and action we are presented with original new work based on a true ters the opposite poles of polemical arstory by Kevin Summers. gument on the conscription debate There are some excellent perfor- between the Alexander and Victoria mances. Joel Parnis is a stand-out and Ed characters. as the shell-shocked Percy. This labours the point and is unWill Ewing gives a superb per- necessary as Summers has earlier formance as ‘Patient 12’ bringing nu- set up his case and positioned these anced characterisation to his mul- characters very well. tiple roles of James, Andy, Freddie That said this is a skilful producand Leo. tion and a worthy reflection on the Dennis Coard is a strong pres- true cost of war. ence as the nuggetty Ed. Patient 12 is on at La Mama Bronwyn Pringle’s lighting de- Courthouse until May 11. - Review by Kathryn Keeble sign and Sophie Woodward’s simple
And then to keep up the tradition, Kathleen Buzzacott, a local indigenous jeweller from Alice Springs, handed over one of her creations for Kate as she wandered around the Rock. Again, it was a necklace/earring combination. "I chose this piece specifically for Kate. The blue colours represent royalty, so that is why I chose sodalight and lapis. And the Ininti seeds have been used by Aboriginal women of Central Australia for hundreds of years. Quite a spectacular piece in its own right - I just hope that Kate wears this one. ■ The recent eclipse of the moon reminded me of an incident which occurred to me years ago with an eclipse of the sun in Melbourne. I learned at that particular time that there are ‘eclipse followers’, who tramp around the world following this particular phenomenon. There was a group of Texans, as well as a bevy of other international visitors, who had wandered over to Australia to check out this particular eclipse. Back then I had my shop in a basement in Lt Collins St; as now, I had a section with some Australian wildlife - a few spiders and snakes. I also had an opal cutting section. So when this group of Texans stopped by, I took them past the snake cage through into the opal cutting room. Then I was going to show them the snakes on the way back. One of the ladies in the group, a well dressed, seemingly confident individual, instantly ‘lost it’, and began to hyperventilate, and collapsed. Apparently she had an extreme case of reptiliaphobia. Her colleagues and I rushed her back past the tiger snake cage, and laid her out on the floor in the main showroom and revived her. Quite a shock to me, and upon reflection, happily litigation-mania hadn't yet reared its head. ■ I often throw my hands up in despair, and wonder when it will it ever end? But there are no signs yet. Several Alice Springs Police officers had been investigating an incident where car windscreens had been smashed by rocks, when one was himself was attacked, and off to hospital.
The Outback Legend
with Nick Le Souef Lightning Ridge Opals 175 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Phone 9654 4444 www.opals.net.au Then a jealous man was charged with bashing his partner to death. They had been attending a celebratory function, when she apparently danced with a couple of other fellows, so he attacked them and then smashed her with a lump of concrete. And a couple of kids, 10 and 12, were causing a disturbance on a motel roof. They set upon arresting police, kicking and spitting at them. Kids! And a grandfather with 80 criminal convictions was also charged with stabbing his wife: "The court lists are full of cases where drunken Aboriginal men attack others, often drunk Aboriginal women,” noted Chief Justice Trevor Riley. Now the member for Lingiari, Warren Snowden, is asking the Federal and Territory governments to address the over-representation of indigenous youths filling Territory prisons. "More assessment needs to be done", he said. Just a short walk around the streets of Alice Springs will be all he assessment anyone ever needs to identify the problem.
■ When I lived in Alice Springs, I also operated an opal retail outlet at the Rock. I was in close liaison with the management of the resort. At one stage, I had postulated to the management that they should incorporate luxury desert living in the form of a super swag - a double bed in the desert sand dunes, open to the stars, with five star attendance. I thought then, and still do, that this would be a great idea for well-heeled international visitors to experience something different, and a night in an open swag beside the Rock is always a spectacular event. Whilst this didn't come to pass, I did note that a year or so later some ‘super-tents’ did materialise. Longitude 131 sprung up with a dozen or so five-star ‘tents’ in the shadow of this spectacular icon. So where better for our Royal visitors to rest their wearies at the end of an exhausting Central Australian day, which they duly did.
■ To my joy it looks as though Bo's may well spring back into life. After I sadly reported the demise of the Alice Springs bar last year, there seems to be movement at the station. I could never understand why it had actually closed. It's more like a licenced museum, with the walls festooned with Outback memorabilia. It was always popular when I was there, and the owners, Chris and Avril Vaughn struck up what I believed was a winning formula. Via a free drink or two, they would encourage bus drivers to bring their charges in, usually a load of backpackers, to entertain themselves. Obviously many of these backpackers were scantily-clad young damsels, and equally obviously this would encourage the attendance of many local chaps. And a good time was always had by all! There was always a line up waiting to gain entry every Friday and Saturday night, just like Studio 54 in New York. Chris started a ‘Bo's Club’, with a medallion, so Ozzie and I just flashed Freddie to circumvent the line. With such a situation the popularity of the place should have lasted ad infinitum, and I can't understand why it didn't. However maybe those swinging doors will indeed swing open again. - Nick Le Souef
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 7, 2014 - Page 19 y
Your Stars with Christina La Cross ARIES (MAR 21 - APR 20) Stop trying to be a people pleaser and think instead about what the right thing to do is. Look what happened last time you buckled under such emotional pressure Aries. Time to make yourself a priority. TAURUS (APR 21 - MAY 21) Something or someone you have lost is on your mind and standing in the way of you moving on. What good are memories if not to be enjoyed. Don't waste the time you had. GEMINI (MAY 22 - JUNE 21) You're about to find out where you belong. You finally meet with like minded people who get you for who you are and not someone you have to pretend to be. Dress well. People will notice. CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY 23) What occurs at this time is a case of Chinese whispers, so believe nothing of what you hear and only half of what you see. The truth comes to light tomorrow, so bide your time. LEO (JULY 24 - AUG 23) Today is your chance to consider who is an asset to your life and who is holding you back. You are about to learn the path you need to take for success. VIRGO (AUG 24 - SEPT 23) You've been concentrating on other people for so long you seem to have forgotten how to make time for yourself. Try, or you'll miss out on someone who can make your life a better place to be. LIBRA (SEPT 24 - OCT 23) The temptation to spend money you don't have is strong today, so if you have a credit card you shouldn't be using then make sure you leave it at home to avoid temptation. And you will be tempted. SCORPIO (OCT 24 - NOV 22) There are some amazing new offers around at the moment, if only you'd take those blinkers off Scorpio. Remember to start at the top when going for what you want. It's this which will lead to success. SAGITTARIUS (NOV 23 - DEC 21) Exciting trends make your life a more interesting place to be. The glass is no longer half empty, but it is now half full. A good time to give up or break bad habits you've had. CAPRICORN (DEC 22 - JAN 20) Confidence was lacking last week but, due to the very honest look you've been able to have at your life, you're now feeling ready, willing and able to take on the world. Watch out love! AQUARIUS (JAN 21 - FEB 19) You're a really intelligent sign who never gives themselves a break. You should do today though, as those who are making promises actually mean what they say for once. Speak from the heart Aquarius. PISCES (FEB 20 - MARCH 20) Can you love the way you used to? Course you can. You just have to let down those defences. Time spent with a friend who knows you well this week helps you take the first step.
■ “I couldn’t afford a present for my mother, so I made her some stretch marks.” ■ “Sorry, your argument is wrong… I am your mother.” Mothers Day is celebrated this Sunday (May 11).
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100 Years Ago The Bendigonian May 5, 1914 JUDGE SENT TO PRISON. SENTENCED BYA. FRIEND TO PENAL SERVITUDE. Judge F. Grob, of the Civil Court of Mulehora in Switzerland, was on the 14th March found guilty. of frauds at Glarus, and sentenced by. a brother judge and friend to 2½ years' penal servitude.and 10 years deprivation of civic rights. At the trial it was proved that the prisoner, who was a wealtlhy man,; had used his high office and position of legal mentor to minors for several years by employing funds entrusted to his. care and placing on the marktet false bills by employing the official seal Speculation was the cause of the judge's downfall. THE REV. J. CROOKSTON. MIODERATOR-ELECTOFVICTORIAN PRESBYTERIANASSEMBLY.. I" PRIESENTATIONI BY ST..ANDREWS CONGREGATION. Tile Rev. J. Ciookston, minister, ofSt. Andrew's Presbyterian Chui'ch, is the Mode rator-elect of the: Presbyterian Assembly of Victoria, anld .will be installed in his high office shortly. On Wednesday a church social was held in the School Hall, at which a presentation was made to Mr. Crookston by the members and ad herents of the church. Mr. G. S. Rule (vice-chairman of the board of management ) presided, and amongst those present were the Rev. F;'A. Hagenauer, of Castlemaine (who is taking Mr. Crookston's place as clerk of the Belidigo Presbytery while he is moderator), :the Rev. J.; Darroch, of St. John's, the Rev. J. H. Harvey,..of Golden-square, and the Rev. A. I. Davidson, of Eag'lehawk. : The Rev. F. Hagenauier .was the first speakler. He congratulated Mr Crolokston on his selection for the highest position .
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Wise advice
■ If a mother wants to attract her children’s attention, she only needs to sit comfortably on the couch.
DoYou Know?
■ Who won the Brownlow Medal in 2003? Mark Ricciuto, Nathan Buckley, Adam Goodes ■ Who was the most recent Australian to win the men’s singles title at Wimbledon? Lleyton Hewitt.
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Win tickets to ‘The King And I’
The Melbourne Observer has TWO pairs of double tickets to the Sunday, May 18 (8pm) performance of Wicked being staged at the Regent Theatre (subject to our terms and conditions).
Stars include Lucy Durack, Jemma Rix and Reg Livermore. To enter this competition, complete the details on the form below, and post it - so it will reach us by first mail, Monday, May 12, 2014. Winners’ details will be published in the Melbourne Observer on Wednesday, May 14, 2014. Tickets will be ‘box ofice collects’, 30 minutes prior to the show. To enter, post to Wicked Comp. Melbourne Observer PO Box 1278, Research Vic 3095 to reach us by first mail, Mon., May 12, 2014
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The Melbourne Observer has FIVE pairs of double tickets to the June 10 (8pm) performance of The King And I being staged at the Princess Theatre (subject to our terms and conditions). Stars include Lisa McCune and Jason Scott Lee. To enter this competition, complete the details on the form below, and post it - so it will reach us by first mail, Monday, May 19, 2014. Winners’ details will be published in the Melbourne Observer on Wednesday, May 21, 2014. Tickets will be mailed to winners. To enter, post to King And I Comp. Melbourne Observer PO Box 1278, Research Vic 3095 to reach us by first mail, Mon., May 19, 2014
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Page 20 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Victoria Pictorial
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Broadmeadows For our nostalgia collection
● Soldiers having a meal, Broadmeadows Army Camp. Circa 1914-18
● Broadmeadows Army Camp. 1914.
● Albion-Broadmeadows railway. Viaduct at Maribyrnong River. 1928.
● Old cemetery, Boradmeadows. 1967.
● Garden at Broadmeadows Depot. 1941.
● Camp Road North, Broadmeadows. 1967.
● Old cemetery. Broadmeadows. 1967.
● St Paul’s, Broadmeadows. 70 years.Circa 1920.
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 7, 2014 - Page 21
Observer Showbiz
Local Theatre With Cheryl Threadgold
More On P49 Melbourne
Observer
GYPSY
● Rose (Abi Richardson) belts out Everything’s Coming Up Roses in Gypsy at the Williamstown Mechanics Institute. In background: Lee Threadgold (Herbie) and Sarah Kate Hanley (Louise). ■ Williamstown Musical Theatre Company’s stylish production of Gypsy, plays at the Williamstown Mechanics Institute until May 17. Based on the book by Arthur Laurents, music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Gypsy is based on the 1957 memoirs of the famous stripper Gypsy Rose Lee. The story of her rise to fame juxtaposes her domineering ‘stage mother’ Rose’s obsession to fulfil her own dreams through her children, Louise and June. Staging classic musicals nowadays risks the slower-paced scripts dragging show momentum. Director Nicholas Kong admirably explains in the program how he and his team have ensured a smarter pace and spotlight on the story, and the result is a top production. show-casing a treasure-trove of talent. Daniel Heskett’s fabulous 20-piece orchestra renders favourites such as Let Me Entertain You and, of course, Everything’s Coming Up Roses, while Tamara Finch-Roberts’ choreography is terrific. Kong’s fine direction and set design firmly establishes his theatrical versatility, complemented by Vanessa Burke’s lighting and Cameron Sharp’s often exquisite costumes. Abi Richardson delivers a stellar performance as ambitious Rose, nicely capturing the contrasts between her dominance and fragility. Sarah Kate Hanley makes a stunning Melbourne theatre debut, skilfully transforming from quiet, awkward Louise to glamorous Gypsy Rose Lee. Lauren McCormack is great as the cutesy performing June, as is Lee Threadgold (Herbie) and Beryl Frees (Miss Cratchitt). Madeleine Checkett portrayed cartwheeling Baby Jane on opening night like a seasoned, veteran and the junior ensemble impresses with their strong song and dance routines. Triple threat Robbie Smith’s (Tulsa) tapping is superb, and burlesque performers Sallyanne Mitchell (Mazeppa), Barbara Hughes as pelvic-thrusting Tessie Tura, and Beryl Frees (Electra) add entertainment oomph. Their song You Gotta Have a Gimmick almost steals the show. Unfortunately it is not possible to mention everyone, so congratulations to all involved on a first-class show. Season: Until May 17 Venue: Williamstown Mechanics Institute, Cnr. Electra St. and Melbourne Rd., Williamstown. Tickets: $32/$28. Bookings: 1300 881 545 or www.wmtc.org.au - Review by Cheryl Threadgold
● Meet The Basin Theatre Company’s cast for The Diary of Anne Frank: Steve Carroll (Mr. Dussel), Sarah Brighton (Margot Frank), Sarah King (Miep), Frank Schrever (Otto Frank), Claire Hanley (Edith Frank), Graham Fly (Mr Kraler), Alan Thompson (Mr Van Daan), Jackie Hutchison (Mrs Van Daan), Haydn Zubek (Peter Van Daan) and Eilonwy Carr (Anne Frank). Photo: Gary Bott. See details on Page 49
MEMORANDUM ■ Kate Hunter, Artistic Associate of Born In A Taxi, presents the premiere of her solo work Memorandum at Theatre Works from May 20-June 1. Memory can be wilful, unreliable and often untrue. In Memorandum, solo performer Kate Hunter lays bare the gothic, peculiar and slightly neurotic world of remembering and forgetting. Part memoir, part poem, part kaddish, this darkly humorous hybrid performance work examines how truths and fictions unknowingly intertwine. Memorandum exposes the weirdness of memory, with all its disturbing underpants, using digital projects on walls and scrims, live storytelling, old slide projectors, close audience encounters, torchlight and the live body. Kate Hunter is a performance-maker and researcher who makes inter-disciplinary work that is stimulated by investigations into cognitive neuroscience, the body, the senses, diseases and dying, autobiography, talking to herself, sadness, and the strange territory of memory. Performance dates: May 20 (preview) – June 1. Times: Tues – Sat at 8.00pm; Sun at 5.00pm Venue: Theatre Works, 14 Acland St., St Kilda Tickets: $25 Full, $20 Conc and Under 30. Preview $20/ $15, plus booking fee Bookings: theatreworks.org.au 9534 3388
BLOOMSDAY ■ The celebration of Bloomsday, begun in Dublin in 1954, has become an international phenomenon. To celebrate its 21st year in Melbourne, thre are four events in Bayside as part of the Bayside Literary Series Words by the Bay. The city is unique anywhere in the world, including Dublin, in annually presenting a play based on a new theme or adaptation of James Joyce’s epic novel Ulysses, which tells the story of a day, June 16 1904, in the life of Leopold Bloom, his wife Molly and Joyce’s alter ego, Stephen Dedalus. The originator of Melbourne’s Bloomsday celebrations, Dr.Frances Devlin–Glass, Honorary Associate Professor at Deakin University, recognised the similarities between the two bay cities of Dublin and Melbourne as opportunities for exploration of the novel. Starting in 1994, the annual Bloomsday festival took the form of student street theatre, creating the drama in some curious, weird and beautiful niches of historical Melbourne including the city’s first morgue in Williamstown, and the steps of Parliament House. However, the play became a victim of its own success, city by-laws, insurance concerns and increasing numbers of loyal supporters which made the travelling theatre impractical. A theatre venue became necessary to spread the word about how very funny and rewarding Ulysses is, despite its enduring reputation for impenetrability. For more information please go to www.bloomsdayinmelbourne.org.au - Rita Crispin
● Kate Hunter in Memorandum at Theatre Works. Photo: Leo Dale
BELLEVILLE
● Christina O’Neill (Abby) and Paul Ashcroft (Zack) in Belleville at Red Stitch Theatre. Photo: Jodie Hutchinson ■ Amy Herzog’s play Belleville at Red Stitch Theatre explores deception and dependency in a marriage, her visceral dialogue unravelling a plot like a top surgeon’s exploratory scalpel . A young wife, Abby (Christine O’Neill), recently moved to Belleville, France so that husband Zack (Paul Ashcroft) could take up research in pediatrics. She experiences depression and dislocation following her mother’s death and the imminent birth of her sister’s baby back home in the USA. Tension grows when she returns early from yoga class to find Zack enjoying porn in the bedroom, rather than earning his medical “crust “ - distrust is born … The early scene between Abby and their landlord Alioune (Renaud Momtbrun) is a wonderful introduction to the chilling story that follows. Her over keen desire to be pleasant flags vulnerability, confirmed as we learn about how much she misses home contact; in fact she is obsessive about cell phone contact for home news. This is a terrific start from O’Neill, well complimented by Momtbrun’s still awkwardness as he waits at length to speak to Zack. The compact set from Jacob Battista emphasises a married relationship boxed in emotionally, while pathological patterns emerge, weaving a web of distrust, fear and fast developing dysfunction. Landlords Amina and Alioune (Momtbrun and Tariro Mavondo) present a calm sense of foreboding, as Zack becomes increasingly desperate in his futile attempts to stop disclosures. Some dialogue was not always clear, but director Denny Lawrence kept the pace moving with good blocking and fast scene changes. Belleville displays Red Stitch’s customary attraction to raw, new material. This is an Australian premiere and can be enjoyed at Red Stitch Theatre, 2 Chapel St., East St Kilda until May 31. Tickets: $37/$39 conc. $27/$29 Under 30, $25 Student Rush $15 Bookings: boxoffice@redstitch.net or 9533 8083 - Review by Maggie Morrison
Page 22 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 7, 2014
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