Melbourne Observer. 120620C. June 20, 2012. PART C. Pages 77-96

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2012 - Page 79

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www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Observer Showbiz Every Week in the Melbourne Observer

Radio Confidential: Passing of Steve Price ... Page 80 Independent Theatre: Shows, reviews ............. Page 81 The Spoiler: Next week’s ‘soaps’ plotlines ............ Page 81 Jim and Aaron: Best DVD-film selections ................. Page 82 Cheryl Threadgold: Community Theatre - it’s a wrap ...... Page 83 PLUS THE LOVATT”S MEGA CROSSWORD

BURN THE FLOOR: IT’S HOT! OzOpera stages The Magic Flute ■ OzOpera has a special school holiday-friendly version of Mozart's classic opera The Magic Flute, being performed at Melbourne Recital Centre on Monday, July 9, at 11am.

With its story of magic, heroes and heroines and monsters - and its abridged length! - it's a great way to introduce children to the magic of opera.

This OzOpera production will tour many primary schools, making it often youngsters' first exposure to opera.

Having a special school holiday performance in the glamorous surroundings of the Melbourne Recital Centre makes it a real occasion for both children and their parents.

OzOpera, which is the touring company or Opera Australia, has always used young singers for their school tours, which makes the operas even more accessible, and shows primary aged children that being an opera singer can be fun and youthful.

There are no large ageing Wagnerian sopranos with funny headgear in sight in an OzOpera production.

Instead, you will see the emerging generation of professional opera singers. This production of The Magic Flute has been directed by exciting young opera director Cameron Menzies.

The cast features three 2011 Herald Sun Aria finalists in Stacey Alleaume, Hannah Dahlenburg and Kathryn Radcliffe.

Joining them are Don Bemrose, Robert Beasley, Anthony Mackey and former Ten Tenors singer Ben Clark, with music director Thomas Johnson and pianist Pamela Christie.

Tickets are only $25 for adults and $15 concession, so this is one of the most affordable quality opera productions ever. www.melbournerecitalcentre.com.au - Julie Houghton

● Stacey Alleaume as Pamina, the heroine of The Magic Flute.

★★★★★

■ When you Editor drew the assignment to review the opening night of the sixth series of Burn The Floor at The Palms At Crown, it was described to him as ballro0m dancing.

There were visions of men in tails with numbers pasted to their backs; women in evening growns, constantly in reverse.

Wrong! Burn The Floor is a frenetic, sexy, hot show that you must not miss. You only have until June 30 to catch it.

This sassy show is flawless. In close to two hours of a nonstop celebration of dance, there is not a step put wrong. Not a half-second of missed eye contact. This is precision dance, which has excited audiences on Broadway, but which still calls Australia home.

Some 18 sensational dancers put together something very specfial. Inspirational dance, swing, Latin, waltz and jive.

For the detail-minded, the dancfers excel at Cha Cha, the Vienesse Waltz, Foxtrot, Swing, Lindy Jive, Samba, Rumba, Quickstep and Paso Doble.

Burn The Floor is the brainchild of founder Harley Medcalf and director-choreographer Jason Gilkison. They have deep passion for this show.

Dancers include Robbie Kmetoni, Janette Manrara, Kalyanne Brown, Kedikantse Motsepe, Ash Leigh Hunter, Giulia Dotta, Giselle Peacock, Santo Costa, Valentina Vittobelli, Kieran McMahon, Jeremy Basiule, Faye Huddleston, Stephen Vincent,Aliaz Skorianec, Gary Wright, Jenna Grainger, Jemma Armstong, Dianne Buswell, Mattis Galante, Megan Wragg and Steven Rogers.

Vocals are performed by Jessica Lingotti and Peter Saul; percussion is led by Giorgio Rojas and Pat Madden. Creatices include Creative Director Peta Roby, Lighting Director Scott Rogers, Sound Designer Derek Wilson, Scenic Engineer Ray Klausen, music consultant Charlie Hull, costume designer Janet Jine, and design and creative costume image whiz Bret Hooper.

I was wrong. This show provides edge-of-the-seat excitement, non-stop ‘wow’ moments, sassy young men and women all in love with their craft, and justifiably proud of a showbiz triumph.

In the Palms foyer at interval, one lady patron at least in her 70s, turned to her husband clutching his walking stick, and offered the serious warning after seeing the oiled bodies: “Don’t expect me to do any of that when we get home.”

See Burn The Floor.

- Ash Long

● Janette Manrara, from Miami, was a finalist in the US edition of So You Think You Can Dance. She is pictured answering questions after the opening night show

● Burn The Floor until June 30 at Crown Photp: Gene Schiavone

Tying Knots over gay marriage ■ Written by Indigo Bradenburg and directed by Ocar Lopez, Tying Knots explores one of the pressing questions of today: the legalisation of gay marriage.

Two same sex couples, good friends and house mates, decide to get around the law by marrying each other’s “other half”.

The two ‘brides’ show us the excitement of planning a wedding, while their partners have some reservations. The pros and cons of ‘the wedding’ are highlighted but the meaning of marriage itself is only touched on.

The cast do a fine job of telling the story, with Pippa Bainbridge and Tarah Carey as the women, David Summers and James Harvy as the men.

Amanda Logan shines in the pivotal role of Thea, ably supported by Ryan Jones as Kit. The skilfully designed set enables changes of scene with minimum disruption.

The playwright is developing a full length version of the play, which will allow him to explore some of the other ideas, such as prejudice, trust and depression.

The light approach that leaves the story to tell itself works better than the dialogue which is sometimes too ‘on message’.

Nevertheless, he reminds us that the UN Declaration of Human Rights omits the word ‘gender’ in discussing the right to marry, and he is right to bring this to our attention.

Performance Season: Until July 1 Times: Wed, Sun 6.30pm. Thu, Fri Sat 8.30pm Running Time: 65 minutes Venue: La Mama Theatre, Faraday St, Carlton, - Review by Penel Gibson

● Pippa Bainbridge, David Summers, James Harvy and Tarah Carey in Tying Knots, presented at La Mama Theatre until July 1.

Page 78 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Observer Showbiz Cosi Fan Tutte ■ Melbourne Opera continues to celebrate its 10th anniversary season with Mozart’s great comic masterpiece, Cosi Fan Tutte, on July 11 at 7.30pm, July 15 at 2.30pm, July 17 at 6.30pm and July 18 at 7.30pm at the Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne and on July 31 at 8.00pm at the Alexander Theatre, Monash University, Clayton.

Company co-founder and conductor, Greg Hocking, said Melbourne Opera had deliberately chosen Cosi Fan Tutte as one of its 10th anniversary season operas because of its huge appeal across all ages.

“Melbourne Opera is about making opera accessible to people who love opera, as well as newcomers to the tradition of opera”, said Mr Hocking.

Melbourne Opera has again assembled a superb cast for this production under the direction of Suzanne Chaundy, renowned for her fresh outlook on the repertoire.

Suzanne Chaundy has updated the traditional story to the 1960s in Melbourne, when strict moral values are challenged by free love.

Amongst the cast are: Danielle Calder and Emily Wang alternating as Fiordiligi, Victoria Lambourn and Angela Hogan sharing Dorabella, Roy Best and Paul Biencourt as Ferrando, Phillip Calcagno and Nathan Lay as Guglielmo, Andrea Creighton and Nicole Wallace sharing Despina, and Roger Howell and Ian Cousins recreating their hilarious Don Alfonsos.

Mozart and Da Ponte's classic comedy of love, attraction and fidelity will be performed in English.

Venue: Athenaeum Theatre, 188 Collins St., Melbourne Dates: July 11 at 7.30pm, July 15 at 2.30pm, July 17 at 6.30pm and July 18 at 7.30pm.

Bookings: www.melbourneopera.com Ticketek.com.au 9650 1500 ■ Venue: Alexander Theatre, Monash University, Clayton.

Performance: July 31at 8.00pm Bookings: www.monash.edu/mapa 9905 1111

Heart of St Kilda ■ Further acts have been announced for the fifth annual Sacred Heart Mission Heart Of St Kilda Concert to be held on Wednesday, July 18 at The Palais Theatre.

Hosted by Brian Nankervis, this is being billed as the biggest and best Heart Of St Kilda concert ever with a line-up featuring some of Australia’s most exciting performers.

Just announced to join the line-up are: Rebecca Barnard and Billy Miller's Singalong, Ian Bland, Greg Champion, Raymond Crowe: unusualist EVEN, and Michael Paynter.

They will be joined by Lanie Lane, Lawrence Mooney, Tim Rogers, Fiona O’Laughlin, Normie Rowe, Nick Barker, Cal Wilson and Stonefield The Heart of St Kilda Concert is a great way to support St Kilda`s Sacred Heart Mission, whose work in the community provides the basic necessities of life - food, clothing, emergency relief, accommodation and companionship to those in crisis who need immediate support and assistance.

Publicist Julie Cavnagh says: “This year`s show is going to be an absolute showstopper with an exciting line-up of comedians and singers coming together to present a one-off spectacular concert.

“Every day of the year Sacred Heart Mission provides free breakfasts and three course hot lunches to people who are homeless or living in poverty in the St Kilda area.

Ticketmaster: 136 100 or www.ticketmaster.com.au

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Showbiz Extra News from around Victoria

‘BUGSY MALONE’ AT BANYULE THEATRE ■ Catchment Players presented Bugsy Malone from June 15-17 at the Banyule Theatre, Buckingham Drive, Heidelberg.

The show was directed and choreographed

by Nathan Firmin, with musical direction by Kelly Trenery.

● Fat Sam's Nightclub Ladies, from left: Hannah Bailey, Pia Lauritz, Annie Griffiths, Kira Coghlan, Georgia Ingham and Adriana Dall'Est.

● Annie Griffiths (Tallulah)

● Annie Griffiths (Tallulah) and Sam Jobson (Fat Sam).

● Rikki-Lee Burley (Blousey Brown) Photo: Christie Maloney

THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK

■ Amy Gridley (Jennifer Gabriel) and Anthony Bolger (Michael Spofford) bring youthful romance to MLOC’s production of The Witches Of Eastwick, being presented until June 23 at the Phoenix Theatre, 101 Glenhuntly Rd, Elwood.

This lively musical is directed

by Jane Court, with musical direction by Martine Wengrow and choreography by Merilyn Young.

Bookings: 9570 4052 or www.mloc.org.au

bring a wide range of programs to the Network.

“It’s a great time to be joining the team at Nine, with so many fantastic shows on air having such a big impact; I really can’t wait to get started,” Courtney said.

Queen Lear

Gangsters’ Ball ■ Now in its fifth year The Gangsters’ Ball is on its way back to Melbourne this September.

Modern day Mobsters and Molls can step back in time to a bygone era where men wore threepiece suits and fedora hats, women wore feathers and pill box hats, The Melbourne event will be held at the Forum Theatre on Saturday, September 8.

The event will feature Vaudevillian Mr Fish, Hoops and cabaret performer Judith Lanigan, magician and illusionist Al Cappuccino, Bottoms Up burlesque dancers, the Swing Patrol Performance Troup and 10-piece swing band The Red Hot Rhythmakers performing live.

Tickets available now via www.ticketmaster.com.au or Phone Bookings 136 100

Courtney at 9 ■ Courtney Gibson is joining the Nine Network as a Programming Production Executive.

“We are excited to have some-

● Amy Gridley (Jennifer Gabriel) and Anthony Bolger (Michael Spofford).

Photo: Adrian Morris one with the outstanding track record of Courtney join our production team here at Nine.,” said Director of Programming Andrew Backwell Courtney has been with Southern Star Entertainment for the past three years working across the non-scripted slate.

Prior to this role Courtney was the Executive Head of Content Creation at the ABC where she developed such memorable programs as Spicks and Specks, Summer Heights High, The Chasers War On Everything, We Can Be Heroes and Strictly Dancing.

In her role at Nine she will work alongside Head of Development Adrian Swift and the production team of Simon Baird, Karen Dewey and John Walsh working with the independent production sector to

■ Robyn Nevin will don the royal crown in Queen Lear, William Shakespeare’s most devastating tragedy, adapted and directed by Rachel McDonald.

The greatest challenge for an actor re-imagined in a mythical, visually lavish production, Queen Lear opens Thursday, July 12 at 8pm at the MTC Theatre, Sumner.

Cast: Nicholas Hammond (Cornwall), Belinda McClory (Regan), Robert Menzies (Kent), Robyn Nevin (Lear), Rohan Nichol (Edgar), David Paterson (Edmund), Genevieve Picot (Goneril), Richard Piper (Gloucester), Alexandra Schepisi (Cordelia), Greg Stone (Albany) Venue: The MTC Theatre, Sumner Season dates: July7 to August 18.

Opening night: Thursday, July 12 at 8pm Tickets from $56 (Under 30s just $33) Booking details: The MTC Theatre Box Office 8688 0800 or mtc.com.au

at St Kilda Sea Baths on Thursday, June 28.

Nova 100’s Dylan Lewis will host 360’s Red Room performance at Melbourne’s Winter Festival, ahead of his highly anticipated Flying Tour.

For the first time DMG Music, DMG Radio Australia’s new music division, has brought Nova’s Red Room to Melbourne.

The Red Room launched in Sydney in March this year and has attracted performers including Jesse J, Gym Class Heroes, Professor Green, Tinie Tempah, Carly Rae Jepson, Rebecca Ferguson and Olly Murs.

Brothers

● Brothers Hand Mirror, HTMLflowers aka Cougar ■ Australian rapper 360 will per- Flashy and Oscar Key Sung form in Nova’s Red Room from (Oscar + Martin), See news Australia’s biggest ice skating rink item, Page 83

Rapper 360

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2012 - Page 79

Showbiz People

Survivors Club Rising Sun Hotel, South Melbourne

● Observer Racing Editor Ted Ryan with Ray Benson

● Radio veteran John Vertigan with music man Bill Duff

● TV-radio veteran Roy Hampson with Magic 1278’s Peter Van

● Birthday boys Hugh Hill and Philip Brady

● Bill Armstrong with Bruce McKay

● Music industry identity Marcus Herman with Keith McGowan

● Doug Morgan, John Allan and Bob Taylor at The Survivors luncheon

● Max Stuart was accompanied to the event by his son Grant

Page 80 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Observer Showbiz

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Radio Confidential News from stations from around Victoria

SHOCK PASSING OF STEVE PRICE

Country Crossroads

DEATH OF POPULAR COMMUNITY BROADCASTER

info@country crossroads.com.au ● Big Breakfast Show.

Southern FM 88.3.

Tues. 6am-9am. ● Country Crossroads.

Casey Radio 97.7.

Wed. 10pm-12 Midnight

ABC National host passes Rob Foenander

MELINDA WINS MO AWARD

■ Country music artist Melinda Schneider has won the 2012 ‘Mo’ award for Country Performer of the Year and Female Vocal Performer of the Year. Melinda took the title from fellow finalists Kel-Anne Brandt, Beccy Cole, last year's winner Nicki Gillis, Wayne Horsburgh and The McClymonts.

CATHERINE’S NEW RELEASE

■ Multi-award winner Catherine Britt has released the title track from her upcoming new album, Always Never Enough.

The album features 13 new songs, was recorded in America and is Catherine's fifth studio album. It was produced by Catherine, and Bill Chambers and features collaborations with US country/folk icon and master songwriter Guy Clark and Australia's Tim Rogers.

HATS OFF TO COUNTRY

■ Tamworth's mid-year country music festival will get a big boost this year following the announcement that Toyota is to be the name sponsor of the event. Toyota Hats Off To Country will run in Tamworth featuring more than 60 individual country stars in dozens of events and activities over four big days and nights from Thursday to Sunday, July 5-8.

OAMs FOR MARY, JOHNNY

■ Mary Schneider, Australia's Queen of Yodelling, and South Australia's Johnny Mac have been awarded Order of Australia Medals (OAMs) in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

Mary's honour was bestowed for service to the performing arts as a country music singer, songwriter and entertainer.

Johnny Mac (awarded as Lewis John Mackereth) was honoured for service to the performing arts as a country music singer and entertainer.

MILDURA GETS READY

■ The 2012 Mildura Country Music Festival is gearing up for another great year.

Australia's largest independent country music festival commences on September 28 and runs until October 7.

More than 100 artists will join the celebrations at 28 separate venues around the Mildura area.

- Rob Foenander

r Observbei z Show

● Steve Price ■ Melbourne community radio broadcaster Steve Price died suddenly last week.

Price (not to be confused with the former 3AW-MTR presenter of the same name) was presenter of Good Times, Classic Gold on Casey 97.7 FM. An alert was raised when Steve failed to arrive at the Cranbourne studios for his Wednesday evening program.

Steve was found at his Noble Park unit. It is believed that he died on Tuesday night.

Raised in Euroa, Steve Price had been a musician, and loved the Australian music scene. He had also worked at 3CR and Southern FM 88.3 at Moorabbin.

Steve wrote poetry pieces I Remember That Well and School Days which were voiced by 3AW’s Bruce Mansfield, backed by music provided the late John Ferguson of 3CR. In the days prior to his posting Steve penned a note to the Observer with thanks for publicity given to his Stan Rofe tribute show.

“He was greatly loved by his family and will be missed terribly,” said son Ben, who achieved acclaim last year on national TV as an impersonator-comedian on Australia’s Got Talent.

Steve is also survived by Viki, Josh, and Lisa; and his grandchildren Isabella, Jordan, Madeline and Aviella.

● Steve Price, Merv Benton and Stan Rofe

● Steve Price with Tommy Sands at Southern FM

Radio Flashbacks

● Alan Saunders ■ ABC Radio National has lost one of its most accomplished long-term presenters with last week’s death of Alan Saunders.

Alan fell ill while working on his regular program The Philosopher’s Zone on Wednesday, the network said.

He was taken to hospital but died on Thursdaymorning surrounded by colleagues and friends. ‘‘In his 25 years with Radio National, Alan made a substantial contribution to the intellectual discourse in Australia and certainly to the enjoyment of his audiences,’’ ABC Director Radio, Kate Dundas, said.

Mix messages

■ Mix 101.1 pride itself on its 2pm-3pm music hour “with no interruptions”.

So why is there annoying interruptions between songs, reminding listeners that there are no interruptions?

● Breakfast Show presenters Liz Sullivan and Peter ‘Harro’ Harrison at the 3XY studios in King St, Melbourne around 1983.

Get well Ray

■ Best wishes to Radio Eastern 98.1 President Ray Lawrence who is on the sick list.

Melbourne

Observer

On This Day

Wednesday, Thursday, June 21 June 20

Friday, June 22

Saturday, June 23

Sunday, June 24

Monday, June 25

Tuesday, June 26

■ Fotballer Dick Reynolds was born in 1915. He died in 2002 (87).

Joan Kirner was born as Joan Hood in 1938 (74).

Beach boy Brian Wilson was born in 1942 (70).

US singer Lionel Ritchie is 63 today (1949).

■ Actress Meryl Streep was born in New Jersey in 1949 (63).

New Zealand musician and songwriter Todd Hunter was born in 1951 (61).

Actor and comedian Freddie Prinze was born in 1954. He died aged 23.

Singer Cyndi Lauper is 59 (1953).

■ US singer June Carter was born in 1929. She died aged 73 in 2003.

English pop singer Adam Faith (Terence Nelhams) was born in London in 1940. He died aged 62 in 2003.

Actor Bryan Brown was born in Sydney in 1947 (65).

US actress Selma Blair is 40 (1972).

■ Drummer with Fleetwood Mac, Mick Fleetwood, was born in England in 1947 (or 1942?).

Australian actress Di Smith was born in Sydney in 1956 (56).

English guiatrist Jeff Beck was born in Surrey, England, in 1944 (68). He was in The Yardbirds.

■ Author George Orwell (Eric Blair) was born i9n India in 1903. He died aged 46 in 1950.

Actress June Lockhart was born in New York City in 1925 (87).

Singer Carly Simon was born in New York City in 1945 (67).

NZ singer-songwriter Tim Finn was born in 1952 (60).

■ Hungarian-born actor Peter Lorre was born in 1904. He died aged 60 in 1964.

Colonel Tom Parker, manager for Elvis Presley, was born as Andreas Cornelius Van Kuijk in 1909. He died aged 87 in 1997.

Opera singer June Bronhill was born in 1929; died in 2005 (75)

■ Actress Jane Russell was born as Ernestine Jane Russell in 1921 (91).

American actress Meredith Baxter was born in 1947 (65).

Prince William (William Arthur Philip Louis Windsor) was born in London, England in 1982 (30) Actress Juliette Lewis is 39 (1973).

Thanks to GREG NEWMAN of the Birthday Bulletin for assistance with birthday and anniversary dates.

Find out more at www.birthdaybulletin.com.au

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

ShowBiz!

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2012 - Page 81

Observer Showbiz

The Survivors ● From Page 3

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

ROLLER COASTER

The Spoiler For Those Who Have Lost The Plot

Neighbours

● Bill Passick with Dean Reynolds ■ Also in attendance at The Survivors were Doug Morgan, Denis O’Kane, Dean Reynolds, Garry Stewart, Don Kinsey, Nevill Sherburn, John Vertigan, Peter Meehan, Chris Bahen and Ash Long.

Apologies were received from Pete Smith, Paul Konik, Ralphe Rickman, Brendan Sheedy, John Worthy and Ray Lawrence.

Doug Morgan brought news that Channel 0 pioneer Barry McQueen has been hospitalised, and is now in full-time care.

Bill Armstrong and Nevill Sherburn paid extensive tribute to the life of Graeme Bell (see Page 9).

Popular member Tony Charlton has been honoured by the Melbourne Cricket Club and the XLI (41) Club.

Dan Webb paid tribute to the work of Christine Unsworth, who has retired from the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal after 16 years: “Without her, the new hospital would not have been built.”

Vale Ray Bell

● Joan Belll and Ray Bell ■ Ray Bell performed under the stage name of Rusty Shannon during the 1950s and was also part of a singing trio with his wife Joan and his sister-in-law.

Ray passed away on June 2after 61 years of marriage to Joan. I remember watching Ray perform George Formby songs whilst strumming his ukulele at the social barbecues for 96.5FM in the back yard of Marie and Bill Gosstray.

His singing partner was Ray Reynolds and they were known as the Two Rays of Sunshine.

Ray met many famous people during his career including Bob Hope and George Formby. He corresponded with many of the famous film stars and I remember being at his home when he showed me letters from Gene Autry and many of the old time film stars.

Ray was a keen reader and occasional contributor for the Melbourne Observer.

Vale Ray Bell - our sympathy is extended to Joan, their son Wayne and all the family. He was a lovely man who just wanted to make people happy with his songs.

- Kevin Trask

■ Fab Nobs presents the Victorian amateur premiere production of Next To Normal, music by Tom Kitt, book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey.

It explores the harrowing effects of mental illness on a family and is an unlikely subject for a musical.

It’s a roller coaster ride through the torment and debilitating effects of bipolar disease.

It bars no punches and the powerful music enhances the plot and brings more heart to the piece than the spoken word alone.

Congratulations to the hospitable Fab Nobs, for proudly tackling disturbing issues and giving audiences something to contemplate.

Nick Kong directed his talented cast to deeply analyse their characters and portray them with immense feeling and empathy.

The six young performers are outstanding. Each has their own story to tell and draw us into their world.

Lizzie Matjacic as Diana is superb.

At first she seems a little young for the role, but we find out she was very young when she started her family and we are soon immersed in her tragic tale.

Jonathon Guthrie-Jones as Dan played the supportive loving husband to perfection and we were with him every step of the way.

Kate Warner as Natalie was compelling and gave a heart wrenching performance.

Robbie Medica as Gabe was captivating. Gifted performer Matt Allen as Henry and Tony Burge as Dr Madden/Dr Fine were excellent.

Next To Normal will bring you to tears, drain and exhaust you. However, you’ll be moved and touched by this exceptional production.

Next To Normal is running until June 30 at the Fab Factory, 33 Industry Place, Bayswater. www.fabnobs theatre.com.au or 0401018 846. Tickets $25 and $30.

- Debbie Keyt

● The cast of Metapraxis at the Arts House

Local Theatre Edited by Cheryl Threadgold

Arts House new season ■ Arts House, North Melbourne’s Season Two for 2012 has been announced: Metapraxis. Jon Rose, Atticus & guests, Australian premiere July 19 – 21.

Shifting Ground, Zoe Scoglio , world premiere July 19 – 22.

Hell House – Provocation, Belief & Morality, Back to Back Theatre, August 3 – 5.

The Democratic Set, Back to Back Theatre, Victorian premiere August 7 – 9.

Dokurai , The Black Lung Theatre and Whaling Firm with Liurai Fo’er and Galaxy, Victorian premiere, August 29 – September 2.

RRAMP – the Collector, the Archivist & the Electrocrat, Christine Johnston, Lisa O’Neill and Peter Nelson, Victorian premiere, September 5 – 8.

Star******s, Laura Caesar and Malcolm Whittaker, Victorian premiere September 6 – 8.

The Other Film Festival Arts Access Victoria , Including world and Australian premieres September 19 – 23.

Impasse, Denis Beaubois, William McClure and Jeff Stein, world premiere October 19 – 28 Hold, David Cross, Victorian premiere October 19 – 28.

Gauge, Madeline Flynn and Tim Humphrey, world premiere November 15 – 21.

Going Nowhere, Arts House, Inaugural Festival, November 23 – 25 Arts House North Melbourne Town Hall. 521 Queensberry St, North Melbourne.

Arts HouseMeat Market. 5 Blackwood St, North Melbourne.

Bookingsartshouse.com.au or 9322 3713.

- Cheryl Threadgold

■ 6.30pm. Weeknights. Eleven.

■ Monday, June 25. Callum fumes when Troy fails to keep his end of their deal and drop the intervention order against Toadie. Will their conflict end in shocking consequences?

■ Tuesday, June 26. Jade is terrified that Troy is planning to take revenge, but the discovery that he’s in hospital brings other fears; Lucas and Vanessa each try to help Sonya and Jade in their own way.

■ Wednesday, June 27. Rhys impresses Vanessa with his passion for his patients; distressed about Jade’s potential manslaughter charges, Callum refuses to visit Troy despite his critical condition.

■ Thursday, June 28. Worried about Toadie, Susan remains unaware of Paul’s determination to reclaim his job as editor; Andrew continues to pitch ideas for making money from Tash and Ed’s maths skills until Ed protests.

■ Friday, June 29.

Thrilled to win an award for her efforts at the paper, Summer’s convinced to host a celebratory dinner, but fears it’s too soon to invite Andrew; meanwhile Tash starts to warm to Ed.

Home and Away ■ 7.00pm. Weeknights. Channel 7.

■ Monday, June 25. Alf brings up old ghosts for Lottie, Brax lets Danny stay with him ■ Tuesday, June 26. Brax tries to protect his mother from Danny and Sasha wants Ruby to stay away from Casey.

■ Wednesday, June 27. Bianca has a psychotic episode and Sasha blames herself for Casey's bad behaviour.

Star Bursts Should this news item worry 3AW Melbourne broadcasters Bruce Mansfield and Philip Brady? ★ Sydney radio man Alan Jones has been criticised by the Australian Communications and Media Authority for going to air on 2GB, “failing to use reasonable efforts to ensure that factual material was reasonably supportable as being accurate”.

The ‘Save The Astor Theatre’ protest at St Kilda at the weekend included a ‘roll the Jaffas down ★ the aisle’ protest.

Southern Community Media Association, a body for community radio stations, held its annual gen★ eral meeting at Kilmore Turf Club on Sunday morn-

ing. The racecourse is the home for local Kilmore station, 3OKR-FM. The meeting included a session om governance by David Wilson, who was presented with the Ray Hazen Award.

Seymour FM radio station 103.9 held a public meeting last week to atract people and cash, after ★ running local press advertisements saying that the

organisation could fold. “We’re not looking for ideas, we’;ve got plenty of those. We’ve got great ideas but we just haven’t got the people to implement them,” said Vice-President Greg Sharp.

Ken Lyons, 3WBC-FM volunteer,was recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in ★ the Queen’s Birthday Honours last week. Ken loves

his work at the Whitehorse-Boroondara community station. He was a wireless operator with the RAAF.

The Production Company is opening its 2012 sea son on July 11 with the Mel Brooks masterpiece, ★ The Producers. It will star Wayne Scott Kermond, Brent Hill, Christie Whelan, Trevor Ashley, Rohan Browne, Mitchell Butel and Virginia Gay. Creatives include Adam Gardnir, set; Jim Bishop, Costumes; Paul Jackson and Robert Cuddon, sound.

Topline ships, such as Queen Mary II, are now being used for movie launches. Madame Butter★ fly is to debut in 3D on July 6.

Page 82 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Observer Showbiz What’s Hot and What’s Not in DVD and Blu-Ray releases FILM: J. EDGAR: Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Naomi Watts, Armie Hammer.

Genre: Crime/Drama/Biography.

Year: 2011.

Rating: M. Running Time: 137 Minutes.

Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: ***1/2 Verdict: Director Clint Eastwood's biopic on legendary 20th Century lawman J. Edgar Hoover, the powerful head of the FBI for nearly 50 years, is a compelling, fascinating yet not completely fulfilling look back on his controversial professional and personal life. Leonardo DiCaprio is a standout as J. Edgar Hoover, head and founder of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, but Eastwood's approach to Hoover comes across surprising soft for a man who was feared by President's, Hollywood and people from all walks of life, a man who could distort the truth as easily as he upheld it, a powerful reign and persona were tremendously complex and were at once ruthless and heroic. By the end of its 137 minutes you feel that you want to know more, but as it stands there is more than enough to give you a good idea, and satisfying one at that, of an extraordinary man who, behind closed doors, held secrets that could have destroyed many people, even his own image, career and his life.

Naomi Watts does well as his long running and trustworthy secretary who guarded the secrets, Judi Dench as his overprotective mother, and most notably, Armie Hammer as his companion and confidant, A worthy addition to an unprecedented legacy as a filmmaker, Oscar winner Clint Eastwood has done a superior job under difficult circumstances, delivering with firm fisted professionalism a captivating glimpse of one of the most extraordinary men in history.

FILM: WE'RE NO ANGELS. Cast: Humphrey Bogart, Aldo Ray, Peter Ustinov, Adolph The Snake.

Genre: Comedy.

Year: 1955.

Rating: PG. Running Time: 106 Minutes.

Format: DVD. Stars: **** Verdict: The delightfully quirky and wonderfully whimsical comedy classic of three prisoners who escape from the infamous Devil's Island to a French small coastal town where they decide to rob a store to get some money and travel by ship to another place. They pretend to be there to fix the roof, but soon realize that the financial condition of the family they intend robbing is not good, because of the selfish and mean owner of the establishment, so as the three wise convicts spend Christmas night with the family, and as they have been so well treated by them, they decide to help, with the aid of a pet that will hopefully fix the crisis.

It is impossible to single out any one performance as screen greats Humphrey Bogart, Aldo Ray and Peter Ustinov are so perfectly cast and work so beautifully together, each in their own right in one of the best and most memorable roles of their respective careers. Superbly adapted for the screen by Ranald MacDougall {The Naked Jungle, Mildred Pierce) and directed by Michael Curtiz (Casablanca, The Adventures of Robin Hood, Mildred Pierce, Yankee Doodle Dandy), We're No Angels is an enchantingly unforgettable off-kilter comedy with three lovable rogues who will tickle the funny bone, warm the heart and refuse let go for a long time after the credits have finished.

FILM: HARD TIMES: Cast: Charles Bronson, James Coburn, Jill Ireland, Strother Martin.

Genre: Drama/Action.

Year: 1975.

Rating: M. Running Time: 90 Minutes.

Format: DVD. Stars: ***1/2 Verdict: A strong, tough and exciting hard edged depression era tale of a strong silent streetfighter, who joins a promoter for a series no-holdsbarred bare-fisted street boxing bouts. Screen tough guy Charles Bronson demonstrates exactly what tough is all about in this two-fisted action drama about a drifter suddenly caught up in the fight game as a downon-his-luck loner who hops a freight train to New Orleans where, on the seedier side of town, he tries to make some quick money the only way he knows how, with his fists, and the help of a hustler (James Coburn) who convinces him that he can win money for them both. Originally released in Australian cinemas in 1975 as The Streetfighter, director Walter Hill (48 Hours, The Long Riders, The Warriors, Crossroads, Red Heat) pulls no punches (no pun intended) in its raw brutal depiction of a no-nonsense underground culture. Charles Bronson is right in his element as the mysteriously silent fighter with a deadly fists, and James Coburn also a standout as the promoter who hustles their way into the ring. Superb period recreation, cinematography, direction and performances all combine to make Hard Times an intelligent, taut, tense and totally thrilling and compelling entertainment experience!

- James Sherlock

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Movies, DVDs

With James Sherlock

Reviews by Aaron Rourke

PROMETHEUS 3D

● Michael Fassbender from Prometheus ■ (MA). 124 minutes. Now showing Another major problem is the lack in cinemas everywhere, including of a compelling lead character to enIMAX. thrall an audience, and Noomi Rapace Director Ridley Scott makes his fails to offer a commanding central highly anticipated return to not only performance. the science fiction genre, but to the Known for her star-making turn in particular universe that was part of the trilogy of films that began with The one of his most iconic and important Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, Rapace films, Alien (1979). seems unable to take control of her After much hype and admittedly character this time (or her accent, excessive advertising, this expensive which changes on a regular basis), but outing proves to be hugely disappoint- it doesn't help when she has to sprout ing, failing to expand on a number of awful dialogue and endure some interesting ideas and just as impor- laughable scenes. tantly, not giving us characters of any Her character Shaw is no Ripley, worth. and Rapace is not even a shadow of Opening in the Isle Of Sky in Scot- Sigourney Weaver. land circa 2089, we are introduced to The only decent performance anthropologists Elizabeth Shaw comes from the ever-reliable Michael (Noomi Rapace) and Charlie Fassbender (Hunger / Shame / A Holloway (Tom Hardy look-a-like Dangerous Method / Centurion / Fish Logan Marshall-Green), who dis- Tank), who is so good as the curious cover during one dig a painting that android David that he amplifies how pre-dates other cave drawings by badly written the human characters thousands of years. are.

The painting seems to be an inviScott's return to Alien territory untation from an outerspace civilisation fortunately has not seen a return to to visit their homeland far, far away. form, and while the film looks very This attracts the attention of long- slick (thanks to him having a better time Company chief Peter Weyland cinematographer this time, the great (Guy Pearce), who finances a mis- Dariusz Wolski, who shot The Crow, sion to explore what connection this Dark City, Crimson Tide, The Fan, race of super beings have with man- and Sweeney Todd), it still lacks that kind. genuine Ridley Scott look and feel that Travelling on the spaceship marked his earlier work.

Prometheus Shaw, Holloway and their A mediocre music score by Marc crew of 17, which includes Company Streitenfeld (who worked on Scott's representitive Meredith Vickers A Good Year, American Gangster, (Charlize Theron), Captain Janek Body Of Lies and Robin Hood) does (Idris Elba), and android David not help.

(Michael Fassbender), make their References to Alien abound (and two-year trip to the planet singled out in some cases Aliens), with set dein the drawings, landing there on sign, dialogue, sound effects, music, Christmas Day 2093. and even camera angles apparent Finding a dome-like structure, the throughout which will initially amuse crew investigate inside, and what they fans of the series, but the fun disapdiscover will lead to horror, danger, pears as the growingly silly and empty and a major questioning of faith. nature of the story envelops the film.

Scott wants to build Prometheus The special effects and production up slowly in the same way he did design, as expected from a large-scale Alien, but it does not work this time opus such as this are impressive as is round as there are no characters worth the use of 3D, which shows off the caring about, due to the poor script by effects and sets to maximum effect.

Jon Spaihts (The Darkest Hour) and Prometheus could have been an Damon Lindelof (Cowboys And outstanding sci-fi film that introduced Aliens / Lost TV series / Crossing Jor- fascinating ideas and themes to a clasdan TV series) who instead of creat- sic series, but due to inept writing, oneing real, believable people, gives us note characters, dull performances, cardboard constructs who are merely and a frustratingly under-developed there to be killed later on. story, it ends up being a complete misThis affects the mostly generic fire, coming from a director who is cast who deliver underwhelming per- truly starting leave his fans feeling both formances, making the human ele- dejected and betrayed. ment of the story feel hollow and pointTo top everything off (and to indiless. cate to us even more that it was coEven good actors such as Theron authored by a TV writer), a number (Monster / North Country / The of story threads are left deliberately Road), Idris Elba (Thor / 28 Weeks unanswered as the door is left wide Later / American Gangster / The Wire open for a sequel, much in the same TV series), Kate Dickie (Red Road / way a pilot show ends to then lead Outcast), and Patrick Wilson (Hard into a TV series.

Candy / Little Children) cannot rise RATING - ** above the weak writing.

- Aaron Rourke

Melbourne

Observer

Top 10 Lists THE AUSTRALIAN BOX OFFICE TOP TEN: 1. PROMETHEUS. 2. MEN IN BLACK 3.

3. WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU'RE EXPECTING. 4. THE AVENGERS. 5. THE DICTATOR. 6. FRIENDS WITH KIDS. 7. DARK SHADOWS. 8. THE WAY. 9. THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL. 10. SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN. NEW RELEASES AND COMING SOON TO CINEMAS AROUND AUSTRALIA: JUNE 14: LE CHEF, MARGARET, ROCK OF AGES, SEEKING JUSTICE, TAKE THIS WALTZ, THAT'S MY BOY, THE CABIN IN THE WOODS. JUNE 21: A ROYAL AFFAIR, BRAVE, ELENA, MARLEY, SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN, THE THREE STOOGES, NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE - FRANKENSTEIN V2.

THE DVD TOP SELLERS: 1. J. EDGAR [Drama/Leonardo DiCaprio, Naomi Watts].

2. UNDERWORLD: AWAKENING [Action/Thriller/Kate Beckinsale, Michael Ealy].

3. MAN ON A LEDGE [Action/ Drama/Jamie Bell, Sam Worthington, Ed Harris].

4. SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS [Adventure/Robert Downey Jr, Jude Law].

5. SAFE HOUSE [Thriller/Denzel Washington, Ryan Reynolds].

6. THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO [Mystery/Thriller/Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara].

7.

HUGO [Adventure/Asa Butterfield, Christopher Lee, Ben Kingsley].

8. TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY [Drama/Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Tom Hardy].

9. MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: GHOST PROTOCOL [Action/Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner].

10. THE MUPPETS [Family/Adventure/Amy Adams, Jason Segal, Chris Cooper].

Also: JOURNEY 2: MYSTERIOUS ISLAND, ALBERT NOBBS, SHAME, ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: CHIPWRECKED, WAR HORSE, THE ADVENTURES OF TIN TIN, PUSS IN BOOTS, TOWER HEIST, THE DESCENDANTS, THE IRON LADY. NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON DVD THIS WEEK: CONTRABAND [Action/Drama/ Mark Wahlberg, Kate Beckinsale, Ben Foster].

MY WEEK WITH MARILYN [Drama/True Story/Michelle Williams, Kenneth Branagh].

MEMORIAL DAY [War/Drama/ James Cromwell].

ONE FOR THE MONEY [Comedy/ Katherine Heigl, John Leguizamo].

NEW & RE-RELEASE CLASSICS ON DVD HIGHLIGHTS: LONG JOHN SILVER [1954/Adventure/Robert Newton].

THE W.C. FIELDS COLLECTION: The Golf Specialist, Pool Sharks, The Pharmacist, The Fatal Glass of Beer, The Barber Shop, The Dentist.

Turn To Page 87

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2012 - Page 83

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Observer Showbiz REVIEW

Local Theatre With Cheryl Threadgold

SEASON OF ONE ACT PLAYS SHOWS

● How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying is presented by Mountain District Music Society ■ How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, based on the book by Shepherd Mead with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser, opened last Friday evening at the Karralyka Theatre, Mines Rd, Ringwood East to an appreciative audience.

This was another evening of great entertainment with this very sexist 60s show that was given new life by the Director Richard Perdriau and the retro colors he has introduced.

Everything in this production was designed to entertain the audience with a good cast and bright colors in the costumes designed by Tyler Hess, who also gave a stunning performance as Finch.

All the leads were well cast with Stefania Gatt as Rosemary and who delivered her songs with great feeling, Peter Smitheram as JB Biggley, a perfect choice as the Company President, and Chris Handley gave another excellent performance as Bud Frump.

This is a show that is enjoyment plus, with great performances by Lucia Craven as Hedy La Rue, Candice Sweetman as Miss Smith and Natalie Reid as Miss Jones.

Congratulations to all the cast who all gave 100 per cent and a special mention to another of the young Musical Directors, Glen Barnett and Felicity Bender for her choreography.

Old but reborn by Mountain District Music Society, How To Succeed In Business is another great night of musical theatre for all to enjoy.

The season runs until Saturday (June 23) and for bookings telephone 0431 940 984. Don’t miss this great evening of entertainment.

- Brian Amos, Radio Eastern 98.1, Croydon

RED STITCH THEATRE ■ Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre Artistic Director, David Whiteley, has announced the company’s second half season for 2012.

“We've managed to uncover a rare collection of gems for Season Two. Each of them, in very different ways, has heart, humour and humanity in abundance - and I'm confident all of them will reward our characteristically adventurous audiences”, says Whiteley.

“Three Australian premieres and one Victorian premiere - including the hit play, The Kitchen Sink, winner of the London Critics Circle Award for most promising playwright, and David Greig and Gordon McIntyre's acclaimed and wonderfully idiosyncratic 'play with songs', Midsummer, make up a season of some of the most unashamedly appealing shows we've offered in years.”

The first play of the season, Alexi Kaye Campbell’s The Pride, explores contrasting times of chronic repression and supposed liberation for homosexual men.

In August, Tom Wells’ The Kitchen Sink, is a funny and tender play about a not-so-typical family.

October brings Shakespeare’s Hamlet, John Faustus and Martin Luther to the stage in a smart, sprightly and audacious battle of wits and ideologies in Wittenberg, a “tragical-comical-historical” written by David Davalos.

The season will conclude with Midsummer, a romantic comedy about unlikely characters united in love, song and dance, written by David Greig and Gordon McIntyre.

AUDITIONS ■ Encore Theatre Inc: Jolson - You Ain't Heard Nuthin' Yet (by Kevin Trask) June 22 from 7.30pm at Fleigner Hall, 3139 Highland Avenue, Oakleigh East. Director: Kevin Trask.

Auditioning for the role of Al Jolson only. Audition bookings: 9830 1669.

■ Babirra Music Theatre: Hello Dolly! June 21 at Highfield Road Uniting Church Hall, Highfield Rd., Canterbury. Director: Sure Salvato; Musical Director: Hamish :Paterson; Choreographer: Cameron O'Reilly. Audition bookings: 0400 820 786.

Melbourne

Observer

■ Peridot Theatre: A Season of One Act Plays, Until June 26 at 8.00pm at the Unicorn Theatre, Lechte Rd., Mt Waverley. The Waiting Room, by John Bowen, directed by Annie Blood and No Chocolates by Request, by Chris Hodson and directed by Lisa McNiven. Tickets: $10. Bookings: 1300 138645 ■ Malvern Theatre Company: An Evening With Chekhov's Short Comedies June 22 - July 7 at 29 Burke Rd., Malvern. Director: John Keogh. Tickets: $20 (no consc.) Bookings: 1300 131552.

■ Geelong Repertory Theatre Company: Romeo and Juliet (by William Shakespeare) June 22 - July 7 at the Woodbin Theatre, 15 Coronation St., Geelong West. Director: Cherie Mills. Tickets: $25/$22/$20. Bookings: 5225 1200. www.geelongrep.com.au ■ Williamstown Little Theatre: God of Carnage (by Yasmina Reza) June 28 - July 14 at 2-4 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: Bruce Akers. Tickets: $25/$22.Bookings: 9885 9678 or www.wlt.org.au ■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: Life and Beth (by Alan Ayckbourn) June 29 - July 14 at the Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Rd., Parkdale. Director: Martin Gibbs. Tickets: $24/ $22/$20. Bookings: 9587 5141 or www.mordialloctheatre.com ■ Beaumaris Theatre: Still Life (by Noel Coward) June 29, 20, July 6, 7 at Beaumaris Theatre, 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris. Director: Kristina Doucaliagos. Presented in conjunction with: Tony Hancock's The Bowmans. Director: Janine Chugg. Tickets: $25/ $22. Bookings: 9583 6896 or www.beaumaristheatre.com.au

AUDITIONS ■ Southern Peninsula Players: Calendar Girls (by Tim Firth) June 28 at 7.30pm and July 2 at 7.30pm at Rosebud venues.

Director: Trudi McKenzie. Audition bookings: 0458 082224.

■ Malvern Theatre Company: Loyal Women (by Garry Mitchell) June 24 at 2.30pm and June 25 at 7.30pm at Malvern Theatre, 29 Burke Rd., Malvern. Director: Bruce Cochrane. Audition bookings: 9815 2446.

■ Brothers Hand Mirror have been performing together for just over a year, with both artists performing solo for ten years previously.HTMLflowers (Cougar Flashy) does the rap and Oscar Key Sung (Oscar + Martin) does the beats with tape loops and drums. The performers say that dancing is important to them and they don’t sing about money or violence, but instead “day dreams, sunbursts and complicated emotions”.They have just realized an EP for free download: http://brothershandmirror.bandcamp.com/album/ourwill-e-p -

Gary Hammond

● Gary Hammond ■ Aspendale Gardens musician, songwriter and music teacher Gary Hammond has recently released an EP titled Would You Marry Me Again?

The song is written by Gary, produced by James Kempster and Tim Henwood, with Tim Henwood on guitar, James Kempster on bass and John Watson on drums.

For 25 years Gary was one half of the duo Skaf and Happ, playing at venues from Crown Casino to the Lorne Hotel. For the past six years, he has played with the cover band The Acoustic Beatles, a great favourite with Baby Boomers, celebrating the spirit and genius of the Fab Four.

The band can be enjoyed on the first Friday of every month at the Beaumaris RSL Club.

In addition to his musical talents, Gary also played football in the Victorian Football Association in the late 70s and early 80s, being named full forward in the Team of the Century and still holding a record in the top 10 goal kickers in the VFA.A video clip of Gary’s new EP can be seen on Youtube and garyhammond.com.au The EP can be purchased for $5.95 from the website.

Cheryl Threadgold on 3AW ■ Non-Pro Theatre columnist Cheryl Threadgold is heard weekly on 3AW Melbourne Overnight program hosted by Andrew McLaren. Cheryl presents a segment with the latest community theatre news at 12.45am Wednesdays.

AT FORTYFIVEDOWNSTAIRS ■ Wattle We Do Next Productions in association with Stable Productions and Auspicious Arts Projects, present The McNeil Project, featuring two of Jim McNeil's best-known Australian plays: The Chocolate Frog and The Old Familiar Juice at fortyfivedownstairs from July 6-29.

Directed by Malcolm Robertson, the cast features Luke McKenzie, Cain Thompson, William Ewing and Richard Bligh.

The McNeil Project is a highly entertaining and humanistic double bill by the late Jim McNeil, who died on May 16, 1982.

Commemorating the award-winning playwright’s legacy, The McNeil Project spotlights a world acknowledged, but rarely revealed and highlights the hypocrisy between 'them' and 'us'.

In The Chocolate Frog, two hardened inmates put their new cellmate on trial. As the verdict approaches, the trial serves as witty commentary on the dynamic between morality and mateship within Australia’s penal system.

In McNeil’s widely regarded masterpiece The Old Familiar Juice, three inmates sneakily concoct a boozy brew that acts as a catalyst for unlocking dormant primal urges.

Malcolm Robertson uncovered McNeil's original work in a Sydney prison and went on to direct the public professional premiere of The Chocolate Frog at Sydney's Q Theatre Company (1971) and The Old Familiar Juice at the Melbourne Theatre Company (1972).

Robertson is the owner of McNeil's literary estate and remembers attending a performance of The Chocolate Frog and The Last Cuppa (later revised as The Old Familiar Juice) in the Resurgents’ Room within Parramatta Maximum Security Jail.

He says: "In my report to the Australia Council I wrote: ‘the playwright reveals a beautiful capacity for comicinvention in this work, an extraordinary sanity for a writer so close to his subject matter.'"

● Luke McKenzie and Cain Thompson in The McNeil Project.

Photo: Trevor Thomas Venue: fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Season: July 6 -29 , 8pm Tue -Sat, 5pm Sun Preview: July 4 – 5, 8pm Tickets: $44 Full, $36 Concession, $30 Preview Bookings: 9662 9966 and fortyfivedownstairs.com

AUDITIONS ■ MLOC Productions Inc: The Wizard of Oz Information Evening June 26 at 8.00pm at the Parkdale Church of Christ hall, 174 Como Pde., Parkdale. Auditions: (Adults) June 28 and July 1; (Juniors) June 30 and July 7. Director: Lucy Nicolson; Musical Director: Tanya Chaves; Choreographer: Keir Jasper. Audition bookings: 9589 4912.467 766.

Page 84 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2012 Melbourne

Observer

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Lovatts Crossword No 27 Across

Across

2. Ousting 7. Unwell pupils' room 11. Mauls 17. Highest point 18. Brief sleep 19. Also known as (1,1,1) 20. Garbed 21. Miserliness 22. Bawdiness 23. Cornered (the market) 26. Sugar root 28. Lens for one eye 29. Underhand avoidance 31. Robust 34. Dangerous beach current 36. Gravy 39. Engine 41. Suspicious prowler 43. Ahead 46. Safe harbour 47. Goodbye, au ...

49. Close 51. Anxiety disorder 52. Show on screen 53. Extremely warm (3-3) 54. Plummeted 55. Fathers 56. Opposed 61. Affluence 64. Brass metal 65. Heavens 66. Unprecedented (7-2) 67. Cancelled 69. Largest mammal 71. Recommend 74. Triumph 76. Attacks 78. Persona ... grata 79. Melodic 81. Total 83. Underground molten rock 84. Cries in pain 86. Pass in traffic 89. Petticoat fabric 90. Repulsiveness 93. Native plants 94. Laze (about) 97. Waver (on edge) 100. Garret 101. Cote d'Azure region 103. Flightless birds 106. 20s/30s furnishing style (3,4) 108. Poison 109. Unroll (flag) 110. Dairy food 111. Telltale 112. Witchcraft 113. Orange skin 115. Car's registration sign 118. Media boss James's famous dad (5,6) 121. Highlander 124. Ticks over 128. In what place?

129. Distance runner 130. Stamp collector 134. From Dublin 135. Glue 136. Hide (booty)

137. Drummer, ... Starr 138. Bury (corpse) 139. Legitimate 140. Perilously 143. Requirements 144. Maritime 147. Malaysia's ... Lumpur 150. Urged on, ... up 151. Balanced (design) 155. Chill 157. And 158. Endangered atmosphere layer 159. Up until now (2,3) 162. Opts 164. Pierce with lance 167. Decants 168. Rust 169. Nashville is there 172. Got away 173. Watery snow 174. Preoccupy 177. Grating 180. Cattle farm 181. Dress's plunging ...

183. Artist, Pablo ...

184. Supplementing (5,3) 186. Relative amounts 187. Sports-jacket cloth 188. Biro 191. Hazy 195. Wooden pin 197. Regular 198. Openly 200. Fluctuates 202. Elk 203. Cat's foot 205. Astronomer's instrument 206. Frequently (poetic) 208. Price 209. Obscene 212. American Indian tribe 215. Wildebeests 217. Alaskan river 220. Rumpled (bed) 222. Preface 224. Peace 226. Summerhouse 228. Relay (4,2) 229. Snoops 230. Prepared meal 232. Contagious outbreak 235. Loops 236. Thieve 238. French holiday, ... Day 241. Team 242. Hoarse-sounding 243. Neat 244. Colours (hair) 246. Besieged 252. India's capital (3,5) 253. Skin disease 254. Mongolian desert 255. Artificial fertilisation (1,1,1) 256. Filled pastry 257. Stones singer, ... Jagger 258. Ratified 259. Learner 260. Travellers

Down 1. Business sense 2. Downgrade 3. MP's electorate 4. Property holders 5. Uncertain 6. Garden statuettes 7. Bridge length 8. Bivouac 9. Howl like infant 10. Jabbers 11. More furious 12. Tells (story) 13. Layered ice cream 14. Public swimming pool 15. Reaping blade 16. Trinket 24. Exotic flower 25. Pressed clothes 26. Destroys with fire (5,4) 27. Post-Victorian (era) 28. Cow call 30. And not 32. Joints inflammation 33. Sexual excitement 35. Tease 37. Absent without leave 38. Simplicity 39. Dazzling (rise to fame) 40. Begin shooting, ... fire 42. Golf driving area 44. Colony insects 45. Coercion 47. Murderer, Jack the ...

48. Schnitzel meat 50. Sarah, Duchess of ...

53. Coral bar 57. Reader's complaint (3-6) 58. Indian PM, ... Gandhi 59. Enlivens 60. Kindred spirit (4,4) 62. Tooth coating 63. Row of columns 65. Gender 68. Cook in oil 70. Spirited (3-7) 72. Juliet's partner 73. Encourage (3,2) 74. Crockery item 75. Follow next 77. Copier 80. Violate (law) 82. Appalling 85. Amaze 87. Egotistical 88. Ku Klux ...

91. Fiesta, Mardi ...

92. Body pouches 95. Seize (power) 96. Biblical giant 98. Ushers 99. Minute 102. Automatically approved (6-7) 104. Duration 105. Mediocre journalist 107. Ultra-conservatives 113. Just defeating, ... at the post 114. Hard to pin down 116. Unfortunate 117. Reapply lacquer 119. Hocking 120. Distinguished

Down 122. Pivotal 123. Anti-riot vapour (4,3) 125. Fragrance 126. Less frequent 127. Office circulars 128. Beat (cream) 130. Postgraduate degree (2,1) 131. Tavern 132. ... & outs 133. Attempt 141. Waylays 142. Haughtier 145. Passenger jets 146. Next (to) 148. Very topical (2-2-4) 149. Greases 152. Display frames 153. Pork chop cut 154. Woodwork joint 155. Agents 156. Drive forward 160. By heart, by ...

161. Lost composure (5,4) 163. Writer, ... Uris 165. Welsh emblem 166. Parasites (7-2) 167. Lima is there 170. Supports (cause) 171. Self-indulgent exercises (3,5) 175. Army cap 176. Way in 178. Notions 179. Narrow shelf 182. Hinder 185. Earth's glacial period (3,3) 188. Makes holes in 189. Baby's carer 190. Snow-covered peak 192. Game, Chinese ...

193. Fences in 194. Greenwich Mean Time (1,1,1) 195. Penetratingly 196. Precious rocks 199. Beatle, John ...

201. Of another culture 204. Assistant 207. ... shui 210. Indifference 211. Bottle tops 213. Spinning toy (2-2) 214. Nasal haemorrhages 216. London nightspot 217. Upwardly mobile young person 218. Snuggle 219. Plant, aloe ...

221. Female deer 223. Bucharest native 225. Walking unsteadily 227. Perform 228. Mine shaft 231. Night & ...

233. Handgun 234. Bowling great, ... Lillee 235. Genetic mix 237. Submits (application) 239. Local expressions 240. Inheritance 245. Cob or pen 247. Hit (ball) high 248. Your school, ... mater 249. On top of 250. Ready for picking 251. Nip

Soloution on Page 58

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Page 86 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2012

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport Racing Briefs

Melton locals prominent ■ At Tabcorp Park Melton on Thursday, the local area was again prominent, with Lance Justice taking the Tabcorp Park Melton Pace for R0 & R1 class over 2240 metres with Discrimination (Gavin Lang), VicAnd Darren Pace ,the GBLProperty Consultants Pace for R2 & R3 class over 2240 metres, Bred McMullan the Sky Racing Pace for C1 class over 1720 metres with Kai Star Fella (Greg Sugars) and Maree and John Caldow the Provideo Pace for C1 class over 1720 metres with My Sirena.

Discrimination (Tinted Cloud/Disbar) nailed the long odds-on favourite Regal Knight in the last bound after the hot pot raced roughly in the shadows of the post, with Artesian Glory a ‘mile’ away in third place.

One Tough Reign (Live Or Die/Long May She Reign) led thoughout from gate two in accounting for Gangsta Pranksta which trailed and a death-seating hot favourite Tyler Bromac in 2-00.7.

Kai Star Fella (Pacific Fella/Going Shopping) came from last at the bell off a three wide double trail last lap to be five wide on the home turn, before charging home to defeat Beau Dilinger which led on turning, with Diamond Fantasy (one/one - three wide last lap) third. The mile rate 1-58.9.

Five year old Presidential Ball/Shout For Us mare My Serena first up since December 2011, led for the last lap in defeating the heavily supported Broadway Classic which shadowed her in a rate of 1-59.3, with Linga Longa Lass third.

Shepp. runners do well ■ Kyabram trainer Mick Blackmore scored a well overdue victory with D M Dilinger/Nic Kell Rose 5Y-0 mare Bevstuanmarylou in the Shepparton Rentravision Pace Final for C1 class over 1690 metres at Shepparton on Friday.

Given a sweet trip by Scott Dyer from inside the second line trailing the red-hot favourite and pole marker Franco Cruz which defeated her in the heat a week earlier, Bevstuanmarylou dashed through along the sprint lane on straightening to score by a half head over Ray Long's Scotts Den out wide from near last in a rate of 1-58, with Lombo Break Thru close up in third place after racing wide in an all Shepparton area finish.

Franco Cruz ran a shocker, dropping out to beat only two home after an easy time at the head of affairs.

3 wins in a row ■ At Tabcorp Park Melton on Friday, Heywood trainer Kevin Brough combined with Terang's Matt Craven to land the Quaddie Pool Guarantee 3-Y-0 Pace over 1720 metres with consistent It Is I/Mama Tembu gelding Weallwantano and by doing so, brought up three wins in succession.

Settling three back along the markers from an inside second line draw, Weallwantano enjoyed a cosy passage with Real Hammer bowling along at the head of affairs.

Taken into the clear on turning, Weallwantano finished full of running to blouse the leader in a brilliant rate of 1-55.5, with Mark Dennis third.

This Week’s Meetings ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Wednesday - Horsham/Echuca, Thursday - Melton/Kilmore, Friday - Ouyen@Mildura/Melton, Saturday - Shepparton, Sunday - Bendigo, Monday - Warragul, Tuesday - Ballarat.

Horses To Follow ■ Hellfire Angel, Four Zoe, Hypermach, Impressive Guy, Wheatsheaf Avaball, Big Mumma Fitz, Cardon Merger.

TREBLE TO PETROFF ■ Melton based reinsman ‘Rocket’ Rod Petroff took the honours at the Geelong harness meeting on Tuesday June 12, chalking up a treble of wins consisting of two for Burrumbeet (Ballarat) trainer Ashleigh Herbertson (Metrofromelle and Blissful Kisses) and one for Parwan's Jaime Madruga (Balance Point).

Metropolitan/Ellovalooka filly Metrofromelle broke her maiden status at start number nine after receiving the run of the race one/one from gate six in the Geelong Australia 3Y-0 Pace over 1609 metres.

Easing three wide in the final circuit, Metrofromelle finished all over the top of the leader and hot favourite Prized on straightening to score in a rate of 1-59.5, with Big Mumma Fitz third from three back in the moving line.

Stablemate Blissful Kisses a 4-Y-0 daughter of Blissful Gall and Ebony And Ice coasted the wire in the Tabsportsbet Pace for C2 class over 1609 metres after taking a mare’s concession.

Burning across the face of the field from gate five, Blissful Kisses led throughout to win untouched in advance of Wilwillwinsum which trailed from the pole, bringing up three wins in succession, with Time To Smile third after racing in the open from gate four.

The mile rate 1-58.

Five year old D M Dilinger/Beaconsfield Gold 5-Y-0 gelding Balance Point notched up his eighth victory in 28 outings by leading throughout from gate four in taking the Fox Digital Pace for C3 & C4 class over 2100 metres.

Always totally in control, Balance Point kicked away on the final bend to register a 7.6 metre victory in 2-00.8 over the roughie Gangsta Pranksta (three back the markers) and Bold Statement which faced the breeze for the last lap.

Impeccable ■ Victoria's ‘Princess Of Pace’ Kerryn Manning has an impeccable record at Stawell meetings and it was no different at Wednesday June 13's fixture, when she drove four of the eight winners on the program.

First to arrive was new stable addition Jarvsofaks a former South Australian in the Trackside TAB Trotters Handicap for T0 or better class over 2175 metres.

Coming from the 20

Baker’s Delight

Harness Racing

28th win for gelding

Melbourne

Observer

lenbaker@ bigpond.net.au

with Len Baker

metre mark, Jarvsofaks a 6-Y-0 gelded son of Dream Vacation and Mountain Track, raced in the open for the entire journey, scoring by 3.5 metres in a rate of 2-08.6 over the pacemaker Allawart Ugo, with Peter Manning's Knapdale Girl third after being given every chance by Gavin Lang (one/two - one/one home turn).

Stablemates Well Hereshoping and Kinky Boots landed the Landmark Harcourts Real Estate Stawell Pace for C2 class over 1780 metres and the Frewstals Abbatoirs Pace for C0 class over 2175 metres.

Five year old Washington Vc/Nellie Doon mare Well Hereshoping possied one/one momentarily from gate two, before shifting down to the marker pegs to be four back on the inside, then three back at the bell.

Moving to trail the leader The Left Arm Quick approaching the final bend, Well Heres-hoping used the sprint lane on turning to gain the day in advance of Lifes A Bonus (four wide home turn) and Mister Pickles along the sprint lane from last in a rate of 2-00.8.

Three year old Peruvian Hanover/Sandralec gelding Kinky Boots pressed forward from gate three to lead for the majority of the journey and although inclined to run his race in patches, defied all challengers in accounting for Mister Seelster which shadowed him from the extreme draw, with Artesian Bore third after following the winner from the pole. The mile rate 2-08.3.

Visiting Mount Gambier 6-Y-0 Justanotherpoorboy/La Belle gelding Ruffiano gave Kerryn the middle leg of the quartet, when successful in the Waacks Bakery Pace for C1 class over 2175 metres.

Trained by Anthony Glynn, Ruffiano having his 37th start for the season (133 overall), showed

his customary speed to lead from gate six, before taking a trail on Cyclonedomic.

Using the sprint lane, Ruffiano did best in a slugging finish to gain the day in advance of Rojen Dream (three back the markers - three wide home turn) and Cyclonedomic in a rate of 2-03.8.

At Terang ■ On what was another great day for the Western District, youthful Terang trainer/driver Glen Craven snared the $5250 Ray Martin Memorial 3-Y-0 Pace Final over 2175 metres at Terang with Armbro Operative/Jilliby Flame filly Jilliby Daphne.

A winner of her heat at Terang a week earlier, Jilliby Daphne repeated the dose in identical fashion by leading throughout from outside the front row to score from Arr En Special which trailed from gate four, with the oddson favourite Bobby Maravu a Hamilton heat winner third after racing in the open. The mile rate 2-03.9.

Sprint lane ■ Brent Lilley's quality Courage Under Fire/ Rigaleto Franco filly Courageousnquick resumed from a short let up to land the 3rd Heat of the Empire Stallions Vicbred Super Series for 2-Y-0 Fillies over 2190 metres at Shepparton on Friday.

With regular reinsman Rod Petroff in the bike, Courageousnquick led out from gate five, before taking a trail on the Riverina visitor Just A Bit Sassy in the first lap to receive the run of the race.

Using the sprint lane, Courageousnquick was just that, scoring by a nose in 1-59.8 from Getya Wings Out which raced parked for the final circuit, with Just A Bit Sassy a nose away in third place.

■ Avenel's David Aiken has done a marvellous job with 7-Y-0 Tinted Cloud/Cabsav Jaccka gelding Jaccka Clive who chalked up his 28th success when greeting the judge in the $20,000 Enduro for M0 or better class (D-H) over 2760 metres at Tabcorp Park Melton on Friday.

Driven by Greg Sugars, Jaccka Clive coming from a 30 metre backmark shared with Our Maestro was sent forward early in the race to park outside the pacemaker Lets Slash An Burn (20 metres) which had taken over from Tanabi Bromac who had crossed Baltic Ice. Relishing the tough role, Jaccka Clive gained the upper hand halfway up the running to score by 2.7 metres over Tanabi Bromac which surprisingly eased three wide on straightening not wanting to use the sprint lane, with Lets Slash An Burn holding down third. The mile rate 1-59.5.

Aiken had earlier snared the Choice Hotels Pace for M0 class over 2240 metres with much improved 5-Y-0 In The Pocket/Ruby Bay gelding Mapua Legend with Scott Dyer in the sulky.

Starting from the extreme draw, Mapua Legend moved to race in the open mid-race, before surging clear in the last lap to score from Longtan Luke from near last in a rate of 1-58.1, with Melpark Maestro third after following the runner up home.

Broke maiden status ■ Diggers Rest owner/trainer/driver Charlie Borg would have been "over the moon" when his 8-Y-0 Keystone Salute/Giddy Up Gal mare Giddy Up Amour finally broke her maiden status at start number 75 to take the Cool Rooms Galore Trotters Handicap for T0 class over 2150 metres at Kilmore.

Beginning safely from barrier four, Attard applied plenty of pressure to the leader Dartrenzac inside her running into the first turn to assume control and once there, defied all challengers in a punishing finish to score by a metre over Aldebaran Breeze (one/two prior to using the sprint lane), with Saint Timothy third after following the winner for the final circuit after Dartrenzac moved to the breeze at the bell.

The mile rate 2-09.5.

Began brilliantly ■ Melton trainer Graham Tindale snared the SEW-Eurodrive 2-Y-0 Pace over 1690 metres at Kilmore on Wednesday with Bettors Delight/Lady De Beau gelding Bettors De Beau.

Driven by Daryl Douglas, Bettors De Beau began brilliantly from gate four to lead, before being eased to take a trail on the favourite Tea House (gate two).

Enjoying a cosy passage, Bettors De Beau made full use of the sprint lane to overhaul the pacemaker in the shadows of the post, with Cool Machrista third after following the pair. The mile rate 2-03.8.

Going to the NT ■ There will be no column next week as I will be away in the Northern Territory.

- Len Baker

Len Baker presents Harness Review on 979fm.net at 8pm Mondays

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2012 - Page 87

Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport

Showbiz Extra ■ From Page 13

Groups lose status

AUSTRALIA SAYS ‘GO NELLY’

■ The world's best sprinting mare, Australia's own, Black Caviar, will be the censure of all eyes when she competes in the Diamond Jubilee at Ascot on Saturday (June 23).

‘Nelly’, as she is affectionately known around the stables, will carry the weight of all Australians when she goes for her 22nd win on end.

The daughter of Bel Espirit and Helsinge will take on the best that is on offer, including the well performed Baited Breath, who recently broke the track record over 1000 metres at Haydock, in England.

However, he may be kept for the King Stand Stakes over a more suitable trip of 1000 metres.

I contacted the stable the following morning after she left for England with stopovers in Singapore stopping for just over two hours, then on to Sharjah, with a 105minute break.

Marnie from the Moody stable said she left around 11pm on the Wednesday evening, and was very relaxed.

Unfortunately due to Quarantine laws, she was not allowed to be unloaded at either stop for a stretch.

A special compression suit similar to those used by our athletes, was used on her for the flight.

The compression covering stimulated the blood flow, whilst travelling.

Besides all her connections, plus all the Australians travelling by way of tours etc, there will be a number of ex-pats there on the big day.

Peter Moody has openly stated that he couldn't have her any fitter, and hoped the long journey, didn't knock her around too much.

A report of bad weather leading up to the big race hasn't phased Moody who said she could win on the water.

Early in her career she won a very heavy track at Cranbourne in a trial, a track described by Peter as the heaviest track he seen..

Black Caviar is one of the biggest mares to race, weighing in at around, 580

Ted Ryan

Observer Racing

Other Victorian associations to lose their incorporation status include: Environment & Climate Solutions Australasia Inc.; Borneo Orangutan Suvival Australasia Inc.; Sumatran Orangutan Society Inc.; Aish Hatorah Inc.; Old Brighton Grammarians Rugby Club Inc.; Essendon Ladies Probus Club Inc.; Orangutan Rescue; The Eve Theatre Inc.; The Australian Lavender Growers’ Association Inc.; The Great Air Rally Inc.; Australian Nun Club Inc.; The Feast Foundation Inc.; Aikido Alliance Australia Inc.; Cross Border Trades and Labour Council Inc.; Euroa Aqua Movers; Paco De Arcos Roller Sports Club, Victoria Inc.; Blokes Only; Waterline Youth Action Inc.; Swan Hill Field Day Association Inc.; Highett Residents Group Inc.; Melton BMX Club Inc.; Woolsthorpe Hotel Social Club Inc.; Trans Australia Airlines Museum Inc.; Lifezone Youth Inc.; Cardinia Ranges Vignerons; East Gippsland Miniaturists Association Inc.; Melton Business Association Inc.; St. Mary’s Conference and Centre of Charity, Swan Hill Incorporated; The De Kerilleau Society Inc. ■ From Page 82

kilos; the average weight for a stallion is around 550 kilos.

Let's hope everything goes well for the stable, the owners and all us Aussies for her big one this Saturday (June 23).

The big race will be televised by Channel 7, around 11pm our time Saturday night.

One particular person, who will be watching her progress with a keen eye, is great football mentor, Kevin Sheedy, who is a part owner of the mare's sire, Bel Espirit.

As I have always said, it's tough at the top. Good Luck, Sheeds.

Millions triumph ■ Just a week after notching a $100 million Australian prizemoney milestone, Magic Millions graduates have reached another significant seasonal mile-

stone. Oriental Taste, a classy Macau-based son of Dubleo, notched win number 1000 for the MM graduates on international tracks since August 1 last year, when successful recently.

Prepared in Macau, by champion trainer, Gary Moore, Oriental Taste proved much too good for his rivals, racing away to win the rich Korea Racing Authority Goodwill Trophy over 1110 metres in outstanding fashion.

Oriental Taste was bought for $52,500 from the Vinery Stud at the auction three years ago.

Colt brings plenty ■ A lovely colt by former Golden Slipper winner, Sebring, topped the first session of the Magic Millions National Yearling Sale at the Gold Coast.

Leading New Zealand based blood

● Lonhro-Paris Tryst filly from the National Yearling Sale Photo by GREG IRVINE stock agent, David $160,000. The filly is rounded out as the bigEllis, flanked by mem- the third foal of the gest spending buyer bers of his international unraced Fusaichi over the two-day saleTe Akau racing opera- mare Paris Tryst - a signing for seven lots tion, snared the prized daughter of the former at $558,000 lot with a $230,000 bid. champion race mare, The chestnut colt, a Let's Elope, a winner stunning looker, is of the 1991 Caulfield from the Group One and Melbourne Cups, winning mare, who later raced in ■ Veteran jockey, Bramble Rose and is a America. half brother to the Paris Tryst is there- Neville Wilson, who Sydney stakes winner, fore a half sister to had a bad fall some Maules Creek. three stakes perform- time ago, is still decidThe colt is the ers, headed by the ing whether he will fourth foal of the Group Two winning return to the saddle.

Shinko mare, Sire Ustinov.

He was badly Bramble Rose-winner Leading Victorian knocked around, injurof four races including trainer Mick Price ing his neck and shoulthe Group One New struck with a bid of ders.

Neville, now in his $150,000 to secure one Zealand Oaks. of the day's most ad- late 60s is itching to get mired yearlings. back to race riding, but The Fastnet Rock- he is leaving it all up Dream Girl colt was to his surgeons. offered on behalf of the If he gets the all ■ Once again astute Royston Stud and was clear he will most judges were on the sold for $150,000. likely resume around lookout for anything by Hong Kong based September. top sire, Lohnro.

Best of luck, Nev, agent, Willie Leung, This time a well operating under the one of the nicest balanced filly by the MM Equine banner, blokes in racing. champion sire attracted plenty of interest at the MM Sales topping the second session of the National Sales.

The nice filly was presented at the auction by Tyreel stud, the filly was purchased by Macau based brothers Nicholas and James Moore as agents for a client from China for

Neville to decide

Lohnro to the fore

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Elvis tribute performers

● Black Caviar departs from Tullmarine Photo by GARY WILD

● Neville Wilson Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754

■ Five Elvis Presley tribute performers will take to the staGE AT at the Spice Market, Beaney Lane, Melbourne, from 6.30pm to 8pm on Wednesday, June 27. The evening will include karaoke, burgers, chocolate milk shakes, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, rock ‘n’ roll and favourite Elvis hits!

Page 88 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2012

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Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport

MOST EXCITING PLAYER I’VE SEEN

■ There is so much I want to write about this week.

Let me start with the most explosive superstar in AFL Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin.

When he is on-song he is the most exciting and accomplished player I have seen in my 70 years involvement in our game.

That is a huge statement not made lightly – note at this point I’ve not said the ‘Greatest’.

I am concerned about ‘Buddy’s’ attitude and demeanour. I believe he should have been ‘outed’ for his tackles on two occasions last week – the one for his strong, is vicious too strong? ‘swing-tackle’ and the other for a deliberate, attempted ‘elbow/ punch’ which connected with his opponent’s shoulder.

What a travesty if such talent is side-lined because of a brain-snap. He has developed a swagger and strutter as he walks away from kicking a miraculous goal or a border-line tackle.

‘Buddy’ you are too talented for this stuff.

You don’t need to be stupid like Hayden Ballantyne, Jake King and Stevie Milne.

We as fans admire your ability don’t give us cause to ‘drop-off’. If he is all things so why not ‘the greatest’?

In my view there are and have been more consistent and better ‘team’ contributors.

Memories from boyhood days ■ As a kid you remember things stored in your life’s ‘memory bank’.

School days and friends. From 7 to 15 years Dad took me to Fitzroy matches.

I saw Fitzroy’s Haydn Bunton, Wilfred ‘Chicken’ Smallhorn, Magpies Coventry, Collier brothers and Jack Regan, South Melbourne’s Laurie Nash, Bob Pratt and Ron Hillis, Melbourne’s Jack Mueller (still a champion post war), Jack Dyer, Dick Reynolds – Oh why did I go back so far as every team, like today, had its stars, so I’ll jump to my umpiring and media career, 1946 to 1998 and now as a TV addict and AFL columnist.

I’ve forgotten some big names from the past! I apologise. Now I’m able to include ‘my-own-time champions’.

Here are some who come to mind: Teddy Whitten, Gary Ablett snr, Ron Barassi, Leigh Matthews, John Coleman, Graham ‘Polly’ Farmer, Bobby Rose, John Nicholls, Bobby Skilton, Malcolm Blight, Ian Stewart, Darrel Baldock, Kevin Bartlett, Garry Wilson, Kevin “Bulldog” Murray, Charlie Sutton, Jim Stynes, Len Thompson, Peter Hudson, Alex Jesaulenko, Barry Cable, Des Tuddenham, Les Foote, Dermott Brereton, Wayne Carey, Peter Daicos, Robby Flower, Carl Ditterich, Tony Lockett, Jason Dunstall, Paul Roos, Steve Silvagni, Greg Williams, Bob Davis, Bernie Smith, Fred “Troubles” Flanagan, Len Fitzgerald, Nathan Buckley, Stevie Johnson, Jimmy Bartel, Des Fothergill, Royce Hart, James Hird, Peter Knights, Steve Kernahan, Denis Marshall, Simon Madden, Michael Long, Michael O’Loughlin, Adam Goodes, Bernie Quinlan, Bob Rose, Ron Clegg, Cyril Rioli and others.

I could write columns on everyone

Harry Beitzel www.squidoo.com/harrybeitzel of these stars. But I promised to recall Ron Barassi’s debut match against Charlie Sutton’s Footscray in Round 4 1953 season at the MCG when Ronald Dale was 19th man for Melbourne and came on in the third quarter.

I umpired that game which the talented Bulldogs (3rd) won easily from the lowly Demons who finished second bottom on the ladder.

In a recent article after Charlie’s death Ron recalled the game and being shirt-fronted by Charlie and at the after match get-together Charlie giving him tips on how to avoid these ‘hits’.

I was talking with coach Norm Smith, ‘Checker’ Hughes and John Beckwith when Charlie joined the group and pulled Ron aside to explain how to handle these confrontations.

It was not a savage shirt-front and my call was ‘play-on’. I had made part of my umpire preparation to speak to any new player, introduce myself in the pre-match visit to each club’s room to check their hands and boots for wearing ‘rings or had protruding nails’ from the boot-stops and wish them well.

I made a ritual of saying to the boy “this is your big day so I’ll try to look after you.”

The play was always so hectic with only one field umpire, it was most times a shock to find after paying a free it was to the newcomer.

But he’d remember your words in the dressing room!

In Ron’s case it was different because he had so much pre-match publicity as he was the son of Ron Snr a WWII hero killed in action.

He came onto the wing. I recall Ron running like ‘hell’ to a contest but arriving a split second too late.

But he would race off chasing the next contest. The ball was forced outof-bounds on the centre wing in front of the Great Southern Stand.

I whispered to Ron to get closer to the ruckmen for the ‘throw-in’. He did and surprise, surprise he got in the path of the Footscray ruckman Harvey Stevens – the whistle blew for ‘in-the-back’ to Barassi for his first kick in the VFL. But where’s “honest Ron”?

Chasing up-field for the next contest and making an idiot of me in front of the Footscray fans as I’ve had to whistle him back to take the free!

In that after match group Ron wanted to argue with me it was NOT a free to him.

I had to remind him he could be reported for disputing the umpire’s decision!

Hall of Fame ■ The Australian Football League last week announced that West Australian star rover Barry Cable had been made a Legend of the Game.

Cable, a triple Sandover Medallist in the WAFL, also starred in the VFL with North Melbourne, playing in the club’s first two premierships in 1975 and 1977.

Already a legend in the WA Football Hall of Fame, Cable was named as the 24th Legend in the game's history at the Australian Football Hall of Fame Induction Dinner, held at the Palladium Room in Melbourne.

A further six people were inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame at the function – Glenn Archer, Graham Cornes, Shane Crawford, Chris Grant, Robert Harvey and Bob Johnson.

The Australian Football Hall of Fame was established in 1996 and serves to recognise players, coaches, umpires, administrators, and media representatives who have made an outstanding contribution to Australian football. It is voted the AFL’s biggest and highest honoured function of each season.

Congratulations to all seven recipients – an honour well deserved GLENNARCHER Played 311 games, kicking 143 goals for North Melbourne, 1992-2007 North Melbourne premierships 1996, 1999North Melbourne pre-season premiership 1998Victorian State Representative on three occasions All Australian 1996, 1998, 2002 North Melbourne Team of the Century GRAHAMCORNES Played 312 games, kicking 339 goals for Glenelg, 1967-82 Played 47 games for South Adelaide, 198384Played five games for North Melbourne, 1979 Glenelg premiership 1973Glenelg Best and Fairest 1968, 1972, 1975 Glenelg Leading Goalkicker 1977Glenelg Captain 1978 SA State Representative on 21 occasionsSA Captain 1978 All Australian 1979, 1980 Simpson Medallist 1979 Tassie Medallist 1980 Captain / Coached South Adelaide 1983-84 Coached South Adelaide pre-season premiership 1984Coached Glenelg 1985-90 Coached Glenelg premierships 1985, 1986. Coached

Adelaide Crows 1991-94 (inaugural Adelaide coach) All Australian Coach 1987-88 South Australian Coach eight seasons between 1986-99 SANFL Hall of Fame Member.

SHANECRAWFORD Played 305 games, kicking 224 goals for Hawthorn, 1993-2008 State Representative on three occasions International Rules Representative on eight occasions Hawthorn premiership 2008 Hawthorn pre-season premiership 1999 Hawthorn Best and Fairest 1998, 1999, 2002, 2003 Brownlow Medallist 1999All Australian 1996, 1998, 1999, 2002 Hawthorn Captain 1999-2004 AFLPA MVP Award 1999 Alex Jesaulenko Medallist 1998 CHRIS GRANT Played 341 games, kicking 554 goals for Western Bulldogs, 1990-2007 State Representative on five occasions Western Bulldogs Best and Fairest 1994, 1996 Western Bulldogs Leading Goalscorer 1990, 1994 All Australian 1997, 1998, 1999 Western Bulldogs Captain 2001-2004Western Bulldogs Team of the Century (HalfForward) ROBERTHARVEY Played 383 games, kicking 215 goals for St Kilda, 1988-2008 State Representative on eight occasions International Rules Representative on two occasions St Kilda Pre-season Premierships 1996, 2004, 2008 St Kilda Best and Fairest 1992, 1994, 1997, 1998 Brownlow Medallist 1997, 1998 All Australian 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 (vice-captain), 1999, 2003 St Kilda Captain 2001, 2002 Michael Tuck Medallist 2004 EJ Whitten Medallist 1992, 1993, 1996 AFL Media Association MVP 1997 St Kilda Team of the Century (RuckRover) BOB JOHNSON Played 140 games, kicking 267 goals for Melbourne, 1954-1961 Played 106 games, kicking 359 goals for East Fremantle, 1962-66Played 19 games, kicking 34 goals for Subiaco, 1967State Representative on 10 occasions Melbourne Premierships 1955, 1956, 1957, 1959, 1960 Melbourne Leading Goalscorer 1956, 1961 East Fremantle Best and Fairest 1962East Fremantle Premiership 1965 WAFL leading goalscorer 1966 Captain / Coach East Fremantle, 116 games, 1962-66 LEGEND BARRYCABLE Played 225 games for Perth 196269 and 1971-73, kicking 325 goalsPlayed 115 games for North Melbourne in 1970 and 1974-77, kicking 133 goalsPlayed 42 games for East Perth in 1978-79, kicking 50 goalsState Representative on 20 occasions Perth premierships 1966, 1967, 1968 North Melbourne premierships 1975, 1977 East Perth premiership 1978 Perth Best and Fairest 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1971, 1973North Melbourne Best and Fairest 1970 All Australian 1966, 1969, 1979 (coach)Tassie Medallist 1966 Perth Team of the

Round 13 Friday, June 22 Sydney Swans vs. Geelong Cats (SCG) (N) Saturday, June 23 Western Bulldogs vs. Brisbane Lions (ES) Collingwood vs. West Coast Eagles (MCG) (T) Fremantle vs. Essendon (PS) (N) Sunday, June 24 Melbourne vs. GWS GIANTS (MCG) North Melbourne vs. Adelaide Crows (ES) (T) Byes: Carlton, Gold Coast SUNS, Hawthorn, Port Adelaide, Richmond, St Kilda

● Barry Cable CenturyNorth Melbourne Team of the Century (rover)Indigenous Team of the Century (rover)Sandover Medallist 1964, 1968, 1973 Simpson Medallist 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1977 Captain-coach Perth 1972-73 Captaincoach East Perth 1978-79North Melbourne coach 1981-84 Inducted into Australian Football Hall of Fame in 1996, inaugural yearWest Australian Hall of Fame (Legend)

Honour for Tony

■ The Chairman of the Greater Western Sydney Giants, Tony Shepherd, has been recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

Shepherd becomes an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his services to Australian industry, the arts and sport.

Giants CEO David Matthews said it was a fitting honour for somebody who had served Australia with distinction for more than 40 years.

"On behalf of everyone associated with the GiantsI warmly congratulate Tony on this award.

“He has made an enormous contribution across the Australian community through his work in infrastructure, the arts and culture and more recently as the inaugural chairman of the Greater Western Sydney Giants," Matthews said.

Tony Shepherd started his career in the Australian public service before moving into infrastructure where his achievements include the Sydney Harbour Tunnel, Walsh Bay Redevelopment and the Melbourne CityLink project.

As well as the Giants, he is Chairman of Transfield Services and President of the Business Council of Australia. He is also a trustee of the Sydney Cricket Ground Trust and patron of the Australian Chamber Orchestra.

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Buying Guide

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Caravans,Camping and Touring

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146 ARGUS ST, CHELTENHAM VIC 3192 TEL: 9585 2822 FAX: 9585 2422

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Page 96 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Sea Change, Safety Cove, Tasmania Amazing Tasmanian Holiday Experiences

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