Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 21, 2012 - Page 47
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Observer Showbiz Every Week in the Melbourne Observer
Radio Confidential: Industry Survivors .......... Page 51 Star Bursts: Expanded role for Chrissie, Jane ... Page 53 The Spoiler: Home And Away movie length ep ...... Page 53 Jim and Aaron: Best movies and DVDs ..................... Page 54 Cheryl Threadgold: Local theatre round-up .................. Page 55 PLUS THE LOVATT”S MEGA CROSSWORD
MUSIC THEATRE GUILD NOMINEES Rob Guest night at Her Majesty’s
● Bert Newton File Photo ■ Melbourne’s showbiz fraternity gathered at Her Majesty’s Theatre on Monday night (Nov. 19) for the Rob Guest Endowment Gala Concert. Hosted by Bert Newton, Lucy Durack and Rob Mills the night featured performances by some of Australia’s musical theatre stars, including the casts of A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum and South Pacific. Under the musical direction of Kellie Dickerson, these stars performed alongside the six talented young finalists all vying to become the fourth recipient of the Rob Guest Endowment. Special performances were given by Chloe Dallimore, David Harris, Christie Whelan, Michael Snell, Christopher Horset, Blake Bowden, Daniel Koek and Marika Aubrey. Blake Bowden performed Ragtime’s Wheels Of A Dream. Chloe Dallimore took to the stage with Seesaw’s Nobody Does It Like Me; David Harris sang Guys and Dolls favourite Luck Be A Lady; Michael Snell offered I Am What I Am from La Cage aux Folles; Daniel Koek and Marika Aubrey presented the duet Remember Me; and Rob Mills and David Harris offered The Secret Garden’s Lily’s Eyes; Christie Whelan presented Buddy Beware from Anything Goes; Christopher Horsey entertained with Me And My Shadow; the Wicked ensemble brought Be Good to the stage; and Silvie Paladino sang I Will Always Love You. “This is the fourth year that we have presented a concert to showcase the new wonderful musical theatre performers that we have in Australia,” said John Frost. “It is a unique night, with performances from current musicals and many musical theatre stars performing together in some cases for the very first time.”
Di Rolle’s column ● From Page 12 ■ It was the first album released by the newly formed Virgin Records in 1973. Despite many people in the music industry considering the work ‘unmarketable’ the album reached No.1 in charts around the world, selling in excess of 25 million copies. It received even more recognition when used as the soundtrack of The Exorcist. The critics love them. “Two man orchestra bring soundtrack of 70s back to life … an intensely focused race around every twist and turn of Oldfield’s quirky masterwork,” said The Times. “The musical equivalent of the triathlon – with bells commented The Scotsman “Clever, witty and totally engaging , Tubular Bells has never been more raw or vital - this is Oldfield’s music as it should be heard, rocking out live and loud. Don’t miss it,” said the Edinburgh Evening News. Melbourne Recital Centre, Friday, February 15th – 7pm. 60 minutes, no interval. Tickets from $49.90 – concessions. Tickets on sale now. Bookings www.melbournerecital.com.au or phone 9699 3333 and www.ticketmaster.com.au or 1300 723 038. Visit www.kayandmcleanproductions.com.au - Di Rolle
■ The Music Theatre Guild of Victoria has just announced nominations for 2012 Open and Junior Sections in Victoria’s non-professional musical theatre sector. Winners will be announced at an Awards Night on Saturday, December 8 at Costa Hall, Deakin University, Geelong. Tickets are $45 and can be booked on 0438 711378. Open Section Production of the Year Cats, Footlight Productions Godspell, Horsham Arts Council Avenue Q, JYM Theatre Co. Sunset Boulevard, CLOC Musical Theatre Into the Woods, SPX Waterdale Players Hairspray, PLOS Musical Productions All Shook Up, CLOC Musical Theatre Next to Normal, Williamstown Musical Theatre Company Direction Elaine Mitchell, Cats, Footlight Productions Simon Dandy, Godspell, Horsham Arts Council Pip Mushin, Avenue Q, JYM Theatre Co. Chris Bradtke, Sunset Boulevard, CLOC Musical Theatre Shane Sanfilippo, Into the Woods, SPX Waterdale Players Danny Ginsberg, Hairspray, PLOS Musical Productions Rhylee Nowell, Rent, BuSTCo (Burwood Student Theatre Company) Craig Wiltshire, All Shook Up, CLOC Musical Theatre Shaun Kingma, Next to Normal, Williamstown Musical Theatre Company Musical Direction John Shawcross, Cats, Footlight Productions Andrew McCalman, Sunset Boulevard, CLOC Musical Theatre Kirk Skinner, Anything Goes, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group Sue Fletcher, Hairspray, PLOS Musical Productions Andy McCalman, Hairspray, Ballarat Lyric Theatre Kevin Nguyen, Rent, BuSTCo (Burwood Student Theatre Company) Kent Ross, Monty Python’s Spamalot, OXAGEN Productions Danny Forward, All Shook Up, CLOC Musical Theatre Tyson Legg, Next to Normal, Williamstown Musical Theatre Company Choreography Jordan Punsalang, Cats, Footlight Productions Amy Anselmi, Godspell, Horsham Arts Council Cameron O’Reilly / Lisa-Maree David, Oliver!, Babirra Music Theatre Steven Rostron, Hairspray, PLOS Musical Productions Craig Wiltshire, All Shook Up, CLOC Musical Theatre Settings Andrew Bellchambers, Cats, Footlight Productions Brenton Staples, Sunset Boulevard, CLOC Musical Theatre Damian Muller, Oklahoma!, BLOC Music Theatre Andrew Plant, Oliver!, Babirra Music Theatre Tad Hendry, Anything Goes, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group Richard Perdriau, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Mountain District Musical Society John Shelbourn, All Shook Up, CLOC Musical Theatre Shaun Kingma, Next to Normal, Williamstown Musical Theatre Company Wardrobe Ferri Bond, Cats, Footlight Productions Christine Skicko, Disney My Son Pinocchio: Geppetto’s Musical Tale, Latrobe Theatre Company Nerissa Saville, Sunset Boulevard, CLOC Musical Theatre Lynne Muller, Oklahoma!, BLOC Music Theatre Isaac Lummis / Sophie Cuttriss, Anything Goes, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group Tyler Hess, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Mountain District Musical Society Wendy Braid / Simone Braid, Into the Woods, SPX Waterdale Players Brett Wingfield, Hairspray, PLOS Musical Productions Victoria Horne, All Shook Up, CLOC Musical Theatre Lighting Scott Allan, Cats, Footlight Productions Brad Alcock, Oliver!, Babirra Music Theatre Jason Bovaird, Jekyll and Hyde, ARC (Amateur Repertory Company) Brad Alcock, Hairspray, PLOS Musical Productions Yossi Torbiner, Rent, BuSTCo (Burwood Student Theatre Company) Brad Alcock, All Shook Up, CLOC Musical Theatre Jason Bovaird / Deryk Hartwick, Next to Normal, Williamstown ● Turn To Page 53 Musical Theatre Company
Opera returns to the Music Bowl
● James Egglestone as Pinkerton and Hiromi Omura as Cio-Cio-San. Photo:Jeff Busby ■ Opera Australia is back in town for its Melbourne Spring season, with three famous operas - Puccini's Madama Butterfly, Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor and Richard Strauss's Salome. All three operas have fabulous leading roles for women, but none of them have particularly happy outcomes for their protagonists. That's par for the course in dramatic opera. Currently at the State Theatre is Madama Butterfly which has the unusual but especially appropriate casting of Japanese soprano Hiromi Omura, as in the title role of the Japanese teenager Cio-Cio-San, whose heart is stolen by a dastardly but attractive American sailor, Pinkerton, played by tenor James Eggleston. Hiromi Omura studied at Tokyo's National University of Fine Arts and Music before beginning a career that has taken her all over the world. She has sung the role of Madama Butterfly at the Deutsche Oper in Berlin, in Tel Aviv, Montreal, Lausanne, Warsaw and several other places. On Saturday December 1, Mazda Opera at the Bowl returns to the Myer Music Bowl for the first time in two years. Accompanied by Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the evening will feature famous choruses and solos sung by the Opera Australia Chorus and principal singers Nicole Car, Warwick Fyfe, Dominica Matthews, Giorgio Caoduro and Martin Buckingham. Young Melbourne soprano Nicole Car, the youngest ever winner of the Herald Sun Aria, is now a Young Artist with Opera Australia and living in Sydney. It starts at 8pm and is a free event. www.opera-australia.org.au - Julie Houghton
★
Expect an onsalught of Derryn Hinch publicity ... the Human Headline is releasing his Human Deadline book this week ... and his 3AW career finishes on Friday next week (Nov. 30).
★
The 3AW Rumour File report was correct about Channel 10 newsreader Mal Walden clearing his office after colleague Helen Kapalos was sacked. Walden made a Sunday night visit to the South Yarra studios to collect his belongings, even ‘nuking’ his work computer and putting his personal files onto a memory stick. News Director Dermot O’Brien, a colleague of Walden over 35 years, made an urgent visit to Walden’s home to plead with the news veteran not to quit his news anchor job at Ten.
★
Meanwhile, Helen Kapalos is due to meet with a CBS News executive in New York this week. There are also to be offers of corporate positions in Victoria.
Page 48 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 21, 2012
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 21, 2012 - Page 49
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Page 50 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 21, 2012
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 21, 2012 - Page 51
Observer Showbiz
News from stations from around Victoria
RADIO SURVIVORS MEET
Country Crossroads 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
Radio Confidential
Rob Foenander
DAVIDSON BROS. NOMINATED
■ Victorian bluegrass brothers Lachlan and Hamish Davidson have scored a Golden Guitar nomination for their instrumental track Transpacific. Whilst the boys are previous winners, they are up against stiff competition with guitar maestro Tommy Emmanuel also one of the nominees in the same category of ‘instrumental of the year’. The Golden Guitars will be announced as part of the 2013 Tamworth Country Music Festival on Australia Day, January 26.
NEW RELEASE FOR BEN
■ Sydney artist Ben Ransom is set for a new release in January, no doubt during the Tamworth Festival. Slow Burn is the title of the debut album from the father of two children and who is also a qualified anaesthetic nurse. Ben is a 2012 Toyota Starmaker finalist and graduate of the CMAAAcademy of Country Music.
ABC SIGNS JAYNE
■ ABC Music has announced the signing of Australian country music singer-songwriter Jayne Denham. Jayne is fast becoming one of Australia's most admired country music performers with impressive and “relentlessly energetic” live shows that have seen her earn performance opportunities at all major Australian country music festivals. “She's unashamedly country and a champion of regional and rural life and values,” an ABC spokesman said.
JASMINE FOR CHRISTMAS
■ Another artist getting in for the Christmas market is singer songwriter Jasmine Rae. The release is through ABC /Universal Music Australia and is produced by Michael Carpenter. Santa's Little Helper sees Jasmine deliver Christmas tracks with a country/blues flavour and a touch of ‘big band’. - Rob Foenander ■ Producers of More Sex Please, We’re Seniors are offering $55 tickets through a ‘Laugh Pack’ for the Comedy Theatre show.
■ Melbourne radio veterans gathered at the weekend for their twice-yearly Survivors luncheon. Convened by Bruce McKay, and chaired by recording industry icon Ron Tudor, now 88, the event was held at the Rising Sun Hotel, South Melbourne. Mal Walden, whose early media career included newsreading duties at 3DB, gave a frank account of the dramas in the Channel 10 newsroom. He was thanked by former ATV newsreader, Keith Livingston. Some of his former 3DB colleagues present included Denis Scanlan and Ian Nicholls, now at Geelong Pulse 94.7. Another of the Geelong contingent, Paul Jennings, added some fun to the proceedings with impersonations of politicians John Howard and Tony Abbott. 3DB alumni Dan Webb and Don Kinsey were unable to attend Saturday’s proceedings. Former 3AW and ABC presenter Ralphe Rickman made his way from the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, for the luncheon. His mate, Ray Lawrence, could not attend because of broadcasting commitments at Radio Eastern 98.1. Tributes to the late Binny Lum were offered by Peter Philp and Kevin Dagg. Philip Brady and others remembered Max Stuart. A special function had been held at Balwyn this month to honour Max Stuart. Arrangements for that function were assisted by Ted Ryan, who could not attend the Survivors function due to work commitments at Sandown. Special Survivors guests included Gary Newton, introduced by Pete Smith; Ken Francis, invited by Philip Brady; and Clarke Hansen, sponsored by Brian Smith. Dean Reynolds brought news about the failing health
TWICE-YEARLY GATHERING FOR INDUSTRY MATES of Australian radio programmer Rhett Walker, now hospitalised at Castlemaine. Walker was instrumental in the ‘Where No Wrinklys Fly’ campaign at 3AK. He later became a lecturer at La Trobe University, Bendigo. Members also heard about the recovery of the recording industry’s Nevill Sherburn, who underwent quadruple bypass surgery after a heart attack in Queensland. Former Melbourne radio newsman Alex Shabs had passed away this month, the meeting was informed. Magic 1278 presenter Peter Van was in attendance, despite having a serious shoulder injury after a fall. His Fairfax Media colleague, newsman Denis O’Kane, spoke of the change of technology in gathering radio news. Their former overnight workmate, Keith McGowan, was unable to attend the meeting, as he was attending former 3AK-3UZ music man Henry Gay’s 80th birthday at Hervey Bay, Queensland. The Gay celebrations, which included a surprise party on Saturday night, were also attended by Jim Murphy. Others in attendance included Peter Allen, Bill Armstrong, Chris Bahen, Tony Charlton, Johnny Chester, Gary Day, Roy Hampson, Bob Horsfall, Hugh Hill, Paul Konik, Ash Long, Mike Menner, Paul Nicholson, Bill Passick, Garry Stewart, Bob Taylor, John Vertigan and John Worthy. The group has a photo history project underway, under the leadership of Pete Smith and Bruce McKay. A collection of photographs of each member, early in their careers, is underway. Contributions may be e-mailed to: nbmckay@bigpond.com
● John Worthy with Ian Nicholls
● Brian Smith with Clarke Hansen
● Kevin Trask with Paul Jennings
If you would like to receive a weekly copy of the Melbourne Observer delivered to your mailbox anywhere in Australia, you can buy a $99 mail subscription for 45 issues. Officially, the price has gone up but we will maintain the special for just a few more days. Phone 1-800 231 311
Page 52 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 21, 2012
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 21, 2012 - Page 53
Observer TV, Radio, Theatre Showbiz Latest Melbourne show business news - without fear or favour The Spoiler CLASSICAL HITS Music Theatre Guild
ShowBiz!
For Those Who Have Lost The Plot
Neighbours ■ 6.30pm. Weeknights. Eleven ■ Monday, November 26. Rhys struggles to move on from Vanessa and commits to fighting for her; Karl reassures Summer that Carmel’s interests in him are purely platonic. ■ Tuesday, November 27. Concerned Chris wants to do all he can to support his suspended boyfriend and books him a meeting with the hospital advocate; Toadie fears Connor’s got one last prank planned for his Bucks party ■ Wednesday, November 28. Andrew is frustrated when Paul shuts down the idea of him returning to Charlie’s; determined to focus on the future, Kyle invests in a new share house Christmas tradition. ■ Thursday, November 29. Everything hangs in the balance for Andrew and Tash as an important bar critic arrives to review Charlie’s. Will Tash and Andrew recognise their true feelings for each other? ■ Friday, November 30. Furious Rani pushes her mother to the limit; Kyle sympathises with Georgia and invites her to Christmas dinner
Home and Away ■ 7.00pm. Weeknights. Channel 7. ■ Wednesday, November 28. 90-minute movielegth season final.
Star Bursts
★
Is there a chance that the Mix 101.1 breakfast program hosted by Chrissie Swan and Jane Hall might go national next year? Their Sydney sister station Mix 106.5 is farewelling Claire Hooper from the early morning show she co-hosts with Tim Ross. There is not a lot of local content, and with some clever pre-recorded local spots, Swan and Hall could easily tailor a bi-city show, just as they do with the 3pm Pick-Up.
★
Melbourne TV-radio veteran Brian Smith is travelling to Sydney next month to attend a TV Pioneers function.
★
3AW Nightline and Remember When co-host Philip Brady is getting good wear out of his Olympic blazer. The non-official garment, which Brady had tailored, had outings to Paul Barber’s funeral service laqst week, and the Survivors luncheon at the weekend.
★
Meanwhile, Brady’s offsider Bruce Mansfield is currently hosting a listener excursion through Asia. Let’s hope Mansfield locates Vietnam and Cambodia easier than he identified the proximity of sponsor Dingley International Hotel to an Anglesea listener. Bruce told the Anglesea voucher winner that her home town was more or less next door to Dingley. The ‘Distance Calculator’ says it is a 97-kilometre trip, one-way.
■ Christmas is the season not only to be jolly, but also to sing, sing sing! Heidelberg Choral Society is getting in early, with its Christmas concerts on Saturday December 1 and Sunday December 2 in Ivanhoe. This year soloists will include soprano Alexandra Flood and mezzosoprano Rosel Labone. Alexandra was selected as a finalist in the 2012 Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Aria competition, and was raised at Phillip Island, while Rosel hails from New Zealand, and moved to Melbourne to further her singing career. Conductor Peter Bandy is well known in his field, having conducted most of the professional orchestras in Australia and New Zealand, as well as past stints conducting Melbourne Youth Orchestra and the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic. Melbourne radio listeners can enjoy Peter's dulcet tones when he dons his other hat as a smoothvoiced announcer on 3MBS-FM. The Heidelberg Choral Society will be accompanied by the Heidelberg Orchestra in a program of classical hits including Vivaldi's Gloria, Handel's Zadok The Priest, Pergolesi's Magnificat and Australian Christmas carols by the legendary W G James. Tickets are $35 or $25 concession and can be booked online at www.hcs.asn.au or on 9458 1727. Saturday December 1 at 7 30 pm at Ivanhoe Girls' Grammar School Performing Arts Centre, Noel St, Ivanhoe, and Sunday December 2 at 3 pm at St George's Anglican Church, Warncliffe Rd, East Ivanhoe. - Julie Houghton
★
Did Star Bursts hear correctly? Was that ‘Grubby’ and ‘Dee Dee’ telling their 3AW audience that they didn’t have Christian beliefs? Nothing wrong with that ... except it is not exactly the message that would appeal to the typical 3AW listener, one would think.
★
Gavin Wood, of Countdown fame, now living in Los Angeles, had lunch last week in Hollywood with John-Michael Howson, and Melbourne hotelier Alan Johnson.
● Peter Bandy
● Alexandra Flood
I Am The Wind ■ Public Front and Turtle Lab have chosen an atmospheric performance space to present their production of contemporary playwright Jon Fosse’s drama I Am The Wind until December 1. The Collingwood Underground Arts Park at 44 Harmsworth St, Collingwood, was formerly a disused underground car park until the Collingwood Housing Estate Action Committee recognised its potential as a multipurpose arts site. Now patrons enjoy varied events in this community space with an environmentally-friendly constructed bar, ranging from art exhibitions to theatre. There is a sense of spatial infinity when sitting in a large semi-circle amid the dim, concrete expanse. Very cleverly, director Sapidah Kian has set the mood for Simon Stephens’s English translation of Fosse’s I Am The Wind, where two travelling companions commence a journey across the sea. Actors Shaun Goss (The One) and Luke Mulquiney (The Other) have no set to represent their boat or the sea, nor props beyond a clump of leads and newspapers, but instantly transport the audience into their dramatic journey. In engaging conversational style, they question aspects of life and time with fear and optimism. The narrative may be a little repetitive, full concentration is required and venue acoustics are challenging, but Goss and Mulquiney skilfully immerse the audience in their story. Adding to the play’s intensity are Matthew Adey’s innovative lighting design and Chris Wenn’s sound design. Turtle Lab is a theatre laboratory based in Melbourne which fosters an environment to re-define theatrical language and push the boundaries of content and performance practices. For me this was an enjoyable theatre experience. Congratulations to all involved. Performance season: Until December 1 Times: Tuesday – Sunday at 7.30pm Duration: 1 hour Venue: Collingwood Underground Arts Park, 44 Harmsworth St, Collingwood Tickets: $25 full, $18 concession and Tuesday Tix. Bookings: www.iamthewind.com.au or 0424 660 943. - Cheryl Threadgold
● From Page 47 Technical Achievement Bare, SBC Productions Cats, Footlight Productions How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Mountain District Musical Society Hairspray, PLOS Musical Productions All Shook Up, CLOC Musical Theatre Male Performer in a Leading Role Tyson Legg, Leo Frank, Parade, SPX Waterdale Players Mark Doran, Joe Gillis, Sunset Boulevard, CLOC Musical Theatre Will Hanley, Billy, Anything Goes, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group Tyler Hess, J. Pierpont Finch, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Mountain District Musical Society Sam McPartlan, The Baker, Into the Woods, SPX Waterdale Players Jonathan Guthrie-Jones, Chad, All Shook Up, CLOC Musical Theatre Angelo De Cata, Man in Chair, The Drowsy Chaperone, Fab Nobs Theatre Paul Watson, Dan Goodman, Next to Normal, Williamstown Musical Theatre Company Female Performer in a Leading Role Jaclyn DeVincentis, Lucille Frank, Parade, SPX Waterdale Players Charlotte Kavanagh, Tracy Turnblad, Hairspray, Geelong Lyric Theatre Society Maureen Andrew, Norma Desmond, Sunset Boulevard, CLOC Musical Theatre Rosa McCarty, Nancy, Oliver!, Babirra Music Theatre Ashlee Zaharin, Tracy Turnblad, Hairspray, PLOS Musical Productions Melanie Ott, Natalie, All Shook Up, CLOC Musical Theatre Amy Larsen, Janet Van De Graaff, The Drowsy Chaperone, Fab Nobs Theatre Rosa McCarty, Diana Goodman, Next to Normal, Williamstown Musical Theatre Company Male Performer in a Supporting Role Tim Addicoat, Nickie / Trekkie Monster, Avenue Q, Fab Nobs Theatre Lachy Joyce, Edna Turnblad, Hairspray, Geelong Lyric Theatre Society Chris Handley, Bud Frump, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Mountain District Musical Society Andrew McDougall, Milky White, Into the Woods, SPX Waterdale Players Mark Stefanoff, Angel, Rent, BuSTCo (Burwood Student Theatre Company) Luke Oldmeadow, Patsy, Monty Python’s Spamalot, OXAGEN Productions Tristan Lawrence, Sir Galahad, Monty Python’s Spamalot, OXAGEN Productions Warwick Reid, Cornelius Hackl, Hello, Dolly!, Babirra Music Theatre Tyler Hess, Dennis, All Shook Up, CLOC Musical Theatre Robert Harsley, Jim, All Shook Up, CLOC Musical Theatre Bradley Dylan, Gabe Goodman, Next to Normal, Williamstown Musical Theatre Company Female Performer in a Supporting Role Nadia Gianinotti, Bad Idea Bear, Avenue Q, Fab Nobs Theatre Eleanor Horsburgh, Penny Pingleton, Hairspray, SLAMS Musical Theatre Company Lucia Craven, Hedy La Rue, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Mountain District Musical Society Gabriella Russo, Little Red Riding Hood, Into the Woods, SPX Waterdale Players Lauren Elise, Judy Garland, The Boy from Oz, Altona City Theatre Amara Jensen, Joanne, Rent, BuSTCo (Burwood Student Theatre Company) Rachel Ledgerwood, Miss Sandra, All Shook Up, CLOC Musical Theatre Junior Performer in an Open Production Riley Spadaro, Prince Chulalongkorn, The King and I, PLOS Musical Productions Jordie Race-Coldrey, Oliver, Oliver!, Babirra Music Theatre Joshua Bruzzese, The Narrator, Into the Woods, SPX Waterdale Players Jack Turner, Jack, Into the Woods, SPX Waterdale Players Clary Riven, Lorraine, All Shook Up, CLOC Musi● Turn To Page 55 cal Theatre
Page 54 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Observer Showbiz
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Movies, DVDs
With James Sherlock
Reviews by Aaron Rourke
What’s Hot and What’s Not in Blu-Ray and DVDs
● In Darkness: The extraordinary true story of a man and the hiding of refugees facing certain death on a daily basis during Nazi-occupied Poland during World War II. FILM: IN DARKNESS: Cast: Benno Furmann, Robert Wieckiewicz, Maria Schrader. Genre: War/Drama. Year: 2011. Rating: MA15+. Running Time: 145 Minutes. Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: **** Verdict: The enthralling and powerful true story of a petty thief who risks his own life to save people from being sent to the concentration camps or execution by hiding Jewish refugees for 14 months in the sewers of the Nazi-occupied Polish city of Lvov. This dramatization of one man's rescue is an extraordinary tale of survival and how the men, women and children outwit certain death during their increasing danger against overwhelming odds on a daily basis with unexpected surprises. A gripping and emotional experience! FILM: ICE AGE: CONTINENTIAL DRIFT: Cast: Ray Romano, Denis Leary, John Leguizama, Queen Latifah. Genre: Animated/Family/Adventure. Year: 2012. Rating: PG. Running Time: 88 Minutes. Format: DVD, BLU-RAY & BLU-RAY 3D. Stars: **** Verdict: They're back! And this time the screens most lovable acorn chasing never-say-die squirrel Scrat accidentally provokes a continental cataclysm, so our friends Manny, Diego, and Sid embark upon another adventure after their continent is set adrift, using an iceberg as a ship, and along the way they encounter sea creatures and battle pirates as they explore a new world, resulting in a delightful family adventure filled with loads of laughs and adventure from beginning to end. Great fun! FILM: KILLER JOE: Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Emile Hirsch, Gina Gershen, Juno Temple. Genre: Drama. Year: 2011. Rating: R18+. Running Time: 98 Minutes. Format: DVD and Blu-ray. Stars: **** Verdict: In 2006 The French Connection and The Exorcist director William's Friedkin's nerve shattering screen adaptation of Tracy Lett's paranoia-thriller Bug left those few who saw it shell-shocked, and now they team again for Killer Joe, an intense, darkly twisted, gritty and disturbing tale of a young Texan drug dealer who decides to murder his mother to collect the insurance money with the aid of a contract killer, who is also a detective. Not for the squeamish or faint-hearted, the result is a raw and chilling slice of Texas Southern fried gothic driven by a superb ensemble cast who bare all, and a performance from Matthew McConaughey as the hired Killer Joe that ranks as one of the most menacing ever put on film. FILM: SAFE: Cast: Jason Statham, Chris Sarandon, James Hong. Genre: Action. Year: 2012. Rating: MA15+ Running Time: 94 Minutes. Format: DVD and Blu-ray. Stars: **1/2 Verdict: Another no-brainer action assault with superman Jason Statham as an ex-cop who saves a young Chinese girl brought to New York because she has memorised the combination to a safe containing thirty million dollars and finds themselves hunted by the Triads, the Russian mob, and corrupt NYC cops, which is pretty much all of them. It may sound interesting, but all it really delivers is a reduction in the New York population with a body count the size of a phone book, with about as much emotion, and little else.
Melbourne
Observer
Top 10 Lists THE AUSTRALIAN BOX OFFICE TOP TEN: 1. ARGO. 2. SEVEN PSYCHOPATHS. 3. BACHELORETTE. 4. THE INTOUCHABLES. 5. TAKEN 2. 6. END OF WATCH. 7. ALEX CROSS. 8. PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 4. 9. HOUSOS VS AUTHORITY. 10. THE SESSIONS.
● The Front Line Stephanie Sigman in the highly-acclaimed thriller Miss Bala what people want to digest and believe, whatever the individual reasons ■ (MA). 113 minutes. Opens in se- may be. Co-writer/director Zal Batmanglij lected cinemas on November 22. Assured and effectively disquiet- and co-star/co-writer Brit Marling ing, Miss Bala is a tense thriller that come up with an absorbing premise should keep audiences on the edge of that tackles the subject of reality versus faith, and they never make the the seats. Stephanie Sigman is outstanding mistake of turning its story into someas Laura, a 23 year-old Mexican who thing concrete, subjective, and onelives with her working-class father, sided (it would make an interesting and aspires to be a beauty queen con- double with Vera Farmiga's Higher Ground). testant. Marling (who was recently seen After a less-than-convincing audition, Laura's world is turned upside in the Richard Gere thriller Arbitrage, down when she becomes an innocent and the critically-acclaimed arthouse bystander to a drug-related attack at a hit Another Earth) stands out as the ambivalent leader. nightclub she and a friend are at. First in a proposed trilogy. Discovered by the powerful drug RATING - ***½ cartel that rule the area, Laura is forced to participate in a number of drug deals and police/political assassinations, drawing her into a world that is ruthless and terrifying. ■ (MA). 133 minutes.Available now Beautifully filmed, with a number on DVD and Blu-Ray. of scenes shot in long takes, Miss Bala A heady combination of human builds its well-constructed scenario drama and harrowing war action, The slowly, making the viewer feel as vul- Front Line is a superior look at the nerable as Laura, surrounded by an dying days of the Korean War. environment where power, greed, and Showing the horrors of war through money is all that matters. one particular platoon, we see how Co-writer/director Gerardo these people react and change to the Naranjo conveys all-too-well, with- death and destruction happening out ever feeling the need to go over- around them. the-top, how the drug trade has not Things take an odd turn when some only invaded just about every aspect of the soldiers develop an unusual of daily life in Mexico, but also how it bond with a small group of North Kohas corrupted various levels of law rean soldiers, who are also becoming enforcement and government. tired of the war. Gripping and intelligent, Miss Bala Frustration and insecurity start to comes highly recommended. build within these battle-weary men RATING - ****. as they know the armistace will be signed at any moment, but are forced to continue fighting anyway. Superbly crafted and acted, The ■ (M). 84 minutes. Opens in se- Front Line is a strong addition to the war genre, smartly concentrating on lected cinemas on November 22. Low-key and deliberately enig- character rather than mere spectacle, matic, Sound Of My Voice is a fasci- leading to dramatic, moving finale. Being able to care about the people nating drama/thriller that coaxes thoughts and opinions from its audi- involved makes the battle scenes allence, rather than just laying the obvi- the-more intense and horrific. Cinematically the 1950-1953 conous in their lap. The story centres on Peter and flict is still a rather neglected war, but Lorna (Christopher Denham and there are some stand-out films worth Nicole Vicius), investigative journal- seeking out, including Men In War ists who want to document and ex- (1957 - starring Robert Ryan), The pose a recently formed underground DMZ (1965), Brotherhood Of War cult, led by the mysterious Maggie (2004), and A Little Pond (2009). From the director of Rough Cut (Brit Marling), who claims to be from (****) and Secret Reunion (****), this the future. Highly sceptical at first, the two talented film-maker is certainly buildbegin to fall under Maggie's spell, es- ing up an impressive body of work. RATING - ****. pecially Peter, who has a more brittle - Aaron Rourke mental state, something that Maggie notices and seizes upon, working her DVDs and Blu-Rays kindly supplied way through his defences like a worm by Video Vision, 177-179 Carlisle Street, Balaclava. For information or eating its way into an apple. Apples are used in a symbolic bookings on this title please call 9531 manner throughout, a metaphor for 2544.
Miss Bala
The Front Line
Sound Of My Voice
NEW RELEASES AND COMING SOON TO CINEMAS AROUND AUSTRALIA: NOVEMBER 15: DEAD EUROPE, DIANA VREELAND: THE EYE HAS TO TRAVEL, GOD BLESS AMERICA, ROBOT & FRANK, THE ANGEL'S SHARE, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN - PART 2, TWO LITTLE BOYS, SHAHRUKH KHAN'S UNTITLED FILM. NOVEMBER 22: 2 DAYS IN NEW YORK, ELECTRICK CHILDREN, SKYFALL, SOUND OF MY VOICE. THE DVD TOP SELLERS: 1. SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN [Adventure/Fantasy/ Chris Hemsworth, Kristen Stewart]. 2. PROMETHEUS [Science Fiction/Noomi Rapace, Charlize Theron, Michael Fassbender]. 3. ROCK OF AGES [Music/Comedy/Tom Cruise, Russell Brand, Julianne Hough]. 4. THE DICTATOR [Comedy/Sacha Baron Cohen, Megan Fox]. 5. ARTHUR CHRISTMAS [Animated/Family/Adventure]. 6. THE THREE STOOGES [Comedy/Chris Diamantopoulos, Sean Hayes, Will Sasso]. 7. KATY PERRY: Part of Me [Documentary/Music/Katy Perry]. 8. THE AVENGERS [Action/Adventure/Robert Downey Jr, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner]. 9. DARK SHADOWS [Horror/Comedy/Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham-Carter, Michelle Pfeiffer]. 10. THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL [Comedy/Drama/Judi Dench, Bill Nighy]. Also: NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN, KILLER JOE, CABIN IN THE WOODS, GET THE GRINGO, TAKE THIS WALTZ, THE RAVEN, WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU'RE EXPECTING, THE HUNGER GAMES, PIRANHA DD, MEN IN BLACK 3. NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON DVD THIS WEEK: BRAVE [Family/Animated/Adventure/Kelly MacDonald, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson]. TED: Extended Edition [Comedy/ Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, Seth MacFarlane]. CHERNOBYL DIARIES [Horror/ Olivia Dudley, Jesse McCartney, Jonathan Sadowski]. HYSTERIA [Comedy/Romance/ Hugh Dancy, Rupert Everett, Maggie Gyllenhaal]. LOLA VERSUS [Comedy/Greta Gerwig, Zoe Lister Jones, Hamish Linklater]. NEW & RE-RELEASE CLASSICS ON DVD HIGHLIGHTS: DISNEY-PIXAR Collection Box Set: 13 Movie Collection. THE MILLENNIUM TRILOGY Box Set: ● Turn To Page 58
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 21, 2012 - Page 55
Observer Showbiz MOOSEHEAD AWARDS
Local Theatre Melbourne
Observer
With Cheryl Threadgold
‘VICAR OF DIBLEY’ AT BEAUMARIS SHOWS
● Luis and Luein with ‘Mr and Mrs Bianchi’ ■ The three Moosehead recipients for next year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival were announced at the opening of Season 5 of The Shelf. Family trio Lessons With Luis, comedy duo Kate McLennan and Wes Snelling, and clown Joel Tito, were announced as the 2013 recipients being funded by the Moosehead annual award. Performing alongside comedy stars Dave Thornton, Celia Pacquola and host Justin Hamilton, the artists presented excerpts of their shows to a sold-out and enthusiastic crowd of comedy lovers and industry heavyweights. Previous winners include Sam Simmons, Hannah Gadsby and Sammy J. The Moosehead has become one of the most enduring traditions in the Australian comedy community since it began in 1987 in the memory of young comedian Brian McCarthy who died in a car accident. The Moosehead funds three original shows a year and rather than offering a cash award, provides a comprehensive support package to help shows get up-and-running during the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. It culminates in a closing event, with a top-secret line-up of the best Australian and international acts from across the Festival. This year’s recipients, chosen from hundreds of applicants, are as diverse as they are funny. Joel Tito’s show, The Trial and Death of Socrates (No Relation) is clowning at its idiotic best. Standard Double, performed by comedians Kate McLennan and Wes Snelling, is set in an actual hotel room; and 2012 Raw Comedy and 2012 Golden Gibbo winners, Lessons With Luis, play to their awkward best in their new show Famoucity.
AUDITIONS ■ Catchment Players: 13 (Junior Cast - aged between 10 and 18 years) November 21 at the Catchment Rehearsal Factory, 10 Malua St., Reservoir. Director/Choreographer; Brad Fischer; Musical Director; Kelly Trenery. Audition bookings: 0402 145 193. ■ Nova Musical Theatre: Sweeney Todd: the Demon Barber of Fleet Street November 21, 23. Directors: Chris and Lynette White. Audition bookings: 9727 0192. ■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG): Merry Wives of Windsor (by William Shakespeare) November 24, 25, 26 at the Strathmore Community Theatre, Corner Loeman and Napier Streets, Strathmore. Director: Drew Mason. Audition bookings: drew.mason@optusnet.com.au or 9382 6284. ■ Gilbert & Sullivan Opera: The Pirates of Penzance November 25, 27 at the Skipper Holland Hall, Cnr Hunter Drive and McCracken Ave., Blackburn South. Director: Diana Burleigh. Audition bookings: www.gilbertandsullivan.org.au ■ Eltham Little Theatre: Katerina (by P.J. Armstrong) November 25 at 2.00pm and November 26 at 7.30pm, at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Road, Research. Director: Sam Chappel. Audition bookings and enquiries: 0434 413595. ■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: The Dresser (by Ronald Harwood) November 25, 26 at 36 Turnham Avenue, Rosanna. Director: Karen Wakeham; Audition bookings: karenwakeham@y7mail.com ■ Mountain District Musical Society (MDMS): Fiddler on the Roof November 28 and December 2. Director: Paul Watson: Musical Director: Ryan Jacobs. Email auditions@mdms.org.au or call 0417 331 071. ■ Moorabbin Aviation Museum: 10 December, A male actor 30-45 to play Harry Houdini the pilot in collaborative aviation museum performance project to be presented in April, 2013. Co-directors/writers: Maggie Morrison, Cheryl Threadgold, Jim Williams. If interested, please email thrdgld@optusnet.com.au ■ PLOS Musical Productions: The Secret Garden December 31 at 5.00pm, January 2, 3, 4, 5 at 7.30pm, January 5, 6 at 1.30pm at the Frankston Arts Centre. Tickets: $43, PSSU $38, Under 16 $29. Groups $38. Bookings: www.plos.asn.au
■ Beaumaris Theatre Inc: The Vicar of Dibley (by Richard Curtis) Until December 1 at Beaumaris Theatre, 82 Wells Road, Beaumaris. Director: Fred Pezzimenti. Cabaret style. BYO drinks and nibblies. Tickets: Bookings: www.beaumaristheatre.com.au Enquiries: 9583 6896. ■ Peridot Theatre Company: Me and Jezebel, Until November 24 at Unicorn Theatre, Mount Waverley Secondary College, Lechte Rd., Mt Waverley. Director: Helen Ellis. Tickets: $23/ $20. Bookings: 1300 138645 (landline) or 9898 9090 (mobiles). ■ Brighton Theatre Company: Secret Bridesmaids' Business (by Elizabeth Coleman), Until November 24 at Brighton Theatre, Corner Carpenter and Wilson Streets, Brighton. Director: Annie Blood. Tickets: $20/$18. Bookings: 1300 752 126. ■ Fab Nobs Theatre: The Drowsy Chaperone Until November 24 at 44 Industry Place, Bayswater. Director: Karl McNamara; Musical Director: Vicki Quinn. Bookings: 0401 018 846. ■ The Basin Theatre Group: Over My Dead Body (by Derek Benfield) Until December 1 at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Director: Joe Tuppenney. Bookings: 1300 784 668. www.thebasintheatre.org.au ■ Williamstown Musical Theatre Company: Next to Normal Until November 24 at 8.00pm at the Williamstown Mechanics Institute, Cnr. Melbourne Road and Electra Street, Williamstown. Director: Shaun Kingma; Musical Director: Tyson Legg; Movement: Nadia Gianinotti. Tickets: $32,$28. Bookings: 9885 9678 or www.wlt.org.au ■ Mornington CEF Players: Buddy - the Buddy Holly Story (by Alan Jane), November 23, 24 at 8.00pm, November 25 at 2.00pm at Bellamy Hall, Albert Street, Mornington. Director: Natalie Pharaoh; Musical Director: Matt Charles and Joon Kim. Tickets: $22 Full Price, $18 Conc., $14 Child. Bookings: 5975 5904 or jandr@bigpond.net.au (Friday night performances are Cabaret BYO drinks, nibbles). www.cefplayers.com.au ■ 1812 Theatre: The 39 Steps (by Patrick Barlow) Until December 8 at 3 Rose Street, Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Doug Bennett. www.1812theatre.com.au ■ Williamstown Little Theatre: The Dixie Swim Club (by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten) Until December 1, Tues - Sat at 8.15pm, Sunday at 5.00pm, 2.00pm final Saturday, at 2-4 Albert Street, Williamstown. Director: Lois Collinder. Bookings: wlt.org.au or 9885 9678. ■ Frankston Theatre Group: Murdered to Death Until December 2 (atinees November 25, December 2) at the Mt Eliza Community Centre, Canadian Bay Road, Mt Eliza. Cabaret style. BYO drinks. Tickets: $26.50 full price, PSU $24.50, Groups 10 $24.50. Bookings: 1300 665 377. ■ Phoenix Theatre Company: Baby Until November 24 at the Doncaster Playhouse. Co-directors: Craig Maloney and Renee Maloney; Musical Director: Stewart Garrett; Choreographer: Renee Maloney. Tickets: $28 evening, $22 matinee. Bookings: 9012 5897 or www.phoenixtheatrecompany.org ■ Warrandyte 55 Plus Variety Group: Remembering 50 Golden Years Cabaret Friday, November 30 at 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start at the Warrandyte Senior Citizens Club Hall, 1-3 Taroona Avenue, Warrandyte. Tickets: $10.00 donation. BYO food and drink. Tea/Coffee supplied. Bookings: Call Allan 9877 1077.
Aladdin
● Aladdin (Jason Dawes) with his Magic Lamp in Adelphi Players’ production of Aladdin which opens at Labassa on December 1. Photo: Michael Mace ■ Adelphi Players are staging the much loved traditional family panto Aladdin at the National Trust Mansion , Labassa, Caulfield North, on December 1, 8 , 9 at 1.30pm and 3.15pm each day. Directed by Michael Mace, the story of Aladdin and his Magic Lamp is told in time-honoured fashion with well-loved characters including Widow Twankey, the Princess, Wishee Washee and Aladdin himself, and, of course the well-hated character of Abanazer, the evil magician, who will provide plenty of opportunity for boos and hisses from the audience. Bookings are essential. Call 9690 1593. Admission: Adults $10 and Children $8 (includes refreshments)
SHOWS
■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG): Hay Fever (by Noel Coward) November 22 - 24 at 8.00pm, November 28 December 1 at 8.00pm, November 25 at 2.00pm at the Strathmore Community Centre, Corner Loeman and Napier Streets, Strathmore. Director: Kris Weber. Tickets: $20 full price, $15 concession. Bookings: 9382 6284 or www.stagtheatre.org/reservations - Cheryl Threadgold
MUSIC THEATRE GUILD NOMINEES ● From Page 53 Gladys Moncrieff Award for First Performance in a Featured Role Jay Nelson, Moonface Martin, Anything Goes, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group Ashlee Zaharin, Tracy Turnblad, Hairspray, PLOS Musical Productions Hilary Cole, Mimi, Rent, BuSTCo (Burwood Student Theatre Company) Emily Duncan, Angel, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, ASPECT Inc. Dancer’sAward Will Hanley, Billy, Anything Goes, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group Chaise Rossiello, Don Lockwood, Singin’ in the Rain, CenterStage Geelong Ashley Roussety, Seaweed J. Stubbs, Hairspray, PLOS Musical Productions Todd Jacobsson, Link Larkin, Hairspray, Ballarat Lyric Theatre Mark Stefanoff, Angel, Rent, BuSTCo (Burwood Student Theatre Company) Cameo Performance Peter Stanbrook, Captain Orton / Sir Edward Ramsay, The King and I, PLOS Musical Productions Maxine Montgomery, Mrs Phagan, Parade, SPX Waterdale Players
Alard Pett, Morty the Prison Guard, Hairspray, Geelong Lyric Theatre Society Richard Burman, Dr Grimwig, Oliver!, Babirra Music Theatre Paul Watson, Elocution Teacher, Singin’ in the Rain, CenterStage Geelong Theresa Stastny, bird seller, Sweeney Todd, Altona City Theatre Jem Herbert, Nazi youth, Cabaret, Mansfield Music and Dramatic Society Ensemble Performance The cast, Cats, Footlight Productions The cast, Godspell, Horsham Arts Council The cast, Avenue Q, JYM Theatre Co. Fagin’s gang, Oliver!, Babirra Music Theatre The cast, Nunsense, Horsham Arts Council DesignAward Kyahl Anderson, Miss Deep South’s puppetry, Pageant, SHooSH! Productions Heidi Williams / Heather Fullard / Tamara Cadd, staging, “The Lonely Goatherd”, The Sound of Music, Echuca Musical Theatre Company Brenton Staples, mansion set, Sunset Bou-
levard, CLOC Musical Theatre Paul Congdon/Heath McKenzie/Andrei Chlebnikowski, audio-visuals, Hairspray, PLOS Musical Productions Chris Churchward and scenic team, Pharoah’s palace, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Beaumaris Theatre John Shelbourn, bus departure scene, All Shook Up, CLOC Musical Theatre Concert/Revue Performance Fab Nobs 10th Fabiversary Concert, Fab Nobs Theatre
● The Music Theatre Guild of Victoria 2012 Open and Junior Sections in Victoria’s nonprofessional musical theatre industry award winners will be announced on Saturday, December 8 at Costa Hall, Deakin University, Geelong. Tickets are $45 and can be booked on 0438 711378.
Page 56 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 21, 2012
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Victoria Pictorial
Historic Photo Collection
● Fish market, Coburg. Circa 1915
● Eastern Market from the top of Whittington Tavern.
● Eastern Market on Saturday morning. 1862.
● THe new Melbourne Meat Market. 1874.
● The Fish Markets, 1890.
● The Western Markets, circa 1870s
● The Fish Market, cnr Flinders and Spencer Sts. Circa 1950
● The Fish Markets. 1892
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 21, 2012 - Page 57
Victorian Rural News
Page 58 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 21, 2012
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Melbourne
Observer Victorian Sport
EXCITING NEW SERIES FOR SINGAPORE ■ Magic Millions has teamed up with two of Australia's leading thoroughbred operations to launch an exciting new threeyear-old series in Singapore. The $550,000 More Magic 3YO Championship series will comprise three races during September and culminating in the running of a Group 3 Final in 2013. Magic Millions is delighted to sponsor the series along with Newgate Farm and Oakwood Farm starting next year. The three races, open to all three-yearolds, will carry a rich bonus for those sold at the Magic Millions sales sired at Newgate Farm. Details of the races are: ■ 1st Leg-Mid September-1200 metresTurf Track-S$100,000 Base prizemoneyS$25,000 bonus to qualified runner. ■ 2nd leg-Early October-1400 metresTurf Track-S$100,000 base prizemoneyS$25,000 bonus for qualified runner. ■ Final Leg Singapore Group 3October-1600 metresTurf Track-S$150,000 Base prizemoneyS$100,000,bonus for qualified runner. The series will fit in to the Singapore calendar perfectly, following the Aushorse Golden Series and the Traditional Singapore Three-year-old Series later in the season. Singapore Turf Club Vice-President, Simon Leong, said "The Singapore Turf Club is proud to partner Magic Millions, Newgate Farm and Oakland Farm in bringing this Threeyear-old series to Singapore racing. I am sure the $500,000, More Magic three-year-old Championship Series will see the employment of more future Australian racing sired stars in the local racing industry". Magic Millions Singapore representative, Wayne Burridge, brother of former Victorian jockey, Steven Burridge, now a trainer in Singapore, has been on the ground communicating with all parties in Singapore and Magic Millions is thrilled to
Ted Ryan
be involved in this exciting new series. Newgate Farm and Oakwood Farm are both strong supporters of Magic Millions or runners by a Newgate stallion. The Series offers bonuses of $150,000 exclusively for graduates of Magic Millions or runners by a Newgate Farm stallion. In the event of ineligible runners winning the first two legs of the series, the bonus will jackpot to the final and the first eligible runner past the post will collect the $150,000 on top of the lion's share of the $150,000 race purse for its' owners. All Australian sired horses sold by Magic Millions would now be eligible for rich bonuses as two and three-year-olds through the Singapore Golden Horseshoe and new more Magic series.
He said possibly the biggest change in his time with the VRC was the decision to let the Club concentrate on its own affairs, when Racing Victoria was formed to oversee the Industry. We wish Dale all the best for the future, but I feel that he too good to let go out of the racing industry, especially with the few hiccups happening with the Sport of Kings at the moment. In the space of a year the VRC lost two of its long serving executives. First Sue-Lloyd Williams, his able assistant; and now Dale.
● Pierro Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754
Country successes
■ Recent major Country Cups run in Victoria proved most successful. Starting off with the Centrebet Geelong Cup, as mentioned in my last column, they had more than 17,000 in attendance and mainly well behaved on the day. The on-course tote ■ After 13 years at the helm of the figures exceeded Victoria Racing Club, $900,000, on top of popular Chief Execu- this the off-course figtive, Dale Monteith ures stood up considhas called it a day af- ering the small field of ter overseeing many only seven runners in changes under his the Cup. I hosted the guidance. One of the nicest Dayana marquee, guys in racing, Dale is with 500 people atpursuing other as- tending, while other pects, but loves his major marquees and smaller ones were racing. He was formerly booked out. The Sale Cup on CEO with the Melbourne Racing Club the following Sunday attracted one of the and the then VATC.
VRC CEO bows out
Observer Racing
best crowds ever around 6000, which could be a record. The tote and bookies holdings were well up and all marquees and dining areas were booked out. Sale's Chief Executive Officer, Wayne Pollock, said the Club was more than pleased with the day. A two year-old colt, by God's Own, auctioned on the day fetched $20,000, which I thought was a little disappointing as he looked a nice strong animal and looked a likely type. Bendigo held their Cup meeting on October 31, with a magnifi-
● Karuta Queen Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754 the beautiful Sham- it, next year's rock Hotel. Melbourne Cup winIf ever there was a ner in Puissance de place you can easily Lune, who won the fall in love with it's the Bendigo Cup by a Shamrock, with all its conservative eight old piety and lengths in record time. splendour. After his win at his TVN'S Jason next start in the Queen Richardson did a great Elizabeth Stakes at job especially his one Flemington on the last on one, with Olympic day of the Melbourne Games Gold Medallist Carnival, he again Anna Meares, who bolted in. was the special guest This caused Glenn of the Club. to make the statement Anna showed her- that he was over the self as a charming un- line in next year’s big affected young cham- twomileratFlemington. pion, who has taken Remember the her remarkable victo- name Puissance De ries in her stride. Lune meaning ;Power The racing the next of the Moon’. day produced, as Take it from me; jockey Glen Boss put he's good, very good.
Showbiz Extra ■ From Page 54
Top 10 Lists The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played With Fire, The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest. NEW RELEASE TELEVISION, DOCUMENTARY AND MUSIC DVD HIGHLIGHTS: THE GOODIES: The Final Episodes. THE ROYLE FAMILY: The Specials - Volume One. THE ROYLE FAMILY: The Specials - Volume Two. GREAT SOUTHERN LAND [Documentary]. DEXTER: Seasons 1-6. HEARTBEAT: Series 5. WHITE HEAT [Drama/Claire Foy, Jeremy Northam, Juliet Stevenson]. THE BEST OF: FAMILY GUY. TOP BLU-RAY SELLERS: 1. SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN [Adventure/Fantasy/Chris Hemsworth, Kristen Stewart]. 2. PROMETHEUS + DVD [Science Fiction/ Noomi Rapace, Charlize Theron, Michael Fassbender]. 3. ROCK OF AGES [Music/Comedy/Tom Cruise, Russell Brand, Julianne Hough]. 4. KATY PERRY: Part of Me [Documentary/ Music/Katy Perry]. 5. THE DICTATOR [Comedy/Sacha Baron Cohen, Megan Fox]. 6. LAWRENCE OF ARABIA: 50th Anniversary Restored Director's Cut [Adventure/Peter O'Toole]. 7. ARTHUR CHRISTMAS 3D Blu-ray + Bluray [Animated/Family/Adventure]. 8. E. T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTIAL: 30th Anniversary [Adventure/Henry Thomas, Peter Coyote]. 9. THE AVENGERS: 2D & 3D [Action/Adventure/Robert Downey Jr, Scarlett Johansson]. 10. AVATAR 3D + DVD [Science Fiction/ Chris Hemsworth, Sigourney Weaver]. Also: Killer Joe, Finding Nemo 3D, UP 3D, Not Suitable for Children, The Three Stooges, The Cabin in the Woods, Bond 50, What to Expect When You're Expecting, Get the Gringo, Indiana Jones: The Complete Adventures. NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON BLU-RAY THIS WEEK: BRAVE [Family/Animated/Adventure/Kelly MacDonald, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson]. BRAVE 3D + Blu-ray [Family/Animated/Adventure/Kelly MacDonald, Billy Connolly]. TED: Extended Edition [Comedy/Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, Seth MacFarlane]. CHERNOBYL DIARIES [Horror/Olivia Dudley, Jesse McCartney, Jonathan Sadowski]. GREAT SOUTHERN LAND [Documentary]. HYSTERIA [Comedy/Romance/Hugh Dancy, Rupert Everett, Maggie Gyllenhaal]. LOLA VERSUS [Comedy/Greta Gerwig, Zoe Lister Jones, Hamish Linklater]. POLAR BEARS 3D [Documentary]. CORAL REEF 3D [Documentary]. AMAZING OCEAN 3D [Documentary]. DISNEY-PIXAR Collection Box Set: 13 Movie Collection. THE MILLENNIUM TRILOGY Box Set: The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played With Fire, The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest. - James Sherlock
Writers’ Guild ■ The Australian Writers’ Guild has released their first line-up announcement for the biennial National Screenwriters Conference, which will take place at Mornington Peninsula February 20-22. Shameless creator Paul Abbott will be joined by a host of industry elite including John Collee (Happy Feet, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World), Craig Pearce (The Great Gatsby, Moulin Rouge!, Romeo + Juliet, Strictly Ballroom), Stephan Elliott (The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Easy Virtue), Jacquelin Perske, Keith Thompson and Tony Briggs (The Sapphires), Ian Simmons and Peter Moon (Fast Forward, Full Frontal).
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Page 62 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 21, 2012 Melbourne
Observer
Victorian Sport
WEEDING OUT CHEATS
Harness Racing Extra
ROTHACKER MEDAL TO NEVILLE WELSH ■ Veteran Elmore-based horseman Neville Welsh received Victorian Harness Racing's highest accolade, the Gordon Rothacker Medal, at a well-attended function held at Tabcorp Park Melton on Saturday (Nov. 17). Named in honour of the doyen of Victorian harness racing, the late Gordon Rothacker, the Medal was first awarded in 2002, with Charlton's Ian McCallum the inaugural winner. Others to receive the medal have been : Geoff Hill (Shepparton), Jim Barker (Hamilton), Ron Pocock (Bendigo), Matt Donaldson (Charlton), Peter Manning (Great Western), Bruce and Elizabeth Clarke (Terang), Les Chapman (Maryborough), Arthur Graham (Swan Hill) and Ted Demmler (Carrum Downs). Neville Welsh grew up in the Sydenham/Keilor area of Victoria, not far from where Melton is situated today and worked with his father Lew at the family farm, taking over the driving responsibilities at a young age. Winners soon followed and horses such as Selwitch and Ruggles helped put him on the map. Years later talented horses by the name of Murray Mac and Jotto came along, giving him further prominence in the sport. Neville won the Melbourne Showgrounds Drivers Premiership in season 1970-71 with 23 winners. He enjoyed success aboard Son Of Nancy in the 1970 Mildura Pacing Cup and 1971 A.G. Hunter Cup along with the brilliant filly Annastere who won both the Victorian Derby and Oaks in 1972. Neville was narrowly beaten aboard Monara by Welcome Advice in the 1972 (Brisbane) Inter Dominion Championship after trainer-driver Don Dove was suspended during the series. Neville has enjoyed great success with trotters, the most notable being West Texas Crude, a victim of Ross River Fever when at his prime. These days Neville trains a small but select team which are usually driven by son Clinton, with Neville preferring to sit on the other side of the fence watching the action, however he still retains a drivers licence and has the occasional drive to keep his eye in. Congratulations are extended to Neville on this wonderful achievement. - Len Baker
■ The AFL Commission and CEO Andrew Demetriou will be pleased to see the end of the Adelaide Crows and Kurt Tippett saga as well as the Melbourne FC ‘tanking’ fiasco. It highlights the necessity for The AFL to urgently improve its Audit section. It is obvious in sport as well as in Life there will always be some who put ‘cheating’ and ‘greed’ above ‘decency’ and ‘ethics’. There are precedents of severe penalties by the AFL with guilty member clubs who broke the three ‘golden’ rules of the Salary Cap, Draft and Tanking. It will be difficult for the Commission to gloss over anything but strong reactions to these current investigations. The ‘third party’ player ‘ambassador/PR’ role for club sponsors with the AFL ruling on Chris Judd and Visy seems doomed rightly so, especially with the Crows major sponsor Balfours Pies now a supplier to the Tippett tea-party. All this publicity is not good for our game especially in the two growing states, NSW and Queensland.
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Professional to run the show? ★ Compere/Host ★ Auctioneer ★ Promotions ★ A-Grade Journalist ★ Voice-Over Commercials ★ Race Caller All Sports, Race Nights ★ TV, Radio, Press ★ Respected Member of the Media
Ted Ryan Phone 9876 1652 Mobile: 0412 682 927 E-Mail: tedryan@australiaonline.net.au ted.ryan@optusnet.com.au
Harry Beitzel www.squidoo.com/harrybeitzel In past weeks even the ‘sleeping giant’, Soccer has awakened with its remodelled Premier League virtually around three imports, Del Pierro (SFL), Emile Heskey (Newcastle Jets), and Shingi Ono (West Sydney Wanderers). The under 8000 paying supporters have boomed to 18 to 20,000. It won’t affect the AFL established southern states but it’s a worry for Gold Coast Suns and GWS Giants. We can no longer rely upon the inherited hatred between the European countries to provide the blot on their game in Australia. Australians and the worldwide audience bet big on our Soccer. The Socceroos are improving as
too is the image of their game. We need to get the message across urgently if you are involved in AFL it is your duty to uphold the standard or get out. - Harry Beitzel
Sulky Snippets back next week ■ Harness racing columnist Len Baker has been in Christchurch for the New Zealand Cup. He returned to Melbourne at the weekend. Len’s regular column returns in next week’s Melbourne Observer. - Editor
Observer Crossword Solution No 26 C O I F F E O R A P A K I S T E T E S A D I S T T N R A T I S H O A P O S C R I M P H R E D E T E R R R E E M E A S U R E W N A L L Y I N N E O S H R I N E E N V S M U D G E I I N U N E A S E N R O D M U R A L O O C E T H R A S H U N O S M O K E R I L E A D V E R S D E E M I N D F U I D E R O O F R A E R E D I S P E N M R U E M B A L M E N B C R O C H E S E R M E S S E S I A X M A N D A R I T L C R A F T I
U T A H
R D R A A E U N R A S O S E T F N E E E F I T R O N W E N E D G E S I L Y C L E N T F A N S H E D E S A D D R T R C R E G I T C H S S W A S E R S A E E Y E S I C K N O S H U D L Y A L I N S T E T C C P I N A T S N E O G L N D U P E E P A C G O G O T L S Q U E I R C K T O I T T E R N S E R A G E N S A G I A D D I E T L S C E L E T U E H A B M A K E I I N E X C T E N L E R O V E
G S Q P U A D L O I R C I N E R C L E S E P R T E S E S T O I Q U R E T T E E S T E R A A N G L E I L N F T E R A R I T I I S T R S
T E M T I S E S I D O I N G R A E S H S P E R I M E E V G A A L Z E R T T I E M P I A R T D E D D R E E S C S U P P E N U E L I O P E E
R T A A Z E S N A B T A R E R S N G O T U O C E N S A I N I N T V E A R P E S I E N N Y S S O S K O T T O U H O D K A I M S O R A U O S G L A U N I E S D W R I S E O A E C U R Y I R I N O I N G S S A L I S R G I E N C E I S T A R R E O U N S E P A R G O N U N O L L S N P E
J M A E R T P I A B L E M O O A U N S H E P R E T O I C U S N C O W U T H O U F T M O E D E A D M N I E S I T Y R E L A D F E R R S
A H O D E D N O W O N L D E E R A D O V A A N T R A G R E H O R D E R S I R A N W E I L L I B U V I L F T U N G G I E F Y F E N C T I S
A L E N E U T S G A N L I L E F E L U O S T C E R S S E G Y R E D G A Q T E D E L E P L E N C E O D Y N E S O S P U L O E D
S S E E X P E A D N G O R I L O Y E
I C O W O Y O D S W O D R K B E R A S A P
H E T I H I C K A L A V W E R A T T S S
H O W G I A I D L E P H A O E H P R O O L Y N O R A T I R A H E M P E R I G U D M O U N U N M B R A C A U I S H R I V K O I E M A I L D Y M R A B I G I U A G E N E D E O N O O A P E K U S E S N Z A Z U R I E L L N E W Y O A E A B L A C K L T T I T H E R N E E G E R S E L U M A P S O E T P L I N E A T O C N A T U S N N E I G N I E E T M A L L E
R L U N T E F S I N G D O R U T H A E S S E L E E D V E S R T S W S E E U P L C H E R K A E R A T O K Y E O U T N G E E R E I N G H S T
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 21, 2012 - Page 63
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Page 64 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 21, 2012
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