20 minute read
CASEY DONAVON INTERVIEW
“BEYOND EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THAT I WILL BE JOINING THE CAST OF 9 to 5 AS THE NEWLY SEPARTED NEW RECRUIT JUDY BERNLY.’’ “I CANNOT WAIT.’’
Casey Donovan
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THE SENSATIONAL SMASH-HIT MUSICAL 9 to 5…….. was inspired by the 1980 hit film of the same name. The musical tells the story of Doralee, Violet and Judy, three enterprising workmates, who are pushed to the edge by their egotistical and mean-spirited supervisor Franklin-Hart Junior. Casey will play the part of Judy Berny, a newly separated, never worked before young woman who finds more than just a job at Consolidated Industries. The part was originally played by mega star Jane Fonda in the movie. CASEY DONOVAN shot to fame after winning the second season of Australian Idol in 2004, she was sixteen when she won the competition, becoming the series’ youngest winner………………… Casey has always had an interest in music, which subsequently led to her busking on the streets of Tamworth during the Country Music Festival at the tender age of ten. Donovan comes from an Indigenous family of musicians. Her father, is a member of country band The Donovans, along with his brothers. After winning Australian Idol, Casey went on to achieve enormous success as a singer, songwriter, actress and author. Her acting credits include, the role of Cynthia in the 2010 musical stage production “The Sapphires. Killer Queen in the 2016 stage production of “We will rock You’’ and “Mama Morton’’ in the 2019 Australian musical revival “Chicago’’ which was critically acclaimed. In 2017, Donovan won the third series of The Australian version of “I’m a Celebrity….Get me out of here.’’
Q & A WITH CASEY DONOVAN...
B&L: Congratulations on your new gig 9 to 5, are you excited? CASEY: I am beyond excited. B&L: What is it about the show that you love? CASEY : I love everything about the show, the show was way ahead of its time, and I love that it highlights the empowerment of women and the way we have evolved. B&L: Are you happy about being cast as Judy? CASEY: Yes of course, I love that it follows the growth of Judy as an empowered woman. B&L: Since winning Australian Idol in 2004, your career has gone from strength to strength. If you had not succeeded in this industry, what was your second choice as a career? CASEY: I may have gone down the beauty and makeup path. B&L: Are your family supportive of your career? CASEY: My family are immensely proud of me, they are my rocks. B&L: Are there any other family members in the music industry? CASEY: Yes there is music on both sides. B&L: Can you name a career high? CASEY:There have been many highlights, however I am proud to have grown into the woman I am now. B&L: Do you have any regrets. CASEY: I don’t live life with regrets. B&L: Who do you admire in the business? CASEY: Aretha Franklin, Tina Arena and Vanessa Amorossi. B&L: Are you happy that you entered Australian Idol and what motivated you to enter the competition? B&L: My stepfather Norm entered me into the competition. He actually gave me an ultimatum, because he was paying for me to attend The Australian Institute of Music in Sydney. B&L: What is on the agenda for Casey Donovan in the future? CASEY: When I have completed my commitment on 9 to 5, I will tour Vic, NSW and Qld with my “BluesDay Tuesday Tour. B&L: What advice would you give to aspiring artists, who would like to enter showbiz? CASEY: “Give it a go’’ ask questions and go to pubs and immerse yourself in the music scene. INTERVIEW COURTESY OF CATHERINE COLUSSO
We are giving one of our lucky readers the opportunity to win a double pass to see the smash-hit musical 9 to 5...
“I am beyond excited that we can finally bring this show to Australia. The response to 9 to 5 from around the world has been incredible. The overwhelming positive fan reaction to this universal story tickles every rhinestone on my body. I can’t wait for more people throughout Australia to have a good ole singalong, and the time of their life.’’
DOLLY PARTON
This sensational smash-hit musical was inspired by the 1980 hit film of the same name. The Australian production is being performed by a sensational cast, including Casey Donovan, Eddie Perfect, Marina Prior, Caroline O’Connor and Erin Clare. The musical tells the story of Doralee, Violet and Judy, three enterprising workmates who are pushed to the edge by their egotistical and mean-spirited supervisor Franklin-Hart Jnr. The three unlikely friends resort to wit and revenge and learn there is nothing they can’t do, even in a man’s world. The mischievous trio dream up a no holds barred scheme to kidnap and turn the tables on their controlling supervisor in the most hilariously defiant way. Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda and Lilly Tomlin played the three main characters in the original movie. The film’s premise successfully highlighted the dynamics between men and women in the work place, portrayed brilliantly by the stellar cast. The musical captivated audiences when it premiered in Los Angeles in 2008 and Broadway in 2009. It received fifteen drama award nominations including an Oscar, Grammy and four Tony award nominations. The nominations also included a win by the Queen of Country, Dolly Parton for the musical score for her much-loved hit song 9 to 5, which launched her career into popular mainstream culture. STORY COURTESY OF CATHERINE COLUSSO
WIN
SINGER/ACTOR & COMEDIAN EDDIE PERFECT HAS BEEN CAST AS THE MEAN-SPIRITED BOSS FRANKLIN HART JNR. IN THE AUSTRALIAN THEATRE PRODUCTION OF “9 to 5” THE MUSICAL
EDDIE is best known for his role as Mick Holland in the TV series “Offsping.’’ However he is also a talented composer and musical director known for his hilarious lyrics and impeccable timing in political comedy. He has appeared on Australian TV shows including Kath & Kim, Spicks and Specks, Good News Week and Blue Heelers.
In 2007, he appeared in “Keating the Musical’’ playing several characters, including a parody of former Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Alexander Downer. Eddie’s other works include his biographical musical comedy “Shane Warne The Musical’’ for which he won The Helpman Award for Best New Australian Work in 2009………………… He is also known for his song writing abilities and composed songs for Broadway theatre productions “Beetlejuice’’ and “King Kong’’ while living in New York. Eddie was nominated for The Tony Award in 2019 for “Best Original Score’’ for the Broadway Theatre Production “Beetlejuice………………….. B&L : Congratulations on your new gig, playing the mean-spirited boss Franklin Hart Jnr in Dolly Pardon’s hit musical “9 to 5.’’ How do you feel about that & what can we expect from your version of Franklin Hart Jnr? EDDIE : Thank you, I actually love playing sinister characters and I am going to try everything to make the character funny. B&L : Are you a fan of Dolly Parton and her work? EDDIE : Yes, I think she is one of the greatest artists of our time, her ability as a singer and songwriter is outstanding. I also admire her work as a humanitarian and philanthropist. I love her work with children in the area of literacy through her Dollywood Foundation and I find her Southern manners charming. Her contribution of $1 million to help fund the early stages of the development of the Moderna Vaccine is incredible. B&L : You seem to be very focussed on your career, will you be taking your talent overseas again? EDDIE : In 2015 my family and I moved to New York where I pursued a song writing career on Broadway. I composed songs for two Broadway theatre productions “King Kong’’ & “Beetlejuice.’’ In 2019 the song that I wrote for “Beetlejuice’’ was nominated for a Tony Award for “Best Original Score.’’ I still have work in New York and could possibly commute in the future. B&L : When was the thought of entering show business conceived? EDDIE : In 2002 I auditioned for a part in a Melbourne Theatre Company production. However, then decided to back my own vision and made a bold decision to produce a solo show that I had written called “Angry Eddie.’’ I entered the show into The Melbourne Comedy Festival. I subsequently won “The Best Newcomer Award.’’ B&L : What was your second choice if you were not successful in showbiz? EDDIE : I love anything creative especially creative art and creative writing. I had aspirations of becoming a visual artist as a youngster. B&L : You are often referred to as “multi-talented’’ because of your abilities as a singer, songwriter, pianist, comedian, writer ,actor, husband and father. Which job do you enjoy the most? EDDIE : I enjoy them all, however I don’t regard being a dad as a job, I think being a dad is a blessing. B&L : Who do you admire in the business and why? EDDIE : I admire and am interested in pioneers who take creative risks. B&L : What is next on the agenda for Eddie Perfect? EDDIE : I am currently writing 2 Christmas Musicals. B&L : What Legacy would you like to leave behind? EDDIE : The legacy I want to leave behind is that people perform my shows and find joy in them. B&L : The question that everyone has asked me to ask you. Is Eddie Perfect your real name and how do you make your famous hair stay up? EDDIE : Yes Edmund Perfect is my real name and I use a hair product called “Clay.’’ However I believe my hair stays up through the power of musical theatre. STORY COURTESY OF CATHERINE COLUSSO
pass to see Australia’s leading lady and legendary showgirl Rhonda
Burchmore, starring in the Parisian-themed revue
CABARET DE PARIS
@ The Concert Hall QPAC, Brisbane March 2022 or alternatively @ The State Theatre, Sydney April 2022 To be in the draw, email your entry to bowlsplus1@bigpond.com Winner will be advised by email
RHONDA BURCHMORE is one of Australia’s most recognised and celebrated entertainers. She is regarded by her peers as “Showbiz Royalty’’ and has appeared in numerous theatre productions in Australia and across the world from London’s West End to New York’s Broadway. Her long and illustrious career has included tremendous highlights which include performing in the hugely successful theatre production “Sugar Babies’’ alongside the iconic Mickey Rooney and the gorgeous Ann Miller on London’s West End. Rhonda initially exploded onto our screens in 1982, when she starred alongside Kristy McNicol and Christopher Atkins in the film The Pirate Movie. The film soon developed a cult following and ensured that Rhonda went on to achieve enormous success as an actress, singer and theatre performer. In 1988 she subsequently appeared in her first Australian theatre production with the Broadway hit “Sugar Babies’’ opposite fan favourite Garry McDonald AKA Norman Gunston. Burchmore’s television credits also include regular appearances on the variety show “Hey Hey it’s Saturday,’’ the popular quiz show “Spicks and Specks’’ and guest roles in the Australian sitcom Kath and Kim. Burchmore entered the jungle in 2020 to compete in the sixth season of the Australian version of “I’m a Celebrity…Get me out of Here’’ and was placed third. In 2014 Burchmore was awarded the medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for services to the performing arts, and to the community.
Q & A WITH RHONDA BURCHMORE
B&L : Congratulations on securing the starring role in “CABARET DE PARIS.’’ How do you feel about this amazing role? RHONDA : It is wonderful and I’m thrilled to be working with some very special and talented people. B&L : What is it about this show that you love? RHONDA : I love everything French and the show pays tribute to the most famous cabarets in France like the Moulin Rouge and Lido Cabaret. B&L : What can the audience expect from the show? RHONDA : Lots of fun with good old fashion Burlesque and great songs. The show also features nudity so I think you could describe CABARET DE PARIS as titillating. B&L : We believe that you dreamt of being on stage with these showgirls (Moulin Rouge & Lido Cabaret) when you were a little girl. Can you tell us about your childhood aspirations and at what age were these showbiz aspirations conceived? RHONDA : Ever since I was a little girl, I have dreamt of being on stage with those glorious showgirls from the Moulin Rouge and Lido Cabaret. Finally my dream has come true, and I am thrilled to announce that I will be joining the spectacular ‘Cabaret De Paris’’ to sing and dance in this super glamorous and breathtakingly beautiful show. I was on stage at 2 years and 8 months, simply because my older sister was a dancer and I loved watching her dance. I therefore dreamt of being on stage from a very early age. B&L : Do you come from a showbiz family? Is there anyone else in the family other than your older sister with showbiz inclinations? RHONDA : No, my father was involved in the transport industry and my mother loved all the old movies, therefore the family budget was spent on dancing and singing lessons for my sister and I. B&L : If your showbiz aspirations did not succeed what was your second career choice? RHONDA : I won a scholarship to attend The University of New England and I majored in Theatre Arts, I am a fully- fledged teacher. B&L : Can you name a career highlight? RHONDA : There have been many highlights, however receiving the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the performing arts and to the community was a very special pinch-me moment. Also performing on stage in the hugely successful theatre production of “Sugar Babies’’ alongside the Iconic Mickey Rooney and the breathtakingly beautiful Anne Miller was amazing. B&L : Who do you admire in the business and why? RHONDA : I loved and admired Don Lane and Bert Newton, who was my mentor. I also admire Jeffrey Rush, Gary MacDonald and Jackie Weaver. B&L : How do you relax in your down time? RHONDA : I love walking and gardening and have two poodles that keep me busy. B&L : What is next on the agenda for Rhonda Burchmore? RHONDA : I am currently working on my first Christmas album and touring the country with my one woman show called Glamazonia which will be showing in Coffs Harbour, Tamworth, Gold Coast, Noosa, Orange and Wyong. You can check my website for additional locations.
http://rhondaburchmore.com
B&L : What Legacy would you like to leave? RHONDA : Hopefully I will be remembered as being kind and someone that followed her passion and dreams. STORY & INTERVIEW COURTESY OF CATHERINE COLUSSO
ASH BARTY’S HISTORIC 2022 AUSTRALIAN OPEN WIN HAS NOW MADE HER THE MOST MARKETABLE ATHLETE IN AUSTRALIAN SPORTING HISTORY.
“I’m fortunate to have so much love in my corner. I love you guys to death and you are the best in the business. This is a dream come true for me and I’m so proud to be an Aussie.’’
Australia’s Ash Barty has become the first Australian to win the Grand Slam Open in 44 years. Her incredible performance was watched by a television audience of 4.3 million Australian viewers, making it one of the most watched sporting moments of the past two decades. Barty was presented with the Daphne Akhurst Trophy by Evonne Goolagong Cawley, one of Australia’s greatest tennis champions and winner of four successive Australian Open titles between 1974 and 1977. Also on stage to witness the event was Australian athlete Cathy Freeman, three proud Australian First Nations women who have each conquered the world of sport. Ash Barty is ranked Number one in the world in singles by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and is the second Australian (WTA) singles number one after fellow Indigenous Australian Evonne Goolagong Cawley. Barty is also a three-time Grand Slam singles champion, and is the reigning champion at Wimbledon and Australian Open. Barty began playing tennis at the age of four, under the strict supervision of her long-time coach Jim Joyce. She began showing tremendous promise during her junior years, which resulted in her career flourishing to herculean proportions. Barty is a proud Indigenous woman, who has embraced her heritage, and her passion for tennis and the Indigenous community is legendary. In 2017 and 2018 Ash was named “Female Sportsperson of the year’’ at the National Dreamtime Awards which honours Indigenous Australians. She is also the National Indigenous Ambassador for “Tennis Australia’’ which promotes Indigenous participation in tennis for men and women. STORY COURTESY OF CATHERINE COLUSSO
NEW TRANS TASMAN SERIES DATES LOCKED IN
BY LACHLAN WILLIAMS After several delays caused by COVID complications, new dates have been finalised for a much anticipated Trans Tasman Test Series. The Australian Jackaroos will return to the green for the first time in more than two years from June 4-6 this year, taking on rivals New Zealand at the Gold Coast’s Club Tamborine Mountain. The Jackaroos last competed as a unit at the most recent Trans Tasman series, way back in February 2020. A series was originally scheduled to take place at Tamborine Mountain in early March this year but was postponed due to changing COVID travel restrictions between Australia and New Zealand. The series will serve as an important warm-up event ahead of the Commonwealth Games to commence at Birmingham in late July. Green speeds at Tamborine Mountain will mimic those likely to be faced in the UK, running much slower than usual for the Gold Coast. Teams of five men, five women as well as para disciplines will battle it out during the series. National coach Gary Willis said he is excited to see the series able to go ahead despite previous difficulties. “This has been a long time coming, and I know our players are really keen to get back out there in the green and gold,” Willis said. “Only about six weeks before the Commonwealth Games, this will be a great chance to test ourselves in similar conditions; we can’t wait.”
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge celebrated her 40th birthday on the 9th January, 2022. She marked her milestone birthday in style, with three new official portraits taken by Italian fashion photographer Paolo Roversi, while the Royal family struggles with yet another scandal…
Kate is regarded by multiple members of the media as “the next Royal Saviour’’ and is credited with “keeping the Royal Family afloat.’’ Kate met her future husband, Prince William in 2001, when they both attended St. Andrew’s University in Scotland. The two became friends and reportedly started dating in 2003. Their royal wedding in 2011, was watched by a global audience of 162 million people across 188 countries. Kate was able to transition effortlessly from commoner to treasured member of the British Royal Family. Since her marriage ‘English Rose’ Kate has relentlessly followed Royal protocol, supported numerous charities and undertaken royal duties and engagements in support of the Queen and “has never put a foot wrong.’’ She understands her role perfectly, which is paramount considering the pivotal role she will play in the monarchy as both the wife and mother of future kings. William and Kate are now the parents of three children and preparing for their roles as the future Prince and Princess of Wales and ultimately King and Queen consort. In stark contrast to the blissful life that Kate seems to be leading, her grandmother in- law Queen Elizabeth, who reached a massive 70-year milestone since ascending the throne, and should be reflecting on her life’s achievements. Instead has been forced to take drastic action to help protect her legacy, as the Royals become embroiled in yet another family scandal that threatens to destabilise the monarchy. It has been revealed that Her Majesty has ousted Prince Andrew from the Royal fold after a US judge ruled that Virginia Giuffre could proceed in her civil suit against the Queen’s second eldest son over her alleged sexual assault when she was just 17. Buckingham Palace announced that with the Queen’s approval, the Duke of York’s military affiliations and royal patronages have been removed. It also concluded that the Duke will now be defending the case as a private citizen. It is believed the Queen’s decision was heavily influenced by Prince Charles and Prince William. Despite wars, family dramas and abdication the Royal Family has continued to endure throughout history. Only time will tell if this latest scandal can be resolved. STORY COURTEST OF CATHERINE COLUSSO
Meet Angela
With a caring nature and a genuine desire to enhance the lives of others, Angela Feery-Richards had a vision to meet the growing need for personalised in-home care and support services. Angela’s industry related background and experience made it possible to pursue her passion. Having held the following executive roles in the health care industry: • Director, Corporate & General Services at Peter McCallum Cancer
Institute. • Chief Executive Officer of St John of God, a private psychiatric hospital. Angela went on to provide valued consulting services to corporates within the health care sector. Recognising that many people living with a disability or experiencing the challenges of ageing would prefer to remain in the comfort of their own home, it was time to make a difference. Well-equipped with a Bachelor of Health Administration and a Master of Business Administration, Angela established Simply Helping in 1998 in regional Victoria. Building a reputation for tailoring excellent personalised care solutions, Simply Helping has been able to help thousands of people from all walks of life by supporting their independence and lifestyle. Today, as we continue to expand across Australia, each Simply Helping location is owned and managed by locals who share Angela’s values and strong connections with their community.
ANY AGE | ANY PLACE SIMPLY HELPING YOU
The world is moving faster than ever and sometimes it seems to be speeding away from the things that matter most. That is why at Simply Helping our mission is to add value, meaning and dignity to individual lives through our professional in-home care and support services. We offer a wide variety of services to our clients including senior care, disability care, respite and personal care, pet sitting and walking, gardening, home maintenance and domestic assistance. That means no matter what kind of help you need, Simply Helping is all about helping you at home… Beginning in 1998, Simply Helping has been providing flexible in-home care and support services, tailored to individual needs. With a reputation for building compassionate and trusting relationships we continually strive for excellence, so that you can continue to live in the comfort of your own home. Our experienced team can help with straight forward or complex care requirements and our wide range of services are as diverse as the people we assist.
