Tuesday 28 February 2023

Adriana Lecouvreur's high drama thrills on opening night!

"An unmissable theatrical event. ★★★★"– Limelight
"The sets and lighting are clear and diverse… The performers are superb and of international quality. ★★★★"– Sydney Arts Guide
"A visual feast... deeply satisfying work. ★★★★"
"Fabiano has a rich mahogany sound, polished, fine-grained and radiantly strong. ★★★★"



In a nutshell


The composer: Cilea. Italian. Early 20th Century.

The music: Lush, romantic melodies and a string of memorable arias and duets.

The big hit: ‘Io son l'umile ancella’, in which Adriana ascribes her talent to God.

The setting: 18th-century Paris, but this production isn't tied to a particular time or place.

The history: The opera premiered in Milan in 1902 but dropped out of the repertoire until the 1960s.

A quirky fact to impress your date: One of the real Maurice, Count of Saxony’s illegitimate children was the grandmother of Chopin’s lover, the novelist George Sand.

BLUE MOUNTAINS BOOSTED BY STAR VISIT

Hollywood actors Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes have promoted the Blue Mountains to the world during a visit to the destination. 

The pair went to Scenic World and shared a bushwalking video on Instagram

Scenic World posted about the star couple's visit on its Facebook page: "We were so thrilled that Ryan Gosling, Eva Mendes and their family chose to visit Scenic World. 

They were the most charming, warm, and wonderful guests - so interested in all elements of the Blue Mountains including the native flora, fauna, geology, World Heritage status, Indigenous culture and history of the region and Scenic World."

LEARN MORE
*Source: Destination NSW

The Significant Landmarks of Alabama

Pioneer Museum of Alabama - Homestead
Alabama is a state in the Southeastern region of the United States, bordered by Tennessee, Georgia, Florida and with a Gulf of Mexico coastline. 

The state is home to significant landmarks from the American Civil Rights Movement. 

The city of Birmingham's 16th Street Baptist Church, now a museum, was a protest headquarters in the 1960s.

Martin Luther King, Jr.'s church and the Rosa Parks Museum, dedicated to the activist, can be found in the capital of Montgomery. 

The U.S. Space and Rocket Center 

The U.S. Space and Rocket Center, in Huntsville, is the world’s largest space museum. 

The Hank Williams’s centenary 

Alabamian Hiram “Hank” Williams, born in 1923, was one of the most influential country music singer songwriters. The Hank Williams Trail takes in his childhood home preserved as a museum in Georgiana. Montgomery, and where the Hank Williams Museum has some of his stage costumes, guitars, and the 1952 blue Cadillac in which he died, aged 29. His grave is in nearby Oakwood Cemetery. 
www.deep-southusa.com/alabama/fly-drives/hankwilliams-trail and
www.thehankwilliamsmuseum.net

The Alabama BBQ trail

The BBQ trail on Alabama’s smartphone app, features the Original Alabama White Sauce invented at Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q in Decatur and the special house slaw at Brooks Barbeque in Muscle Shoals. Brenda’s Bar-B-Q Pit in west Montgomery is where its founder secretly tutored neighbourhood residents to pass the literacy test, which was required for them to register to vote. 
www.deep-south-usa.com/alabama/cultureand-cuisine/bbq-restaurants-trail 

North Alabama wine trail 

This wine trail features six wineries . 

100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama 

The 100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama guide is a celebration of Alabama's rich culinary history and diverse range of cuisine. It provides a collection of Alabama’s unique most interesting eateries. www.alabama.travel/experiencealabama/food-and-drink/100-dishes Alabama’s nature Alabama offers white sand Gulf Coast beaches, lakes for fishing or kayaking, the foothills of the Appalachians, and 21 state parks with campsites, cabins and lodges. The state’s coast has 28 miles of trails to explore on foot, by bike or Segway. There’s the chance to go kayaking in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, with its plethora of wildlife, or canoe to see the endangered Cahaba lily in the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge near Birmingham. For something more strenuous, the Appalachians have the long-distance Pinhoti trail as well as vast forests and towering waterfalls. 

FAME studios 

FAME studios 

Rick Hall’s FAME studios in Muscle Shoals celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2023 and there is a new behind-the-scenes tour. 

The schooner Clotilda 

The remains of the scuttled schooner Clotilda, the last known American slave ship was discovered and identified in 2019. The story of the ship’s 110 prisoners will be the focus of the Africatown Heritage House opens its doors in 2023, with artefacts from the ship and multisensory exhibit. Visitors will also be able to take a tour in Africatown with descendants sharing stories of their ancestors who survived enslavement and settled their community north of Mobile. The Netflix documentary Descendant highlights the Clotilda survivors and their lineage in Africatown and National Geographic documentary Clotilda: last American Slave Ship, is on Disney Plus. www.africatownhpf.org, www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/clotilda-the-last-american-slave-ship-found-inalabama and 

AllWays travellers to Alabama 

AllWays traveller to Birmingham 
AllWays Traveller to Alabama’s Gulf Shores http://www.allways.williamjack.ekei.pl/continents/america-n/in-the-outdoors-on-alabamas-gulf-shores AllWays Traveller to Montgomery 
AllWays Traveller to Mobile Bay 

*Source: Surinder Manku at surinder@5fmarketing.com

Wyangala Dam - Iconic Fishing, Boating and Holiday Location

Wyangala Dam. Credit: Visit Cowra
Wyangala Dam is located just a short distance from Cowra. When a capacity, it is 2.5 times the size of Sydney Harbour. The Dad offers an ideal space to enjoy water sports of all types including boating, fishing, canoeing and swimming.

Reflections Holiday Parks Wyangala Waters

An easy drive from Cowra, Reflections Holiday Park Wyangala W'aters is the ideal place to escape the pressures of the daily grind and get away from it all'. Take the boat out for some water skiing fun, or sit back and take advantage of Wyangalas prime fishing spots. Let the kids go wild in the bush, building forts and having adventures or bring along bikes or scooters to ride on the Pump Track.

Reflections Holiday Parks Wyangala Waters
Credit: Visit NSW
Enjoy the multitude of bushwalking tracks whilst spotting local wildlife along the way. There are plenty of accommodation options too, simply pick your perfect spot on the parks vast expanse of camping grounds or opt for one of the many cabins, cottages and bungalows available for a fun and comfortable stay. To top it off, Reflections Holiday Parks Wyangala Waters is dog-friendly for camping and caravanning sites, so you can enjoy the bush experience with your furry friends.

Wyangala

Wyangala is a small village just below the Wyangala Dam wall, with its claim to fame being the annual Wyangala Bonfire and Fireworks Spectacular, a visual spectacular that brings over 4,000 people to the village each and every year. Sit back and relax at the family friendly Wyangala Country Club, complete with a Bistro, tennis court, golf course and bowling green. If you are a fishing enthusiast, the Wyangala Danglers Fishing Club hosts a multitude of fishing competitions throughout the year, taking full advantage of the vast waters of Wyangala Dam

Wyangala Waters Holiday Park

phone 026345 0877
www.reflectionsholidayparks.com.au

Wyangala Country Club

phone 026345 0855
www.wyangalacc@activ8.net.au   www.wyangalacountryclub.com.au

Monday 27 February 2023

MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES

Sydney has been named the 10th most Instagrammable place in the world by global travel site Big 7 Travel. 

The scoring system analysed the number of hashtags and TikTok views for each destination, along with a sample survey from Big 7 media’s 1.5-million audience and global editorial team. 

Sydney received 35,638,423 hashtags on Instagram and 15,100,000,000 TikTok views.
 
LEARN MORE
*Source: Destination NSW

Places to ski and winter sport in the USA and Canada

Arizona Snowbowl Winter Resort

The Mountains of Arizona 

Arizona Snowbowl Winter Resort is home to the state’s longest ski season with an average of over 260 inches annual snowfall, located north of the mountainous city of Flagstaff. 

One of three winter resorts in Arizona, Snowbowl is the most popular due to its variety of runs from expert locals to complete beginners or children. 

Another resort for a winter sports holiday is Sunrise Park Resort in East Arizona, which aside from skiing also offers separate runs for snowboarding, cross country ski and children’s ski. 

Steamboat, Colorado 

This popular resort is known for its western heritage but is currently undergoing a $200 million renovation which will see modernisation on the mountain and in the resort’ itself. 

The new Wild Blue Gondola has become the longest gondola in North America and the fastest 10-person gondola in the USA, while base area improvements include a new ice skating rink. Steamboat is on the Ikon Pass, offering unlimited access along with 13 other North American ski resorts. 

Vail’s, Colorado 

Vail in Colorado is celebrating 60 years of operations, with a line-up of special events and tributes. 

Founded by World War II veteran soldiers, Vail has seven back bowls that are now more accessible than ever thanks to new high-speed chairlifts. 

Aspen Snowmass, Colorado 

Set to open for the 2023-24 winter season, Aspen Mountain is increasing its skiable acreage by more than 20 per cent. 

The area will be the mountain’s first significant addition since the opening of the Silver Queen Gondola in 1985. 

It will include 1,220 vertical feet of groomed trails and glades ranging from intermediate to advanced terrain. 

While at the resort, visitors can go to one of the other four mountains. 

Palisades Tahoe, California 

Palisades Tahoe has become the third-largest ski area in North America, with it base-to-base gondola connecting two mountains of the resort for the first time. 

The 16-minute gondola ride will take skiers and riders between the two base areas, The Village at Palisades Tahoe and Alpine Lodge, making it easier to enjoy both mountains in a single day. It is the first gondola of its kind in North America, offering panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada. 
www.palisadestahoe.com

The Summit at Snoqualmie, Washington State 

The Summit at Snoqualmie offers the most night skiing in the US, with nearly 600 acres to discover under the stars. 

Located just an hour’s drive from downtown Seattle, it features steeps, backbowls, terrain parks, a Nordic centre and Tubing Park as well as terrain for beginners. 

The Badger Pass Ski Area, Yosemite Mariposa 

The Badger Pass Ski Area reopened in January 2022 with the ski season typically running from January through to March. California’s first ski resort has a base elevation of 7,200 metres and 10 runs, and is good for beginners and intermediates, as well as terrific for black diamond skiers with the Wildcat Fox and signature Badger runs. 

Cross-country skiing, snowshoe trails and rentals and snow tubing are also available www.travelyosemite.com/winter/badgerpass-ski-area and www.yosemite.com 

www.whistler.com

Whistler, Canada 

Whistler offers world-class ski runs and European-style Village, with twinkling lights and snow-capped roofs. 

Two new chairlifts join the Whistler Blackcomb mountain, Big Red Express and Creekside Gondola for the 22/23 ski season. 


Mammoth Lakes, California 

Mammoth Lakes, California was named Best Ski Towm in North America in the 2022 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Travel Award.

The local ski and snowboard season is one of the longest in the country, often extending to the Fourth of July.  It is home to Mammoth Mountain, which enjoys a long history as a basecamp for adventure and laid-back charm. Major investment over the last decade brought a host of new dining, lodging and activity options 
*Source: Hariet Ball at harriet@blackdiamond.co.uk

Sunday 26 February 2023

NEWCASTLE 500 TRACK BUILD KICKS OFF

Temporary construction work for the Thrifty Newcastle 500 track, Supercars first event in Newcastle since 2019, has begun. 

The event will run from 10-12 March 2023 and is supported by Destination NSW. Supercars CEO Shane Howard said: “We have almost sold out the corporate facilities and grandstand tickets are getting very close to being sold out as well.”

LEARN MORE
*Source: Destination NSW

New Smyrna Beach, Florida - colourful streets and beaches

New Smyrna Beach, Florida
New Smyrna Beach, an eclectic beach town on Florida’s Atlantic coast, is known for its colourful streets.

Located between the Kennedy Space Center and Daytona Beach, and an hour from Orlando, it offers miles of white sand and a thriving shopping and dining districts with boutique accommodation and a thriving arts scene. 

Natural attractions include 17 miles of sandy beaches from Ponce de Leon Inlet to Canaveral National Seashore. 

The Indian River Lagoon, North America’s most diverse estuary system, runs through the area and is home to more than 4,000 species of plants, animals, birds and marine life. 

The city’s barrier island is recognised worldwide for its surf. 

*Source: Cat Hamilton at cat@hamilton-pr.com

Saturday 25 February 2023

Australian Fashion Wee: THE EXPERIENCE PROGRAM 2023

IMG has announced its program for Afterpay Australian Fashion Week (AAFW): The Experience 2023.
 
Supported by Destination NSW and taking place from 15–19 May, the event will give consumers exclusive access to designer shows and events. 

The line-up includes Cue, Erik Yvon, Gary Bigeni, Iordanes Spyridon Gogos, Karla Å petić and Michael Lo Sordo, alongside group showcases from David Jones Indigenous Fashion Projects, TAFE NSW’s Fashion Design Studio and AAFW’s emerging designer program.
 
LEARN MORE
*Source: Destination NSW

Amilla Maldives Resort and the Olive Ridley Project

Amilla Maldives Resort
Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences is working with Maldives and UK registered sea turtle conservation organisation, the Olive Ridley Project to host a sea turtle biologist on-island. 

Working alongside Amilla’s own resident marine biologist, Zoe Cox, Maldivian Afrah Abdul Sathaar will be the first ORP sea turtle biologist to be based in the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll.

This is a prime spot for turtles to feed, play and nest. Afrah and the Amilla Maldives team will promote sea turtle conservation efforts by conducting research and educating guests and the local community on the importance of protecting marine life in the region. 

Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences is the only resort in the Maldives to be a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World’s Considerate Collection, an ethos-driven standard for actively sustainable luxury hotels. 

Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences is located on a large, verdant natural island in the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atol. 

Its 67 Villas and Residences are elevated clear water, among the treetops or along the shoreline. 

*Source: Sarah Harvey at sarah@frogandwolfpr.com

BONZA TOUCHES DOWN IN VICTORIA FOR THE FIRST TIME

Geelong
Australia’s newest airline has now started operations in Victoria for the first time by launching its first ever direct flight between the Sunshine Coast and Melbourne Avalon Airport.

Today’s historic flight marks the airline’s first commercial flight to a Victorian destination and the third route launched as the low-cost carrier continues its journey of connecting more Australians than ever before. Later this week, Bonza will go on sale with its Melbourne base which includes an additional 12 routes to the 15 that are currently on sale via the Fly Bonza app.

“Today is a significant milestone as we get wheels up into Victoria for the first time. South East Queenslanders can now fly direct to Avalon for a wide range of holiday experiences in Melbourne, Geelong, the Surf Coast and the Great Ocean Road. Likewise, Victorians can now fly direct from Avalon to the Sunshine Coast to visit loved ones and take a well earned break,” said Tim Jordan, CEO of Bonza.

Flights between the Sunshine Coast and Avalon went on sale last month for as little as $79 per person one way. Bonza will fly direct between the Sunshine Coast and Avalon three times per week with flights available to book on the Fly Bonza app, or with a registered travel agent, until late October 2023.

Avalon Airport CEO Tony Brun said connecting the Sunshine Coast and Avalon would reap benefits for travellers from greater Melbourne, Geelong and surrounding regions: “We are thrilled to partner with Bonza and host the very first flights into Victoria. The route between Sunshine Coast and Melbourne (Avalon) is very popular and is fantastic for Victoria. This launch today provides more choice, competition and opportunities for travellers to enjoy more of this great country. We are proud to make flying easier and accessible for keen travellers!”

Sunshine Coast Airport CEO Andrew Brodie who flew with Bonza customers today said, “The Sunshine Coast is a highly sought after holiday destination for Victorians, and being able to fly directly out of Avalon will make travel so much easier for people who live in Greater Melbourne.

“Similarly, people who have friends or family in Victoria, now have greater options for travel as Bonza will be operating three flights to Avalon a week.

“This new route is also great news for Sunshine Coast locals who love their sport events or who want to spend time enjoying the incredible foodie culture that Melbourne is known for,” Mr Brodie said.

Jordan thanked both airports for their partnership in the lead up to today’s milestone.

“Today is a result of a strong partnership with Sunshine Coast Airport, Avalon Airport and its owners Linfox. We especially want to thank their teams for working hard to make today a reality,” he said.

Travellers are encouraged to download the Fly Bonza app which is the only place to book direct.

*Source:Heather Mollins  heather.mollins@flybonza.com   0412 421 411

Friday 24 February 2023

NEW VENUE FOR FIFA WOMEN'S WORLD CUP

Stadium Australia has been named as the new venue for Australia’s FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 opener against Ireland on 20 July. 

The venue has an 80,000-seat capacity, giving more football fans the chance to attend. 

The tournament forms part of the Destination NSW 10 World Cups in 10 Years initiative and is projected to inject $21 million into the state’s economy. 

Eleven games will be held in Sydney during the tournament, including a semi-final and the final. Additional single match passes will go on sale on 24 February.

LEARN MORE
*Source: Destination NSW

Belize - shoreline and dense jungle

www.travelbelize.org
Belize, which is located on the eastern coast of Central America, has a Caribbean Sea shoreline s to the east and dense jungle to the west. 

Offshore, the Belize Barrier Reef, dotted with low-lying islands called cayes, hosts rich marine life.

Belize’s jungle areas are home to Mayan ruins like Caracol, with its towering pyramid; lagoon-side Lamanai and Altun Ha, just outside Belize City. 

The country positions itself as the bridge between Central America, Latin America and the Caribbean. English and Spanish are widely spoken. 

Belize offers the traveller a range of natural resources such as the Belize Barrier Reef, the 450 cays, excellent fishing and safe waters for water-based activities. 

Inland there are rivers for rafting and kayaking, jungles and wildlife reserves, and the historical Maya sites. 

Source: Bevan Springer at bevan@bevanspringer.ccsend.com

BLANC DE BLANC Season extended to 23 April

“THE BEST THING GOING ON IN SYDNEY RIGHT NOW” Au ReviewSEASON EXTENDED TO 23 APRIL

 “Did I mention the skill of the performers? Whether it was risqué cancan in stilettos, striptease, slapstick, vamping, the pole or aerial rings, they were absolutely top-notch professionals. They did not miss a beat and their delivery is sharp, precise and seamless.”  Theatre Thoughts They come from around the world but perform together with familial rapport. This is clever, raucous, vibrant, frenetic fun with near nudity and complete indulgence.” City Hub “…high-flying French-themed production is as raunchy and adult as ever, shaped into new venue The Grand Electric. The venue – raw, open and charmingly minimal with a vibrant front courtyard – is as much the star of the show as the performers themselves.” AU Review “Packed with dance, humour, and banging music … a scintillating night of entertainment. A classic piece of cabaret, it bares all – literally and figuratively – to create a mesmerising performance.”  ScenestrProviding a deliciously hedonistic evening of escapism …this work is a treat for audiences looking for some grown up fun and frivolity.” Broadway WorldThe hedonistic world of Blanc de Blanc Encore has been wowing audiences since it opened in January in the totally refurbished cabaret venue The Grand Electric, Surry Hills.  The Producers, Strut & Fret are delighted to announce that their much-loved cabaret, circus and burlesque show has been extended and will now play until 23 April. BLANC de BLANC ENCORE serves an intoxicating blend of fun, flirtation and acrobatic feats; enthralling audiences with the same addictive blend of acrobatic artistry and risqué revelry that its creators are world-renowned for.The star studded, internationally sourced cast with its numerous Cirque du Soleil alumni includes Felix Pouliot from Canadaaerial duo Spencer Craig (Canada) and Caitlin Marion (USA), Remi Martin (Germany/France), and introducing Rechelle MansourMelanie Hawkins from Australia, New Zealand’s Emma Phillips and Léah Wolfffrom Canada. VENUE:          The Grand Electric, Theatre No1, 199 Cleveland Street, Surry HillsDATES:          7 January – 23 April 2023TIMES:            Wed, Thu, Fri 7pm; Saturday 4.30pm & 8pm; Sunday 3:30pm & 7pm PRICES:         Tickets from $70BOOKINGS:   www.blancshow.com Blanc de Blanc Encore Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlancShowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/blancdeblancshow/Tik Tok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@strutnfretThe Grand Electric: https://www.instagram.com/thegrandelectricsyd/

Discover Heritage in Bathurst

Abercrombie House
As a town that proudly preserves its rich and fascinating heritage, visitors are welcome to embrace it too. There are several national trusts listed buildings, homes and gardens to explore throughout the region to appreciate the grand architecture and gain an understanding of what life was like on the plains before the thriving regional centre Bathurst has become what it is today.

Abercrombie House, a 52 room Scottish baronial mansion meticulously restored to its original condition over several generations, is open year-round for the public to take self-guided tours of the house and its expansive grounds. The house regularly hosts special events like high teas, traditional luncheons and local Shakespeare in the Garden productions.

Miss Trails House and Old Government Cottage are often open for public tours on weekends.

Miss Trails House
In the villages, Rockley Mill and Stables Museum is a rare, thee story Victorian era flower mill with an interesting collection of public artefacts including clothing and personal items, machinery and police records. Hill End Heritage Site also has plenty of opportunities to tour historic homes and buildings.

Take a self-guided tour of the beautiful established Machtatie Park through the Bathurst Step Beyond App. Bathurst town square Oasis is stunning at anytime of the year and boasts picturesque features like the Band Rotubda and Fernery.

The Milltown recinct in South Bathurst encompasses historic homes and buildings representing Bathurst history as a railway town including the former home of the late Prime Minister and his wife, Ben and Elizabeth Chifley. Chifley home is now public house museum displaying original furnishings in situ that gave a fascinating insight into life in regional Australia during the depression until after the Second World War. In more recent history many immigrants of the late 1940s and early 1950s made the Bathurst Migrant Camp their temporary homes on the site of the former Bathurst Army Camp on Limekilns Road.

Autumn is traditionally the time when Bathurst celebrates its heritage, hosting special events and tours with the Autumn Colors Program and Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail.

For anyone searching for more in-depth history about the Bathurst region, the Bathurst District Historical Society Museum is the place to go and speak with a local expert.

What the Locals Love - Sister Alice Sullivan Perthville Convent Heritage Centre

"Bathurst has some of the loveliest old buildings that can be found anywhere in NSW. I enjoy walking around the old part of the town and seeing so much variety. Take time to enjoy coffee in one of the many delightful cafe or enjoy a picnic in the peaceful local park by the Macquarie river or the spectacular Machattie Park in the centre of town. Don't miss the Begonia House and Fernery in autumn.

Mount Panorama - Wahluu
The drive around legendary Mount Panorama - Wahluu is a highlight and a must on your itinerary. Visit the newly renovated Cathedral of Saint Michael and Saint John with its beautiful grounds and lifestyle statue of Saint Mary Mackillop who is known to have prayed in this Cathedral.

For the better story of sister Mary Mackillop by booking a tour at the Perthville Convent Heritage Centre which in 2022 celebrated 150 years since its founding. The first buildings date from 1872, and inside tell the story of Saint Mary Mackillop and the early Sisters who came to the Diocese of Bathurst. Learn how the Sisters provided education for children in small country towns throughout the Central West."

Thursday 23 February 2023

HOLE IN ONE FOR REGIONAL NSW

Regional NSW will benefit from a bumper program of men’s and women’s golf events between 2024 and 2026, thanks to a partnership between Golf NSW, Destination NSW and the Department of Regional NSW. 

The 51 golf events, which include the Australian Women’s Classic, Men’s and Women’s NSW Open Championships and regional qualifying events, are expected to provide a huge boost to regional NSW.

They are projected to attract more than 16,000 visitors to the host regions and generate an estimated $13.5 million into the economy. 

NSW has more than 166,000 registered golfers and upwards of 370 courses.

LEARN MORE
*Source: Destination NSW

Laguna Golf Lang Co and the Asian Tour Destination

Laguna Golf Lang Co,
Laguna Golf Lang Co, one of Vietnam’s leading clubs, is a member of the Asian Tour Destination, a network of 12 clubs with direct ties to the Asian Tour. 

As well as Laguna Golf Lang Co, whose Sir Nick Faldo Signature layout is regarded among the best in Vietnam, the collective includes clubs in Thailand, Japan, Indonesia, Cambodia, India, and Singapore. 

The other current member clubs are : 
  • Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore 
  • Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club, and Kota Permai Golf & Country Club in Malaysia  Parahyangan Golf in Indonesia 
  • Sapporo Country Club and The North Country Golf Club in Japan 
  • Black Mountain Golf Club, Aquella Golf & Country Club, and Laguna Golf Phuket in Thailand 
  • Angkor Golf Resort in Cambodia, and 
  • Classic Golf & Country Club in India. 

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - the fun musical

Euan Doidge
Want a fun night out with the family? Go along to the Capitol Theatre in Sydney and see the fun stage musical of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. It is full of song, dance and humour. In fact, there is no spoken  word in the entire show - everything is sung.

The show is an early work of Andrew Lloyd Webber, who composed the music, and Tim Rice who wrote the lyrics. Andrew went on to compose the score of many great musicals including The Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Evita, School of Rock, Sunset Boulevard and Jesus Christ Superstar. Time Rice went on to write the lyrics of Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Aladdin, and The Lion King.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat tells the Old Testament story of Joseph, his father and his 11 brothers. His brothers are jealous of the popularity of Joseph so they hatch a plot of get rid of him. They tell their father he died, but in fact they sold him as a slave to Egypt. Joseph has a talent of interpreting dreams so helps the Pharaoh with the meaning of his dream. When famine strikes the 11 brothers go seeking help, and Joseph forgives them for what they did to him and helps them. 

The two standout features of the show are one of its main stars and an aspect of its staging.

Paulini
Paulini does an exceptional job in her performance of the Narrator linking the various scenes of the show together. (She also takes on other roles in the show). She is on the stage for most of the time, singing with power and clarity. Her moves on stage are captivating too. Paulini was bornPauline Curuenavuli in Fiji and moved to Sydney when she was four. She was a contestant in the first season of Australian Idol. Since then she has written and recorded many hit songs, and has appeared in musical theatre productions of The Bodyguard, Hair and Chess. 

The sets of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat are very simple and understated. It is the lighting that spectacularly shines the light on the actors on the stage and makes the entire production a delight to see from start to finish. Credit must go to Ben Cracknell the Lighting Designer. He did an amazing job with all the special lighting effects in the show. It would be interesting to know the number of LED's actually used in the show - the number must be huge. 

The other main actors and ensemble in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat did an admirable job with the singing and dancing. Euan Doidge is a handsome young Joseph. (Previosly he appeared in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Pippen, Saturday Night Fever and Priscilla Queen of the Desert.) Trevor Ashley is the stunning Pharoah. He has a wealth of experience as an actor, writer, director and cabaret performer. 

Special mention must go to the talented children who perform on the stage, either acting their age or being aged into much older adults. The sheep and camels on wheels also deserve a special mention.

What else was enjoyable? The songs and the band that played the music for the singers. The good thing about Joseph is the varied styles of music utilised for the many songs. All tastes are catered for, with a French can-can, Elvis style rock and roll, country and western, 1920s Charleston, Calypso, jazz and a 1970s go-go song. Songs include Any Dream Will Do, Close Every Door To Me, Jacob and Sons, There’s One More Angel In Heaven and Go Go Go Joseph. The band played non-stop with no breaks throughout the show, always providing uplifting toe-tapping music.

Pharaoh's palace, just after interval, looked impressive with the large golden statues. The moving heads and guitars added a Monty Python touch to the musical. It was a piece of Los Vegas in Egypt.

Trevor Ashley

Disappointments in this production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat? Not many! The biggest one for me was Josephs technicolor dreamcoat. I suppose I was was expecting something more amazing. It was indeed colourful. However it looked like it was a just a simple trench coat created by a Paris fashion designer for wearing at a small intimate social gathering. It lacked the presence on the large stage it deserved by being just the size of a standard coat and not the size of a large technicolor parachute. 

To sum it up, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a light-hearted fun musical that people of all ages will enjoy seeing. It is a great way to spend the night out on the town with friends or family

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is on stage at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney now up until 16 April. Tickets can be bought online at Ticketmaster from $59.

For further information about the musical go to https://josephthemusical.com.au/

Wednesday 22 February 2023

VIVID SYDNEY 2023 LOCAL BUSINESS PROGRAM

Destination NSW is calling for restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs, retailers, hotels, cruise operators, entertainment venues, visitor attractions and tour providers to present their ideas, deals and experiences for inclusion in the 2023 Vivid Sydney Local Business Program.

Vivid Sydney 2023 will run from 26 May to 17 June and will provide a unique opportunity to create memorable moments in Sydney.

Businesses are encouraged to host a one-of-a-kind Vivid Sydney experience, exclusive offer, or lighting up their building façade or cruise vessel to entice customers to visit, dine, stay or shop. Destination NSW will help promote these activities to engaged audiences on our social channels.

Those involved will receive access to free Vivid Sydney Local Business Program assets to highlight their involvement and attract customers, such as round LED screens or window decals and posters, which will be professionally installed.

If you missed the Local Business Program live webinar, click here to register and view a recording of the session.

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*Source: Destination NSW