Once Upon a Time .... there was Shrek the Musical

Shrek

Shrek The Musical opened in Sydney at the weekend to a capacity audience of people who laughed themselves silly watching this very funny stage musical.

Shrek the Musical is based on the hugely popular 2001 computer-animated comedy film Shrek and the 1990 fairytale picture book Shrek by William Steig.

From the pages of a huge book coming to life on stage, it tells the romantic story of an Ogre falling in love with a Princess and the many adventures along the way. It is a hilarious musical that takes the audience to a land far far away. It is the ideal holiday amusement outlet for young and old alike.

Todd McKenney, Ben Mingay,
Lucy Durack, Nat Jobe, Marcia Hines

Shrek the lime green Ogre was banished to a swamp at the age of seven by his parents. The larger than life Shrek is played by the talented Ben Mingay, He has acted in movies, such as Hacksaw Ridge, TV shows such as House of Bond, Packed to the Rafters and Home and Away, and in stage shows. He played his part really well. It would not have been easy for him to move about the stage in his bulky costume. At first, I found it hard to understand the words of the songs he was singing, but after a while, I had come to understand his accented voice.

Shreks offsider is the funny Donkey, played by Nat Jobe. Nat is a singer, dancer and actor who has performed in many adult and children's theatre productions. Nat was able to move about the stage as a donkey would have in a comical fashion.

Princess Fiona finds herself locked in a tower from the age of seven until Shrek comes and rescues her the Princess is played by Lucy Durack Lucy is a singer/songwriter as well as an actor. She has appeared as the leading lady in many musicals. She has appeared on numerous TV shows and has recorded her own albums. The ever-adorable Lucy is a delightful Princess with her clear diction singing.

In one scene in the Tower, there is a flashback in time where Princess Fiona is played by two younger actors, Annie Chiswell as Fiona as a teenager, and one of 5 girls as Fiona as a child. The singing is good here when they sing on there own, and also when they sing in unison.

Lord Farquaad is the very short-statured head of the Kingdom of Duloc. He has banished all the Fairy Tale characters from the Kingdom. His mission in life is to marry a Princess, so convinces Shrek to go and rescue Princess Fiona from the Tower in return for letting Shrek remain living in the Swamp. Lord Farquaad is played by Australias most versatile performing artist Todd Mckenney. He is an award-winning performer on stage and screen excelling in song and dance. It is obvious he is having a lot of fun playing this role on stage with his mischievous humour. I just wish he would remember that Shrek the Musical is a family show with children in the audience and cut our his sexual innuendos he places in it. These are not necessary to create enjoyment of the show, they just detract from it.  

The Dragon guards Princess Fiona in the Tower. The Dragon is a huge life-like puppet, skillfully controlled by four puppeteers. The voice of the Dragon is Marcia Hines, Australia's beloved musical treasure who has released 22 big selling albums of her songs. When she first came to Australia at the age of 16 she appeared in Hair, then Jesus Christ Superstar, Big River and Jerry's Girls and Saturday Night Fever. Marcia's powerful singing voice of the Dragon wows the audience with its outpouring force. Marcia is heard and not seen as she sings for the Dragon. It is good she comes out on stage for the last song I'm a Believer. Marcia was the standout performer in Shrek the Musical.

The ensemble takes on various roles, such as Fairy Tale characters, which require some quick costume changes. There singing is really good. The dances are a bit restricted by the elaborate costumes they are wearing.

Red Riding Hood,  Donkey, Shrek, Pinocchio, Fairy

The sets get a 10 out of 10. They are colourful, fanciful and are a brilliant backdrop for the action on the stage. The effective lighting and projections establish the mood for each scene. The excellent make-up and wigs help create the storey book characters come to life.

Music is provided by a 12 piece orchestra. This music is an effective backdrop for the quieter and more boisterous 20 songs in the show.

The highlights of the show for me were the movements of the enormous dragon and the dancing rats. For the children in the audience, the highlight was the farting jokes, based on the amount of laughter coming from them. 

Once upon a time was Shrek the Musical ... and they lived happily ever after. That is, all except for Lord Farquaad. You will have to come along to see Shrek the Musical to find out why that is......

Shrek the Musical SEASON DETAILS

SYDNEY
Venue Sydney Lyric Theatre, The Star
Season ti February 9 2020
Performance Times Wed-Sat 7.30pm, Matinees Wed & Thurs 1pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm and 6pm
Prices: From $49.90 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: ticketmaster.com.au or 1300 795 267

MELBOURNE
Venue Her Majesty’s Theatre
Season From 16 February 2020
Performance Times Wed-Sat 7.30pm, Matinees Wed 1pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm and 6pm
Prices: From $49.90 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: ticketek.com.au or 132 849

Groups 12+ call 1300 364 001

Tickets
BUY ONLINE BOOK NOW
BY PHONE 1300 795 267
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Website: https://shrekthemusical.com.au/

Jack and The Beanstalk - Loads of Fun for all the Family.

Lucy Durack as Fairy Chrystal

Jack and The Beanstalk is the must-see show for all ages this July.

Director and Producer, Bonnie Lythgoe has brought her 6th annual pantomime spectacular to Sydney to the delight of families.

I was privileged to attend the Opening Night performance of Jack and The Beanstalk. The full theatre of young and old was enthralled with the action, thrilling musical numbers, adventure, hilarious comedy, romance and wonderful special effects.

Luke Joslin as Flesh Creep

The main cast does a wonderful job of bringing the pantomime to life. A greater emphasis on teamwork is needed in a pantomime than regular theatre. Even though there has been only a short rehearsal period, the main cast members interact in a polished way, with just enough adlibbing and stuff ups to make each performance special. There are gags galore for the young and not so young.

The all-star cast includes: 

- Lucy Durack (Wicked, Legally Blond and judge on Channel 9's Australia's Got Talent) as Fairy Chrystal (Spirit of the Beans),

- Peter Rowsthorn (Brett from Kath & Kim) as King Crumble, 

- Anastasia Feneri as his daughter Princess Jill.

Richard Reid Bumble as the Lord Chancellor,  

Jimmy Rees as Silly Billy, Peter Rowsthorn as King Crumble

- Richard Reid (2019 winner of I'm A Celebrity Get Me Outta Here) as Bumble the Lord Chancellor’, 

- Luke Joslin as the villain Flesh Creep

- Malcolm Lord as Dame Trott,

- Lachie Dearing (Hi-5) as her son Jack and

- Jimmy Rees (aka Jimmy Giggle from Giggle & Hoot and Jimmy Sizzle from Dancing With the Stars) as Jacks brother Silly Billy.

The ensemble of young dancers and singers were great, and in some ways even better than the main cast members. They brought the various scenes of Jack and the Beanstalk to life.

Jack and The Beanstalk, like the previous pantomimes, encouraged audience participation of booing and hissing the villain and cheering the heroes. There was one segment where the audience was encouraged to join in a flossing dance competition. Unfortunately, this was only for those seated in the stalls section of the theatre, and not the upper two levels. The children in the Dress Circle, where I was sitting, were disappointed when they stood and joined in the flossing but were ordered to sit down by the ushers. Perhaps in future pantomimes, audience participation segments should be thought thru so that everyone in the audience can participate, not just a few.

Jack and The Beanstalk was, on the whole, a great night of entertainment. There were a few flat spots in the first half, with the second half being much better. The highlight of the first half was the appearance of the beanstalk and the second half a fantastic 3D sequence that transports audience members deep into the Giant’s castle. It was good seeing objects flying out in front of you through the provided 3D glasses. 

Director, Bonnie Lythgoe said “I am always searching for new excitement from the UK Panto world and Jack is one of the best ways to showcase this wonderful concept. I think audiences will adore everything about this amazing panto, especially the amazing 3D effects.”

Any seat in the gorgeous State Theatre gives a good view of the stage. My seat in the upper Dress Circle gave a good view looking down on the stage. The only downside to my sitting in the middle block of seats was the follow spot lighting up the back of the heads of those sitting in front of me as well as lighting up the stage. 

The colourful sets and dazzling costumes in Jack and The Beanstalk were exceptional. Dame Trotts various dresses and headwear were a standout. It was like a children's storybook brought to life. 

Take the children to see Jack and The Beanstalk, or just go yourself. The show is full of humour, some on a child's level that they will only appreciate, and some on an adults level that they will only understand the meaning of. There is a selection of morning, afternoon and evening performances to choose from. However, be quick to book your seats, as the last performances are on 21 July. Don’t miss this Family Musical Panto of your dreams!

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

WHEN: - now to 21st July 2019
RUNNING TIME:- 65 Minutes - Act One; 20 Minutes - Interval; 55 Minutes - Act Two
VENUE: State Theatre, 49 Market Street, Sydney
DATES: Friday 12 to Sunday 21 July 2019
PERFORMANCES: 12 – 21 July
PRICES: from $49 to $99 plus Family tickets $260
BOOKINGS: Ticketmaster www.ticketmaster.com.au or 1300 139 588
Find dates & Buy tickets

LA TRAVIATA RETURNS TO HANDA OPERA ON SYDNEY HARBOUR 2020

Opera La Traviata

Verdi’s iconic Opera La Traviata will return for the renowned Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour – nine years after it first graced the stage at the inaugural event.

Since its inception in 2012, Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour has been supported by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW and has established itself as one of the world’s greatest outdoor theatrical events.

Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour continues to go from strength to strength.

“This event is like no other – combining world-class performances, colourful costumes, majestic sets and exhilarating fireworks with the unbeatable backdrop of Sydney Harbour,” Mr Ayres said.

“More than 62,000 tickets were sold for the 2019 Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour production of West Side Story, which is an incredible result.

“It is clear why Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour is regarded as a must-see event on our State’s cultural calendar, as it continues to attract audiences from every corner of the globe. I have no doubt the return of the quintessential Opera La Traviata will be bigger and better than ever before.”

Opera Australia’s Artistic Director Lyndon Terracini said he is pleased to recreate the first ever Opera to be performed on the open-air stage.

“Bringing back La Traviata has a sense of nostalgia. This event has come so far in the last nine years and has successfully brought the art of opera to so many new audiences. We are proud of what we have accomplished,” Mr Terracini said.

Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour’s production of La Traviata will be held from 27 March to 26 April 2020.

Tickets will be available to the public from 16 July 2019 at opera.org.au/harbour

www.destinationnsw.com.au

Brisbane to host world first operatic masterpiece

In a world first, Brisbane will host a brand-new production of Richard Wagner’s operatic masterpiece Der Ring des Nibelungen, or ‘The Ring’, set to play out over four weeks in late 2020.

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the production would be staged in November and December next year.

Known as the Everest of Opera, Brisbane’s ‘Ring Cycle’ will be directed by Mr Chen Shi-Zheng, the first Chinese Director to take on The Ring, bringing his renowned use of theatre technology to produce the first ever Ring featuring suspended, moveable LED screens and ground-breaking digital technology.

Ms Jones said Opera Australia had specifically chosen Brisbane as the stage for one of its most ambitious and innovative projects to date, bringing the city, and the internationally recognised masterpiece alive.

“The Queensland Performing Arts Centre is the best in Australia and was specifically chosen by Opera Australia to host this event,” she said.

“The fact that Brisbane will host this internationally-significant production is a testament to the fact that our innovation sector along with our arts industry is world-class.

Ms Jones said The Ring would generate 35,500 visitor nights and pump more than $15 million into the local economy.

“When it comes to major events, Queensland has the runs on the board,” she said.

“We’ve just hosted rugby league’s Australian-first Magic Round, April’s ground-breaking innovation festival QODE and now we’ll host the world’s most high-tech opera.

“We’ve more than doubled the value of Queensland’s major events calendar since 2015 – this year tipped to pump $800 million into our economy.”

The event was secured by the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland, in partnership with Brisbane City Council, through Brisbane Marketing.

Minister for the Arts Leanne Enoch said The Ring was a significant announcement for Brisbane’s theatre community.

“Opera fans from around the globe will flock to Brisbane to experience this performance which will bring cutting-edge technology together with an extraordinary four-part opera,” she said.

“The great nightlife and tourism experience experiences Queensland has to offer played a major role in Brisbane securing the ‘Everest’ of opera and the ground-breaking world-first digital production that Opera Australia have planned.”

Deputy Mayor Krista Adams said as Australia’s New World City, Brisbane was proud to host the internationally recognised operatic masterpiece.

“Brisbane is a world-class destination for major events and we are thrilled Opera Australia has recognised this and chosen our city to stage their most ambitious project to date,” Cr Adams said.

“Major events like this shine a spotlight on our wonderful city, draw interstate and international visitors, fill hotel rooms and boost hospitality, retail and service industries.

“We look forward to welcoming opera aficionados from around the world and trust all visitors will enjoy our clean and green city, relaxed outdoor lifestyle and diverse tourism experiences”.

Opera Australia CEO Rory Jeffes believes that bringing Australia’s most ambitious operatic event to the Sunshine State is an important step for the Company.

“Partnering with the Queensland Government and the broader artistic and cultural community in Brisbane makes this a hugely exciting undertaking for Opera Australia.

“The support from local Queensland arts, tourism and education bodies has been really strong, and we are confident these collaborations will make all the difference to the success of the project,” said Jeffes.

Richard Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen is recognised internationally as a masterpiece and the pinnacle in operatic staging that attracts devotees from around the world, who immerse themselves in 15-hours of extraordinary musical and vocal performances over four glorious nights.

Marking the first large scale performance of the full Ring Cycle to be held in Queensland, this production will be like no other ever staged, featuring the latest technologies in sets and lighting, resulting in the world’s first fully digital Ring Cycle.

The sets will incorporate huge LED screens suspended from the ceiling that are choreographed to move seamlessly around the stage, creating a visual landscape that will need to be seen to be believed.

Tourism and Events Queensland
www.teq.queensland.com

MURIEL'S WEDDING OPEN FOR SECOND SEASON

The highly acclaimed Australian show produced by Global Creatures, Muriel’s Wedding the Musical, has returned to Sydney, opening at the Lyric Theatre this week for a strictly limited 10-week season.

Winner of 5 Helpmann Awards (2018), 7 Sydney Theatre Awards (2018), an Awgie Award (2018), the 2018 David Williamson Prize and an ARIA Award Nomination (2018), Muriel’s Wedding the Musical celebrated its world premiere in Sydney in November 2017. This year the show garnered two further Helpmann Award nominations: Natalie Abbott for Best Female Actor in a Musical and Pippa Grandison for Best Female Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical.

Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said Muriel’s Wedding the Musical is a show you definitely do not want to miss.

“Even if you haven’t seen the film, you would have no doubt heard the classic line, ‘You’re terrible Muriel!’ This reflects just how embedded Muriel’s Wedding is in our cultural fabric, so I am delighted this creative musical adaptation of the iconic Australian movie is returning to Sydney following its sell-out premiere season,” Mr Ayres said.

“The NSW Government has set an ambitious goal of reaching $55 billion in overnight expenditure by 2030; a goal we will seek to achieve through various initiatives, including continuing to secure highly sought after musicals like Muriel’s Wedding via our tourism and major events agency Destination NSW.”

Muriel’s Wedding returns to Sydney with new cast members, with Natalie Abbott playing the much-loved lead role of Muriel Heslop. Nominated for a Helpmann Award this year for Best Female Actor in a Musical the Herald Sun said “Natalie Abbott is radiant as Muriel. And her grinning enthusiasm is utterly infectious”. The fole of Muriel’s best friend Rhonda is played by Stefanie Jones (Les Miserables, The Sound of Music, Dreamlover, Once The Musical) who also received accolades for her performance, with the Herald Sun saying “Stefanie Jones is an intense and vivid presence”.

Muriel’s Wedding the Musical is a theatrical version of PJ Hogan’s iconic hit film, updated to today by the writer himself with music and lyrics by Australian award-winning songwriters Kate Miller-Heidke and Keir Nuttall with additional songs by Benny Andersson, Bjorn Ulvaeus, and Stig Anderson written for ABBA.

Back by popular demand, tickets to this award-winning musical are on sale now from Ticketmaster or visit www.murielsweddingthemusical.com

www.destinationnsw.com.au

The Broadway smash hit SHREK THE MUSICAL is now on Presale!

The Broadway smash hit SHREK THE MUSICAL is coming to Australia!

This lavish multi-million dollar musical, starring Ben Mingay as Shrek, Lucy Durack as Fiona and a special guest appearance by Marcia Hines as The Dragon for the Sydney season, will open at the Sydney Lyric in January 2020.

Here's your chance to secure tickets NOW for performances from 1-12 January for this Monster Hit before we open it up for all general public ogres on Friday July 5 at 5pm.

SHREK THE MUSICAL, based on the Oscar®-winning DreamWorks film, brings the hilarious story of everyone's favourite ogre to life on the stage.

Join Shrek, our unlikely hero, and his loyal steed Donkey as they set off on a quest to rescue the beautiful Princess Fiona from her tower, guarded by a fire breathing love-sick dragon. Add the vertically challenged Lord Farquaad, a gang of fairytale misfits, and a biscuit with attitude, and you've got an irresistible mix of adventure, laughter and romance, guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages!

Featuring a terrific score of 19 songs, big laughs, great dancing and breathtaking scenery, it's no wonder The New York Times called it 'True Happiness' and The Daily Mirror said it's 'the most fun you'll ever have'.

SHREK THE MUSICAL, part romance, part twisted fairy tale and all irreverent fun for everyone!

Sydney Lyric Theatre January 2020

Preview Performances 1 - 5 January

www.ShrekTheMusical.com.au

CELESTE BARBER: Pre-sale starts 10am tomorrow!

PRE-SALE STARTS TOMORROW AT 10AM!

The Instagram queen of hilarious photo parody, CELESTE BARBER, is bringing her new raw, intimate and self-deprecating stand-up comedy show - Celeste Barber: Challenge Accepted - to Australian and New Zealand theatres this September.

Currently touring across North America ahead of European and UK dates, in this exciting live stand-up show Celeste explains the stories and mishaps behind some of her most famous images, her new relationship with celebrities, fans and stalkers, and comments that get under her skin.

Presented by Live Nation and Michael Cassel Group, the tour begins in Auckland on September 20 before visiting Wellington, Perth, Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.

Be first to secure your tickets via the Michael Cassel Group pre-sale using the links below.

AUCKLAND TICKETS
WELLINGTON TICKETS
PERTH TICKETS
SYDNEY TICKETS
ADELAIDE TICKETS
BRISBANE TICKETS
MELBOURNE TICKETS

Michael Cassel Group pre-sale starts Wednesday 3 July at 10am until Friday 5 July 10am.
Secure your tickets before they go on sale to the general public this Friday 5 July at 12pm.

THE GOD OF ISAAC at Eternity Playhouse

Shalom and Moira Blumenthal present the Australian Premiere of THE GOD OF ISAAC, described as “a serious comedy” and a multi-dimensional love story written by celebrated American playwright James Sherman. To be directed by Moira Blumenthal THE GOD OF ISAAC plays at the Eternity Playhouse, Darlinghurst from 5 to 22 September.

It’s 1977 in Skokie, Illinois. When Isaac Adams, a second-generation American Jewish journalist, learns of a plan for a group of neo-Nazis to stage a demonstration in Skokie, Illinois, he wonders what, if anything, his involvement should be. Because Isaac was raised in a non-observant home, his Jewishness had been of no relevance to him, “being Jewish meant no more than being right-handed”.

Determined to find the truth, Isaac goes on a quest to find answers about his heritage, his mother, and himself. Consequently, it impacts his life in unexpected ways including the toll it takes on his relationship with his mother and the non-Jewish wife whom he loves.

JAMES SHERMAN
Sherman has written more than a dozen plays that have been performed worldwide including Beau Jest, Magic Time, Mr 80, Jest a Second!, Romance in D, From Door to Door, Affluenza!, Half and Half and Jacob and Jack.

THE GOD OF ISAAC

By James Sherman

Director MOIRA BLUMENTHAL

STARRING ANNIE BYRON, LLOYD ALLISON-YOUNG, TIM McGARRY,

ALEXIS FISHMAN, CLAUDIA WARE

‘A belated Bar Mitzvah with some funny schtick and a wide-open heart” Chicago Tribune

“A warm, enjoyable search for roots, a search everyone in this society can identify with.”  Chicago Sun-Times

Venue:            Eternity Playhouse, 39 Burton Street, Darlinghurst

Season:           Thursday 5 to Sunday 22 September

Times:             Monday to Thursday 7.30pm; Saturday 8pm; Thursday 5 & 19 Sept 11am;

Friday 6 Sept 11am; Sunday 2pm & 7.30pm

Prices:             From $38 to $59

Bookings:        https://www.darlinghursttheatre.com/whats-on/the-god-of-isaac

or 8356 9987