stage-craft

Rock and a dog

2011-04-13T22:22:00.004+10:00

It really has been a long time between drinks for me on this blog, all I can simply say is life sometimes gets in the way....but lately I have been lucky enough to see some truly fun pieces of theatre.

Because of other commitments, I attended the dress rehearsal (instead of the performances) of Sylvia, a play put on by local group the Wangaratta Players.

For anyone unfamiliar this show, it tells the tale of a man, Greg, who adopts a stray dog, Sylvia, from the local park, with the twist being the dog is played by a woman who converses with him.

Things soon get complicated when the pet-human relationship begins to blur and Greg, looking for more meaning in his life, becomes so devoted to Sylvia it begins to ruin his job and his marriage.

The play, despite the sound of this synopsis, is a hilarious take on relationships and a fond look at the bond that develops between people and their pets.

The whole cast were unforgettable, with Janelle Bisignano flawlessly inhabiting the title role (pictured above with fellow cast members Mel Taylor-Ryan and Hamish Ramsay).

Fun was also the byword last week when I was lucky enough to attend the final preview of Melbourne's latest Broadway import, Rock of Ages (thanks to Flourish PR).

Too often, I think fun is an overlooked element of theatre, sneered at by elitist elements, but there is something to be said for shows that leave you singing, dancing and grinning.

Let me say, this show delivers fun in spades, with a cheesy, self-aware storyline and a long list of the crowd pleasing rock songs of the 1980s, from Every Rose Has Its Thorn to We Built This City and of course, the Journey classic that has been granted an immense second life in the 21st century, Don't Stop Believin'.

You are handed an LED "cigarette lighter" on entry to the show, are encouraged to take a drink to your seat and to sing along, and are treated to a cavalcade of 1980s nostalgia, romance and laughs.

Rocker Justin Burford brings a charming, boyish charisma to the main character of Drew, who has a goofy Brendan Fraser quality to him, while Amy Lehpamer was determined and winning as Sherrie.

I got the most laughs out of Brent Hill, who played the narrator, a Jack Black crossed with Puck type character called Lonny, who did not let up on the comedy for a second and has a truly unforgettable moment during Can't Fight This Feeling. Also memorable was Michael Falzon as the debauched and bizaare Stacee Jaxx and Lincoln Hall as the highly camp "I'm not gay, I'm just German" Franz.

This show is truly crowd pleasing, having something for both men and women, and especially nostalgic for Generation Xers like myself.

I even found myself suggesting it as a "man-date" for my some of my rock-inclined male friends!

I am not embarassed to say I, like most of the audience, was out of my seat dancing, singing and waving my lighter during the closing number, losing myself to the fun and optimism of the music.

And you will too.

Hairspray!

2011-01-30T14:52:00.003+11:00

As I have said earlier in this blog, I was finally able to catch a performance of the very entertaining musical Hairspray in Melbourne recently.
I have been a fan of the musical ever since seeing the movie a few years back, and since I heard of the casting I have been super excited to see Jack Chambers perform as Link.
I have admired his personality and dancing style ever since seeing him perform in - and win - So You Think You Can Dance Australia.
As you can see, I was lucky enough to also meet him after the show and he was kind enough to agree to a photo.
But on to the show itself.
I was amused when we sat down to see a host of old TV clips - and a fake 'educational video' from The Fast Show - presented on a giant TV screen on the curtain.
TV screens and digital scenery are an integral part of this show, and this led to my one disappointment with the show.
During the very first song, a number of screens started strobing, and the show had to be stopped to fix the problem, which took a good 15 minutes. I hope this is not too regular an occurrence for the show, and that we were just unlucky. It could have led to us (my best friend Michelle and I) missing our trains home, although luckily it didn't.
However, this hiccup did not diminish my enjoyment of the show itself. The entire cast really were entertaining, funny and delightful, particularly the perky and energetic Jaz Flowers as Tracey and the talented Trevor Ashley, who played Edna, as well as Jack, who brought kinetic dance energy and a sense of fun to his role.
Jaz was everything you'd expect of a Tracey Turnblad and has an excellent voice.
Trevor, an accomplished cabaret performer in his own right, was a highlight. He took full advantage of the comedy value of switching from a feminine voice to a booming masculine one, and also had plenty of fun with his ostrich feather edged costume, getting plenty of laughs when he 'accidentally' inhaled a feather or two.
Cle Morgan also deserves a mention for her handling of the role of Motormouth Maybelle. During her rendition of I Know Where I've Been, I really felt goosebumps...it was very powerful. She brought a little more anger and fight to the role that Queen Latifah did and it made the role all the more real.
The music was tight and well performed, and the colorful costumes were really a delight to see.
All in all, it is a bright, fun, and happy afternoon or evening at the theatre and was highly enjoyable.

Summer craftiness

2011-01-30T14:17:00.004+11:00

Some of the recent hot summer days have been perfect excuses to stay inside in the cool and work on craft projects. Last night was a quiet Saturday night with no commitments, so I decided to tackle some little craft projects that I had been meaning to get to for ages.

The first thing I decided to do was make a cover for my camera strap, using a secondhand tie I had purchased at St Vincent de Paul.
The image at left is the finished product.
It works best with a fairly narrow tie.
I left the pointed end intact at one , threaded the strap through, and simply trimmed the other end to size with my pinking shears and handstitched it so that it looked neat and tidy. I think it gives my camera just that little touch of individuality. This project was done with the narrow end of the tie, not the wide end.
The other project I did was cover an old shoebox with some gift wrap, just to give it a bit of interest as it is the box I keep my gloves in.
I simply sprayed the box with some spray adhesive I keep in craft kit, and carefully attached the paper to minimise bubbles and other imperfections.
The gift wrap was part of a set that came free with an issue of Frankie magazine, but you could do it with any wrapping paper you like the design of - or even adhesive book coverings such as patterned Contact. Slightly thicker gift wrapping is better.
To ensure that the glue would stick on the inside of the box, I used some paper clips to keep it stuck down overnight as everything dried.
As far as my craft goes, I am currently also working on tattoo-influenced cross-stitch design featuring a bluebird. I will post pictures here when it is complete.

New Year excitement

2011-01-22T00:06:00.005+11:00

It is safe to say that I am fairly excited about the range of theatre around this year - in North East Victoria, other parts of regional Victoria, and of course, Melbourne.
Until I can afford to visit New York, Melbourne is a great substitute, and I found myself escaping there at least once or twice a year to explore the flashy musical theatre treats the town has to offer.
Tomorrow I am heading to down to catch a matinee of Hairspray - watch this space for my impressions. I am excited to see Jack Chambers - whom I always enjoyed watching in So You Think You Can Dance - go through his paces as Link (and I hope we don't get stuck with a stand-in!)
Next month I am heading to Ballarat, where I am being treated (courtesy of a very sweet Christmas present) to a performance of the edgy musical Spring Awakening. I know some songs but am not overly familiar with it as a piece of work, so I am keen to see it in its entirety.
More information on the show is available at http://www.blocmusictheatre.com.au/.
North East Theatre is chock full of treats this year.
Late last year saw the launch of the 2011 season at Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre.
There is a diverse season promised, with some of the productions I am hoping to get along to including the dark comedy Furiously Fertile, I Am My Own Wife (which I have heard rave reviews about for years), and a modernised production of A Midsummer Night's Dream coming in September.
For more information see http://www.wangarattapac.com.au/.
Allegro Theatre Company in Yarrawonga are tackling the drama Hotel Sorrento, which sees three sisters reuniting and feeling the constraints of family life. In the second part of the year the group will be staging the rock musical Return to the Forbidden Planet, which, with its Tempest-influenced story, sci-fi overtones and classic pop tunes, is set to be a real crowd pleaser.
Benalla Theatre Company are putting on the classic Oklahoma, while on the Border, audiences will be treated to such diverse shows as Spamalot (a hugely funny show which I can't wait to see again - who doesn't love Monty Python), Blackadder II (brought to the stage by my good friend Miguel De Oliveira), Miss Saigon and more.
Wangaratta Players are also no slouches, beginning the year with the quirky play Sylvia, following the relationship woes of a unhappy couple who adopt a stray dog - the twist being the dog is played by a human who is able to speak. I have heard of this play before in years gone by, with Sylvia (the dog) having been played by such big names as Sarah Jessica Parker and Rachel Griffiths.
They will follow this up with a David Williamson play, Face to Face, which follows a "community conference" that is convened when a young man rams his boss' car in a fit of anger at being sacked. This should prove to be a powerful night at the theatre.
The final play in this trio, to be honest, is the one that has me the most excited - a stage production of Joss Whedon's popular cult classic "internet musical", Dr Horrible's Sing-Along Blog.
I have already watched the DVD countless times and must confess, I am keen to strut my stuff on stage as part of this one. It will be very interesting to see who is attracted to the project and what the Players can do with it onstage. I am sure it will attract Whedonists from all over the place!
I will post more about this group of fascinating productions as I know more.
Til next time, take some time out to support theatre of all kinds!

Dog Day Afternoon

2010-12-15T18:37:00.000+11:00

Next year is already shaping up to be an interesting year in local theatre, and the audition rounds are beginning already.

The Wangaratta Players are holding auditions for the show Sylvia by A.R. Gurney this coming weekend, on December 19.

The role of 'Sylvia' was first played on Broadway by Sarah Jessica Parker.

The play is set in Manhanttan and a New York/Bronx accent is required.

Greg and Kate moved to the city after their children have grown.

Kate's career takes off whilst Greg finds himself in a career slump.

As he progressively faces a 'mid-life crisis' he decides to bring home a stray dog from the park.

This dog goes on to cause grief between Greg and Kate's marriage as Greg falls more and more under 'Sylvia's' spell!

Much hilarity, much drama and much love ensue as Greg and Kate finally come to terms with their relationship and with 'Sylvia' their dog.

Sylvia is played by a woman and is able to speak....come along and learn what your dog is really saying when they gazing adoringly into your eyes.....

Characters: Greg - Male - 30 - 50
Kate - Female - 30 - 50
Sylvia - Female - 25 - 40
Tom/Phylis/Leslie - Male - 30 - 50 (this role is traditionally play by a male who does all three characters, but there is the possibility of 3 separate actors playing the roles.

Auditions are by appointment only and audition material is available from Barbara Ryan on 0421 865 796 or 57 21 8870.

Albury Wodonga Theatre Company are also holding auditions for their production of the blockbuster musical Miss Saigon on December 20 and more information is available on their Facebook page.

The smell of Hairspray and the roar of the crowd

2010-12-08T22:04:00.002+11:00

2011 is shaping up to be another exciting year in theatre, especially the big shows down in Melbourne.
I am going to see Hairspray in late January and could not be more excited, I have loved this show since seeing the movie a few years back. It's pure theatre candy, great dancing, memorable songs and my favorite of all things, a wish-fulfilment storyline! And best of all, I will be catching it with my best friend.
The rock tragic in me is also looking forward to Rock of Ages during autumn, should be a killer show. And who doesn't love an excuse to resurrect some rock classics?

strange bedfellows

2010-12-08T21:59:00.002+11:00

well that was quite a break from the blogosphere! I meant to tell you all about Strange Bedfellows, which I was lucky enough to catch in preview, but somehow life got in the way.
Suffice to say, it was a very funny yet warm show and may yet be the next Australian homegrown hit.
I think I would need to hear some of the songs again for them to truly grow on me, but I fully enjoyed the show. Peter Cousens and John Wood were very good as the central characters, who must make a tax office employee believe they are in a long term gay relationship, with Peter Cousen's famous voice given full rein.
I fully recommend that my theatre loving friends in capital cities give this a go when it makes its big city debut!

On with the show, this is it...

2010-10-22T23:49:00.004+11:00

Well guys, crunch time is here...in a week Allegro Theatre Company will finally open their next production, Blackadder Goes Forth. I am a little biased, but it features some of the North East's finest character actors, including Shane Douthie and Reg Carmody. I know it will be an emotional opening night and a little piece of all of us will be doing the show for Andy...but apart from anything else, it's a top show, a slice of biting political commentary and, in places, a poignant portrait of the futility of war.
Also opening next week is the world premiere of the new Strange Bedfellows musical in Albury. I hope to be able to catch a performance soon, and I will tell you guys in the blogosphere all about it.
Catch you on the flipside people, and don't forget to support local theatre...

Quality cast in comedy classic

2010-09-15T21:25:00.000+10:00

"THE sharp British wit and biting satire of Blackadder will return to local stages this spring when Yarrawonga’s Allegro Theatre Company present their forthcoming production, Blackadder Goes Forth.
The production follows the adventures of Blackadder and his cronies as they attempt, against all odds, to survive the trenches of World War I.
The company produced Blackadder II on stage on 2005 to an enthusiastic reception from local audiences, and this production will again see Shane Douthie bring his formidable comic talents to his interpretation of Rowan Atkinson’s iconic role of Edmund Blackadder.
The company will bring three episodes of the show to the stage – General Hospital, Private Plane and Goodbyeee – featuring a talented cast of new and established Allegro Theatre Company members.
Talented Wangaratta character actor Reg Carmody will be portraying the dim witted Baldrick, while Steven Cole, in his first role for Allegro Theatre Company, will play the heedlessly optimistic Lieutenant George.
Ross Miller will be playing General Melchett, alongside young actor Luke Doyle as Captain Kevin Darling, while Adrian Ridley is playing the bombastic Lord Flasheart.
Blackadder Goes Forth, directed by Miguel de Oliveira, will open on Friday, October 29, with cabaret style performances to take place over three weekends including a special performance on Remembrance Day, November 11."

don't feed the plants...

2010-08-22T01:10:00.002+10:00

Anyone who knows me knows I love a good musical, so it was with great excitement that I ventured out to Albury last night with my good friend Beth in tow to see a production of Little Shop of Horrors, being performed by Livid Productions.
I'm relatively new to their productions, but what has struck me since I've begun frequenting Livid's shows is their capacity to take a unique approach to the staging of their musicals, whether it be artistic staging and costumes, or just an interesting take on the material.
Far from being a neo-50s costumed affair like the movie, they gave it a more modern, punky edge which i really liked, giving Skid Row an air of menace.
I could not fault the vocal and acting performances, particularly Seymour (Ben Colley-McKinley), Audrey (Bianca Schmutter) and the Dentist (Jason Parker, who also tackles voice duties as Audrey II).
The choice of staging the show in the more intimate Butter Factory theatre venue, rather than the Albury Performing Arts Centre, was also a plus for this production.
Livid also managed to make me envious, revealing in their program that they will be tackling the fantastic Monty Python musical, Spamalot, next year! Can't wait for that.

12 angry jurors

2010-08-22T01:04:00.004+10:00

Everyone loves a good courtroom drama, and the Wangaratta Players are bringing one of the classics of the genre to life in the coming week, with their staging of the classic 12 Angry Jurors (better known as 12 Angry Men, but with a mixed gender jury!)

The cast (pictured opposite) features a diverse cast of new and seasoned performers, some of whom made a splash in the Players' last production, Cabaret.

Featuring many new and well known performers, the show opens on August 27 at 8pm, with shows being performed on August 28, September 3 and 4 at 8pm and a matinee on September 4 at 3pm. Tickets are available at Edgars Newsagency in Wangaratta on (03) 57213758.

farewell old friend

2010-08-22T00:40:00.003+10:00

A lot can change in a month. In the past month, my world, and the world of theatre in my area, has changed forever with the sudden and tragic death of my close friend, housemate, and amateur theatre contemporary Andrew Willett.

Ever since we first met in rehearsals for the Wangaratta Players production of Oklahoma in 2000, a time when I also met my close friend Reg Carmody, he was a friend, confidant and driving force in my life.

He achieved so much in theatre in his lifetime and has helped so many people discover their talents and strengths and set them on a positive path in life.

His confidence, talent, and sheer leadership made him an indelible influence on theatre and within our circle of friends. All I will say is that I will miss you, friend, and I will continue to try and look, as you often instructed, "on the bright side of life".

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

2010-07-31T17:03:00.002+10:00

Along with Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the Wizard of Oz and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Mary Poppins was one of the favorite viewing experiences of my childhood.

The magic and wonder of the original story comes alive on stage in Mary Poppins, which opened recently at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne.
I was lucky enough to attend a preview performance of this new show.
Heading up the cast was Verity-Hunt Ballard (pictured here with Matt Lee as Bert), whose faultless voice and warm and confident stage presence made her an ideal Mary Poppins.

She made the role her own, marrying the practical with the magical.

One of the highlights of the show was the performance of Matt Lee.

Best known as a judge on So You Think You Can Dance, he demonstrated that he could walk the walk as well as talk the talk.

His was a faultless and athletic dance performance – including tap dancing suspended upside down – and he brought a cheery and energetic personality to the role which never faltered.

Jane and Michael Banks, played at the performance I attended by Victoria Borcsok and Callum Hawthorne, struck the right balance of cheekiness and affection.

The ensemble cast were a virtual who’s who of Australian musical theatre, including Marina Prior as Mrs Banks, Philip Quast as Mrs Banks, and Debra Byrne as the poignant Bird Lady.

Christopher Rickerby and Sally-Anne Upton were scene stealers as Banks family servants Robertson Ay and Mrs Brill.

The highly detailed costumes were a joy to behold, and the sets popped with color and vibrancy.

There are many show stopping moments, including Mary flying and fixing rooms with magic.

The show exhibits creativity by melding the best of the unforgettable movie with the more detailed scenarios and characters from PL Travers’ books.

Tickets are available through Ticketek (1300 555 593) or for more information see the website at www.marypoppinsthemusical.com.au.

Theatre overload

2010-07-22T22:12:00.003+10:00

Well, it's getting into theatre season again.

I indulged my love of theatre photography a few days ago by photographing a dress rehearsal of the local Catholic school's production of Grease, happening this weekend. Will be seeing the show itself tomorrow night, which should be fun.

This Sunday will see me heading down to Melbourne to catch a preview of Mary Poppins, as well as making time to catch the Tim Burton exhibition at ACMI in Federation Square. All told, it should be a well rounded, artsy day!

Monday will see me audition for a role in Allegro Theatre Company's next production, Blackadder. Am not sure how I'll go but the more auditions I do, the less nervous I will get each time - at least that's the theory.

Next week I will be photographing Benalla Theatre Company's next production, White Christmas (see poster). That production is opening soon and I encourage theatre lovers to head along.

It's always nice to check out an old school musical, though I have no familiarity with this show
other than the title song! Will try to post a pic or two here.

All in all, the local theatre scene is bubbling along nicely.

Join Blackadder production

2010-07-14T22:11:00.001+10:00

THOSE wishing to participate in some local theatre in North East Victoria are being invited to an information day for Yarrawonga group Allegro Theatre Company’s next production, Blackadder Goes Forth, this Sunday, July 18.

The production follows the adventures of Blackadder and his cronies as they experience life in the trenches during WW1 and is due to be performed in late October.

The information day will take place from 2pm at the Senior Study Centre, Yarrawonga Secondary College, Pinniger Street, Yarrawonga.

Auditions for the show will be held on July 25 from 2-7pm and July 26 from 6-9.30pm at the same location.

Those who cannot make the information day are advised to contact Miguel DeOliveira for an audition time on 0431 171863.

i see you shiver with antici......pation.

2010-07-04T00:13:00.000+10:00

I have to admit, I am really excited at the moment about all the excellent theatre that I will be able to see and be involved in over the next few months.
Locally, the theatre group I am involved in, Allegro, will be staging a production of the classic comedy, Blackadder Goes Forth, sure to be a must see for comedy fans.
Elsewhere, my good friends at Albury Wodonga Theatre Company are involved in staging a "pro-am" production of a new stage musical based on the movie Strange Bedfellows, which is already starring such high profile Australians such as John Woods, Peter Cousens and Colette Mann. Both of the above shows will be opening in late October and are sure to draw huge crowds to local theatre.
Wangaratta Players, meanwhile, will be staging the taut drama 12 Angry Jurors in the next few months, while Benalla Theatre Company will put on a production of White Christmas at the end of July.
And that's just local amateur theatre!
As if that wasn't enough, a host of irresistible shows will be staged in Melbourne in coming months.
I will be heading along to the Melbourne production of Mary Poppins in a few weeks, and am keen to see how it translates to the stage, and am especially curious to see Matt Lee performing on stage as Bert!
I am also keen to see the revival of West Side Story this winter, as I have never been lucky enough to see it on stage, just the movie...
Of course, the show I am looking forward to the most is Hairspray. I have loved it since seeing the movie, even to the point of dressing up as Tracey Turnblad for a friend's costume party! If only I had a stronger voice, it'd be a part I'd love to play.
This weekend, I had my first free weekend in months, and spent some time catching up on my video of this year's Tony Awards, which were screened here in Australia in mid June.
As always, the awards were an intriguing snapshot into current theatrical hits and trends in America, and possibly a sneak peek into what might soon grace Australian stages.
For me, one of the highlights of the night (being a Glee fan) was seeing Glee stars (and Broadway veterans) Matt Morrison and Lea Michele getting to strut their stuff on stage.
Matthew had an old-school song and dance number, "All I Need Is The Girl" from Gypsy, and Lea busted out "Don't Rain On My Parade" from Funny Girl. Nice.
Sean Hayes was an affable host, although I really wished Neil Patrick Harris was hosting again.
I wasn't too sure about most of the new musicals shown - although Million Dollar Quartet seemed interesting, showcasing the music of Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis and Carl Perkins, and Everyday Rapture looked to have an interesting storyline.
The revival of La Cage Aux Folles, with Kelsey Grammer in the lead, also looked like a lot of fun, and that show has some classic tunes.
Out of the shows that got an airing on the night, I would most like to see Green Day's American Idiot. It's my generation's rock music, and seems to have a "Rent-esque" feel to it...I'm betting it will make its way to Australia in the next few years.
Anyway, dear reader, I'll leave you with that long and rambling entry..au revoir.

easy tin

2010-06-23T21:07:00.000+10:00

if you're bored and have a huge pile of charity wristbands, here's one way to use them...wash and de-label a soup or other tin can. work the wristbands onto the tin so they are all lined up and until the whole tin is covered...and voila...a groovy tin for pencils or anything else small you need to store...

by the way folks, i still plan to do something about the tonys, but I may have to wait till my current show is over before i have time spare..

welcome to my world

2010-06-12T16:52:00.000+10:00

Hello, gentle reader (have always wanted to say that), and welcome to my new blog, stage-craft.
In this blog, I plan to write about two of my biggest passions, theatre (especially musicals) and craft.
I hope you can find entertainment, inspiration, and fun in this humble little blog.
As I am currently rehearsing a community production opening soon, the 2010 Tony Awards just days away, I will have fresh inspiration to write about soon.
Love, Kylie.