DIRECT FROM SELL-OUT BROADWAY SEASON, THIS CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED PHENOMENON RETURNS FOR IT’S AUSTRALIAN TOUR 2014

There is nothing quite like the reverberating pulse of sprit that transcends from culture, instilling in us a sense of presence, wonder and magic. I have personally had the privilege of producing three Australian indigenous theatre productions many years ago and was taken on wild, exotic and palpably enriching mind, body and soul experiences in the doing.

Cirque Mother Africa promises an unforgettable and unique dimension; encompassing a collaboration of nine distinct cultural representations from across the African continent including Ethiopia, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Ivory Coast, Benin, Zimbabwe and Guinea.

This fantastic show seen by more than two million people worldwide is known as a delight for the senses that evokes passion and demands a resonating response.

It is a joy to have the chance of experiencing the traditional and contemporary essence of one of our world’s unique and magnificent continents via the grandeur of theatre.

‘Spectacular and colourful, in the tradition of cirque performances. The show of the year.’

– Time Out, London

VICTORIAN TOUR DATES:

Monday 2nd June – WENDOUREE CENTRE OF PERFORMING ARTS, BALLARAT – Bookings: (03) 5338 0980

Tuesday 3rd June – EASTBANK CENTRE, SHEPPARTON – Bookings: (03) 5832 6511

Thursday 5th June – FRANKSTON ARTS CENTRE – Bookings: (03) 9784 1060

Friday 6th June – ESSO BHP BILLITON WELLINGTON ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE, SALE – Bookings: (03) 5143 3200

Saturday 7th June – WEST GIPPSLAND ARTS CENTRE, WARRAGUL – Bookings: (03) 5624 2456

Tuesday 10th June – FORD THEATRE, GEELONG – Bookings: (03) 5225 1200

Wednesday 11th June – SWAN HILL TOWN HALL – Bookings: (03) 5036 2542

Thursday 12th June – THE CAPITAL, BENDIGO PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE – Bookings: (03) 5434 6100

Friday 13th June – THE PALMS AT CROWN, MELBOURNE – Bookings: Ticketek 1300 795 012

Monday 16th June – LIGHTHOUSE THEATRE, WARRNAMBOOL – Bookings: (03) 5559 4999

Silethemba Magonya, Brenda Mafojane, Bongi Mtshali, Noma Mkwananazie

News and Events

Looking through a Glass Onion

18/05/2014 Kerrie Pacholli Leave a comment

In this entertaining and candid interview filmed at the Tolarno Hotel in Melbourne’s St Kilda; our team had the privilege of recording two of Australia’s finest musician/entertainers in John Waters and Stewart D’Arrietta, talking frankly about the history, motivation and journey of their John Lennon show “Looking through a Glass Onion”.

Over a 22 year period this show has been successfully touring Australia and London’s West End with Stewart and John at the helm along with a three piece backing band. The difference in this season is that the show has been peeled back to it’s original grass roots beginnings with John on guitar and vocals and Stewart on the grand piano on stage weaving the magic. Another unique ingredient for 2014 is that after playing over 32 gigs around Australia ‘Looking through a Glass Onion’ will be finally landing in New York off Broadway, a destination that both John and Stewart desired from it’s inception over 20 years ago .

Insightful, passionate and at times utterly hilarious, they share their stories, reflections and feelings on everything from John Lennon’s life, his music and Yoko Ono to the meaning and motivation behind the show, easily riffing off each other like the old mates and fine raconteurs they are.

Finishing off with a stunning musical performance, this is a must-see, and an utter treat for both John Lennon fans and the uninitiated alike.

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL

ARTS CENTRE MELBOURNE – FAIRFAX STUDIO

Bookings: www.ticketmaster.com.au or visit www.artscentre.com.au

Phone: 1300 182 183

Tuesday June 24 – 7.30pm

Wednesday June 25 – 7.30pm

Thursday June 26 – 7.30pm

Friday June 27 – 7.30pm

Saturday June 28 – 2pm & 8pm

Sunday June 29 – 2pm

News and Events

Wicked the Musical

14/05/2014 Kerrie Pacholli Leave a comment

The town’s people arrived at Melbourne’s majestic Regent Theatre dressed to the nines and the mood and atmosphere on opening night of WICKED reflected the magical story that was to come…

Now I know why WICKED the Musical has had such acclaimed success in its travels since 2003. Every detail of this production from it’s musical arrangement performed live by a full orchestra perfectly enhancing the timbre in the artists voices, down to the last shadow artistically cast by the lighting technicians has been impeccably synchronised.

The age old storyline of who is considered the ‘good witch’ and who is the ‘evil witch’ ignited my five year old within taking me on quite an emotional roller coaster ride and I do believe I wasn’t the only stalwart adult transformed for the better that night.

This is the first time that I have seen WiICKED the Musical and indeed I knew little of the shows past performances; but I have to say that Maggie Fitzpatrick (former star of Prisoner) as Madam Morrible projected penetrating megalomania in all its glory and Reg Livermore as The Wizard pulled off the mindless monarch perfectly. I absolutely loved the messages projected by Glen Hogstrom as Dr Dillamond the Goat who is the last remaining animal teacher in Oz whose voice was taken away from him; and of course the striking Jenna Rix as the “evil green witch”, the magical Elphaba who is a champion animal liberationist vehement in her quest. Very refreshing.

In truth I would never go out and buy the musical score however I would be keen to go and see this very entertaining production multiple times because of it’s palpably uplifting effect.

News and Events

An Audience with Billy Holiday

11/05/2014 Kerrie Pacholli Leave a comment

The sizzling sensuality of Billy Holliday is brought to life by the incredibly talented Mama Alto accompanied by multi-award winning musical director Warren Wills in An Audience with Billy Holiday currently playing at Chapel off Chapel.

Opening night saw a full house where the mood and magic of a by gone era manifested, holding us spell bound.

Mama Alto’s beautiful and haunting voice in story and song conjures images and feelings for an artist whose struggles in life and god given talent produced an unprecedented rich and vast reverberating legacy.

A grand piano, a stool. a mic stand, great sound, outstanding lighting effects, an illuminating script and enormous talent from the artists have synchronised to produced a show that is unique, transcendent and most definitely not to be missed by lovers of music.

**Musical director Warren Wills with Mama Alto channelling the music of Billy Holiday.**

Producer: Helen O’Malley

Playwright: Neil Cole

Director: Warren Wills

Stage Manager: Hayley Fox

Lighing Design: Rob Sowinski

BUY TICKETS

8 – 25 May
Preview 7 May
Times: Tuesday – Sunday 8pm
Tickets: $38 (+Transaction Fee)
Seating: General Admission. Please make sure you arrive a minimum of 15 minutes prior to the performance start time. Latecomers will not be permitted.
Please Note: If you require wheelchair access please call our Box Office on 03 8290 7000.