Vocally astonishing, soprano Georgia Wilkinson’s voice is equally at home operatically (where she could shatter glass) and in musical theatre. After six years in straight opera, over the past three and a half years she has moved into musical theatre. In the latter, she has starred internationally as Christine Daaé, the lead female protagonist in…
Aussie-born Helen Reddy’s 1972 signature song I Am Woman, that reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, may have been the ultimate girl-power anthem. But long before, Australian women were fighting for equal rights. In 1965, Merle Thornton (Sigrid Thornton’s mother) and Rosalie Bogner chained themselves to the bar of the Regatta Hotel…
The distinctive rasp and soul are there in abundance, as is the rhythm. In fact, syncopation is very much in her wheelhouse. Macy Gray and her most attractive sounding “wigged” band mates and backing singer and warm up act, soul and R & B singer Emi Secrest, are as one. Gray, resplendent in orange, has…
Who doesn’t love Elton John’s expansive musical repertoire and who doesn’t appreciate the fine work of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra? Bringing the two together is akin to lighting a bonfire that is an instant drawcard. Genius, no less. You could rightly call this a celebratory concert because 40 years ago Elton John invited the MSO…
The extraordinary musical talent of the delightful and dynamic Silvie Paladino is on display for all to see and hear in her walk down memory lane at Hamer Hall. With her emotionally resonant, soaring vocals she captivates an appreciative audience as she talks us through her background and her career. Her father was an Italian…
Caroline O’Connor is a living treasure – so gifted, so natural, so personable and so, so good. She sings with power, passion and precision. She dances, she acts and can she weave compelling stories! This is a musical theatre performer extraordinaire who has made it big on the world stage. And those who attended Morning…
The 40th anniversary production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical CATS is mesmerising – a real crowd pleaser. Superb prowling and dancing, choreographic excellence, an enticing set design and look at me performances are its hallmark. That is not to overlook moggie-appropriate costuming, attractive hair pieces and feline-friendly make-up. And who can forget the hissing…
Musical theatre magic is captured by the MSO, conducted by Jessica Gethin, with two of the finest exponents of their craft, who have made it big in the West End. I speak of the vocal clarity, dexterity and brilliance of soprano Amy Manford and tenor Josh Piterman, who have starred in The Phantom of the…
What is the highest compliment you can pay a tribute band, in this case one that looks at the life and times of the most successful folk rock duo in history? Simon & Garfunkel sold more than 100 million records. The answer is simple: shut your eyes and they sound just like the real deal….
Magicians, comedians and crowd pleasers extraordinaire with the Midas touch … and they have been doing it for 50 years. Oh my! In a nutshell, the statuesque and demonstrative Penn Jillet with the sharp patter and the diminutive, usually silent Teller are magnificent entertainers. From humble beginnings in the 1970s to becoming the longest-running resident…
