Australia - Brisbane Theatre Newsroom Page 18

This week , I had the wonderful opportunity of interviewing Sam Strong on his directorial role in Queensland Theatre's production of Emerald City. And here's what he had to say...

Nominees Announced For 2019 Matilda Awards

Singer-songwriter Matt Graham reminded me what it was like to fall in love. As soon as he opened his mouth I was transported back in time and re-lived each touch, smell and sensation of what it was like to meet my partner for the first time. His voice was melodic and vulnerable as he shared stories of love, hope and heartbreak. As a listener, I was hanging on his every word, waiting to hear what was going to happen next. His set was intimate and he made sure that the audience felt like they were at home, which was such a lovely touch. Personally, I can't wait to download his music on Spotify and see what happens next for this Brisbane based performer.

Kate Miller-Heidke is a renowned singer/songwriter who sang an impressive repertoire of songs featuring different operatic runs and tricks. Her impressive vocal range and control was evident from the first song, hitting notes with such ease that she left the audience with their jaws dropped. Highlights from her set included 'You've Underestimated Me Dude', 'Caught In the Crowd' and her haunting rendition of 'Sarah' which still gives me goosebumps whenever I listen to it. Her husband and co-singer/songwriter Keir Nuttall's improvised guitar solos were something I found myself craving more of and her back-up singer Jessica Hitchock literally had the voice of an angel. Overall, the set had the perfect combination of songs new and old, flavours and textures. Well done Kate and team.

The Book of Mormon, Broadway's smash hit musical written by Trey Parker, Matt Stone and Robert Lopez, has played 1060 performances across in Australia since it opened in Melbourne in January 2017, but most close on Friday 14 February. The final weeks for the return Brisbane season will go on sale on Monday 9 December.

The 2019 Gold Palm Theatre Awards were presented on Monday the 2nd of December and are as follows:

Charlie Bucket has been found and he has a Golden Ticket! Producers John Frost, Craig Donnell, Warner Bros Theatre Ventures, Langley Park Productions and Neal Street.

NEW TICKETS ON SALE FOR BRISBANE SEASON OF SHREK THE MUSICAL Tickets for new performances in the Brisbane season of the lavish and fun multi-million dollar musical comedy SHREK THE MUSICAL will go on sale this Friday 15 November. The Broadway smash hit will play at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC from 9 May, selling to 7 June 2020.

Brisbane, Australia: KFC has today revealed the iconic Story Bridge Hotel as the location for its third Bucket. Why Not? music gig. Taking place in Brisbane this Sunday, 750 lucky fans will be treated to an epic street party with live music from award-winning hip-hop artist, Illy.

From musical mayhem for families to a captivating circus show just for grown-ups, Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) and internationally renowned Brisbane based circus company Circa join forces to bring two of Circa's celebrated productions to QPAC for the first time.

The team that brought you The Gruffalo's Child, SPOT and The 13-91 Storey Treehouse fun over the last few years are back with two wonderful school holiday offerings for the whole family this December!

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced the finalists for the Queensland Premier's Drama Award (QPDA) 2020-21. Artists Anna Loren, Maddie Nixon and Steve Pirie have been selected from the record-breaking field of 221 entries. This marks the largest intake of new dramatic works in the Award's 17-year history, with entries received from every state and territory in Australia.

Australia's leading chamber music ensemble, Brisbane based Southern Cross Soloists, will celebrate its 25th anniversary with an exquisite chamber music program and guest artist line-up in its 2020 concert series at Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC).

Australia's leading theatre producer John Frost today announced the five young actresses who will join the rest of the fairy-tale cast and share the role of Young Princess Fiona during the Sydney season of the lavish and fun multi-million dollar musical comedy SHREK THE MUSICAL, which premieres at the Sydney Lyric Theatre, The Star from 1 January 2020.

From magic, circus and award-winning TV stars, to music, mayhem and favourite stories bought to life on stage, there's fun for the whole family these summer holidays at Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC).

Two hundred years since its publication, Jane Eyre is still relevant in our contemporary world through its exploration of patriarchal expectations and the role of women and how they should and shouldn't be treated. shake and stir, with the help of director Michael Futcher, has given Charlotte Bronte's iconic story a refreshing, more eerie light whilst still staying truthful to the source material.

Television and stage star Todd McKenney will take on the hilarious role of Lord Farquaad, the short-in-stature, ruthless ruler of Duloc in the upcoming lavish and fun multi-million dollar musical comedy SHREK THE MUSICAL. Todd will join our fairy-tale cast of Ben Mingay as Shrek, Lucy Durack as Princess Fiona and Marcia Hines as the Dragon in this wonderful Broadway hit musical. Todd will perform in the Sydney season of the musical, and the Melbourne performances currently on sale.

Laser Beak Man is back to save the world and I hope he keeps returning and again and again. A feast for the senses, David Morton, Nicholas Paine and Tim Sharp, alongside make by Sam Cromack (Ball Park Music) create a joyous, vibrant world on stage that explodes in technicolour. The work follows the story of Australian artist Tim Sharp's colourful superhero (which Sharp first drew when he was eleven) and a crystal malfunction that bring characters together despite their differences.

Based on Jean Webster's 1912 novel of the same name, Daddy Long Legs is a postal affair that tells the story of orphan Jerusha Abbott and her mysterious benefactor, who she dubs 'Daddy Long Legs' after seeing his elongated shadow and whom she sends a letter once a month about her new-found experiences.

Tickets for the Brisbane season of the lavish and fun multi-million dollar musical comedy SHREK THE MUSICAL will go on sale this Friday, 27 September. The Broadway smash hit will play at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC from 9 May 2020 following seasons at the Sydney Lyric Theatre and Her Majesty's Theatre, Melbourne.