Maria Mercedes
Birth Place: Melbourne , Australia
Latest News on Maria Mercedes:
Sydney Theatre Company Announces 2025 Season (Sep 4, 2024)
Review: CANDIDE at Palais Theatre (Feb 11, 2024)
BLOOM Extends at Arts Center Melbourne (Aug 3, 2023)
Sydney Theatre Company Announces 2025 Season (Sep 4, 2024)
Review: CANDIDE at Palais Theatre (Feb 11, 2024)
BLOOM Extends at Arts Center Melbourne (Aug 3, 2023)
BIO
As Luisa Contini in John Dietrich's 1987 Australian production of Nine, Maria Mercedes established herself as one of Australia's leading ladies with a voice that pours straight from the soul , a powerful stage presence and dramatic talent that is matched only by her exhaustive body of work. Superlatives such as"Mercedes Magic" and "Magnificent Maria" have been used by critics to describe her talent time and time again. Maury Yeston composer of Nine called her " The definitive Luisa Contini "...
Her career as an actress/singer has spanned over 30 years, encompassing television, film, cabaret, concerts, recordings, stage, as well as her big love, musical theatre.
Maria received critical acclaim for her performance in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Sunset Boulevard playing the role of Norma Desmond, Trevor Nunn personally sending his congratulations. Maria also starred as Grizabella in Cats, Svetlana in Chess, Sophie Lenz in Jim Sherman's Shadow and Splendour, Mama Morton in Chicago, Miss Sherman in Fame, Liza, Barbra and Chita in the spoof Forbidden Broadway, The World Goes Round featuring the songs of Kander and Ebb, the Leader in Zorba The Greek, Gypsy, The Vagina Monologues. She has played not only Magenta but she was also the first woman in the world to play Frankenfurter in The Rocky Horror Show.
A highlight was Seriously - Pet Shop Boys Reinterpreted, an original Australian concept by Dean Lotherington and David Knox with seasons in both Melbourne's Midsummer Festival and The Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland.
Film credits include her compelling work in the acclaimed films Dreams For Life (2005) Head On (1998) , Patrick (1978) , and lead roles in major Australian television productions ..including Homicide, Division 4, Bluey, Special Squad, Cop Shop, Patrol Boat, Prisoner, Inside Running, Pugwell, Cody, E Street, Thunderstone, Whipping Boy, Neighbours, Greeks On The Roof and Dora in the SBS series Kick. Most recently she played the guest role of Madam Breda in the acclaimed ABC series Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries.
Maria's talents have been recognized by a Mo Award, an Aria Award for Nine (Original Australian Soundtrack) and nominations for both the Green Room Awards and The Sydney Theatre Critics Award. Her role as Elena in Dreams for Life earned her a nomination for Best Actress in a leading role at The Cypress International Film Festival.
In the 80's she toured the rock circuit with her original band KingHit.
Maria has made guest appearances on every iconic Australian television variety program including Young Talent Time, Graham Kennedy's IMT, The Don Lane Show, Good Morning Australia with Bert Newton, The Midday Show with Ray Martin & Kerri - Anne Kennerley, Bandstand, The Mike Walsh Show, Countdown, The AFI Awards, Hey Hey It's Saturday and The Ethnic Business Awards .
Currently Maria is thrilled to be playing the role of Madam Giry in Andrew Lloyd Webber's critically acclaimed Australian production of Love Never Dies...also having been immortalized in the recently filmed DVD release of the production.
News
Sydney Theatre Company Announces 2025 Season
Sydney Theatre Company has announced its 2025 season, featuring a lineup of new productions and classic revivals.
Sydney Theatre Company has announced its 2025 season, featuring a lineup of new productions and classic revivals.
BLOOM Extends at Arts Center Melbourne
Due to overwhelming demand, Melbourne Theatre Company’s critically acclaimed new Australian musical comedy, Bloom, extends its season until Saturday 26 August at Arts Centre Melbourne.
Due to overwhelming demand, Melbourne Theatre Company’s critically acclaimed new Australian musical comedy, Bloom, extends its season until Saturday 26 August at Arts Centre Melbourne.
Melbourne Theatre Company's BLOOM Enters Final Weeks of Rehearsals
Melbourne Theatre Company’s new Australian musical, Bloom, is heading into its final weeks of rehearsals ahead of its first preview audience at the Arts Centre Melbourne, Playhouse on Tuesday 18 July.
Melbourne Theatre Company’s new Australian musical, Bloom, is heading into its final weeks of rehearsals ahead of its first preview audience at the Arts Centre Melbourne, Playhouse on Tuesday 18 July.
Feature: PIA DOUWES KEERT TERUG MET SUCCESVOORSTELLING 'MASTERCLASS'!
Na unaniem lovende recensies en een nominatie voor de Nederlandse Toneelprijs komt deze innemende toneelvoorstelling terug. Na een periode van tien jaar keert Pia Douwes terug naar het podium om wederom gestalte te geven aan de legendarische operazangeres Maria Callas. Het bekroonde toneelstuk van de Amerikaanse succesauteur Terrence McNally, dat op Broadway al voor veel opschudding zorgde, brengt op indrukwekkende wijze het boeiende levensverhaal van deze beroemde zangeres tot leven. Masterclass is vanaf mei 2024 te zien.
Na unaniem lovende recensies en een nominatie voor de Nederlandse Toneelprijs komt deze innemende toneelvoorstelling terug. Na een periode van tien jaar keert Pia Douwes terug naar het podium om wederom gestalte te geven aan de legendarische operazangeres Maria Callas. Het bekroonde toneelstuk van de Amerikaanse succesauteur Terrence McNally, dat op Broadway al voor veel opschudding zorgde, brengt op indrukwekkende wijze het boeiende levensverhaal van deze beroemde zangeres tot leven. Masterclass is vanaf mei 2024 te zien.
BWW Review: LOVE NEVER DIES, Regent Theatre, The Shows Must Go On
Following on from last weekend's streaming of the 25th-anniversary performance of The Phantom of the Opera, Love Never Dies has been released worldwide via YouTube as part of Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Shows Must Go On lockdown series. Lloyd Webber has described the show as a a?oestand-alone piecea?? over simply a sequel to Phantom. It takes audiences on a second adventure with the characters on the other side of the Atlantic.
Following on from last weekend's streaming of the 25th-anniversary performance of The Phantom of the Opera, Love Never Dies has been released worldwide via YouTube as part of Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Shows Must Go On lockdown series. Lloyd Webber has described the show as a a?oestand-alone piecea?? over simply a sequel to Phantom. It takes audiences on a second adventure with the characters on the other side of the Atlantic.
BWW REVIEW: Two Decades After Their First Collaboration, 4 Playwrights And A Composer Rejoin To Reassess The State Australia As They Ride The Rails With ANTHEM
Under Susie Dee's direction, playwrights Andrew Bovell, Patricia Cornelius, Melissa Reeves, and Christos Tsiolkas and composer and musical director Irine Vela's ANTHEM weaves a series of stories together to reflect the struggles of Australians not often truly seen in mainstream media.
Under Susie Dee's direction, playwrights Andrew Bovell, Patricia Cornelius, Melissa Reeves, and Christos Tsiolkas and composer and musical director Irine Vela's ANTHEM weaves a series of stories together to reflect the struggles of Australians not often truly seen in mainstream media.
fortyfivedownstairs to Premiere TAXITHI - AN AUSTRALIAN ODYSSEY
fortyfivedownstairs is thrilled to present the world premiere of Melbourne writer/performer Helen Yotis Patterson's TAXITHI - AN AUSTRALIAN ODYSSEY from 2-20 March 2016.
fortyfivedownstairs is thrilled to present the world premiere of Melbourne writer/performer Helen Yotis Patterson's TAXITHI - AN AUSTRALIAN ODYSSEY from 2-20 March 2016.
BWW Reviews: MASTER CLASS Is More Than A Performance, It Is A Lesson
Maria Mercedes captures the passion, determination, and dedication of the legendary opera diva Maria Callas in Terrence McNally's MASTER CLASS.
Maria Mercedes captures the passion, determination, and dedication of the legendary opera diva Maria Callas in Terrence McNally's MASTER CLASS.
Acting Coach Elizabeth Kemp Returning to Perth in July
ACCLAIMED acting coach Elizabeth Kemp - private teacher to three-time Academy Award best actor nominee Bradley Cooper (American Sniper, Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle) - is returning to Perth this July.
ACCLAIMED acting coach Elizabeth Kemp - private teacher to three-time Academy Award best actor nominee Bradley Cooper (American Sniper, Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle) - is returning to Perth this July.
BWW: Hayes Theatre Second Half 2015 Season Launch
The Program Launch for the second half of 2015 shows that the Independent Music Theatre team comprising Luckiest Productions (David Campbell, Lisa Campbell and Richard Carroll), Neglected Musicals (Michelle Guthrie), and Neil Gooding Productions, the driving force behind Hayes Theatre Company, have no intention of slowing down are staying true to their vision to provide a permanent home for small-scale musical theatre and cabaret.
The Program Launch for the second half of 2015 shows that the Independent Music Theatre team comprising Luckiest Productions (David Campbell, Lisa Campbell and Richard Carroll), Neglected Musicals (Michelle Guthrie), and Neil Gooding Productions, the driving force behind Hayes Theatre Company, have no intention of slowing down are staying true to their vision to provide a permanent home for small-scale musical theatre and cabaret.
Athenaeum Theatre to Present THE SONGS OF JAMES BOND CONCERT, 8-9 November
James Bond films have developed a tradition of producing songs which have become major pop hits over the 50 years since the first 007 Movie hit the screen and for the first time you can see some of the finest musical Bond moments on stage at The Athenaeum Theatre, Collins Street Melbourne for two nights only, 8 and 9 November.
James Bond films have developed a tradition of producing songs which have become major pop hits over the 50 years since the first 007 Movie hit the screen and for the first time you can see some of the finest musical Bond moments on stage at The Athenaeum Theatre, Collins Street Melbourne for two nights only, 8 and 9 November.
Photo Flash: First Look at CLOC's SUNSET BOULEVARD
In 1950, Billy Wilder wrote and directed what is now regarded as one of the finest movies ever made - Sunset Boulevard, starring silent screen legend Gloria Swanson as silent screen legend Norma Desmond. A biting, incisive insight into the star system of the ‘old' Hollywood, set in the era when talkies had overtaken silent movies, Sunset Boulevard became an instant smash hit, a multi-award winning success (nominated for 11 Academy Awards and winning 3), an all-time classic and is regularly featured on the ‘top ten' lists of best movies ever made.
In 1950, Billy Wilder wrote and directed what is now regarded as one of the finest movies ever made - Sunset Boulevard, starring silent screen legend Gloria Swanson as silent screen legend Norma Desmond. A biting, incisive insight into the star system of the ‘old' Hollywood, set in the era when talkies had overtaken silent movies, Sunset Boulevard became an instant smash hit, a multi-award winning success (nominated for 11 Academy Awards and winning 3), an all-time classic and is regularly featured on the ‘top ten' lists of best movies ever made.
Ruthie Henshall, Lucy Durack and More Set for Theatre Royal's SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM Concert, April 20
More of the performers that will make up the company of the very special concert version of SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM that takes place on Friday 20 April 2012 at Theatre Royal, Sydney have been announced.
More of the performers that will make up the company of the very special concert version of SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM that takes place on Friday 20 April 2012 at Theatre Royal, Sydney have been announced.
BWW Reviews: Australia's LOVE NEVER DIES Film - A Real Treat
Sequels are the biggest risk takers in any form of entertainment. So the idea of taking the longest running musical, The Phantom of the Opera, which just celebrated its 10,000 performance and creating a part two is as hazardous as the Opera Ghost himself.
Sequels are the biggest risk takers in any form of entertainment. So the idea of taking the longest running musical, The Phantom of the Opera, which just celebrated its 10,000 performance and creating a part two is as hazardous as the Opera Ghost himself.
LOVE NEVER DIES Arrives at Sydney's Capitol Theatre
The continuation of Broadway's longest-running musical The Phantom of the Opera, Love Never Dies, which opened May 21 at Melbourne's Regent Theatre, opens at Sydney's Capitol Theatre on January 12. Previews begin today, and the production will continue for 12 weeks through April 1.
The continuation of Broadway's longest-running musical The Phantom of the Opera, Love Never Dies, which opened May 21 at Melbourne's Regent Theatre, opens at Sydney's Capitol Theatre on January 12. Previews begin today, and the production will continue for 12 weeks through April 1.
LOVE NEVER DIES & PHANTOM 25th Set for February 7, 2012 US Release
Broadway's longest-running production of all time celebrates a triumphant quarter century on stage with The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall, coming to Blu-rayTM - with perfect hi-def picture and perfect hi-def sound- DVD, On Demand and Digital Download on February 7, 2012 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. On October 2, 2011, composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and producer Cameron Mackintosh marked the 25th anniversary of their beloved musical extravaganza, "The Phantom of the Opera," with a lavishly staged production at London's legendary Royal Albert Hall that was beamed live via satellite to cinemas across the globe.The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall marks the first time a live performance of the blockbuster musical has been made available for home viewing, making it a must-have anniversary release for fans everywhere.
Broadway's longest-running production of all time celebrates a triumphant quarter century on stage with The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall, coming to Blu-rayTM - with perfect hi-def picture and perfect hi-def sound- DVD, On Demand and Digital Download on February 7, 2012 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. On October 2, 2011, composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and producer Cameron Mackintosh marked the 25th anniversary of their beloved musical extravaganza, "The Phantom of the Opera," with a lavishly staged production at London's legendary Royal Albert Hall that was beamed live via satellite to cinemas across the globe.The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall marks the first time a live performance of the blockbuster musical has been made available for home viewing, making it a must-have anniversary release for fans everywhere.
LOVE NEVER DIES to Move to Sydney's Capitol Theatre in January 2012
The continuation of Broadway's longest-running musical The Phantom of the Opera, Love Never Dies, which opened May 21 at Melbourne's Regent Theatre, will move to Sydney's Capitol Theatre on January 12, 2012. Previews will begin on January 8, and the production will continue for 12 weeks through April 1.
The continuation of Broadway's longest-running musical The Phantom of the Opera, Love Never Dies, which opened May 21 at Melbourne's Regent Theatre, will move to Sydney's Capitol Theatre on January 12, 2012. Previews will begin on January 8, and the production will continue for 12 weeks through April 1.
Bookings for LOVE NEVER DIES Available Through 9/25
The continuation of Broadway's longest-running musical The Phantom of the Opera, Love Never Dies, which opened May 21 at the Regent Theatre, is now booking through September 25.
The continuation of Broadway's longest-running musical The Phantom of the Opera, Love Never Dies, which opened May 21 at the Regent Theatre, is now booking through September 25.
Review Roundup: Australian Production of LOVE NEVER DIES
The continuation of Broadway's longest-running musical, The Phantom of the Opera, Love Never Dies has opened the Regent Theatre in Australia.
The continuation of Broadway's longest-running musical, The Phantom of the Opera, Love Never Dies has opened the Regent Theatre in Australia.
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