Media Release

GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

Jupiters Theatre, Gold Coast

TICKETS ON SALE MAY 12st

It was 50 years ago that GO!! Show Hit the Airwaves. It’s been going in and out of style. But it’s guaranteed to raise a smile. So may I introduce to you the acts you’ve known for all these years; the legends of the original Go! Show

STAR AFTER STAR – HIT AFTER HIT AFTER HIT

It is 50 years since the Go!! Show hit the airwaves on 4 August 1964 on Channel 10 nationally, to become the must-watch music show for a new generation of teenagers. It was a ground-breaking phenomenon when it first went to air 50 years ago, introducing live and local pop music for the first time.  It hit television screens hot on the heels of the lifestyle shattering tour of The Beatles, creating the perfect vehicle for a stable of local teen stars and changing the lives of generations of Baby Boomers. The stars of the Go Show re-unite for ONE NIGHT ONLY at the fabulously re-furbished Jupiters Theatre on Saturday August 16^th. Tickets will sell fast and are available from 12^th May on Ticketek.com.au or phone 132 849

Star after star – hit after hit – a small sample of what to expect from this fantastic line-up: Masters Apprentices starring Glenn Wheatley & Jim Keays performing “Living in a Child’s Dream” ; The Mixtures featuring Idris Jones and performing their hits “The Pushbike Song” and “In the Summertime”; Johnny Young with “All My Lovin’”; Normie Rowe pumping out his hits including “Shakin’ All Over”; Ronnie Burns performing “Smiley” ; Ross D Wyllie with “The Star”; Mike Brady brings his AFL iconic hit “Up There Cazaly”; Australia’s Queen of Pop Colleen Hewett singing “Day by Day” and“Dreaming My Dreams with You”; Tony Worsley with “Velvet Waters”; and Ronnie Charles performing “Woman You’re Breaking Me”

2014 marks the fourth Go!! Show reunion concert tour, but the first time this amazing show comes to the Coast, and the demand for the return each year has been incredible. The 50 year anniversary show will feature the songs that made these artists house-hold names in Australiaand we guarantee to bring back some great memories, musical highlights and a chance to relive the past for the many baby boomer fans that come out in force to hear the music from the past they love.

GO!! SHOW GOLD team has created a perfect reflection of the times. The energy and excitement of performers still at the peak of their talent transports the audience to the hysteria of 1964 – and the girls this time round may not scream, but will know all the hits word perfect!!!!!!!!!!!

Tour Details:  

Date: Saturday 16 August

Venue: Jupiters Theatre, Gold Coast

Tickets: Ticketek 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au

Media Enquiries: – The Shock Factor, Tracey Whealey M: 0417 146 552 E: tracey@theshockfactor.com.au

Media Release

An Arena Spectacular at the Brisbane Convention Centre

4TH – 6TH JULY

Final tickets are now on sale

Music by ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER

Based on “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” by T.S ELIOT

Final seats are now on sale for the strictly limited season of only five performances for this Musical Theatre Extravaganza. Tickets are available now from Ticketek on 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s beloved musical CATS comes to life like you’ve never seen it before at the Brisbane Convention Centre in this record breaking arena spectacular!

Starring Australia’s leading lady of musical theatre Marina Prior as Grizabella, this record breaking large-scale production will also feature a live band and over 800 performers from across South East Queensland. T.S Eliot’s poetry comes to life on stage set to some of the most iconic music in the musical theatre genre, including the classic “Memory” and many more.

With staging by celebrated choreographer Callum Mansfield and dazzling sets and costumes, this unmissable event will be the largest production of CATS ever staged in the southern hemisphere.

Talented students from schools around Brisbane will make up a portion of the mass ensemble for this production and Harvest Rain gratefully acknowledges the support of the talent sponsors : Brisbane Girls Grammar, Canterbury College, Clairvaux MacKillop College, Moreton Bay College, Mt Alvernia College, Northside Christian College, Redlands College, St Johns Anglican College, St Josephs Nudgee College.

SHOW DATES & TIME

Friday 4th July 7.30pm

Saturday 5th July 2pm & 7.30pm

Sunday 6th July 1pm & 6.30pm

VENUE

Great Hall, Brisbane Convention Centre

Merivale Street, South Bank

TICKETS

Tickets from $69.

www.ticketek.com.au or 132 849

Presented by Harvest Rain Theatre Company in association with Central Hotels and Apartments

MEDIA RELEASE

Rolling Thunder Vietnam

Songs That Defined A Generation

Tickets On Sale Monday 19 May

The powerful new Australian concert drama Rolling Thunder Vietnam will world premiere in Brisbane on 14 August 2014 prior to a national tour.

Set in the Vietnam War era, the evocative and stirring production showcases some of the greatest rock songs ever produced performed by some of Australia’s greatest singer-actors and musicians.

The show features the music of Steppenwolf, Joe Cocker, Buffalo Springfield, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Gladys Knight, Billy Thorpe, The Rolling Stones and Curtis Mayfield just to name a few.

Rolling Thunder Vietnam brings to the stage a new generation of young musical talent under the esteemed music direction of Chong Lim (Dancing With The Stars, John Farnham Band).

The outstanding line-up of singer-actors comprises

WES CARR   KIMBERLEY HODGSON   TOM OLIVER   MATT PEARCE

VANESSA KRUMMENACHER   WILL EWING

Conscription, combat, protest and homecoming, Rolling Thunder Vietnam – Songs that Defined A Generation unites personal stories of young Vietnam War soldiers with classic songs of the era. This dynamic theatrical concert draws audiences inside the lives of men on the battlefront and their family and loved ones at home.

The Vietnam War was the world’s first televised war. More than any other conflict it produced some of the most popular and enduring songs of the 20th century.

With stunning projected images and historic footage, Rolling Thunder Vietnam is a rich and emotional experience written by Bryce Hallett (Freeway – The Chet Baker Journey) and directed by David Berthold (Holding the Man, Cosi). Based on extensive research, actual letters and first-hand interviews with Vietnam War veterans, the stories reveal strained and loving relationships, the danger of combat, the rise of the anti-war protest movement in the late‘60s and a bittersweet homecoming.

“The deeply personal stories have largely sprung from face-to-face interviews with Australian soldiers who lived in this era” said Bryce Hallett, Writer.

“I wanted the monologues between songs to be truthful and spare. Most of the songs in the show are essentially anti-war protest songs that brilliantly convey the rhythm, spirit and mood of the times. Many are epic in nature and the directness of the storytelling serves to bring a raw intimacy to the music.”

David Berthold, Director said “This is music that sings out to every generation that believes in justice, equality, freedom and peace.We’ve shaped four very personal stories, inspired by real life experiences, into what I think is a musical event that will reach into the heart.”

The “songs that defined a generation” include Magic Carpet Ride, Fortunate Son, All Along the Watchtower, Help Me Make It Through The Night, Run Through the Jungle, Paint It Black, The Real Thing, Letter, People Get Ready, and Killing Me Softly With His Song.

Music in the ’60s meant liberation, not only for battle-weary young soldiers, but for a generation of artists whose timely yet enduring songs held a mirror up to the chaos, and expressed themes of love, betrayal and loss.

Chong Lim, Musical Director said “The Vietnam War gave rise to gutsy rock rhythms and emotion-charged guitar riffs that evoked something of the wild energy of the conflict itself.The era of Woodstock, of Jimi Hendrix and Bob Dylan, also produced many sensitive and poignant songs which have become classics because they remain relevant. The irony is that out of the ugliness of war came songs of pure beauty.”

Be among the first to see the exciting theatrical concert Rolling Thunder Vietnamin its Australian premiere season.

Rolling Thunder Vietnam is presented by Blake Entertainment in association with QPAC.

www.rollingthundervietnam.com

14-17 AUGUST

What do you call a gathering of musicians – a festival? A tranquility? An excitement!

Chemistry, synchronicity, contrast and balance, the 13^th Annual BANGALOW MUSIC FESTIVAL celebrates the genius of partnerships and the intimate art of couples.

In the unmatched and historic surrounds of the A & I Hall in downtown Bangalow, the Festival presents a stunning first-class international and national program of music and musicians from 14^th – 17^th August 2014.

This year the Festival will present nine magnificent concerts bringing together world class artists to present world class repertoire with music from Mendelssohn, Mozart, Ravel, the Russians Rimsky-Korsakov and Mussorgsky, Jolivet, Schuman, Brahms, Dvorak, Ravel, Schönberg, Beethoven, Mahler, Ives and so many more as well as modern compositions from Elena Kats-Chernin and Michael Daugherty.

And to present this world-class music, an eclectic and extraordinary line-up of international and national artists will grace the intimate and cozy setting of the A & I Hall. International violin virtuoso and Oscar & Golden Globe nominee, Jack Liebeck makes a welcome return to the lush rolling countryside of Bangalow; Acclaimed UK Violin sensation Victoria Sayles; performing on her GB Guadagnini violin made in 1751 in Milan, will be ex-Australian String Quartet member Sophie Rowell; also on violin, the inimitable Adam Chalabi, performing with the new supergroup of Australian chamber ensembles, The White Halo Quartet.

In a return-by-popular-demand engagement, the acclaimed Israeli-German Silver-Garburg Piano Duo will grace the stage again after wowing audiences at the 2013 festival. This time performing the Brahms Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor Op. 25 in the original four-hand arrangement by the composer.

The instrument of ‘the voice’ will also feature in the 2014 line-up with the unparalleled and supreme genius that is Lisa Gasteen ; and the dynamic and culture-crossing prowess of local Northern Rivers jazz superstar, Leigh Carriage.

Artistic Director, Tania Frazer, said “This year’s festival is all about the power of partnerships – the internal essence of chamber music. We are particularly focused on the power of two – If you spend your life with another musician who experiences music maybe a little differently, you can help each other….couples can achieve more.

“And in the spirit of achieving more we have expanded the BMF program with three (3) separately ticketed concert events in addition to the nine in the concert series.”

The 20th Anniversary of Zentveld’s Coffee at Newrybar will be celebrated with an intimate concert at the beloved roaster’s plantation and ‘coffee space’. Usually set up for barista training and tasting sessions, the space will be set up specially for an intimate gathering including members of the Southern Cross Soloists, Jack Liebeck, Vicky Sayles, and other headlining artists.

The traditional Festival Prelude will take place on the Thursday evening featuring musicians from the Northern Rivers performing with the Headliners from the Festival in a truly unique and fun concert.

Leading Australian conductor, Sarah-Grace Williams will join with the BMF Fellowship Quartet to provide a wonder-filled introduction for school children to the sights & sounds of the chamber music instruments in the Schools Concert.

In a Festival first, and with special thanks to Peter Mortimore, Windhorse Gallery and Barebones Artspace, paintings and art from local artisans will be on display and available for sale in the foyer of A&I Hall throughout the weekend. A wonderful melding of art & music and the ability to view the talents of Bangalow’s finest artists whilst enjoying the world’s finest musicians.

And in another first, the inaugural Bangalow Music Festival Fellowship Quartet will be featured as the 2014 Quartet in Residence. Selected from a national search for Australia’s most talented and up-and-coming ensembles, the Fellowship Quartet will perform alongside our Festival Artists throughout the weekend in small ensemble, soloist, and orchestral formations. Be the first to hear Australia’s most promising emerging quartet in their debut at the Bangalow Music Festival at Concert 3 and in subsequent concerts throughout the weekend. Quartet to be selected at the end of April; announcement to be made in May 2014.

Full program, accommodation suggestions, and ticket purchase available at

www.southernxsoloists.com

Full Subscription tickets (taking in 9 concerts) currently on sale.

Subscription package of $330 ($300 groups of 6 or more)

Single tickets, Festival Prelude, Zentveldts Coffee Concert, and the Schools Concert tickets available in June.

Booking early makes securing accommodation easier and stress free, as local hotels tend to fill up quickly.

For further information please contact The Shock Factor, Tracey Whealey on 0417 146 552 or SxS Office: 07 3844 7260

In 1982, Antony Jay and Jonathan Lynn penned the first episodes of Yes Minister for the BBC. It was an instant hit. Their characters and situations revealed, to a largely unsuspecting public, the deliciously awkward marriage between civil servants and politicians. Twenty-five years later these brilliant wordsmiths have done it again and this time it’s a hit play !

It’s 2011. A lot has happened since the Rt Hon. Jim Hacker MP last walked the corridors of Whitehall.  There’s the GFC, rising oil prices, minority governments, illegal immigrants and global warming.  If that’s not enough to contend with, the 24 hour news cycle, constant bleating of mobile phones, endless emails and a new generation of spin doctors. Ably assisted by Cabinet Secretary, Sir Humphrey Appleby, and Principal Private Secretary, Bernard Woolley, these three most loved characters from the hit BBC series gather once more to sort out another very thorny problem.

Since its opening in September 2010 at London’s Gielgud Theatre Yes, Prime Minister has been the toast of British theatregoers.  The play will bring the riotous inner workings of Westminster to the Australian Stage for the first time.

This is the first ever stage play of Yes, Prime Minister from the original writers of the hit BBC TV series. Jonathan Lynn and Antony Jay have honed their razor sharp wits once more to create a riveting and hilarious dilemma for Britain’s most trusted leader.

Set in the present day, in the oak panelled drawing room at Chequers, the British Prime Minister’s official country residence, the Embattled PM, Sir Humphrey and Bernard face their greatest challenge yet.  With help and hindrance from inquisitive journalists, a new generation of special advisors, the Director General of the BBC and an oil rich Ambassador with a most disturbing interest in foreign affairs, the play engages audiences with the best of comedy and the worst of politics.

Starring Tony Llewllyn-Jones as the cynical Cabinet Secretary, Sir Humphrey Appleby, alongside familiar Australian TV star Mark Owen-Taylor (All Saints, A Country Practice) playing the embattled Prime Minister Jim Hacker, and John Lloyd-Fillingham (UK’s National Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Company) as the hapless assistant, Bernard Woolley.

For more information on Yes Prime Minister
www.yesprimeminister.com.au

The Arts Centre, Gold Coast

17 – 19 May

Tickets from www.theartscentregc.com.au

 Playhouse, QPAC

4 – 29 July

Tickets from www. qpac.com.au

Over the last seven years, The Imperial Ice Stars have performed to more than three million people across five continents, at some of the world’s most prestigious venues – London’s Royal Albert Hall and Sadler’s Wells, Singapore’s Esplanade Theatre, Montreal’s Place des Arts and Moscow’s Red Square.

This award-winning troupe has built up a worldwide following and established an unrivalled reputation for their sophisticated portrayals of classic works, and for executing the most complex and daring manoeuvres on the ice.  Their previous world tours (Sleeping Beauty on Ice, Swan Lake on Ice and Cinderella on Ice) have been greeted with nightly standing ovations and five-star reviews.

For their latest production, The Nutcracker on Ice, acclaimed Artistic Director Tony Mercer – the world’s leading creator of contemporary theatre-on-ice – has once again teamed with four-time figure skating World Champion and dual Olympic gold medallist Evgeny Platov, and dual World Champion Maxim Staviski to create choreography that further raises the bar, with ever more breathtaking high-speed leaps and throws, and awe-inspiring acrobatics, coupled with the most graceful and sublime ice dancing.

 “The Imperial Ice Stars give skating a stamp of class – the cast is simply superb.”
The Daily Telegraph, Sydney (Swan Lake on Ice)

To Tchaikovsky’s memorable score, the 25-strong cast of World, European and National Championship skaters will astound and mesmerise audiences with their adrenaline-rich, dramatic performance, in the intimate setting of a frozen theatre stage.

Set in early 1900s St Petersburg, The Nutcracker on Ice boasts sumptuous sets by leading Australian scenic designer Eamon D’Arcy in this his fourth Imperial Ice Stars show, opulent and stylish costumes, and magical special effects.

This brand new production follows the classic Russian tale of Maria, the little girl whose love brings to life her cherished Nutcracker doll – a magical Christmas gift from her mysterious godfather – leading to adventures with the Mouse King, the enchanted Prince, and the Sugar Plum Fairy.

The story was originally penned nearly two centuries ago, in 1816, by the German author E T A Hoffman, and was later adapted by the French writer Alexandre Dumas in 1847.  From this adaptation, the Russian composer PyotrIlyich Tchaikovsky and choreographer Lev Ivanov created their ballet, The Nutcracker, which was first performed in St Petersburg in 1892 and has since become a perennial Christmas favourite the world over.

“One of the most exhilarating entertainment spectacles you will ever witness.”
The New Zealand Herald (Cinderella on Ice)

The Imperial Ice Stars’ Artistic Director, Tony Mercer, explains “The art form of ice dance lends itself beautifully to this well-loved tale. Not only does the story entail some beautiful romantic ‘adagios’ with lifts and jumps, but the exotic ‘divertissements’ from Spain, China, Arabia, Russia and Egypt allow us to introduce some gymnastics, flying, acrobatics and special effects.”  The Nutcracker on Ice will thrill and enchant all ages.

“Takes ice ballet to another level… the stuff dreams are made of.”
Adelaide Sunday Mail (Cinderella on Ice)

BRISBANE TICKETS ON SALE NOW

VENUE Lyric Theatre, QPAC

SEASON Wednesday 20 to Sunday 24 June, 2012

BOOKINGS QPAC on 136 246 or click here

Groups 12+ SAVE! Call Group Bookings 07 3840 7466

NATIONAL SEASON DETAILS

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

SYDNEY – Capitol Theatre – 6-10 June

Canberra – Canberra Theatre Centre – 13-17 June

Adelaide – Adelaide Festival Centre – 18-22 July

Melbourne – The Arts Centre – 25-29 July

Perth – His Majesty’s Theatre – 2-12 August

SYDNEY

VENUE Capitol Theatre

SEASON Wednesday 6 to Sunday 10 June, 2012

BOOKINGS TICKETMASTER 1300 723 038 or ticketmaster.com.au

Groups 12+ SAVE!  Call Group Bookings on 02 8512 9020

CANBERRA

VENUE Canberra Theatre Centre

SEASON Wednesday 13 to Sunday 17 June, 2012

BOOKINGS CANBERRA THEATRE CENTRE 02 6275 2700

or canberratheatrecentre.com.au

Groups 12+ SAVE!  Call Group Bookings on 02 6275 2700

ADELAIDE

VENUE Adelaide Festival Centre

SEASON Wednesday 18 to Sunday 22 June, 2012

BOOKINGS BA SS on 131 246

Groups 12+ SAVE!  Call Group Bookings 08 8205 2220

MELBOURNE

VENUE The Arts Centre

SEASON Wednesday 25 to Sunday 29 June, 2012

BOOKINGS The Arts Centre 1300 182 183

Groups 12+ SAVE!  Call Group Bookings 1300 002 787

PERTH

VENUE H is Majesty’s Theatre

SEASON Thursday 2 to Sunday 12 August, 2012

BOOKINGS BO CS Ticketing 08 9484 1133

Groups 12+ SAVE!  Call Group Bookings 08 9321 6831

Recent tours of Europe and Australia for their Summer Moon and Choral Classic shows were recieved to standing ovations and sell out crowds.

Since 1993, The Australian Voices has championed an astonishing flourish of new Australian vocal music, having commissioned over 200 compositions.  Much of this new music captures vividly the vibrant sound, colour and energy of the Australian continent, its culture and its people.  The ensemble has performed over 500 concerts of new Australian music to over 250,000 live audience members in over 20 countries.  Along the way, this extraordinary a cappella troupe has amassed a swag of coveted awards, winning an enviable clutch of accolades, medals and trophies at major international competitions and events.

Currently under the direction of Gordon Hamilton (2009-), The Australian Voices have achieved outstanding levels of national and international success, including the following distinctions

• Outstanding Contribution to Australian Music – Regional Area (The Australian Voices Festival), Australian Classical Music Awards (2008)
• Multiple Gold Medallists, World Choir Games, China (2006)
• First Prize, Youth Choir Category; First Prize, Chamber Choir Category and
• Finalist, Choir of the World Competition, International Eisteddfod, Wales (2001)
•  Best Performance, Bela Bartok International Choral Competition, Hungary (1998)

“The Australian Voices, conducted by Gordon Hamilton, gave the most sublime performance tonight I have ever heard anywhere in the world.” Jonathon Welch AM

For more details on The Australian Voices
www.theaustralianvoices.com

Kenny Wizz

MEDIA RELEASE

Michael Jackson’s gone, but fans still can’t get enough

“Music has been my outlet, my gift to all the lovers in this world. Through it, my music, I know I will live forever.” - Michael Jackson.

Michael Jackson HIStory II, a musical biography of Michael Jackson and the anticipated follow-up to last year’s sold-out live concert tour HIStory, will hit the stage at QPAC on 1^st September 2012.  Tickets are on sale Monday 26^th March from www.qpac.com.au or 136 246.

2011 saw the staging of the live production HIStory and triggered a phenomenon rarely witnessed in Australian theatres. Critics praised the production as a thrilling example of live entertainment, however it was the public’s reaction to the production that will go down in history. Online public response erupted with praise for the show and social media buzzed with fascination over the show’s star, Kenny Wizz.

Today, Wizz is known to be the best Michael Jackson Impersonator in the entire world.

Due to this internet-driven interest and demand for a live Michael Jackson experience, fans across the country have called for the show’s return. They can think again, however, if they expect the same show.

Like Michael Jackson, the show has reinvented itself. HIStory II brings to the stage a level of production that will exceed all expectations. The show will also feature the addition of new songs, dances and ground-breaking moments.

The tour is an opportunity for Jackson fans to witness a concert they may never have experienced in their lifetime, or to relive memories they were lucky enough to make.

Repeatedly described as a musical juggernaut, Jackson’s influence on popular culture and music is virtually unparalleled. Beside his inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Hollywood Walk of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame, Jackson held thirteen Grammy awards and twenty-six American Music Awards including “Artist of the Century”.

Three years after the King of Pop’s death his popularity has reached epic proportions. Fans continue to grapple with their loss in a multitude of ways, such as contributing to the 8.2 million Jackson albums sold just in 2009. Along with the cinema release of This Is It, DVD’s, merchandise and games, Billboard estimated that Jackson generated over $1 billion in revenue since his death.

His roll of accolades, however, is almost too massive to mention, and for most the focus weighs more heavily on the music Jackson has shared since the 1960s. Songs such as ABC, Ben, Smooth Criminal, Beat It, Thriller and many other hits will be performed in HIStory II.

This musical biography will take fans right back to the Jackson 5 era before continuing on a thrilling journey to the current decade. Hit after hit tell the story of one of the greatest pop icons the world has ever known. In all, HIStory IIfeatures over twenty songs performed live by Kenny Wizz.

The concert’s success is the product of twenty-five years’ dedication from celebrated Las Vegas performer, Kenny Wizz, to championing MJ’s genius and persona. But seasoned performer Kenny Wizz isn’t simply riding the surging wave of Jackson’s popularity.  Each night for the past two decades Kenny Wizz has put on his make-up and costumes and called on the spirit of Michael Jackson to perfecting “the art of sharing MJ”.

Wizz was shattered by Jackson’s death in June, 2009. He closed his own act down despite calls from fans to continue.  “My decision [to return] was more about giving back to fans rather than making money,” he said.

Wizz feels Jackson’s death has made concert-goers more critical of his performances.  “It’s more difficult because my act is observed through a microscope now he’s gone. People want the closest thing possible.”

Wizz was just twenty when Michael Jackson’s career exploded with the release of the pivotal album ‘Thriller’. During that time, Wizz’s strong resemblance to Jackson heralded the start of a long career as a conduit for Jackson music. His regular performances in Atlantic City gratified audiences and allowed him to perfect his act. After tours in Europe and Asia, Wizz settled in Las Vegas where his show was signed for eleven years at the Riviera Hotel and Casino.

Wizz feels it’s almost time to hang up his Glitter gloves, and will do so in about four years’ time, a relatively short timeframe against the span of his career. For now, however, the legend continues, with Jackson’s extraordinary musical legacy set to live under a dazzling spotlight.

The rampant popularity of recreation concerts is driven by their ability to transport a person to a time and place they once loved.  It’s a founding principle of the success of HIStory II’s producer Showtime Presents, the producer behind the immensely popular concert series Queen – It’s a Kinda Magic.

Together with a live band of talented musicians, fully choreographed dancers, authentic costumes and the kind of high production values that can only be done justice in a theatre, HIStory II is the recreation of what fans want but can never again see – Michael Jackson LIVE in concert.

FOR MORE INFORMATION & TO PURCHASE TICKETS www.qpac.com.au

ENDS