ROCK THE BALLET - State Theatre Sydney

Rasta Thomas’ Rock the Ballet is a fusion of classic Ballet technique blended with the excitement of musical theatre, hip hop, ballet, tap, contemporary, gymnastics and more.

Rasta Thomas’ Rock the Ballet features a stellar soundtrack including some of the biggest hits from U2, Michael Jackson, Prince, Queen, Coldplay and Lenny Kravitz. Set against a backdrop of video projected scenery, the show is exciting, fun, fleshy, raunchy powerful, and brilliantly entertaining and as the New York Times wrote "Rasta Thomas has enormous talent and undeniable charisma", "Excellent dancers", "Crowd pleasing"
- The New York Times

Founder, Director & Principal Dancer, Rasta Thomas describes Rock the Ballet as “It’s a new type of ballet for the 21st century and we are calling it Pop-Ballet”.

Versatile and gutsy, these talented performers stretch the bounds of dancing with athletic jumps, endless turns and endearing individuality. Featuring the sensational talents of six Bad Boys and one Pretty Girl, this show will surely get you on your feet and smiling.

Multi award winning Director and Principal Dancer, Rasta Thomas was, in 2001, the first American to become a member of the Kirov Ballet in St. Petersburg, Russia and then in 2003 he joined Dance Theatre of Harlem. In 2005, Thomas starred on Broadway in Twyla Tharp's hit musical, Movin' Out.

Thomas has danced some of the greatest roles ever created by Petipa, Balanchine, Robbins and more. He has been a principal dancer with over 20 professional companies including American Ballet Theater and Japan's K-Ballet. He has performed at the Academy Awards, danced at the White House and made the film One Last Dance with Patrick Swayze.

The Rock the Ballet company includes the talents dance of New York Fringe Festival dancer, Michael Keefe, Robbie Nicholson from Broadway’s Music Man, award-winning choreographer and director, Adrienne Canterna-Thomas and So You Think You Can Dance US finalists, Karla Garcia, Jakob Karr, Kameron Bink and Kevin Mylrea.

“Rock the Ballet is a show that goes way beyond a normal dance company experience... I am amazed by our success...and I am so excited about introducing pop-ballet to Australian audiences!” said Rasta Thomas.

"The Bad Boys of Dance strive to free ballet from its prissy aura… The Bad Boys of dance... are proclaiming loud and clear that ballet is sexy, spectacular, and yes, very masculine"
The New Yorker

"Absolutely dazzling dancing"
Boston Globe

“The Amazing Boys performing in Rock the Ballet are taking Hamburg by storm... Rock the Ballet is a sort of a rejuvenating cure for the ballet that is to include tap-dancing, Hip-Hop, Martial Arts, show and humour”.
Hamburger Morgenpost

Running Times
Act 1: 45 minutes
Interval: 20 minutes
Act 2: 40 minutes
* Running times are approximate and may change without notice

Ticket Prices
A-Reserve: $98.90
B-Reserve: $89.90
Concessions: $79.90
Groups 10+: $79.90
School & Dance Groups: $59.90

Cirque Du Soleil Prepares for Mass Insect Migration From Portland to Brisbane

The countdown to OVO is on!

Who would have thought that relocating a cast of butterflies, crickets, spiders, ants, scarab beetles, fireflies, fleas, a ladybug and a blue fly would take a military-style international operation worthy of a Mission Impossiblescript?

But these are no ordinary insects. They are the stunning cast of the critically-acclaimed family-fun packed OVO by Cirque du Soleil, set to have its Australian premiere in Brisbane on July 14 with a limited season under the trademark blue-and-yellow Big Top at Northshore Hamilton. (amazing images and cool interviews available on request!)

OVO finished playing in Portland, Oregon, USA on Sunday. Before the 12-month Australian tour can commence, the cast, crew, big top and its surrounding village must be transported all the way from Portland to Brisbane.

“The Australian tour is the first time OVO has traveled outside North America, and it’s a mammoth logistical operation, one which is planned and managed internationally by Cirque du Soleil’s Tour Logistics Department,” said OVO Production Operation Manager Derrin Brown. The complex operational plan will ensure that the big top, sets and costumes – some 1200 tons of equipment - are pulled down, packed up and shipped to Australia in time for the first performance in Brisbane on Saturday 14 July.

“Transport of the equipment takes place over a two month period, which began in early May. Making co-ordination even more complicated is the fact that equipment for the Australian tour is originating from different countries – Canada, the UK and Germany, with the main portion coming from Portland in the United States. The Portland equipment will sail to Australia out of the Port of Seattle,” said Brown. “Approximately 78 containers will be transported, with all equipment travelling by boat.

“To ensure Australian Quarantine and Inspection Services requirements are fully met, all the equipment – down to the ‘nails’ that hold the tents down - must be washed before being placed in the containers.   It’s a huge operation, but all equipment should be safe and sound in Brisbane by early July.”

Then there’s the cast and crew. Over 60 bicycles and 410 suitcases will be transported to help make Australia their home for the next year. The cast of OVO features 54 performing artists from 16 countries specializing in many acrobatic acts. One highlight of the show is the stunning Flying Act in which a group of scarab beetles soar high above the stage, from both edges to the middle landing on a platform. This breathtaking act combines many circus disciplines: banquine, Russian swing and swinging chair.

Since its world premiere in 2009, OVO has visited more than 15 cities in Canada, United States and Mexico, delighting over 2 million spectators.  OVO, meaning “egg” in Portuguese, is a headlong rush into a colorful ecosystem teeming with life, where insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy and movement. 

Cirque du Soleil

From a group of 20 street performers at its beginnings in 1984, Cirque du Soleil is a major Québec-based organization providing high-quality artistic entertainment. The company has 5,000 employees, including more than 1,300 artists from more than 50 different countries. Cirque du Soleil has brought wonder and delight to more than 100 million spectators in more than 300 cities in over forty countries on six continents. Cirque du Soleil International Headquarters are in Montreal, Canada. 

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL - OVO - 2012/2013 AUSTRALIAN TOUR

Brisbane - From July 14 2012, Northshore Hamilton
Sydney - From September 13 2012, Showring at The Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park
Adelaide - From December 6 2012, Location to be advised
Melbourne - From January 17 2013, Melbourne Docklands
Perth - From April 14 2013, Langley Park

(Source: etravelblackboard.com)

Syncopation: Smash Hit Fusion of Comedy, Drama and Romance

SYNCOPATION is a smash-hit fusion of comedy, drama, romance and ballroom dancing set in the exciting, electric rush of New York City in 1912.

Henry Ribolow is a Jewish meatpacker crazy with a dream of becoming a ballroom dancer, and desperate for a dance partner. Anna Bianchi, an Italian Catholic seamstress, is unsatisfied with her life until she spots a curious ad in the paper: "Give your life a lift. Wanted: A Dance Partner to dance for royalty."

From the moment Anna summons up the courage to answer the ad, sparks fly. As Anna and Henry take their first steps together they embark on a journey that will transform their lives.

They dance, urged on by the jazzy rhythms and haunting melodies of Gershwin, Joplin and Berlin. The beautiful story of Henry and Anna takes flight, soaring in amazing ballroom routines choreographed by Dancing with the Stars choreographer/dancer Mark Hodge and under the direction of Broadway's Tony Award-nominated Stephen Lloyd Helper.

"A compelling story that promenades, foxtrots and tangos to life" - The Age

"This is a play with dance. What a play and what a dance! I shall go again - you should go at least  once!"- 3MBS FM

"An enjoyable piece - I haven't seen a better judged performance this year." - Herald Sun
"Original, invigorating and wonderous, SYNCOPATION will sweep you into its magic and leave you dancing on air!" - theatrepeople.com

CAST INCLUDES: Emma Palmer
DIRECTOR Stephen Lloyd Helper (Fiddler on the Roof, Smokey Joe's Café)
CHOREOGRAPHER Mark Hodge (Dancing with the Stars, Moulin Rouge)
DESIGNER Adrienne Chisolm
SOUND DESIGNER Darrin Verhagen

SHOW DETAILS Dates: Wednesday 4 July, 2012 Time:   7.30pm Tickets:  Adults $32   Conc. $29 More Info: theatre Send To A Friend: Think someone else will enjoy this show? Then forward this to your friends. HOW TO BOOK Phone:3810 6100 (Credit Card Only) Monday - Friday 8.00am - 4.30pm In Person:Visit the Ipswich Civic Centre Ticket Office located at: 143 Brisbane Street, Ipswich (Entry from Ipswich City Mall). Monday - Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm If you order online, you can now select your seat or let us choose the best available for your group.

Syncopation: Smash Hit Fusion of Comedy, Drama and Romance

SYDNEY SECURES ARIA MUSIC AWARDS TO 2014

NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell announced that Sydney had secured the rights to host the ARIA Music Awards from 2012 through to 2014.

“The NSW Government, through Destination NSW and ARIA, has agreed to a three year commitment that will see an increased focus on driving more visitors to Sydney.

“Sydneysiders and visitors can expect a revitalised program of music events in the week leading up to the ARIA Awards to cater to music fans and the industry alike. We want the leading music industry executives from around the world in Sydney for the ARIAs and this celebration of the Australian music industry.

“NSW beat stiff competition from other States to keep the event in Sydney,” Mr O’Farrell said.

SYDNEY SECURES ARIA MUSIC AWARDS TO 2014

What's On Ipswich: Class of '59 - Ipswich Rock Event

Australia, it's back... by overwhelmingly popular demand!

Happy Days Records by special arrangement with its president "Big Al Delvecchio" brings this unique concept to the stage with new stars and memories from the era that reigns supreme in Rock N Roll history. Big Al - world famous drive-in owner of Al's Diner - has cooked up a rock and roll feast large enough to whet any appetite assembling the greatest band ever to take you back to a decade that created music legends and influenced a formidable culture, performing a catalogue where their songs are timeless, their hits are endless, and their flair is never forgotten. Rock like never before and take the journey back to the Class of '59.

Dance with us back to an era when rock and roll influenced and created a social movement for the teenagers of its day... an era where black horned rimmed glasses became a trend... an era where petrol was so cheap that it fuelled not only the hot rods on the roads but fired up a musical movement that would only be lived for a short while but would last in the hearts and souls of billions for eternity. It is this era that will be recreated on stage.

Fans of the show will be able to take their concert experience home with them with the purchase of the official "Class of '59" tour CD featuring a compilation of the hits from the golden era performed on the tour and will be available only on this tour.
INTRODUCING THE CLASS OF '59 BAND FOR THE ‘ROCK AROUND AUSTRALIA' TOUR 2012:

ELVIS PRESLEY - Launching the rock and roll revolution with his commanding voice and charismatic stagepresence, we'll re-live Presley's string of hits that captivated and liberated the teenage audience of the '50s including "Don't Be Cruel," "Hound Dog," "Love Me Tender," "All Shook Up" and "Jailhouse Rock."

BUDDY HOLLY - Pioneering Rock and Roll in the '50s with his trademark horn-rimmed glasses and the ever so engaging and charismatic figure with his vocal hiccup spanning a career that lasted only two short years, but brought with it a wealth of material that made a lasting impact on popular music including "That'll Be The Day", "Peggy Sue", "Oh Boy!", "Maybe Baby" and "Rave On".

JOHNNY CASH - One of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, his songs and sound spanned many genres including country, rockabilly and rock and roll. This crossover appeal led to Cash being inducted in to the Country Music Hall Of Fame, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Cash recorded a string of rockabilly hits that included "Cry, Cry, Cry," "Folsom Prison Blues" and "I Walk the Line."

BILL HALEY - Labeled as "the father of rock and roll" and credited by many with first popularizing rock and roll in the early 1950s with his group Bill Haley and the Comets and their hit song "Rock Around The Clock" - an anthem for rebellious fifties youth that changed the face of Rock and Roll - Haley, for most of the Fifties, was a presence on the record charts with hits including "See You Later, Alligator," "R.O.C.K.", "The Saints Rock ‘n' Roll", "Rip It Up", "Rudy's Rock" and "Skinny Minnie".
JERRY LEE LEWIS - Jerry Lee Lewis came to fame in 1957 and dubbed the wild man of rock and roll, embodying its most reckless and high-spirited impulses. Jerry Lee Lewis is on such piano-pounding rockers from the late Fifties as "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On", "Great Balls of Fire," and "Crazy Arms".

EDDIE COCHRAN - Though Eddie Cochran was only twenty-one when he died, he left a lasting mark as a rock and roll pioneer. Cochran zeroed in on teenage angst and desire with such classics as "C'mon Everybody," "Something Else," "Twenty Flight Rock" and "Summertime Blues." A flashy stage dresser with a tough-sounding voice, Cochran epitomized the sound and the stance of the Fifties rebel rocker.

JP Richardson aka THE BIG BOPPER - JP Richardson, commonly known as The Big Bopper, was an American disc jockey singer, and songwriter whose big voice and exuberant personality made him an early rock and roll star. Richardson began as a songwriter writing hits for George Jones (White Lightning #1 country hit in 1959) and Johnny Preston (Running Bear #1 in 1959).

STARRING:
Buddy Holly - Scott Cameron
Elvis Presley - Anthony Petrucci
Johnny Cash - Daniel Thompson
Bill Hayley - Tom Carruthers
Eddie Cochran - Duncan McConnell
Big Bopper Junior - Simon O`Connor
Jerry Lee Lewis - Cassidy Wilson

Book Nearby Accommodation at Metro Hotel Ipswich International

SHOW DETAILS Dates: Friday, 1 June 2012 Time: 8.00pm Tickets: $65.00 More Info: '50s music tribute Send To A Friend: Think someone else will enjoy this show? Then forward this to your friends. HOW TO BOOK Phone:3810 6100 (Credit Card Only) Monday - Friday 8.00am - 4.30pm In Person:Visit the Ipswich Civic Centre Ticket Office located at: 143 Brisbane Street, Ipswich (Entry from Ipswich City Mall). Monday - Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm If you order online, you can now select your seat or let us choose the best available for your group.

Class of '59 - Ipswich Rock Event

Boy Girl Wall: Hilarious Smash Hit Production

A production by The Escapists

In association with Critical Stages

This is not a love story. This is a story about love.

This is the story of Thom and Alethea. Two neighbours in an apartment block, trying desperately to keep their lives from falling apart. But the wall that stands between them has decided they belong together.

Following sell-out seasons across Australia, this hilarious smash-hit production by The Escapists is a stunning celebration of theatricality, imagination and the joy of play.

Using chalk, sock puppets, an overhead projector and over two-dozen characters, Lucas Stibbard's captivating tour de force performance will inspire and delight with live music by Neridah Waters in a tall tale of whimsy and architectural enlightenment.

NOMINATED - 2011 Helpmann Award - Best Actor

WINNER - 2010 Matilda Award - Best Independent Production

"Comic genius... a blissful reminder of the power of the imagination." Time Off

"For the funniest night ever - you need to see boy girl wall." ourbrisbane.com

"A non-stop, dazzling performance..." Greenroom

"There are a million magical moments... You must see this show..." ArtsHub

"He could do stand-up at the Olympics for Australia - I'm sure he'd get a Gold..." 612ABC Brisbane

"Tightly structured, funny and ultimately quite touching, it is a work that captures the power of the imagination and uses it to create engaging and entertaining theatre"  The Australian

"It's perfect..." Sydney Morning Herald

SCRIPT Matthew Ryan & Lucas Stibbard
REALISERS Matthew Ryan, Lucas Stibbard, Neridah Waters & Sarah Winter
LIGHTING DESIGNER Keith Clark      
SOUND DESIGNER Neridah Waters                                                                 
WITH Lucas Stibbard
REDESIGN Jonathon Oxlade                               
MUSIC PERFORMED BY Neridah Waters

Boy Girl Wall: Hilarious Smash Hit Production

George Michael Returns With Orchestral Tour

All that faith has finally paid off... George Michael fans, the wait is over! It has just been announced that the Wham! star will be arriving in Australia for his Symphonica: The Orchestral Tour.

Last year, to our great disappointment, the Australian leg of the tour was postponed due to a hectic bout of pneumonia that halted the singer. But alas, November will see the popstar’s return down under.

The anticipated shows will see Michael perform past songs, standards from the 1999 release Songs From Last Century and also new material from his forthcoming album White Light which is expected to come out at the end of the year.

Pre-sale tickets are available from this Saturday (May 5) at GEORGEMICHAEL.COM

See below for concert dates:

Adelaide

Tuesday November 13 - Adelaide Entertainment Centre

Sydney

Saturday November 17 - All Phones Arena

Melbourne

Wednesday November 21 - Rod Laver Arena

Brisbane

Tuesday November 27 - Brisbane Entertainment Centre

Hunter Valley

Saturday December 1 - Hope Estate Winery

Melbourne International Comedy Festival - Ipswich Events

Stuffing one of the world's largest comedy festivals into the one show is no easy feat, but the Melbourne International Comedy Festival has done just that with Roadshow 2012.

Offering a selection of Australian, international and special guest comedians, the Roadshow is literally all the best bits of the Comedy Festival condensed into the one ‘all killer, no filler' travelling event.
Last year, comedians taking part in Roadshow performed to enthusiastic crowds in 60 regional centres and capital cities across Australia - not to forget a highly successful stint in Singapore and a sold-out debut season in Hong Kong.

Given such popularity, this year's Roadshow plans to connect with even more comedy fans and share the kind of humour that's had Melbourne weeping with laughter. More than 300 shows contained in one - you can't get better value than that.

Casting:

Harley Breen (MC)
Felicity Ward
Matt Okine
Kate McLennan
Bob Franklin

Warning: Performances may contain coarse language, sexual references and material that can offend. It is recommended for people aged 15 years or older.

"The Melbourne Comedy Festival Roadshow has such chalk and cheese personalities delivering such a wide assortment of gags, it has everyone's humour covered" The Sunday Times, WA

‘An event no comedy fan should miss.'
Satellite (QLD)

‘Not only will this Roadshow leave you with all sorts of stitches and aches, it will make your cheeks burn and your jaw sore too.' Caloundra Weekly (QLD)

Melbourne International Comedy Festival - Ipswich Events

Metro Hotels to Host the Cast of World Acclaimed ‘Rock the Ballet’ - Metro Hotels

Rasta Thomas’ Rock the Ballet, a fusion of classic ballet technique combined with the excitement of musical theatre, hip hop, martial arts, tap, contemporary, gymnastics and more, will be performing in Australia from May 28 to July, 2012 - with Australian hotel chain Metro Hotels once again accommodating the cast during their show in Sydney.

“Metro Hotels is a keen supporter of major international shows.  In the past, our hotels have hosted the Japanese performing troupe Drum Tao in Sydney, the cast of Bar at Buena Vista and Cuban Ballet – Ballet Revolution and performers from the theatrical dance spectacular ‘The Merchants of Bollywood’ for the duration of their shows,” said Mr George Bedwani, Chief Operations Officer of Metro Hotels.

Described by critics as ‘absolutely dazzling dancing’ ‘The music is great…the dance gives it fresh meaning…amazing skill and passion.  They are insanely good dancers’ and ‘their incredible skills shone through every move they did…the most fun you’ll ever have at a ballet’, this raunchy, powerful and brilliantly entertaining show will commence its 2012 Australian tour in Melbourne on May 28.
According to Rasta Thomas, founder, director and principal dancer, Rock the Ballet is a show that goes way beyond a normal dance company experience and transcends borders.  “We are so fortunate to share Rock the Ballet with audiences across the globe – if you like great music, great dancing and want to have a great time, this show is for you!” he said.

“Metro Hotels is proud to be accommodating the cast in our hotels and hopes the show will attract people from all over Australia to visit one of our major cities, stay at one of our hotels and enjoy the production,” Mr Bedwani said.

Metro Hotels to Host the Cast of World Acclaimed ‘Rock the Ballet’ - Metro Hotels

James Morrison With Guest Vocalist Emma Pask

Morrison leads his talented band through a soulful, swinging and funky selection of standards and originals, spiced with humour and a real upbeat feel. Extraordinary virtuosity from all concerned, but especially the man out front, a titan of the trumpet and trombone and about a dozen other instruments too! He works regularly with other international jazz stars in Europe and the rest of the world, most recently, with four-time Grammy winner Lalo Schiffrin.

James Morrison is, by anybody’s standard, a virtuoso in the true sense of the word. Besides the trumpet, this multi‐instrumentalist also plays trombone, euphonium, flugel horn, tuba, saxophones, double bass and piano.

At the age of seven, he was given his first instrument, at nine he formed his first band and at thirteen he was playing professionally in nightclubs. His international career developed just as quickly. At only age 16 James debuted in the USA with a breathtaking concert at the Monterey Jazz Festival.

Now 49, James Morrison’s career thus far has been diverse and perhaps not typical of most jazz musicians. He recorded Jazz Meets the Symphony with The London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Lalo Schifrin, performed concerts at the Royal Albert hall with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden for Princess Anne. Royal command performances on two occasions for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and for US Presidents Bush & Clinton at Parliament House in Australia.

An avid user of the latest technologies James is very involved in furthering the presence of jazz and music education on the internet and also uses computers extensively in his writing, recording and performances.

James Morrison with perform with special guest vocalist EMMA PASK, Australia's own star jazz vocalist. "The greatest gift to Australian Jazz Vocals in the last decade" is how James Morrison, Australia's most awarded jazzman, describes Emma Pask.                    
                                                                  
While Emma's voice and style are unique, and individually her own, her performances are reminiscent of the classic era of jazz, when swing was top of the charts.

Find out more HERE
James Morrison With Guest Vocalist Emma Pask