Ipswich Boy to Play Pugsley in The Addams Family Musical

THEY'RE creepy and they're kooky, mysterious and spooky, and an Ipswich boy has joined them; the Addams Family.

Which character from the Addams Family are you most like? Click here to vote
 
Young Ipswich Grammar School student Jaxon Graham-Wilson has been chosen to play Pugsley in Sydney's Capitol Theatre production of The Addams Family - The Broadway Musical.

Landing the role came as an early birthday surprise for Jaxon, who turns 14 tomorrow.
"I've know for a while, but I had to keep it quiet until Sunday, when it was properly announced," Jaxon said. "I flew down to Sydney to audition after my mum found out about it, and we went back down last Monday to do the photo shoot with the other Pugsleys."

Jaxon will star alongside well-known actors John Waters and Russell Dykstra in the show.
The Collingwood Park boy said he would have no trouble getting into the character of Pugsley, Gomez and Morticia's son and brother to Wednesday.

"I've watched all the movies and TV shows and I saw the original cast on Broadway," he said.
Jaxon said he loved the "creepy" nature of the family.

"Pugsley is a bit devious and loves torturing his sister, so I'm basically always in character when I'm annoying my own sister," he joked.

The Addams Family production opens next March, and Jaxon will move to Sydney for nine months with his mother and sister.

"I'll be doing distance ed and my sister will go to school," he said.
"I want to travel and do shows when I'm older so this is exciting."

Family Facts

• The Addams Family was created by American cartoonist Charles Addams.
• It was first developed into a television series in the 1960s, and has since inspired films, books, videos and a musical.

See original article from QT

Chitty Chitty Goes Off With a Bang Bang

THERE are live dogs, lots of children and a strong cast but the star of the musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is the amazing car of the title. 
 
It really is a fantasmagorical machine that draws gasps of delight when it flies, in a genuinely magical moment.

Based on the 1968 film, the stage adaptation makes some judicious changes bringing in the Vulgarians, who are intent on stealing the car, right from the start - and adding jokes for the adults.
As the crackpot inventor Caractacus Potts, David Hobson reins in the eccentricity, giving a gently endearing performance.

Rachael Beck is lovely as Truly Scrumptious, Alan Brough and Jennifer Vuletic are thoroughly entertaining as the tantrum-throwing, toy-loving Baron Bomburst and his Baroness, while George Kapiniaris and Todd Goddard are a hoot as the bumbling Vulgarian spies.

Roger Hodgman directs, using Anthony Ward's clever, eye-catching design, with its set inspired by the idea of invention and machinery.

Energy-wise, the production could go up a gear at times and Dana Jolly's choreography lacks a little oomph but it's a fun show that clearly charmed the children around me and had the audience clapping along with the title song.

Mundine V Geale - Rivalry Set for Sydney

Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris, welcomed the announcement that Sydney will host the IBF World Middleweight Title Fight between bitter rivals Anthony Mundine and Daniel Geale on Wednesday 30 January, 2013, at the Sydney Entertainment Centre.

“The announcement reinforces Sydney’s position as a global events city, with the NSW sports events calendar fast becoming the benchmark for other states,” Mr Souris said.

“The IBF World Middleweight Title fight between Anthony Mundine and Daniel Geale is expected to draw more than 2000 interstate visitors and generate almost $4 million in overnight visitor expenditure.”

Minister for Sport and Recreation, Graham Annesley, said: “This is the first time two Australians have fought for the IBF World Middleweight title.

“Danny is the current IBF and WBA World Champion after unifying the titles in May and September this year becoming only the 4th Australian to achieve such a rare feat.

“Anthony is a former WBA and IBO world champion in middleweight and super-middleweight divisions.

“Everyone is aware of the intense rivalry between the pair and it promises to be an adrenaline-charged match between two great champions,” Mr Annesley added.

Anthony Mundine said he was honoured to be fighting in his home town in front of his fans.

“I'd like to thank Destination NSW for their assistance in ensuring this fight remains in Sydney and look forward to putting on a show for everyone to see on January 30.”

Daniel Geale said “This is the fight Australia wants to see and having the NSW Government’s support was a huge coup for this event and more importantly, for boxing in this country.”

Destination NSW CEO, Sandra Chipchase, said: “The fight between Anthony Mundine and Daniel Geale will be a ‘cannot miss’ contest. Boxing fans across the country will be eager to seeing this extraordinary fight between two world champions held in NSW, the home of world class sport.”

X-TRAIN – BLUEGRASS BAND FROM THE USA - What's On Ipswich, QLD

X-Train is a high energy bluegrass band featuring Ross Nickerson on banjo, Peter McLaughlin on acoustic guitar, Mark Miracle on mandolin and Bob Denoncourt on bass. The band offers traditional Bluegrass music, with world class banjo, guitar and mandolin picking, along with rock solid bass and superb three-part harmony singing. All the members of X-Train have toured throughout the world and played and recorded with numerous internationally renowned Bluegrass bands.

Ross Nickerson has toured extensively in the USA, Canada, Europe and Australia and has recently completed his latest instrumental CD “Just Kick It”.  Peter McLaughlin is a former Winfield National Flat Picking Champion and former member of the Laurie Lewis band and The Perfect Strangers. Mandolinist Mark Miracle is a lights out picker whose dazzling solos, solid back up and superb tenor vocals make him indispensable.  Bass player Bob Denoncourt is a veteran of top bluegrass bands from all over the USA.

X-Train has great fun performing on stage and their exciting brand of Bluegrass music, featuring superb instrumental work and brilliant harmonies, always leave audiences smiling.

Rachael Beck is Truly Scrumptious in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

RACHAEL Beck describes her character in the upcoming musical production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as a strong, funny woman with an absolutely terrible name.

Beck will take on the role of Truly Scrumptious, an upper-class socialite who gets drawn into a world of outrageous adventure, evil child-catchers and magical flying cars.

A stalwart of both the stage and screen, Beck has previously played staring roles in Les Miserables, Cats, The Sound of Music and Singin’ in the Rain but despite her experience the 41 year old said this new role would not be without its challenges.

“In one of the opening scenes I hoon around the stage on a vintage motorbike with a sidecar,” Beck said.

“It’s a bit concerning because I nearly run over all the props and crash into different parts of the set.
“It’s great fun and there are so many interesting moments like that throughout the show.”

Opening at the Capitol Theatre on Friday, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is an adaptation of the 1968 children’s film, based on a book by Ian Fleming.

Beck said the stage production followed the same storyline as the movie but parts of the script had been modernised to suit a current-day audience.

“I think it’s a lot funnier than the movie,” she said.

“People certainly won’t be let down by the production because it’s such a wonderful family show.

“I have this bad habit of falling in love with the characters I play and Truly Scrumptious is no different … hopefully the audience will do the same.”

SEE IT ON STAGE

Opens Friday, November 16
Capitol Theatre, Haymarket
Tickets from $69
Details: www.chittychitty.com.au

Sydney Christmas Carols

Santa's helper has given us the tips on Sydney's best Carols

Christmas Carols. They are the best of songs, they are the worst of songs. My apologies to Charles Dickens but I'm sure he wouldn't mind me paraphrasing his work. After all, he was somewhat of an expert on Christmas.

Christmas carols really are a pretty mixed bag. They range from the traditional to the modern and the sublime to the ridiculous. And every year from late November to Christmas Day the whole of Sydney rings with the sounds of "Joy to the World", "Jingle Bells", "O, Holy Night!" and, God forbid, "I Saw Mummy Kissing Santa Claus" and "Santa Baby".

In shopping centres and on street corners you'll be greeted by carol-singing elves and angels, choir boys, and girls clad in that faux fur-trimmed, red mini-skirted outfit favoured by Santa's helpers everywhere. You know, the one that results in a rather incongruous cross between Mrs Claus and a sexy snow bunny.

Christmas Carols events sprout up like mushrooms all over Sydney from late November. These range from the homey charm of the local school concert-cum-carols night to the celebrity-laden, big-budget events complete with orchestras and choirs.

Some of the contenders for Sydney's Best Christmas Carols event in 2012 are:

Sydney Christmas Family Village Concerts.
Carols, Santa and fireworks are a hallmark of these much-loved, free, local community events. This year's concert schedule is:
Rushcutters Bay: Saturday 1 December at Reg Bartley Oval, Waratah Street from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm
Rosebery: Sunday 2 December at Turruwul Park, Rothschild Avenue from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm.
Alexandria: Saturday 8 December at Alexandria Park Oval, Power Avenue from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm.
Surry Hills: Sunday 9 December at Ward Park from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

Coogee Carols
Spaces fill up pretty quickly at this free community carols event presented by Randwick City Council. There's usually a line-up of popular TV and singing personalities. Set aside Sunday 16 December from 6.30 pm for this one, which will be held at Goldstein Reserve, Coogee

Strathfield Christmas Carols Concert
Strathfield Council presents not just carols, but fireworks and a screening of A Christmas Carol on the big screen too. The event runs from 5pm to 10.30 pm on Saturday 8 December at Strathfield Park, Homebush Road, Strathfield.

Carols by the Sea
This one is at Bondi Beach, South Park on Wednesday 5 December. There is children's entertainment from 6pm and Chrsitmas carols from 7pm. It's free but please bring a non-perishable food donation.

Martin Place Children's Concert and Tree Lighting
Also part of Sydney Christmas, this one has the added bonus of the lighting of the giant Christmas tree. It's on from 6pm to 8.30pm on Thursday 29 November.

Christmas Choral Concert
Manly Council presents this free event on Thursday 6 December from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at the picturesque Manly Oval. They're even looking for singers to perform with the Northern Beaches Youth Orchestra so if you have what it takes contact (02) 9976 1752.

Carols in the Domain
Australia's largest free Christmas concert takes place this year on Saturday 22 December with pre-carols entertainment from 3pm and the main event from 8.30pm.

We'd also like to know what Christmas Carols events have you most enjoyed in the past and are most looking forward to for Christmas 2012? Help us to find Sydney's best Christmas Carols by leaving a comment below.

Cliff Richard - State Theatre Sydney 2013

DUE TO OVERWHELMING DEMAND, 4TH AND FINAL SHOW JUST ANNOUNCED! 

NEW SHOW:

Sunday 9 February 2013         State Theatre, Sydney

Dainty Pre-sale Details:

Starts Wed 14 Nov 9am -> Thur 15 Nov 5pm

Password = DAINTY

Click here to access the pre-sale.

Tickets to Sir Cliff Richard's Still Reelin' and A-Rockin' tour in Sydney are selling fast. Due to the demand, a 4th and final show has been added at The State Theatre in Sydney. Tickets to this show will go on sale to the general public this Friday 16 November at 9am.

                      

Sir Cliff Richard OBE, with global record sales beyond 250 million is set to tour Australia and New Zealand with a hit-packed national tour Still Reelin' and A-Rockin'. 

Celebrating his 54th anniversary in the music business this year, Cliff Richard is indisputably Britain's all-time greatest hit-maker - no other UK band or solo artist is even close to equalling his 123 single hits.

For full tour dates and details go to daintygroup.com.