Media Release

Bon Voyage, Your Majesty!

Edgar Metcalfe departs Western Australia this week for his old home town of Blackpool, England.

Fellow actor, John Michael Swinbank who appeared with Metcalfe in the musical comedy, Two Old Queens said that he was saddened to see his old friend and colleague leave Perth and its professional theatre community, which Metcalfe had laid the foundations in the 1960s when he arrived to take up the helm of the company at The Playhouse.

“He leaves behind a rich legacy of superb performances in the hearts and minds of a vast audience,” he said. “I am proud to say that I worked with him on perhaps his greatest acting challenge, to become Her Majesty, The Queen Mother in Two Old Queens.

“His creation of character was brilliantly technical and instinctive. It was a joy and instructional to work with him. Needless to say we had a lot of fun and it will always be a highlight in my career. Bon voyage, your majesty!”

In 2007 and 2008, Edgar and John Michael played in Two Old Queens, a witty concoction that celebrated the friendship of HM The Queen Mother and Sir Noël Coward. Produced by Mirage Makers, Two Old Queens toured to Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney.

Initially planned as a workshop production, Two Old Queens premiered at The Blue Room in October 2007 to a sold out four week season and transferred to the Subiaco Arts Centre.

It won Most Popular Production at the 2008 Blue Room Awards.

Edgar’s performance of The Queen Mother was nominated for a 2008 Equity Award as Best Actor and won an Horatio Award (The Sunday Mail Adelaide 2007) for Best Character Study.

Its clever script and moving interpretation transcended the mere biopic and took the piece to a moving meditation about the very nature of friendship.

For further information and archival photos, visit www.miragecorporation.com

Let’s Do It

John Michael and Janice Sing Coward and Porter

With Mark Coughlan at the piano

Hale School Visiting Artists Programme, John Inverarity Centre

Wednesday 7.30pm August 11, 2010

Singers shine in night of sparkling song

Cabaret entertainer, John Michael Swinbank will join forces on stage with lyric soprano, Janice Taylor-Warne on August 11 in a new show especially devised for the Hale School Visiting Artists Program that will celebrate the sophisticated and moving lyrics and music of song-smiths, Noël Coward and Cole Porter.

The show, Let’s Do It is a two-act romp through some of wittiest songs ever written such as Porter’s You’re the Top and Anything Goes to Coward’s I Went to a Marvellous Party and In a Bar on the Piccola Marina. On the flip side, the two composers’ darker natures are explored in the great torch songs such as Mad About the Boy and So In Love.

John Michael has built a career out of his distinctive interpretation of Noel Coward’s repertoire with invitations to perform around the world over a 25 year career. Janice, a former principal soprano with Opera Australia is equally at home with songs by Richard Stauss and Gustav Mahler as well as the elegant showbiz composers like Coward and Porter.

The two singers will be joined on stage by Mark Coughlan, an acclaimed classical pianist who also enjoys crossing over to the Broadway repertoire.

Mr Swinbank who has worked with Mr Coughlan on a number of occasions  said that he was thrilled to be performing with Miss Taylor-Warne and Mr Coughlan at the same time to bring these work of Coward and Porter alive to a new audience. “Janice and Mark are superb musicians who will bring their exquisite classical sensibility to these charming, beguiling and amusing songs,” he said. “I, of course, will be entirely decorative and make the odd joke or two. It should be very funny.”

The performance is in two halves and begins at 7.30pm. Bookings can be made on 9347 9726 or www.hale.wa.edu.au

LISTINGS: Let’s Do It! – a romp through some of the most sophisticated love songs in the English language by cabaret entertainer John Michael Swinbank and lyric soprano, Janice Taylor-Warne with Mark Coughlan at the piano.

Hale School Visiting Artists Programme

John Inverarity Centre

Wednesday 7.30pm August 11, 2010

Bookings: www.hale.wa.edu.au or 9347 9726

GOSS: Janice moonlighted for six years with Graham Kennedy on the In Melbourne Tonight show.

The Multiple Sclerosis Society of WA presents Puss in Boots

Media Contact:
John Michael Swinbank 0414 743 418

The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Western Australia is delighted to announce that it will present another annual theatrical offering for Perth families when it produces its first traditional pantomime, Puss in Boots at The Playhouse Theatre in December 2010.
The pantomime season builds on the MS Society’s reputation as a producer of musical theatre at the Regal Theatre, with its forthcoming October season of The Sound of Music being the seventh production in its successful history.
Directed and written by John Senczuk from the original 17th Century fairy tale by Charles Perrault, Puss in Boots tells the tale of Colin, a poor miller’s son who inherits a cat upon his father’s death. However, this cat is spectacularly clever, wittily magical and has a particular fondness for fancy boots! As quick as he can pull them on, the frisky feline comes up with plans for Colin to not only get rich quick but to marry the princess of his dreams!

MSWA’s production features live music with Tim Cunniffe as Musical Director and Perth veteran Michael Loney as the pantomime dame, Queen Cupcake, with highly experienced performers, Jenny McNae and Ian Toyne, and newcomers, Michael Bingaman and Charlotte Devenport as Colin and his Princess!

MS Society WA Chief Executive Officer, Marcus Stafford said that this new initiative was an exciting stage in the Society’s development as theatrical producer. “This is an exciting addition to our work in providing entertainment for families in Perth,” he said. “Our theatrical productions offer the unique opportunity to provide a focal point for our charitable organisation as well as a wonderful opportunity to give back to the general community, which supports our aims so generously.”

Puss in Boots will be presented from December 16 to 22 with two shows a day at 11am and 1pm daily (except Sunday), with a 6pm show on December 16. Tickets are available from all BOCS outlets or on 9484 1133 and www.bocsticketing.com.au

Photo and interview opportunities are available.
Please contact John Michael Swinbank 0414 743 418 jm@johnmichael.com.au

LISTINGS: Puss in Boots – traditional pantomime about a magical cat with a fondness for fancy boots and get rich plans, starring Michael Bingaman, Charlotte Devenport, Jenny McNae, Ian Toyne and Michael Loney as Queen Cupcake. From December 16 to 22, 11am and 1pm daily. Bookings on BOCS 9484 113 www.bocsticketing.com.au

About MS and MSWA
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Western Australia is a not-for-profit organisation that has been providing support and care to the thousands of Western Australians living with MS for 37 years. MS is a chronic degenerative and often disabling neurological disease. Each working day, five Australians are diagnosed with MS and there is currently no cause or cure. For further information, visit www.multiple-wa.asn.au

Spare Parts Puppet Theatre

The Bunyip of Berkley’s Creek

3 to 17 July

Media Contact:

John Michael Swinbank 0414 743 418

The Bunyip is back for the holidays!

A new generation of Western Australian children and their families will get the rare opportunity to see The Bunyip of Berkeley’s Creek when the acclaimed production by Spare Parts Puppet Theatre will be presented at the company’s Fremantle theatre from Saturday, July 3 for the school holidays.

Devised and directed by Noriko Nishimoto and Michael Barlow from the book by Jenny Wagner, this uniquely Australian story has charmed audiences in WA and overseas since its 1998 premiere. Original cast member Michael Barlow will be joined by new cast members, well-known comedian Shane Adamczak and acclaimed musician Mel Robinson, making her debut with the company.

Set in outback bush country, The Bunyip of Berkeley’s Creek tells the amusing and poignant story of a lonely Bunyip who yearns to discover the truth about his identity and physical appearance. On his journey along the creek bed, he encounters a ‘who’s who” of iconic Australian animals including a cheeky echidna, a recalcitrant platypus, a few vague wallabies, and an assortment of birds, in particular a mad emu as well as an even madder scientist.

The set, designed by Zoe Atkinson, evokes a “dreamtime Bunyip world’, awash with Australian landscape colours of reds, yellows, browns and ochres,  It features a billabong, a creek bed, where the animals live, and a tree, which doubles as a large scale musical instrument for composer Lee Buddle’s bubbly and beautiful original score. Slats on the tree become a marimba while tensioned wires become a hammer dulcimer which is plucked, strummed or plain old whacked by the puppeteers, in particular by singer-cellist, Mel Robinson. The hand carved rod puppets by the company’s Chief Puppet Maker, Jiri Zmitko are among some of the most beautiful in the company’s extensive repertoire.

Artistic Director of Spare Parts Puppet Theatre, Philip Mitchell, said that The Bunyip of Berkeley’s Creek was one of the flagship productions from the company’s 30 year history. “I am thrilled that we are able to bring this uniquely Australian story to a new generation of children,“ he said. “It is atmospheric, poignant and extremely entertaining, particularly when joyous mayhem is unleashed through duelling marimbas, dulcimer chopsticks and some snappy dance routines in this Aussie larrikin-style yarn guaranteed to make the young and young at heart laugh, cry and absolutely believe in Bunyips.”

Suitable for everyone but perfect for ages 4 to 8, the 50 minute show will open for the school holidays from July 3 with two shows daily at 10am and 1pm. Additionally, there will be a 6pm performance on the following days: Friday and Saturday July 9, 10, 16 and 17. Early bookings are advised as the company’s shows frequently sell out. 24/7 booking facilities are available online at www.sppt.asn.au or by phone on 9335 5044.

Spare Parts Puppet Theatre is based in Fremantle, Western Australia and is Australia’s leading puppetry company,

creating entertaining and inspirational theatre for young people and their families. In October, 2010 a new work, The Birthday, will begin celebrations marking its 30 year history of creating quality new Australian puppetry works that excite the way we view our world through image, illusion and entertainment.

Photo and interview opportunities are available.

Please contact John Michael Swinbank 0414 743 418 jm@johnmichael.com.au

Listings: The Bunyip of Berkeley’s Creek – uniquely Australian story about a lonely Bunyip and his hilarious encounters with a ‘who’s who’ of iconic animals, including echidna, platypus, emu and wallabies, by Spare Parts Puppet Theatre (opposite Freo Train Station) Suitable for everyone but perfect for 4 to 8 year olds. From July 3 for the school holidays. Book on 9335 5044 or 24/7 at www.sppt.asn.au

Spare Parts Puppet Theatre

1 Short Street, Fremantle

(opposite the Freo Train Station)

The Bunyip of Berkley’s Creek

3 to 17 July

Media Contact:

John Michael Swinbank 0414 743 418

Running Time

50 mins

Age Range

Suitable for everyone, but perfect for ages 4 – 9.

Season

School Holiday Season :
Sat 3 – Thurs 8 & Mon 12 – Thurs 15 July, 10.00am & 1.00pm
Fri 9 – Sat 10 & Fri 16 – Sat 17 July, 1.00pm & 6.00pm

Prices: Adults at Child prices, $17.50
Groups of 4+, $15.50
Groups of 10+, $13.50

History

1998 Premiere Season

1999 Regional Tour, Western Australia
International Tour, Japan

2000 Return Season, Spare Parts Puppet Theatre

Director

Noriko Nishimoto.

Assistant Director

Michael Barlow

Devisor

Noriko Nishimoto and Michael Barlow

Designer

Zoe Atkinson

Composer

Lee Buddle

Puppet Construction

Jiri Zmitko and Zoe Atkinson

2010 Performers

Michael Barlow and Shane Adamczak
Cellist, Soprano and Dancer: Mel Robinson

Original Cast

Michael Barlow and Paul Johnson
Cellist, Soprano and Dancer: Taryn Fiebig

Following a record turn out of auditionees the director, John Senczuk, is extraordinarily enthusiastic about the result. “The level of skill and musicality in the Perth community is astounding,” he said. “With over 350 registered auditionees it has been an incredible window on the talent that is available in Perth.”

The Sound of Music is Senczuk’s second production for MS WA following his box office breaking production of Les Misérables in 2009. For The Sound of Music, he will be rejoined by Musical Director Tim Cunniffe and Choreographer Caroline Sinnett.

Among the cast of thirty-two principals and ensemble cast, the roles of Maria and Captain von Trapp have been awarded to Casey Edwards and Peter Knol, Colin Hughes and Katherine Friend will play Max Detweiler and the Baroness Shraeder, and Ann Adlem will make a guest appearance as the Mother Abbess.

For the famous younger roles of the seven Von Trapp children, three casts will perform in rotation over the season. “As they’re our “favourite things” we refer to them on the rehearsal schedule as the “Snow Flakes”, “Copper Kettle” and “Wild Geese Companies,” said Senczuk. “With over 40 on stage, this is a big cast for a big musical and it is exciting opportunity for all performers to experience what it’s like to be in blockbuster music theatre production.”

Based on the uplifting true story of the Von Trapp family, The Sound of Music marked the final collaboration of the legendary song-writing duo, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. A huge success from its stage debut in 1957 (winning six Tony Awards), The Sound of Music was made into a film in 1965 (winning five Oscars) becoming one of the most successful and popular film musicals ever.

Set in Austria in the lead up to the Second World War, the musical’s timeless message of triumph over adversity and its memorable score (including My Favourite Things, Do-Re-Mi, Edelweiss, Climb Every Mountain, Sixteen Going on Seventeen, The Lonely Goatherd and the glorious title song, The Sound of Music) continue to speak to people of all ages.

The MS Society’s annual musical is one of the fixtures of the Perth theatre calendar. Last year, over 15,000 people attended the Society’s production of Les Miserables (with all proceeds going to the charity) making it one of the most successful community theatre events in Perth.

Tickets to The Sound of Music are selling fast and are available at Ticketek on 1300 795 012 or www.ticketek.com.au

The famous musical will be the seventh production in the Society’s history of annual musical theatre presentations at the Subiaco venue. It will be directed by acclaimed musical theatre director and designer, John Senczuk whose production of Les Misérables for MS WA last year broke box office records.

Based on the uplifting true story of the Von Trapp family, The Sound of Music marked the final collaboration of the legendary song-writing duo, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. A huge success from its stage debut in 1957 (winning six Tony Awards), The Sound of Music was made into a film in 1965 (winning five Oscars) becoming one of the most successful and popular film musicals ever.

Set in Austria in the lead up to the Second World War, the musical’s timeless message of triumph over adversity and its memorable score (including My Favourite Things, Do-Re-Mi, Edelweiss, Climb Every Mountain, Sixteen Going on Seventeen, The Lonely Goatherd and the glorious title song, The Sound of Music) continue to speak to people of all ages.

The director, John Senczuk said he was thrilled to be directing the iconic musical for Perth audiences. “The Sound of the Music is one of the most loved musicals of all time that families can enjoy together,” he said. “One of the many reasons is that it is about a family and a passion for music, about vulnerability in a dangerous and confronting world … and it’s got nuns!”

Mr Senczuk has assembled the same creative team including Musical Director, Tim Cunniffe and Choreographer, Carolyn Sinnett that created the record-breaking Les Misérables and has cast the production from local talent, including the three casts of children for the six roles of Friedrich, Louisa, Kurt, Brigitta, Marta, and Gretl.

“18 young people have been chosen to form three casts for the childrens’s roles, along with 32 adults for the principal and ensemble roles in the production,” Mr Senczuk said. “It has been an incredible and ultimately very rewarding … there is so much music theatre talent in Perth that needs to be seen! The MS WA productions are an adventure story in themselves and they have clearly become an important fixture in the theatre calendar in WA; and it’s fairly obvious that local audiences want to see more music theatre.”

Tickets for the production are on sale to the general public at Ticketek on 1300 795 012 or www.ticketek.com.au

Photo and interview opportunities are available.

Please contact John Michael Swinbank 0414 743 418 jm@johnmichael.com.au

Each celebrity guest speaker will be introduced by John Senczuk, MSWA Executive Producer, Events – and one of Perth’s leading theatrical lights with his own national credits as producer, director, designer and playwright. Mr Senczuk said that Perth Arts on Toast was designed to be both entertaining and informative and to provide an alternate perspective on the performing arts in the city.

“Perth Arts on Toast is a unique opportunity to engage with national leaders and practitioners in the performing arts industry,” said MS Society CEO Marcus Stafford. “Australian artists are renowned the world over for their flair and forthrightness, and I know that with the extraordinary range of guests scheduled over the next few months that we are in for a delicious and at times zesty breakfast series!”

Each breakfast starts at 7am and concludes at 8.50am. All inclusive tickets are $80 per seat, or $700 per table of ten. All proceeds go to the MS Society of WA. For bookings and information, contact Michelle Mason on 9365 4816 or Michelle.Mason@mswa.org.au

The MS Society produces an annual musical theatre presentation in October at the Regal Theatre in Subiaco. The 2010 production is The Sound of Music directed by John Senczuk, whose production of Les Misérables for the MS Society last year broke box office records. Tickets are on sale now and are available from Ticketek on 1300 795 012 or www.ticketek.com.au – with proceeds going to the charity.
Photo and interview opportunities are available.
Please contact John Michael Swinbank 0414 743 418 jm@johnmichael.com.au

About MS and MSWA
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Western Australia is a not-for-profit organisation that has been providing support and care to the thousands of Western Australians living with MS for 37 years. MS is a chronic degenerative and often disabling neurological disease. Each working day, five Australians are diagnosed with MS and there is currently no cause or cure. For further information, visit www.multiple-wa.asn.au

Inspired by Igor Stravinsky’s famous ballet, written by Humphrey Bower, Spellbound is an adventure story about Petrushka, a clumsy clown, the beautiful Ballerina and the handsome strongman, Benjamin and their desire to be free from the magician, Zeno’s mysterious world of tricks, magic and illusion.

First produced in 2003, Director of Spellbound and Artistic Director of Spare Parts, Philip Mitchell said that the production was a landmark in Australian puppetry.

“The marionettes crafted by Jiri Zmitko, our Head Puppet Maker are some of the most exquisite in Australian puppetry,” he said. “And through the use of ‘black theatre’ and bunraku puppetry techniques and a remarkable lighting design by Andrew Lake, the puppets will appear to come alive before the audience’s eyes. It has to be seen to be believed!”

The cast includes Shane Adamczak, Oda Aunan, St John Crowcher and Mark Storen. Composer Lee Buddle stylistically spans centuries with a score that captures the beauty of the baroque and the gritty energy of rap and hip hop.

Suitable for everyone but perfect for ages 5 to 11. Early bookings to secure tickets are always advised as the company’s shows frequently sell out. 24/7 booking facilities are available online at www.sppt.asn.au or by phone on 9335 5044.

Spare Parts Puppet Theatre is based in Fremantle, Western Australia and is Australia’s leading puppetry company, creating entertaining and inspirational theatre for young people and their families. In 2011, the company will begin its celebrations for 30 years of creating quality new Australian puppetry works that excite the way we view our world through image, illusion and entertainment. For more information, please visit www.sppt.asn.au or 9335 5044

Excellent image, photo and interview opportunities are available.
Please contact John Michael Swinbank 0414 743 418 jm@johnmichael.com.au

LISTINGS:
Spellbound – Inspired by Stravinsky’s ballet Petrushka, this magical adventure story about a puppet who dreams of being free showcases some of the most beautiful puppets ever made by the fabulous Spare Parts Puppet Theatre in Fremantle opposite the Freo Train Station. Suitable for everyone but perfect for ages 5 to 11. Bookings are advised online 24/7 at www.sppt.asn.au or 9335 504.

For the full media release, click here.

Penny Cook will play the role of Aunt Eller in Rodgers and Hammerstein famous musical Oklahoma! opening on March 17 and Julie Anthony will play Madame Dubonnet in Sandy Wilson’s toe-tapping evocation of the 1920s, The Boyfriend opening on July 21.

Artistic Director of IAJ International, John Senczuk (Annie Get Your Gun, Irene with Debbie Reynolds, African Queen, Les Misérables and Two Old Queens) said that was thrilled that Anthony and Cook could join his talented local casts. “I am very excited that Penny and Julie can join us,” he said. “Both of these leading ladies are superb performers with great personalities that leap across the footlights. Western Australian audiences will warm to their talent and personality in these famous musicals.”

For the full media release click here.