Every Week in the Melbourne Observer www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 5, 2014 - Page 63 Observer Showbiz Observer Showbiz SECTION 3 Observer Melbourne Radio: Radio: Radio: Radio: Radio: 3AW’s woes multiply ...................................... Page 64 age 64 age 64 age 64 age 64 Thea hea hea hea heatr tr tr tr tre: e: e: e: e: The House of Yes ............................................... Page 65 age 65 age 65 age 65 age 65 Country Music: Country Music: Country Music: Country Music: Country Music: Rob Foenander’s latest gig ............... Page 64 Page 64 Page 64 Page 64 Page 64 Jim and Aar Jim and Aar Jim and Aar Jim and Aar Jim and Aaron: on: on: on: on: Top 10 lists, best movies and DVDs ...... Page 66 age 66 age 66 age 66 age 66 Cheryl Threadgold: Cheryl Threadgold: Cheryl Threadgold: Cheryl Threadgold: Cheryl Threadgold: Local theatre shows, auditions ........... Page 67 Page 67 Page 67 Page 67 Page 67 PL PL PL PL PLUS THE L US THE L US THE L US THE L US THE LOVATT”S MEGA CRO TT”S MEGA CRO TT”S MEGA CRO TT”S MEGA CRO TT”S MEGA CROSSWORD ORD ORD ORD ORD Cirque du Soleil returns ● The Russian Bars in Cirque du Soleil’s 30th anniversary show, Totem. Costumes by Kym Barrett. Photo: Matt Beard Choir performs twice Opera triple treat ■ Cirque du Soleil celebrates its 30th anniversary with an Aus- tralian tour of Totem, opening in Melbourne from January 21, with an extended season until March 15, at the Flemington Race- course . Written and directed by Robert Lepage, Totem tells the story of mankind’s evolution through an uplifting array of athleticism, comedy and visual effects. Since its world premiere in 2010, Totem has been seen by more than three million people across 25 cities worldwide and features a cast of 45 acrobats, actors, musicians and singers. On an island evoking the shape of a giant turtle, Totem traces humankind`s incredible journey – from our original amphibian state to our ultimate quest for flight. Along the way, it also explores our dreams and infinite poten- tial, and the ties that bind us both to our collective animal origins and to the species that share the planet with us. Alternating between primitive and modern myths, and pep- pered with Aboriginal stories of creation, Totem echoes and ex- plores the evolutionary process of species, our ongoing search for balance, and the curiosity that propels us ever further, faster, and higher. The word ‘totem’ contains the idea of the order of species. We carry in our bodies the potential of all species, all the way to our desire to fly – like the thunderbird at the top of the totem pole. Technically, Totem is the first Cirque du Soleil hybrid show, as it can be adapted to perform in indoor venues as well as under the trademark blue-and-yellow big top, without changes to the equip- ment. A total of 170 people travel with Totem, including 115 employ- ees and artists, and 55 official accompanying members such as spouses and family. Tickets for Totem can be booked by visiting www.cirque dusoleil.com/en/shows/totem/tickets/melbourne/maps- infos.aspx - Cheryl Threadgold ■ Opera Australia takes residence in the State Theatre with its three-show Melbourne spring season. Three different operas are on offer, so whether you prefer tragedy, comedy or Shakespeare as opera, there will be something to suit most people's operatic tastes. Kicking off proceedings next week (Nov. 12) is one of Puccini's dramatic opera, Tosca. Full of passion and heartbreak, the story follows the inevitable dark end of opera singer Floria Tosca, her lover Cavaradossi and the evil lust-driven Scarpia who causes their demise. Despite the grim story, this opera has some of Puccini's most beautiful music and the story is gripping. Directed by a man best known for his fine work in es- tablishing Bell Shakespeare Company, John Bell , this pro- duction has been updated from 1800 and Napoleon's occu- pation of Rome, to the 1940s when the Nazis were in con- trol. Bulgarian soprano Svetla Vassileva and Australian Jacqueline Marbardi will share the title role, with Mexico's Diego Torre as Cavaradossi and Italian baritone Claudio Sgura in the role of Scarpia, made famous by Australia's John Wegner in previous productions. Tosca runs until December 13, and is conducted by Andrea Molino. Donizetti's Don Pasquale brings laughs, as bass Conal Coad takes on the title role of the curmudgeonly old uncle who is tricked into sharing his fortune with a pair of young lovers. Lots of twists add humour to the plot and everything eventually ends as it should. Joining Conal Coad in the principal roles of Norina and Ernesto are Rachelle Durkin and John Longmuir. ( Durkin and Longmuir will also de- light Melbourne audiences on December 14, when they sing the respective soprano and tenor solos for the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic's performance of Handel's Mes- siah.) Don Pasquale is directed by Roger Hodgman and con- ducted by Guilliaume Tourniaire and Brian Castles-On- ion and runs from November 19 until December 12. Final opera of the spring trio is Verdi's Falstaff, based on Shakespeare's famous ridiculous character, and de- scribed as a fast-paced farce with opera's favourite buf- foon. Following on from his triumph in Wagner's Ring Cycle in Melbourne last year, Warwick Fyffe takes on the larger than life comic role of Falstaff, a character we might per- haps call a legend in his own lunchtime. With several other larger than life characters played by tenor Kanen Breen and bass Jud Arthur, the comic poten- tial is huge. Joining her fellow Ring Cycle performer Fyffe is popular ex-Ballarat mezzo-soprano Jacqueline Dark, as Meg Page, Jane Ede as Alice Ford, Taryn Fiebig as Nanetta, Dominica Matthews as Mistress Quickly among a large cast of fine singers. Falstaff runs from December 1 until December 6, and is directed by Simon Phillips and conducted by Christian Badea. www.artscentremelbourne.com.au or call Opera Australia on 9685 3700. - Julie Houghton ● Rachelle Durkin with Conal Coad in Don Pasquale. Photo: Bruno Gaica ■ The ethereal sounds of the Australian Chamber Choir are comingin two concerts on November 8 and 9. The final concert in their 2014 program is entitled Eter- nal Light - Lux Aeterna, and will feature Purcell's O Sing Unto The Lord, the title piece of the concert by Ligeti, and Pergolesi's' popular Magnificat . Turn To Page 65 ● Douglas Lawrence Observer Showbiz Briefs ■ Steve Curtis has hosted his final breakfast show on 1071 4SB Kingaroy. He began his radio career as a panel operator at 3KZ when he was 18. He's also worked at stations includ- ing 3MP. ■ Sky News boss Angelos Frangopoulos is being touted as the leading contender to replace Mark Scott as Managing Director of the ABC.
Radio: Radio: Radio: Radio: Radio: 3AW’s woes multiply ...................................... PPPPPage 64age 64age 64age 64age 64TTTTTheaheaheaheaheatrtrtrtrtre: e: e: e: e: The House of Yes ............................................... PPPPPage 65age 65age 65age 65age 65Country Music: Country Music: Country Music: Country Music: Country Music: Rob Foenander’s latest gig ............... Page 64Page 64Page 64Page 64Page 64Jim and AarJim and AarJim and AarJim and AarJim and Aaron: on: on: on: on: Top 10 lists, best movies and DVDs ...... PPPPPage 66age 66age 66age 66age 66Cheryl Threadgold: Cheryl Threadgold: Cheryl Threadgold: Cheryl Threadgold: Cheryl Threadgold: Local theatre shows, auditions ........... Page 67Page 67Page 67Page 67Page 67
PLPLPLPLPLUS THE LUS THE LUS THE LUS THE LUS THE LOOOOOVVVVVAAAAATT”S MEGA CROTT”S MEGA CROTT”S MEGA CROTT”S MEGA CROTT”S MEGA CROSSSSSSSSSSWWWWWORDORDORDORDORD
Cirque du Soleil returns
●●●●● The Russian Bars in Cirque du Soleil’s 30th anniversary show, Totem. Costumes by Kym Barrett.Photo: Matt Beard
Choir performs twice
Opera triple treat
■ Cirque du Soleil celebrates its 30th anniversary with an Aus-tralian tour of Totem, opening in Melbourne from January 21,with an extended season until March 15, at the Flemington Race-course.
Written and directed by Robert Lepage, Totem tells the storyof mankind’s evolution through an uplifting array of athleticism,comedy and visual effects.
Since its world premiere in 2010, Totem has been seen bymore than three million people across 25 cities worldwide andfeatures a cast of 45 acrobats, actors, musicians and singers.
On an island evoking the shape of a giant turtle, Totem traceshumankind`s incredible journey – from our original amphibianstate to our ultimate quest for flight.
Along the way, it also explores our dreams and infinite poten-tial, and the ties that bind us both to our collective animal originsand to the species that share the planet with us.
Alternating between primitive and modern myths, and pep-pered with Aboriginal stories of creation, Totem echoes and ex-plores the evolutionary process of species, our ongoing searchfor balance, and the curiosity that propels us ever further, faster,and higher.
The word ‘totem’ contains the idea of the order of species. Wecarry in our bodies the potential of all species, all the way to ourdesire to fly – like the thunderbird at the top of the totem pole.
Technically, Totem is the first Cirque du Soleil hybrid show, asit can be adapted to perform in indoor venues as well as under thetrademark blue-and-yellow big top, without changes to the equip-ment.
A total of 170 people travel with Totem, including 115 employ-ees and artists, and 55 official accompanying members such asspouses and family.
Tickets for Totem can be booked by visiting www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/totem/tickets/melbourne/maps-infos.aspx
- Cheryl Threadgold
■ Opera Australia takes residence in the State Theatrewith its three-show Melbourne spring season.
Three different operas are on offer, so whether youprefer tragedy, comedy or Shakespeare as opera, therewill be something to suit most people's operatic tastes.
Kicking off proceedings next week (Nov. 12) is one ofPuccini's dramatic opera, Tosca.
Full of passion and heartbreak, the story follows theinevitable dark end of opera singer Floria Tosca, her loverCavaradossi and the evil lust-driven Scarpia who causestheir demise.
Despite the grim story, this opera has some of Puccini'smost beautiful music and the story is gripping.
Directed by a man best known for his fine work in es-tablishing Bell Shakespeare Company, John Bell, this pro-duction has been updated from 1800 and Napoleon's occu-pation of Rome, to the 1940s when the Nazis were in con-trol.
Bulgarian soprano Svetla Vassileva and AustralianJacqueline Marbardi will share the title role, with Mexico'sDiego Torre as Cavaradossi and Italian baritone ClaudioSgura in the role of Scarpia, made famous by Australia'sJohn Wegner in previous productions. Tosca runs untilDecember 13, and is conducted by Andrea Molino.
Donizetti's Don Pasquale brings laughs, as bass ConalCoad takes on the title role of the curmudgeonly old unclewho is tricked into sharing his fortune with a pair of younglovers.
Lots of twists add humour to the plot and everythingeventually ends as it should. Joining Conal Coad in theprincipal roles of Norina and Ernesto are Rachelle Durkinand John Longmuir. (Durkin and Longmuir will also de-light Melbourne audiences on December 14, when theysing the respective soprano and tenor solos for the RoyalMelbourne Philharmonic's performance of Handel's Mes-siah.)
Don Pasquale is directed by Roger Hodgman and con-ducted by Guilliaume Tourniaire and Brian Castles-On-ion and runs from November 19 until December 12.
Final opera of the spring trio is Verdi's Falstaff, basedon Shakespeare's famous ridiculous character, and de-scribed as a fast-paced farce with opera's favourite buf-foon.
Following on from his triumph in Wagner's Ring Cyclein Melbourne last year, Warwick Fyffe takes on the largerthan life comic role of Falstaff, a character we might per-haps call a legend in his own lunchtime.
With several other larger than life characters played bytenor Kanen Breen and bass Jud Arthur, the comic poten-tial is huge. Joining her fellow Ring Cycle performer Fyffeis popular ex-Ballarat mezzo-soprano Jacqueline Dark,as Meg Page, Jane Ede as Alice Ford, Taryn Fiebig asNanetta, Dominica Matthews as Mistress Quickly amonga large cast of fine singers.
Falstaff runs from December 1 until December 6, andis directed by Simon Phillips and conducted by ChristianBadea. www.artscentremelbourne.com.au or call OperaAustralia on 9685 3700.
- Julie Houghton
●●●●● Rachelle Durkin with Conal Coadin Don Pasquale. Photo: Bruno Gaica
■ The ethereal sounds of the Australian Chamber Choirare comingin two concerts on November 8 and 9.
The final concert in their 2014 program is entitled Eter-nal Light - Lux Aeterna, and will feature Purcell's O SingUnto The Lord, the title piece of the concert by Ligeti, andPergolesi's' popular Magnificat.
Turn To Page 65
●●●●● Douglas LawrenceObserver Showbiz Briefs
■ Steve Curtis has hosted his final breakfast show on 10714SB Kingaroy. He began his radio career as a panel operatorat 3KZ when he was 18. He's also worked at stations includ-ing 3MP.■ Sky News boss Angelos Frangopoulos is being touted asthe leading contender to replace Mark Scott as ManagingDirector of the ABC.
WednesdayNovember 5■ Beverley GilchristStrong, well known inMelbourne Entertain-ers’ Club, celebratesher birthday today.
Roy Rogers (LeonardSlye) was born in1912. He died in 1998
Actress Vivien Leighwas born in 1913. Shedied aged 57 in 1967.
Singer Art Gar-funkel was born in 1941
FridayNovember 7■ Actor Denise Rob-erts was born in Scot-land on this day.
Evangelist Billy Gra-ham was born in 1918(96).
Australian sopranoDame Joan Sutherlandwas born in 1926. Shedied in 2010 (83).
Model JeanShrimpton was born inEngland in 1942 (72).
US singer MaryTravers was born in1936. She died aged72 in 2009.
Athlete JanaRawlinson (Pittman)was born in 1982. Sheis 32 today.
TuesdayNovember 11■ Comedian JonathanWinters was born in1925. He died in April,aged 87.
Author Kathy Lettewas born in Sydney in1958 (56).
Actress Demi Moore(Demetria Guynes) wasborn in 1962 (52).
US actress CalistaFlockhart is 50(1964).
ThursdayNovember 6■ Ian Turpie was born inFerntree Gully in 1943.He died in March 2012.
US actor Sally Fieldwas born in Pasadena,California, in 1946. Sheis 68 today.
Orchestra leader RayConniff was born in 1916.He died in 2002, aged85.
Singer P J Proby(James Smith) is 74.
SaturdayNovember 8■ US singerPatti Pagewas born as Clara Fowlerin 1927 (87).
Adventurer HansTholstrup was born in Hol-land in 1944 (70).
Singer Minnie Ripper-ton was born in Chicagoin 1948. She died aged31 in 1979.
American singer LeifGarrett was born in 1961(53).
MondayNovember 10■ Theologian MartinLuther was born in Ger-many in 1483. He diedaged 62 in 1546.
Welsh actor RichardBurton (Jenkins) was bornin 1925. He died aged 59in 1984.
Lyricist Sir Tim Ricewas born in England in1944 (70).
Singer Donna Fargowas born in 1949 (65).
On This Day ObserverMelbourneObserv
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Radiowww.MelbourneObserver.com.auPage 64 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 5, 2014
ObserverShowbizObserverShowbiz
News around Victoria
3AW woes
■ With news of this month’sabrupt departure of 3AW-Magic 1278 General Manager,Shane Healy, comes an un-precedented ‘leaking’ of com-plaints by on-air and back roomstaff at the stations.
A number of on-air staff,who contacted Radio Confi-dential on condition of anonym-ity, lay much blame for theiruncertain future on Healy.
They say the sports enthu-siast allowed his personal loveof sport to colour 3AW’s pro-gramming decisions.
They say the Fairfax Radionetwork’s decision to broad-cast cricket over the summerperiod led to some programslosing up to one-third of theiraudience.
The presenters point to therecent departure of Brian Tay-lor as 3AW chief football pre-senter, and say this should haveoccurred several years ago.
Magic 1278 has lost a largeproportion of its audience tocompetitor Smooth 91.5 overthe past year, with revenue andprofitability disappearing.
Presenters say Healy hasbeen short on praise for the workof regular presenters. They giveexamples of how a former 3AWgeneral manager, the lateBrian White, would write per-sonal ‘thank you’ notes to mostpresenters, most weeks, tocongratulate them on develop-ments in their shows.
Staff generally agree thatHealy should not have letDerryn Hinch and Rex Huntleave the station.
They point to declining mo-rale at the stations, which arehoused in the Fairfax buildingat Docklands.
Thanks to GREG NEWMAN of Jocks Journal for assistance with birthday and anniversary dates.Jocks Journal is Australia’s longest running radio industry publication.
Selby Folk Club■ For the past 36 years the Selby Folk Club has been meet-ing on the first Friday of the month.
Aim of the club has always been the same - to encouragelocal performers by giving them a supportive atmosphere inwhich to perform, and encourage local residents to come andhear live local music.
On Friday (Nov. 7) the featured act will be the Boltonswith a mix of folk, classical, jazz, acoustic and rock perfor-mances.
www.home.aone.net.au/~selbyfolkclub/
First and Last Hotel gig■ Rob Foenander will be doing a morning melodies show atthe First and Last Hotel, 1141 Sydney Rd, Fawkner, on Fri-day (Nov. 7) from 11am - 12 Noon.
$15 includes show and two-course lunch. Bookings es-sential. Call the hotel on 9354 1791
Queenscliff Festival■ The annual Queensclif Music Festival kicks off on No-vember 28-30 and will feature a stellar line up of Australia'sfinest artists from a broad variety of music genres.
Headlining performers include the Good Times Band,Daryl Braithwaite, Richard Clapton and Russell Morris. Vic-torian bluegrass artists The Davidson Bros will also featureon the bill.
www.qmf.net.au- Rob Foenander
Dreams From The Second FloorIndependent Theatre
■ Dreams From The Second Floor is being presented fromNovember 26-December 6 at the custom built National Cir-cus Centre in Prahran.
This new circus work by internationally renowned directorFirenza Guidi will feature NICA’s graduating artists.
The creative process and technical components will be ondisplay in this site-specific work, which engages with the NICANational Circus Centre in an innovative way.
There is no back stage – this is a performance which willbe fabricated in front of the eyes of the audience.
Dreams From The Second Floor will explore different typesof dreams from those which come to us at night, sometimesso vivid that we can smell and taste and touch, to those whichwe carry with us through our walking reality.
Witness performers weave their way through their owndreams – where things are uncharted and the world is upsidedown.
Some 21 multi-talented artists will present high level cir-cus skills on a range of apparatus including: Aerial Ring, AerialStraps, Contortion, Rope, German Wheel, Hand Balancing,Hula Hoops, Roue Cyr, Dance Trapeze, Tightwire and Tum-bling.
NICA is Australia’s centre of excellence for training incontemporary circus arts. It is one of eight national arts train-ing institutes and offers Australia’s only Bachelor of CircusArts.
Graduates of NICA have gone on to pursue exciting ca-reers both locally and internationally and have contributed tothe development of Melbourne’s vibrant circus arts industry.
The course is accredited by Swinburne University of Tech-nology and attracts applicants from around the world. Performance Season: November 26 – December 6
Venue: NICA National Circus Centre, 39 – 59 Green St.,Prahran.
Session dates and times: Dates: November 26-29 and De-cember 3-6
Times: 7.30pm, Sat 1.30pm and 7.30pm (90 minutes)Tickets: Adult $33 / Concession $27/Child U16 $22, Fam-
ily (2 adults and 2 children) $88, Family (2 adults and 3 chil-dren) $105, Groups (min 10) $25pp
●●●●● Olivia Watts in Dreams from the Second Floor atthe National Circus Centre, Prahran.
Sharingin spoils
■ Triple M breakfast showpresenters Eddie McGuire,Luke Darcy and Mick Molloywill participate in a $3 millionshare distribution deal with sta-tion owner Southern CrossAustereo.
The company will distributeabout 3.35 million shares acrossan number of star’s contracts.
Jocks Journal reports thatthe company, which would notcomment on individual con-tracts, said shares issued tocertain talents would be worthat least $2 million while otherswould receive shares worth atleast $1.14 million as an“outperformance incentive”.
Back on air■ Austereo has announcedtheir new line-up for 2015with Hamish and Andy re-turning to the national driveslot from July next year,where they will drive Aus-tralia home from 4pm-6pmweekdays.
Until then, Jules Lundwill host the national Driveshow from January to July.
Huggy torescue
■ When Gold 104.3 person-ality Craig Huggins sawboxloads of CDs being thrownout by sister station Mix 101.1,he quickly intervened.
Thanks to ‘Huggy’s’ quickaction, the Dumpmaster-boundboxes were stopped, and theCDs have been picked by vol-unteers from a number of Vic-torian community radio sta-tions.
‘Huggy’ won praise on so-cial media for his thoughtful-ness, with compliments led byAIR News Managing DirectorArtie Stevens, who works withmany community stations.
■ Mr Tall, Mr Bump, Little Miss Hugs, and a bunch of celeb-rities and their children will be attending a special celebrityhigh tea party, in celebration of the iconic children’s brand,Mr. Men Little Miss. Adam Hargreaves, whose father createdthe much-loved brand, will be at the high tea to tell the taleof how the characters were born. The invitation-only eventwill be held at The Yarra Room, Podium Level, The LanghamMelbourne, on Friday, November 28.■ 3AW’s Nightline co-host Philip Brady will soon leave on atwo-week leave tour of India. He will be travelling with hisclose friend Gill Andrew.
Latest Melbourne show business news - without fear or favour
Summer Salt
●●●●● Melbourne bassist Phil Rex will play inMelbourne International Jazz Festival sessionsin 2015. Photo: Laki Sideris
■ The Melbourne Inter-national Jazz Festival willpresent their 2015 Sum-mer Sessions, bringingworld-class jazz toBennetts Lane Jazz Clubfrom January 15-29.
Over six nights, theclub will play host to a se-ries of intimate gigs in-cluding Belgian piano vir-tuoso Jef Neve, a celebra-tion of John Coltrane'sseminal album A LoveSupreme and a showcaseof some of this country'sfinest jazz pianists in theYamaha Piano Series.
The series celebratesAustralia’s world classpianists, their composi-tions, their bands and theircontribution to the artform.
The first set of theevening explores the inti-mate creative relationshipbetween the pianist andtheir instrument throughsolo performance.
The second set fea-tures their band and ex-plores the development oftheir musical ideasthrough ensemble perfor-mance.
Enjoy balmy eveningsand cool jazz this sum-mer.
Thursday, January 15 -Yamaha Piano Series: Tal
CohenThursday, January 22
- Yamaha Piano Series:Paul Grabowsky
Friday, January 23 -An evening with Jef Neve
Saturday, January 24 -A Love Supreme: A Cel-ebration of John Coltrane
Sunday, January 25 at
8pm - A Love Supreme:ACelebration of JohnColtrane
Thursday, January 29- Yamaha Piano Series:
Further details andbookings: melbournejazz.com/summer-ses-sions
- Cheryl Threadgold
The House of Yes■ Little Ones Theatre in associationwith Theatre Works presents The HouseOf Yes from November 27 to December13 at Theatre Works, St Kilda.
Written by Wendy Macleod and di-rected by Stephen Nicolazzo, this blackcomedy tells of The Pascals (for whomthe clock stopped with the Kennedy as-sassination) shut in as a hurricane swirlsoutside.
Arriving ahead of the storm’s eye areJackie-O’s twin brother Marty, and hisfiancée Lesly.
Keen to renew her long-running, in-cestuous affair with Marty, the hurricanebuilds inside too as the battle for herbrother’s affection rages. Will Jackie-Oand her brother be reunited? Or will it allend in the same bloody mess created byone gunman on a grassy knoll?
Little Ones Theatre is nowrecognised locally and nationally for itsaward-winning camp, kitsch and eroti-cally charged work. Previous productionsinclude Dangerous Liaisons (for MTC),Salome (for Malthouse) and the sell-outnational success Psycho Beach Party.
Performance Season: November 27– December 13
Times: Tues - Sat 8pm (Preview 27November 8pm)
Duration: 80 minutes, no intervalVenue: Theatre Works, 14 Acland St.,
St KildaTickets: $30 Full, $25 Concession,
Groups 8+ and PreviewBookings: 9534 3388 or online at
Please note: This show has coarselanguage, adult themes and gun violence.
- Cheryl Threadgold●●●●● Genevieve Guiffre
Photo: Sarah Walker
Calpurnia Descending■ The Malthouse Theatre and Sydney TheatreCompany present Calpurnia Descending from No-vember 12-30 at the Merlyn Theatre, Malthouse.
Calpurnia Descending sends up the dangers offame with the tale of Beverly Dumont — a reclu-sive, drunken, Depression-era Broadway washout.
Beverly limps towards obscurity until a naiveingénue appears offering a final shot at glory. It’s therole of a lifetime, but the chalice soon proves poi-soned. Both women are drawn into a world of para-noia, sleaze, and bloody, unrelenting ambition.
Directed by Declan Greene, and created by AshFlanders and Declan Greene, the latest work fromqueer DIY theatre duo Sisters Grimm (The Sover-eign Wife, Little Mercy) stars Paul Capsis (Angela’sKitchen) and Ash Flanders.
Rich in wit and piercing cultural critique, this en-tertaining work takes two of Australia’s finest maleactresses, setting off a backstage Battle Royale ofdiva-esque proportions.
■ SummerSalt Outdoor Arts Festival 2015launched its program last week, packed with out-door fun for families during the day and after-darktreats for mates and dates.
Launching the program, Minister for the Arts HeidiVictoria said Melbourne’s leading arts organisationswill turn inside out and join forces to take the artsoutdoors over five weekends from Friday, January23 to Saturday, February 21.
“The inaugural SummerSalt Outdoor Arts Fes-tival will transform Melbourne’s arts precinct intoa creative playground for people of all ages to en-joy,” she said.
“It will be the ultimate backyard party, celebrat-ing summer, Melbourne’s creativity and our extraor-dinary arts and culture.”
The festival will bring together Melbourne Re-cital Centre, Arts Centre Melbourne, AustralianCentre for Contemporary Arts, Chunky Move,Malthouse Theatre. Melbourne Theatre Company,Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, National Galleryof Victoria, the Australian Ballet and Victorian Col-lege of the Arts, amongst many others.
SummerSalt Outdoor Arts Festival directorKirsten Siddle said “Bringing so many companiesand artists together in collaboration to presentSummerSalt is a first, as is the uniquely outdoorfocus of the festival.
The Festival’s Opening Night will provide aglimpse into the adventure, intrigue and interactivefun that awaits Melburnians in the following weeks.
Bold As Brass: Music Of The Streets will lead aprocession from Federation Square, through toSouthbank and ending at Testing Grounds, invitingpeople to join them on a musical walk to get festivalfit and ring in the start of this summer long celebra-tion.
Kid Congo Powers and the Monkey Birds willjoin the line-up at Testing Grounds, with many morebands to be announced.
Opening weekend will see 7000 colourful woodenhouses popping up across the city as part of ArtsCentre Melbourne’s huge interactive community artsproject Home.
Members of the public will be asked to take ahouse, place it in a public space, photograph it in thenew location, upload the image to the Arts CentreMelbourne website and share it via social media.
For details of all SummerSalt events, visitwww.summersaltfestival.com.au
- Cheryl Threadgold
Chamber Choir●●●●● From Page 63
Director Douglas Lawrence wants to explore thethemes of light and enlightenment across four centu-ries by taking the audience on a musical journey.
Lawrence says that Ligeti's Lux Aeterna is rarelyperformed due to its extreme difficulty, but it will befamiliar to many in the audience as it has been usedas a basis for film themes in movies including 2001:A Space Odyssey and omre recently in Godzilla.
Pergolesi's Magnifcat is a fine example of earlymusic, and will be accompanied by an orchestra ofperiod instruments played by graduates fromMelbourne University's Early Music Studio, andled by their teacher Ruth Wilkinson who is renownedas an early music specialist and performer.
Bach's motet O Jesus Christ mien's Lebens Lichtis also on the musical menu, as are two unaccompa-nied works, Bruckner's Christus factus est andPalestrina's Missa Christi Aeterna Munera, betterknown as the Eternal Gifts Mass.
In 2015, the Australian Chamber Choir headsback to Europe on its fifth tour, and this time mem-bers of the public are invited to join them on whatthey describe as “a 15-day, 4-star luxury journey offabulous music and priceless experiences”.
But for now, you can enjoy the soaring sounds ofthe Australian Chamber Choir back here, at theChurch of the Resurrection, corner Mt MacedonRd and Honour Ave, Macedon, on Saturday (Nov. 8)at 3 pm or at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 216Richardson St Middle Park, on Sunday (Nov. 9) at3pm.
If you want to introduce school-aged students tothe beauties of choral music, primary and secondarystudents are admitted free with a paying adult.
Bookings: www.AusChoir.org or buy tickets atthe door.
- Julie Houghton
Testament■ The Aurora Orchestra hails from London and isled by the amazingly talented and charismatic Nicho-las Collon, who co-founded the orchestra and is theprincipal conductor.
His energy and virtuosity are inspirational as heleads this splendid 16-piece orchestra which origi-nally started as a chamber orchestra.
The Aurora Orchestra were joined by membersof the Australian National Academy of Music Or-chestra.
The passionate playing and superb musicianshipof all members captivates the audience and we aretransported to that wonderful place of breathtakingmusic.
Aurora has been pushing musical boundaries forthe past decade, exploring other genres and art formsto become a unique entity featuring original and di-verse repertoires.
The orchestra makes its debut in the 2014Melbourne Festival in a week long residency featur-ing different concert programs. Testament is the sec-ond concert program.
The first feature on the program is Testament, awork by Brett Dean in tribute to Beethoven.Beethoven’s Heiligenstadt Testament, which the com-poser wrote on learning of his hearing difficulties,was Dean’s inspiration for his work.
The chaotic and almost uncomfortable sounds inthe early passages represent pathos and anguish, lead-ing into slower more almost comforting strains as thework progresses.
Brett Dean was present in the audience and drewcongratulatory and appreciative audience applause.
The second work Three Places in New England ,is a work by Charles Ives written in the early 1900s.
This haunting piece is partnered by the Australianpremiere of a newly commissioned film by film makerand photographer Jon Frank.
The themes of war, marching bands, Americanfolk tunes, and hymns are cleverly reinforced byFrank’s mesmeric and glacial images of ordinarypeople and romantic country scenes are interspersedwith images of soldiers.
Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony no 3 Eroicaaptly concludes the program. This rigorous compo-sition in four movements with its stormy passages,challenging technical aspects and emotional depthsmarked the beginning of the middle period ofBeethoven. The audience are enveloped by the mag-nificent music and superb orchestral rendition.
www.melbournefestival.com.au- Review by Jill Page
■ Opening night invitations are in circulationfor Grease The Musical’s return, which goes onstage next month at The Regent Theatre.■ La Cage Aux Folles opening night at The Play-house (Arts Centre Melbourne) will be held onSaturday, November 22.■ Steve Keyte, former Content Manager at ABCRadio Melbourne, is joining 4BC Brisbane.
Movies, DVDsWith Jim Sherlock and Aaron Rourke
Top 10 ListsTHE AUSTRALIAN BOX OFFICETOP TEN:1. FURY.2. GONE GIRL.3. THIS IS WHERE I LEAVE YOU.4. TAMMY.5. WALK AMONG THE TOMB-STONES.6. HAPPY NEW YEAR.7. ANNABELLE.8. DRACULA UNTOLD.9. THE JUDGE.10. THE MAZE RUNNER.
NEW RELEASES AND COMINGSOON TO CINEMAS AROUNDAUSTRALIA:OCTOBER 30: JOHN WICK, KILLTHE MESSENGER, KUNG FUJUNGLE, PRIDE, THE BEST OF ME,THE YOUNG AND PRODIGIOUST.S. SPIVET.NOVEMBER 6: FINDING VIVIANMAIER, INTERSTELLAR, LOVEROSIE, MY MISTRESS, RISE, TWODAYS ONE NIGHT.
THE DVD TOP RENTAL & SELLERS:1. THE FAULT IN OUR STARS [Ro-mance/Drama/Shailene Woodley,Ansel Elgort].2. X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTUREPAST [Sci-Fi/Drama/HughJackman, Jennifer Lawrence].3. EDGE OF TOMORROW [Sci-Fi/Action/Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt,Bill Paxton].4. MALEFICENT [Fantasy/Adven-ture/Angelina Jolie, SharltoCopley, Elle Fanning].5. VENUS IN FUR [Drama/Mathieu Amalric, EmmanuelleSeigner].6. GODZILLA [Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Bryan Cranston, KenWatanabe].7. BLENDED [Romance/Comedy/drew Barrymore, Adam Sandler].8. THE ROVER [Drama/GuyPearce, Robert Pattinson, ScootMcNairy].9. UNDER THE SKIN [Sci-Fi/Drama/Scarlett Johansson, Jer-emy McWilliams].10. TWO FACES OF JANUARY[Thriller/Viggo Mortensen, KirstenDunst].Also: GRACE OF MONACO, THETRIP TO ITALY, BAD NEIGHBORS,SHARKNADO 2, CAPTAINAMERICA: The Winter Soldier,FADING GIGOLO, THE GRANDBUDAPEST HOTEL, MONUMENT'SMEN, THE AMAZING SPIDERMAN2: Rise of Electro, A MILLIONWAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST.
NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON DVDTHIS WEEK:CALVARY [Drama/BrendanGleeson, Kelly Reil ly, ChrisO'Dowd].22 JUMP STREET [Action/Com-edy/Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill].THE MULE [Crime/Drama/HugoWeaving, Angus Sampson, NoniHazlehurst].THIRD PERSON [Drama/AdrienBrody, Mila Kunis, Liam Neeson].YVES SAINT LAURENT [Drama/Guil laume Gall ienne, PierreNiney].
NEW & RE-RELEASE CLASSICS ONDVD HIGHLIGHTS:None Listed For This Week.
NEW RELEASE TELEVISION, DOCU-MENTARY AND MUSIC DVD HIGH-LIGHTS:HEARTBEAT: Complete Collection.
FILM: LOCKE:Genre: Drama.Cast: Tom Hardy.Year: 2014.Rating: MA15+.Length: 85 Minutes.Format: DVD and BLU-RAY.Stars: ***½Verdict: The uniquely compelling story of a dedicated family man andsuccessful construction manager, who embarks on a two hour drive fromLondon to Birmingham on the eve of the biggest challenge of his career,and through the hands free car phone sets in motion a series of eventsthat threaten his personal and professional existence. All told and un-folding with rising claustrophobic suspense with-in the car and only TomHardy for the entire film, this is an engrossing and gripping cinematicstunt that is an experience mildly reminiscent of the other single persondrama "All is Lost" starring Robert Redford. Tom Hardy gives a tour-de-force performance as the troubled Ivan Locke as his situation escalatesto fever pitch. A totally convincing and captivating performance for ev-ery moment of his screen time, it's a journey that is seductive, daringand thought provoking ... it's a journey well worth taking!
FILM: THE EXPENDABLES 3:Genre: Action/Adventure/Thriller.Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Harrison Ford,Arnold Schwarzenegger,
Antonio Banderas, Jet Li, Robert Davi.Year: 2014.Rating: PG-13.Length: 126 Minutes.Format: DVD and BLU-RAY.Stars: ***Verdict: This third time around the Expendables, who do dirty work forthe CIA, their boss (Stallone) enlists a team of new blood (called hipreplacements by Variety) for a personal battle to take down the Expend-ables co-founder (Mel Gibson) who is now a notorious arms trader and ishell bent on wiping out and every single one of his associates, but theold team just can't let them go without them. A considerable improve-ment on the last two outings, this is simply tongue-in-cheek wall-to-wallaction with 70's and 80's action heroes showing the new kids on theblock how it's done, even if some of their use by dates have expired. Thisis not Shakespeare and there are certainly no Oscar contenders here,and even though it's not without its faults, this is just good solid sense-less fun all the way filled with plenty of pyrotechnics, gun-play, humour,chases and a nod and a wink to the genre that made most of them ahousehold name.
FILM: THE LADYKILLERS:Genre: Comedy/Crime.Cast: Alec Guinness, Peter Sellers, Herbert Lom, KatieJohnson, Jack Warner.Year: 1955/PG/91 Minutes.Format: DVD and BLU-RAY.Stars: *****Verdict: Wonderfully macabre black comedy from Britain's legendaryEaling Studios of five eccentric criminals planning a robbery who findthemselves living with a little old lady for cover as musicians, but whenthe gang set out to kill her things don't quite go as planned. Written withbiting wit by William Rose (The Smallest Show On Earth-It's a Mad,Mad, Mad, Mad World-Guess Who's Coming to Dinner) and directed toperfect realization by Alexander MacKendrick (Whiskey Galore-SweetSmell of Success) this is as close to the greatest and most influentialBritish comedy that could be achieved. Everything about this film is asgood as it gets, the aforementioned direction and screenplay, the standoutperformances, most notably Katie Johnson as the old lady (Mrs.Wilberforce), production design, cinematography by Otto Heller (Vic-tim-Alfie) and editing by Jack Harris (Great Expectations-Oliver Twist).The Ladykillers has improved with age, and high on the list as one of thegreat classics of world cinema, it also proves that any remake is futile.
●●●●● Tom Hardy in the acclaimed drama Locke,a journey well worth taking.
Elizabeth Pena
■ Cuban-American actress Eliza-beth Pena, a much under-rated per-former whose career lasted for nearlyfour decades, tragically died on Tues-day October 14 due to cirrhosis of theliver, aged 55.
Born in New Jersey on September23 1959, and raised in New York, MsPena was drawn to acting at a youngage as her father, Mario Pena, was awell-respected actor, playwright, nov-elist, and director.
Mario and his wife Estella estab-lished the Latin American TheatreEnsemble off-Broadway, and happilyencouraged their daughter to enter theacting profession.
While attending New York's HighSchool of the Performing Arts, MsPena found work in repertory theatreand TV commercials, and was evenclassmates with future actors VingRhames (Pulp Fiction) and Esai Mo-rales (1983's Bad Boys).
Ms Pena's feature debut was theSpanish-language El Super (1979),followed by roles in the cult film TimesSquare (1980), starring Trini Alvaradoand directed by Allan Moyle (PumpUp The Volume / Empire Records);the detective rom-com They AllLaughed (1981), directed by PeterBogdanovich (The Last PictureShow) and starring Audrey Hepburnand Ben Gazzara; Crossover Dreams(1985) with Ruben Blades (The Coun-sellor); and the TV shows Cagney AndLacy (1985 / episode - Ordinary Hero)and T.J. Hooker (1985 / episode - Rip-Off).
Ms Pena's big break came play-ing the smart, sexy maid in the box-office hit Down And Out In BeverlyHills (1986), directed by PaulMazursky (Moscow On The Hudson/ Enemies : A Love Story) and starringRichard Dreyfuss, Nick Nolte andBette Midler.
A part in the much-loved TV se-ries Hill Street Blues (1986 / episode -Come And Get It) continued MsPena's rise in Hollywood (the amountof yet-to-be-famous actors who turnup in this show will make your jawdrop), and she also co-starred in theshort-lived series Tough Cookies(1986) as Officer Connie Rivera.
Ms Pena received major attentionand rave reviews for her stand-outperformance in the Richie Valensbiopic La Bamba (1987), opposite LouDiamond Phillips, Rosana De Soto,Joe Pantoliano, and her old class-mate Esai Morales.
This lead to work in film and TV
that just didn't stop, including : thegentle sci-fi/family film Batteries NotIncluded (1988); the rather under-ap-preciated comedy Vibes (1988) star-ring Cyndi Lauper and JeffGoldblum, and from the writers ofParenthood; Blue Steel (1989), di-rected by Academy Award winnerKathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker);the terrific dream/reality thrillerJacob's Ladder (1990), from directorAdrian Lyne (Fatal Attraction), writerBruce Joel Rubin (Ghost), and star-ring Tim Robbins; the highly recom-mended The Waterdance (1992), fromthe writer of The River's Edge and star-ring Eric Stoltz and Wesley Snipes;Free Willy 2 (1995); the wonderfulJohn Sayles mystery/drama Lone Star(1996), starring Oscar winners ChrisCooper and Matthew McConaughey;The Second Civil War (1997 / TVmovie) directed by Joe Dante (Grem-lins); the action/comedy blockbusterRush Hour (1998) with Jackie Chan;Strangeland (1998); the heartwarm-ing Tortilla Soup (2001), a remake ofAng Lee's Eat Drink Man Woman;Zig Zag (2002), again with Snipes;Boston Public (2002-2003 / TV se-ries); Pixar's The Incredibles (2004),as the voice of Mirage; the Oscar-nominated Transamerica (2005);Down In The Valley (2005); The LostCity (2005) with Andy Garcia and BillMurray; Adrift In Manhattan (2007);Goal 2 (2007); Dragon Wars (2007);the charming Nothing Like The Holi-days (2008) with Alfred Molina;Mother And Child (2009) starringAnnette Bening; The Perfect Family(2011); the US version of Prime Sus-pect (2012 / TV series); Plush (2013);and played Sofia Vergara's mother inthe popular series Modern Family(2013).
Ms Pena can be seen in the cur-rent series Matador (which co-starsAussie actress Nicky Whelan), andwill be seen in the film Girl On TheEdge (2014), in the role of Esther.
Her final appearance will be in anas-yet-untitled feature from Ari Gold.
To many people, Elizabeth Penais one of those actors whose nameyou may not recognise, but a face youcertainly will. A face, and a talent, thatnow will be sorely missed.
- Aaron RourkeDVDs and Blu-Rays kindly supplied
by Video Vision, 177-179 CarlisleStreet, Balaclava. A number of
Elizabeth Pena's films are availableon DVD. For information or
bookings on these titles please call9531 2544.
September 23, 1959 - October 14, 2014
●●●●● Elizabeth Pena
Local TheatreWith Cheryl Threadgold Observer
Melbourne
Charlie and the Chocolate FactorySHOWS
FAWLTY TOWERS
●●●●● Michelle Tanner (Mildred) and Patricia McCracken(Miss Maple) in Murdered To Death at Eltham LittleTheatre. Photo: Beth Klein
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
ObserverShowbizObserverShowbiz
■ Sunshine Community Theatre: Charlie and the ChocolateFactory November 7 at 7.00pm, November 8, 9, 15, 16at 3.00pmat 82 Phoenix St., North Sunshine. Director: Gemma Francis. Alltickets $15. Children under 6 free. Enquiries: 0407 802 165.Bookings: www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=108028■ La Mama Theatre: Monologue for a Murderer (by KateRice) Until November 9 at La Mama Courthouse, 349 DrummondSt., Carlton. Director: Jeremy Rice. Bookings: www.lamama.com.au■ The Wherehouse: Spring Awakening Until November 11 atThe Wherehouse, 1/6 Mills St., Cheltenham. Tickets: $30/$18.Bookings: www.thewherehouse.net.au or 0474 033 988.■ Red Stitch Actors Theatre: The Mesh (by Elise Hearst), untilNovember 8 at Red Stitch Actors Theatre, rear 2 Chapel St., StKilda. Bookings: www.redstitch.net■ Nova Music Theatre: Cats Until November 9 at the WhitehorseCentre, Whitehorse Road, Nunawading. Bookings: 1300 304 433.www.novamusictheatre.com.au or Whitehorse Centre 9062 0555.■ Fortyfivedownstairs: Dreamers (by Daniel Keene) Novem-ber 6 - 30 at fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne.Director: Ariette Taylor. Tickets: $45/$42.50/$35. Bookings: 96629966 or fortyfivedownstairs.com■ SLAMS: Once Upon a Mattress November 7, 8, 14, 15 at8.00pm and November 15 at 2.00pm at Knox Community ArtsCentre, Cnr. Scoresby Rd. and Mountain Highway, Bayswater.Co-Directors: Miranda Guthrie-Jones and Michelle Sayers; Mu-sical Director: Ben Franklin; Choreographer: Miranda Guthrie-Jones. Tickets: $32/$28/$15. Bookings: www.trybooking.com/91622 or call 9720 3205.■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: Bullshot Crummond (by RonHouse, Diz White, Alan Shearman, John Neville-Andrew andDerek Cunningham) November 7 - 22 at the Shirley Burke The-atre, 64 Parkers Rd., Parkdale. Director: Jeff Saliba. Book-ings:9587 5141■ The Basin Theatre Group: My Three Angels November 7 -29 at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Director:Susan Carty. Tickets: $25 incl. program, parking, refreshments.Bookings: 1300 784 668 www.thebasintheqatre.org.au a■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG): And This WasOdd (by Kenneth Horne) November 13 - 23 (2.00pm matineeson November 16, 23) at the Strathmore Community Theatre,Corner Loeman and Napier Sts., Strathmore. Director: Mel deBono. Tickets: $20/$15. Bookings: 9382 6284.orwww.trybooking.com/FAZZ■ Eltham Little Theatre: Murdered to Death (by Peter Gor-don) November 13 - 29 at 8.00pm at the Eltham Performing ArtsCentre, 1603 Main Rd., Research. Director: Carol Owen. Caba-ret style. BYO food and drinks. Tickets: $22.50 (no concession).Bookings: www.elthamlittletheatre.org.au or phone 0411 713095.■ Brighton Theatre Company: Bloody Murder (by Ed Sala)November 13 - 29 at Brighton Theatre, Cnr. Carpenter and Wil-son Sts., Brighton. Director: Andrew McMillan. Bookings: 1300752 126 or www.brightontheatreco.com.au■ Peridot Theatre: Key for Two (by John Chapman and DaveFreeman) November 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28 29 at8.00pm and November 16, 22 at 2.15pm and November 23 at4.00pm at the Unicorn Theatre, Lechte Rd., Mt Waverley. Di-rector: Bob Bramble. Tickets: $25/$22. Bookings:www.peridot.com.au■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: True Minds November 20 -December 6 at 36 Turnham Avenue, Rosanna. Director; NatashaBoyd. Tickets: $25/$22. Bookings: htc.org.au or 9457 4117.■ Heidelberg Theatre Company Youth: The Wind in the Wil-lows (by Kenneth Grahame, adapted by Ryan Purdey and ErichFordham) December 17 - 21 at 7.00pm, December 20 at 2.00pmat 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: Rhys Purdey. Suitablechildren over seven years. Tickets: $10 adult $5 children andstudents. Bookings: 9457 4117 www.htc.org.au
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 5, 2014 - Page 67
Murdered To Death
■ Eltham Little Theatre presents Murdered To Death fromNovember 13-29 at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603Main Rd., Research.
Written by Peter Gordon and directed by Carol Owen, Mur-dered to Death tells of the inept and bungling Inspector Prattbattling against the odds and his own incompetence to solvethe murder at Bagshot Manor.
It soon becomes clear that the murderer isn’t finished yet.With the usual suspects including the Colonel and his wife, theFrench art dealer, and the socialite, will Inspector Pratt (witha little help from Miss Maple) unmask the miscreant beforeanyone else meets their doom, or will the audience die laugh-ing first?
Season: November 13 – 29 at 8.00pmVenue: Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main rd.,
ResearchBookings: www.elthamlittletheatre.org.au or phone 0411
713 095Seating cabaret style - Tables of up to six available. BYO
food and drinks.Tickets: $22.50 (no concession)
■ The Athenaeum Theatre Lilydale presents Fawlty Towers,from November 5 – 22 at 39-41 Castella St., Lilydale.
Written by John Cleese and Connie Booth and directed byKevin Trask, this production of Fawlty Towers features threeof the classic episodes from the television series – Communi-cation Problems, Waldorf Salad and The Germans.
This hilarious stage comedy is set in a fictional hotel inTorquay, England, and recreates the misadventures of therude manager Basil Fawlty and his wife Sybil, who togetherwith Polly the maid and Manuel the waiter, get into all sorts oftrouble with the hotel guests.
Some 21actors are performing in this show full of laughs.All evening performances commence at 8.15pm, with pre-
show sherries at 7.45pm.There are two matinee performances at 2.30pm – Sunday
November 9 and 16, with pre-show sherries commencing at2.00pm.
The Athenaeum Theatre now has brand new seating foradded audience comfort.
Tea, coffee, soft drinks and biscuits are served during inter-val. After the show meet the cast and enjoy a complimentaryglass of wine or soft drink accompanied by savoury nibbles.
Performances: November 5 – 22Venue: Athenaeum Theatre, 39-41 Castella St., Lilydale.Bookings: 9735 1777 or online at http://sa2.seatadvisor.com/
■ Williamstown Little Theatre: The Other Place (by SharriWhite) November 10 at 7.30pm at Williamstown Little Theatre,2 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: Kris Weber. Audition book-ings: [email protected]■ Catchment Players: Hairspray Jr., November 18, 19, 20.For further details visit www.catchmentplayers.org.au■ Aspect Theatre: The Wedding Singer November 8 from 1.15-6.00pm, November 11, 12 from 7.30-10.00pm at the AspendaleGardens Community Centre, 103-105 Kearney Drive, AspendaleGardens. Dance auditions: November 9 12.30pm - 2.00pm. Di-rector/Choreographer: Leah Osburn; Musical Director: MalcomHuddle. Audition bookings: [email protected]■ CLOC Musical Theatre: Mary Poppins November 8 from1.00pm, November 9 all day, November 10 Dance Audition at6.00pm, Callbacks on November 12. Audition bookings: 1300360547.■ Babirra Musical Theatre: The King and I Adult auditions:November 10, 8.00-11.00pm, November 16, 1.00-6.00pm, DanceAudition: November 16 from 8.00pm, Call backs November 17.Children: November 9 1.00-5.00pm at Highfield Rd. UnitingChurch, Highfield Rd., Canterbury. Director: Alan Burrows;Musical Director: Ben Hudson; Choreographer: Di Crough. Au-dition bookings: [email protected] or 9882 0630.■ Sherbrooke Theatre Company: Driving Miss Daisy Novem-ber 15 at 1.30pm at the Sherbrooke Shed, Factory 4, 22 JesmondRd., Croydon. Director: Horrie Leek. Audition bookings: 0412474 255.■ Beaumaris Theatre: The Little Mermaid November 15 and16 at Beaumaris Theatre, 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris. Director:Debbie Keyt; Musical Director: Rhonda Vaughan; Choreogra-pher: Camilla Klesman. Audition bookings: 0401 450979■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG): Gross Indecency(by Moises Kaufmann) November 16, 17 from 7.00-10.00pm atthe Strathmore Community Theatre, Cnr. Loeman and NapierSts., Strathmore. Director: Roderick Chappel. Audition bookings:[email protected]
AUDITIONS
●●●●● Kristen Cunningham (left), Tony Burge, Pip LeBlond,Nicholas Ryan, James McRae from the cast of FawltyTowers, with director Kevin Trask.
Photo: Alexandra Carter
TRUE MINDS
■ Heidelberg Theatre Company presents the Australian non-professional premiere of Joanna Murray-Smith’s comedyTrue Minds from November 20 – December 6, at 36 TurnhamAve, Rosanna.
Directed by Natasha Boyd, there has been great enthusi-asm for HTC’s final play, with 35 people attending the Augustplay reading to hear more about this new comedic play, and 54actors auditioning for the six roles over two nights, making forsome tough decisions and necessary callbacks.
Natasha says it is a great privilege to be the second onlygroup ever to perform this fun show, with its professional pre-miere performed at the Melbourne Theatre Company in 2013.
“With such an experienced and talented cast, fun and cre-ative times abound,” says Natasha.
Evening performances are at 8pm, with 2pm matinees onSunday November 23 and 30 and Saturday, December 6.
Performance Season: November 20 – December 6Venue: Heidelberg Theatre, 36 Turnham Ave., RosannaTickets: $25 Adults, $22 Concession Card Holders and
Members. Groups of 10+ $20 per ticket.Bookings: 9457 4117 or htc.org.au
■ Eltham Little Theatre: It's My Party (and I'll Die If I WantTo) (by Elizabeth Coleman) November 16 from 2.00pm; No-vember 17 from 7.00pm at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre,Rehearsal Room, 1603 Main Rd., Research. Director: LauraBradley. Audition bookings: 0414 849 028.■ MLOC Productions: Spamalot Information Evening Thurs-day, November 20 at 8pm at the Parkdale Church of Christ hall,174 Como Pde., Parkdale. Auditions November 25, 27, 29. Di-rector: Jane Court; Musical Director: Ian Nisbet; Choreographer:Keir Jasper. Enquiries: 9589 4912 www.mloc.org.au■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: When Dad Married Fury(by David Williamson) November 23 6.00pm - 9.00pm, Novem-ber 24 7.00pm-9.00pm at 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director:Maureen McInerney. Audition bookings: 0409 655 603 or [email protected]
AUDITIONS
●●●●● Julie Arnold (left), Ken McLeish and Clare Hayesrehearse True Minds for Heidelberg Theatre Com-pany. Photo: David Belton
■ Back in the days of Canada’sKlondike gold rush, few could matchthe flamboyance of Arizona CharlieMeadows who, when audiencesseemed bored in his Grand OperaHouse in Dawson City, would put onimpromptu performances with a 6-gun – shooting cigarettes out of hiswife’s lips or glass balls from betweenher thumb and forefinger a stage-width’s away.
It was a great way of bringing in-stant life back to the audience, untilone night he shot off one of his wife’sfingertips, at which time she declaredenough was enough.
The Grand Opera was but one ofArizona Charlie’s business venturesthat ranged from spectacularly re-warding to disastrous – and quite of-ten the latter, as his background hadbeen trick-riding, bull-roping andsharp-shooting in Wild West showsalongside the likes of Buffalo Bill,Calamity Jane and Annie Oakley, notcommerce.
In the early 1890s he also broughta Wild West troupe to Australia to per-form with a circus here; the circuswent broke, but Charlie honoured histroupe’s commitments.
Standing over 2m tall, ArizonaCharlie Meadows was your minds-eyeWild West showman, having chest-length hair that flowed from under abroad-brimmed hat, a voluminousmoustache, and forever sporting atrademark red bandana and fringed
■ The Yarra Valley has garnered anenviable reputation over the pastcouple of decades for Chardonnaysout of makers like Toolangi whoplanted their first vines there back inDecember 1995.
And as the latest release from thissmall family-owned operation, their2012 is a veritable explosion in theglass of what Chardonnay is all about,with predominantly citrusy grapefruitflavours to the fore and quite extraor-dinary length (how long the flavourlasts in the back of the throat afterswallowing.)
Owners Garry and Julie Hounsellwent in hard with the secateurs forthis wine, pruning back heavily tomaximise fruit flavour and quality asYarra Valley vines, with the climatethey enjoy, can be quite prolific pro-ducers. And interestingly, after har-vesting the fruit was processed at twoseparate wineries, Yering Station andOakridge, and the resultant blend puttogether at Yering Station.
This 2012 Toolangi Chardonnay isnicely priced for a premium drop at$25, and with its full-on varietalflavours makes for an ideal partnerwith everything on the table fromsimple roast chicken, to grilled lob-ster if you’re maybe celebrating, orfor a more casual outdoor barbecueof veal chops and mushrooms.
One to note■ If that Toolangi Chardonnaywas all about flavour in a whitewine, Rosemount Estate’s MV Col-lection 2012 Shiraz is all aboutflavour in a red wine.
One of four wines released mid-year under the MV (McLaren Vale)Collection label, this one is again aglass whopper that’s all flavour,flavour and more flavour – withsavoury blackberry to the fore andnice back-up cherry fruit, suppletannins and a long finish, justifyingRosemount’s Chief WinemakerMatt Koch’s summation thatMcLaren Vale is one of thecompany’s “most dynamic wineregions.”
Pay $25 and match this onenicely with a Sunday beef roast orbarbecued herbed lamb chops.
Pictured■ Premium drop to enjoy withsimple roast chicken, grilled lobsteror barbecued veal chops.■ This one’s a perfect match witha Sunday beef roast or barbecuedherbed lamb chops.
●●●●● Camp of gold rush hopefuls waiting to move out by ferry closer to the gold fields.
ObserverMelbourne
Travellers’ Good Buyswith
David
Ellis
buckskin jacket.When gold was discovered in the
Klondike in the 1890s, Charlie headedoff with his wife Mae and a dozenmates on a trek from San Franciscoto Skagway… taking with them 200burros (small donkeys) loaded-up withfood and building supplies for aplanned get-rich-quick scheme on thenew goldfields.
It proved one of his Great Disas-ters: along the way a glacier ‘calved’and swept away most of his burrosand their loads, at another point hu-mans and animals alike almost frozeto death after being trapped in snow,and finally his remaining Californiawarm-weather burros simply died ofthe cold; Arizona Charlie, his wife andbackers gave up on reachingSkagway, and eventually stumbledinto what was to become Dawson Cityin December 1897. There, he quickly invested in anumber of gold claims that had beenstaked-out by others who didn’t havethe money for equipment to developthem; it gave him quick reward, andgetting back his investment – andmore – he decided the town needed anewspaper.
So he launched the Klondike Newsthat he filled with paid advertise-ments… and ‘feel good’ stories thatmany folks with shadier backgroundspaid to have appear in print as a re-flection of their newly-acquired ‘civicstatus.’ It earned Arizona CharlieUS$50,000 (over US$1m in today’sterms,) and he never even gavethought to a second edition.
Charlie put much of the money intobuilding his Grand Opera House thatwas a combination of palatial Euro-pean theatre and flashy Americanmusic hall.
But because of its design, patronshad to access performances by firstrunning the gauntlet of his saloon inthe foyer, and which a local journalcriticised as “patronised by boister-ous men spitting, smoking, swearing,drinking and gambling… a not at-allcomfortable environment for civilisedtheatre-going ladies to have to passthrough.”
And when unable to find appropri-ate concert-style seats for his OperaHouse, Charlie Meadows provided hisaudience with 500 high-backedkitchen chairs; uncomfortable as theywere, his First Night audience in July1899 paid up US$12,000 (in today’sterms around US$286,000.)
Realising he needed more than op-era, Arizona Charlie put on concertsand theatrical shows as well, and ap-peared on stage nightly as a comboMC and Wild West showman, intro-ducing such bizarre alternatives asdancing bears, performing dogs, ac-robats, knife-throwers, tumblers, ma-gicians and doing some trick-shoot-ing himself.
But when the local gold boomcrashed and the population fell from16,000 in 1898 to just hundreds in1901, Arizona Charlie sold his OperaHouse for a mere one-third its origi-nal cost.
It then faced a mixed future undernames including The Savoy, The Au-ditorium, Nugget Dance Hall and to-day the Palace Grand Theatre. It isnow owned by Parks Canada – afterhaving been knocked-down in dilapi-dated condition some years ago andrebuilt with renovated original mate-rials – and offers a variety of shows,performances and historic theatretours (see www.dawsoncity.ca) FOOTNOTE: Arizona CharlieMeadows died back in his namesakehome-State in1932 while operating onhis own varicose veins with a pocketknife.
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ARIES (March 21st-April 20th)A long awaited communication turns up at last, which can give you the go ahead onsome exciting foreign travel. Work proves demanding lately and it may be worthrearranging your schedule to something more agreeable.TAURUS (April 21st-May 21st)It’s time to sit down and work out some figures. Your life is about to take a major turnand it’s vital that you are in the driving seat to make decisions which will work for youand not against you.GEMINI (May 22nd-June 21st)Mercury the planet of travel and communication can help you tie up financial andwork mattes to your advantage so make sure you go out of your way to do what isnecessary. This could be the key to the riches you’ve been seeking.CANCER (June 22nd-July 23rd)You are gaining strength every day from a situation or letdown which you will soonrealise was a blessing in disguise. The number five links to a secret which is worthyour while uncovering.LEO (July 24th-August 23rd)Your ruling planet the sun spreads light and fun to events which last week managed toget you down. All you needed to do was take some time out to recharge your batteries.The future is yours for the making.VIRGO (August 24th-September 23rd)A close one is acting rather strangely towards you but what you may not realise is thatyou have been giving the impression of late that you have one foot out of the situationsaround you. Take time out to tell them what they need to hear.LIBRA (September 24th-October 23rd)Jupiter allows you to understand areas of your life which have previously remained amystery to you. Arguments can be met with successful solutions and your love lifeexperiences a much needed boost.SCORPIO (October 24th-November 22nd)The revival of a relationship in your life that close ones thought was over is sure to bethe cause of much speculation. Don’t worry what others say, just enjoy what I’m sureis going to be a week you won’t forget.SAGITTARIUS (November 23rd-December 21st)Travel plans that you make at this time prove really helpful to your personal life asclose ones finally get to see that they do count in the bigger picture. Geminis provetricky but powerful, if you can attempt to be their equal.CAPRICORN (December 22nd-January 20th)An unlikely ally is found in an unusual person and can help you save both face andfinances. The sun brings out your creativity to break through with new ideas for oldproblems in your work.AQUARIUS (January 21st-February 19th)Don’t give up on something when you are so very near the finishing line. What youhave failed to realise Aquarius is that you hold the power to make it to the end withoutthe help of anyone else.PISCES (February 20th-March 20th)A recent disappointment turns out to be to your advantage as you should soon discoverfor yourself. Someone you thought you could trust in business lets you down.
Your Stars with Christina La Cross
The Pavilion■ High school reunions are angst-inducingaffairs; a 20-year reminder that you forgot towin that Oscar or bag that Nobel Prize.
Most people only have to endure one ortwo in a lifetime unlike those poor suckersfrom the ‘Seven-Up’ series who are subjectedto the entire world’s judgement every sevenyears.
In Pine City, Minnesota, Peter (TimConstantine) - one half of the cutest seniorcouple in the school and last surviving mem-ber of his high school band, the Mustangs—had one chance at happiness 20 years agoand he blew it.
A decision is made and irreversible effectsfollow in its wake. All Peter wants is one morechance. There is only one obstacle in his way:the great, yawning emotional chasm separat-ing him and his high school sweetheart, Kari(Katharine Innes).
Set in the soon-to-be-demolished Pine Citylakeside pavilion, designer Nick Casey ex-pertly evokes an awkward, cheap-and-cheesybuffet set simply and effectively.
Lighting designer Matt Osborn’s twinklingstars and shimmering mirror ball send us rightback to our own high school formal and theinevitable what-if’s and could-have-beens.
Directed by Byron Bache the two lead char-acters in this bittersweet romantic comedy byCraig Wright could come across as a littleone-dimensional but for the intervention ofthe narrator (Claire Pearson).
Throughout the action, Pearson impartswhimsical, existential musings to the audi-ence. Pearson also plays a coterie of oddballcomic characters—Kari and Peter’s fellowPine City classmates. An absolute dynamo,Pearson glitters metaphorically and literallythanks to Nico Wildson’s costuming.
This charming production shines bright atAbbotsford Convent until November 14.
Season: Until November 14 (no showsSun – Tues)
Time: 8pm (Duration 120 minutes)Venue: The Abbotsford Convent, 1 St
■ Sandown Park hosts the winner-take-all Shootout event tonight (Wed.,Nov. 5).
The rich prize of $50,000 is on of-fer to the winner of the four dog race.
Competitors are:1: Banjo Boy (trainer Ken Virtue),
who was controversially scratchedfrom last year’s Melbourne Cup se-ries owing to a positive swab.Cranbourne Cup winner who hasearned $156,900 in stakes.
3: Iva Vision (trainer Peter Young),which won the South AustralianDerby and has only raced 17 times for11 wins and prizemoney of $59,175.
5: Awesome Project (trainer DarrenMcDonald), third in the recent TopGun and winner of the Gosford Cupand over $280,000 in prizemoney.
7: Allen Deed (trainer AndreaDailly), winner of the Adelaide Cupand total prizemoney of $187,860.
Reserves for the event are OakvaleDestiny and Star Recall.
The field for the Macro MeatsShootout was determined by repre-sentatives of the Sandown Grey-hound Racing Club and the Grey-hound Racing Victoria grading de-partment.
Allen Deed was the first greyhounddrawn in the race’s unique preferen-tial box draw system, kennel repre-sentative George Dailly had no hesi-tation in placing his charge in the wid-est box available, box 7.
“That’s what we wanted,” saidDailly. “It’s the perfect format for him(being just four dogs). He just needs abit of luck but I reckon he can getdown to the low 29.20s and hopefullyhe’s close enough to them early to fin-ish over the top.”
Appointment■ Premier and Minister for RacingDenis Napthine has announced theappointment of media and marketingexecutive Michael Harms to theBoard of Greyhound RacingVictoria.
Dr Napthine said Mr Harms’s pre-vious roles have included being Ex-ecutive Chairman of RSN radio sta-tion, a partner and business directorat national marketing agency GeorgePatterson Partners and managing di-rector of Channel Seven Melbourne.
“Michael Harms will bring consid-erable marketing and media experi-ence to the GRV Board as it contin-ues to grow and reaches out to newsectors within the Victorian commu-nity,” Dr Napthine said.
John Tripodi has stepped downfrom the Greyhound Racing Victoriaboard and Dr Napthine paid tribute tohis hard work.
“Since his appointment in 2012, MrTripodi has provided significant ex-pertise and input to the industry andplayed an important role in its growth,”Dr Napthine said.
Unbeaten■ Tasmanian dog Buckle Up Wescrossed Bass Strait to win the recentTop Gun at The Meadows.
In the process he ensured he re-mained unbeaten at The Meadows.
He has only had three wins at thetrack but they have been three beau-ties – the Australia Cup heat and Fi-nal and now the Top Gun.
Overall Buckle Up Wes has re-corded 30 wins from 49 starts andstakemoney earnings of just over$550,000.
He became the first dog to claimthe Top Gun/Australian Cup doubleand no doubt will be back to contestthe Melbourne Cup series atSandown Park during November.
Unlike Tasmanian gallop TheCleaner, Buckle Up Wes journeys toVictoria by plane, and is then held atthe airport before travelling to a prop-erty at Melton so there is a fair amountof effort involved each time the dog isbought to Victoria to race.
Flashback■ Valuable greyhound Blue Brandmet an unfortunate end at the oldMaribyrnong coursing track in May1952.
After finishing third in theNooramunga Handicap as a 5/4favourite with punters, Blue Brand ranwith the field into the catching pen,before propping and crashing to thetrack.
The dog had died before track at-tendants arrived on the sceene.
Club veterinary surgeon NevilleSanders conducted an immediate
post mortem to determine the causeof death, which was not immediatelyclear.
Greyhound experts regarded BlueBrand as one of the most valuabledogs in Melbourne, with his owner ARushworth estimating the dog wasworth more than £1000.
Blue Brand had previously won ahandicap event at Gracedale Parkbefore his last race.
Ted Ryan■ The Crown Oaksto be run at Flem-ington tomorrow isone of the most clas-sic races for years.
The Robert Smer-don trained Crafty isthe favourite after herfast finishing run laststart behind herstablemate, FonteinRuby, at Caulfield, butlike all of the fairer sexhas never been overthe trip of 2500metres.
However, Craftyappears to be one thatwill get the trip, but asI indicated earlier inmy column recently,Smerdon says hefinds it hard to sepa-rate them.
Another of his teamLumosty emerged asa big player with hereffortless win at theValley on Cox Plateday.
She was alwaysgoing easy and waseased up to win the fil-lies classic scoring by2.5 lengths hard held.
At her previousouting she missed thestart badly and wasalways well back, butat the Valley it was adifferent story.
Lumosty is by aspeed sire in FastnetRock, but she handledto trip of 1600 metreseasily at the Valley, butshe has to travel an-other 900 metres onthe spacious Flem-ington track, but isgood.
Of the others I dolike Go Indy Go, whofinished like a rocketbehind the colts in theVase running third af-ter being well back inseventh spot at the fourhundred.
She gives every in-dication that she willhave no trouble gettingthe journey, and is inthe care of a very as-tute trainer, Leon McDonald, from SouthAustralia.
The other two thathave rough chancesare Fenway and theCieron Maher trainedAzkadellia, whoshould have won eas-ily at her last start atCaulfield, carrying thesteadier of 59.5 andgiving them a big startto go down narrowly.
I am sticking withGo Indy Go; she im-presses me with herfinishing bursts.
DarleyClassic
■ The Darley Clas-sic, a Group OneRace-sprint over thestraight 1200 metres atFlemington on Emir-
■ From Page 66
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Top Victorians■ Chief Justice Marilyn Warren, LieutenantGovernor of Victoria, has announced the2015 Victorian Australian of the Year Awardrecipients at a ceremony at the RACV CityClub in Melbourne.
Victorian Australian of the Year - RosieBatty (Tyabb)
Victorian Senior Australian of the Year -Professor Sam Berkovic (Caulfield North)
Victorian Young Australian of the Year -Thomas King (Kalorama)
Victorian Local Hero- Louise Davidson(Balwyn)
Ludovico performs■ Ludovico Einaudi, the chart-topping com-poser behind music for Oscar-winning filmBlack Swan, Clint Eastwood’s J. Edgar andbox-office record breaker The Intouchableswill be returning to Melbourne at Hamer Hall,on Friday-Saturday February 13-14.
The concert will feature his latest albumIn a Time Lapse amidst a display of piano-led ballads and euphoric film scores in asound that envelops the audience.
Kate back in town■ After three months in the USA and UK,entertainer Kate Ceberano is back in Aus-tralia.
On November 24, Kate will be the firstever female to be inducted into the Austra-lian Songwriters Association's Hall of Fame,says agent Ralph Carr.
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
●●●●● LumoskyPhoto by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 5, 2014 - Page 75
●●●●● Lankan RupeePhoto by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754
●●●●● ChautauquaPhoto by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754
ates Stakes Day the lastday of the MelbourneCup Carnival, has at-tracted the best field ofsprinters in Australia,and possibly one fromoverseas.
Recent marketsshow the brilliant greygalloper, Chaut-auqua, is favorite forthe quick sprint and isrelatively short consid-ering the class of thefield that is likely tocontest the big race.
On recent marketshe was quoted at un-der each way figures.
On the second lineis Australia's top ratedsprinter, Lankan Ru-pee, who is rated thebest in the world witha rating of 123, upthere with the greatBlack Caviar.
On the next line isthe great Irishsprinter, Slade Power,who won the Group 3Greenlands Classic atthe Curragh in Ire-land by two lengthscarrying the stagger-ing 63.5 kilos.
On top of this hewon the Group OneDiamond JubileeClassic at Royal Ascotand the Group OneJuly Cup at New-mar-ket in this preparation.
All three raceswere over the DarleyClassic distance.
The six-year old isthe best performed in-ternational sprinter toarrive in Australia andis rated one third lineof betting behind,Chautauqua andLankan Rupee.
Leading trainerMick Price, who pre-pares Lankan Rupee,says he is not throw-ing the towel in.
Mick said:"Lankan Rupee is agreat sprinter and willbe cherry ripe for theDarley Classic afterhis gutsy win in theManikato recently atMoonee Valley, and hewill be much better upthe straight six andwill be cherry ripe forthe big one, so betterbring their ‘A’ game.”
The top Queens-lander, Buffering,pulled up sore after hisrun in the Manikatoand could miss, thebig one.
Others likely tomatch strides with thebest include the topNew South Wales gal-loper, Terra Vista,who had a rough pas-sage in the Manikato.and the youngsters,
Brazen Beau, Rubickand Earthquake.
The runner-up inthe Manikato AngelicLight; who is racing ingreat heart at the mo-ment, is an interestingrunner.
Congrats■ Congratulationsare in order for theVictoria Racing Clubin being announcedthe winner of the Ma-jor Festival andEvents category at therecent RACV Victo-rian Tourist Awards.
Last year the 2012Melbourne Cup Car-nival won the sameaward before winningthe Major Festivalsand Events Award atthe Australian Tour-ism Awards.
Australia's originalmajor event generated
$364.5 million of grosseconomic benefits tothe state economy in2013, with event mo-tivated interstate visi-tors spending $177.5million during theirstays over the carnivalin Victoria.
More than 330,000racegoers are ex-pected to attend thefour days at Flem-ington, where morethan $17 million inprizemoney will bewon by connections,with $ 6 million on of-fer alone in the Emir-ates Melbourne Cup.
Slipper■ The corporate bet-ting organisations cer-tainly don't miss a beatwhen trying to get thealmighty dollar fromthe punter.
They have alreadyopened a market onthe 2015 Golden Slip-per.
The two year-old,Victorian filly,Fontiton, who abso-lutely smashed themat her first start atMoonee Valley on CoxPlate day, winning bya conservative sixlengths running her
last 200 metres in thegreat time of 12.04seconds whilst beingeased right down byher jockey, MarkZahra, is the early fa-vorite.
She is impeccablybred being by the goodgalloper, Turffontein,trained by AnthonyCummings, through-out his career from thegood mare, PersonalEnsign.
The early marketon the Slipper has herat $13, with anothergalloper who im-pressed greatly in win-ning at Rosehill, justbehind her at $15.
This time a coltwell named by thehandle of Furnaces,being by, the greatsire, Exceed and Ex-cel, from Heat of theFire, hence the name.
He scooted aroundRosehill in 1.4.65, run-ning his last 600 metresin the great time of34.22 seconds.
He also blitzedthem winning by 6.25lengths.
Furnaces is pre-pared for the God-olphin Group by theirtrainer, John O'Shea.
Horses To Follow■ Satans Outlaw, Yackandandah, Maybelina,Snip Of Grand, Carramar Chief, Death Defying,Watcha Red Flash.
Major upset■ St Arnaud trainer Brian Kiesey who travels hun-dreds of kilometres all over the state each month insearch of victory, caused a major upset in the DoozaSulky Pace for C0 class over 1609 metres atCranbourne, when 5-Y-0 Metropolitan/MissGlenny gelding Shoe Shine Boy at Supertab oddsof $48.90 greeted the judge.
Driven by Ararat's Michael Bellman who alsodoes his fair share of travelling as well, Shoe ShineBoy starting outside the front row was taken back tolast, with Chris Lang Jnr's heavily backed favouriteMidnight Lights leading from gate four.
Gaining a three wide trail home in the final cir-cuit on the back of Dirty Deeds ahead of him, ShoeShine Boy when eased wide on turning, swampedhis rivals to record a runaway 3.1 metre victoryover the pacemaker and Bettor Biaggi which trailedthe leader in a rate of 2-00.9.
■ Lara trainer AmandaGrieve produced a hugewinner by the name ofSparkling to land the Sim-plex Insurance Solutions3-Y-0 Pace for Fillies over1710 metres at Bray Race-way Ballarat on ThursdayOctober 30 when makingher race debut.
Driven by stable fore-man Alex Ashwood, Spar-kling a Kiwi bred daugh-ter of McArdle and Cham-pagne Diamonds was re-strained from inside thesecond line to settle withmost of the field ahead ofher, with Princess Ashaleading from gate five.
Set alight prior to thebell, Sparkling joined thesecond elect and last startwinner Morton Plaineswith a circuit to travel af-ter she had crossed bothPrincess Asha and Snip OfGrand which had beencaught in the open fromgate four.
With the pair turningtogether, Sparkling as-serted her authority torecord an outstanding 5.8metre victory over MortonPlains in a brilliant rate of1-57.3 (last half 57.4 - quar-ter 28.1). Snip Of Grandbattled on gamely to fin-ish third a metre away.
Sparking is partlyowned by Alex's girlfriendKate Hargreaves.
Sweet run■ Coimadai trainerSteve Zammit's recentstable addition Looka AMoral put an end to mostquaddie takers, when suc-cessful at start number100 in the Diamond Re-wards Join Now TrottersHandicap for T3 or betterclass over 2200 metres atBallarat.
Given a sweet passagefrom barrier four trailingLiving Bonus (barrierthree) after jumpingstraight to the front, LooksA Moral at Supertab oddsof $45.00 gained an insidepassage in the shadows ofthe post to blouse LivingBonus by a metre in a rateof 2-06.2, with Death De-fying an eye catching thirdafter racing in the open fornew trainer Kari Males.
It was Looks A Moral'seighth victory.
The red hot favouriteRoy Hobbs gallopedaway hopelessly from the10 metre mark and wastailed off.
Reliable■ Local Smythes Creektrainer Peter Tonkinlanded the Thomas Cater-ing Equipment PacersHandicap for C1 or betterclass over 2200 metres athis home track with reli-able New Zealand fouryear old Mach Three/Reine Guinevere entireRacer in a mile rate of 1-
-59.6. Stepping awaysafely from 10 metres,driver Gavin Lang wastedno time in sending Racerforward to easily take thelead away from StarlightLogan and once at thehead of affairs was neverin any danger, coasting tothe wire 8.8 metres in ad-vance of Cheshire Cat(one/one) and a aggres-sive driven death-seatingAheadofhistime.
Talented■ Astute Terang trainerShaun Kittel snared thewww.ballarattrottingclub.com.au Pace for C3 & C4class over 2200 metreswith the Greg Fleming(Wood Wood) bred andraced Rate Highly.
A talented four year oldgelded son of ArmbroOperative and HighlyRated, Rate Highly ledthroughout from the poleto easily account for Ra-jah Wealth which wassent forward from gate twoon the second line toshadow him, going downby 5.1 metres. NoBettertime ran home lateafter a checkered passageto finish third.
Surprise■ Melton's JimKypirtidis was victoriousin the Harness Breeders(Vic) Pace for C1 classover 1700 metres atBallarat with six year oldArtesian/Livin Easy mareStylishgate who gave anindication of a coming winwhen second at Melton aweek earlier at cricketscore odds.
Burning out from gatefour with Daryl Douglasin the cart, Stylishgate sur-prisingly handed up thefront running to theroughie Watcha Red Flashto receive the run of therace.
Getting clear in plentyof time, Stylishgate peeledoff the leaders back in thestraight and ran home bestto register a 6.3 metre vic-tory in a rate of 1-57.4 overthe pacemaker, with theshort priced favouriteMymumsabankmanager
(three back the markers)third after never looking achance.
Best run■ Friday night's TabcorpPark meeting belonged toGoulburn Valleyreinsman Nathan Jackwho drove a career bestmetropolitan tally of fourwinners at headquarters.
Those to score were -Call Me Bond (trainerMick Hughes - Cran-bourne) in the SheronPark Pace Final for C2 &C3 class, Sophies Ideal(Wayne Potter - Avenel)the Harness Breeders(Vic) Tailamade Lombofor M0 class (mares),Scruffy Major (Gary andDebbie Quinlan -Drouin) the Mary-bor-ough Cup Sunday Pacefor M0 class andJadahson (EmmaStewart - Smythes Creek)the Farewell Adrian (Ace)Barlow Pace for M2 & M3class.
Three of the winnerswere in the TAB Quaddiewhich paid a massive divi-dend of $107, 265.90.
Other winners on agood night of racing were- Bellas Delight (KariMales - Bolinda) withGreg Sugars in the sulky,Mia Mosca (Chris Alford- Bolinda), Yeadan (BeauTindale - Melton) withRod Petroff, LomboFlashlight (Jodi Quinlan- Parwan), Jilliby Royal(Glen Craven - Terang)and Pride Of Sundon(Paul Campbell - MaidenGully) with Kerryn Man-ning aboard.
This Week■ Wednesday - Bendigo,Thursday - Yarra Valley,Friday - Melton, Satur-day - Ballarat, Sunday -St Arnaud (Cup), Monday- Cobram, Tuesday -Ararat.■ The biggest race onthe New Zealand calen-dar - The New ZealandTrotting Cup will be heldat Addington (Christ-church) on Tuesday No-vember 11 - it's worth alook on Sky Channel Two)
Hat-trick at Cranny■ Long Forest duo Andy and Kate Gath chalked upa hat-trick of wins at Tuesday's Cranbourne fixturewith two recent stable additions saluting the judge.
A former Kiwi filly by the name of C C Chevronlanded the Condo's Horse Transport 3-Y-0 Pace over2080 metres when making her Australian debut.
Not pushed from gate four as the mobile gatepulled away, C C Chevron was allowed to find herfeet settling in the open, with Dancing Da Vinci in-side her leading.
Cruising to the front on the final bend, C C Chev-ron a daughter of Art Major and C C Lobell havingher first outing since September 14, scored by 10.9metres in advance of first starter Yackandandah(three back the markers - three wide home turn),with Orbison Castle (one/one) third. The mile rate 2-02.
Honest five year old Village Jasper/Andrells Lovegelding Givemeaspell greeted the judge in the DecronHorse Care Pace for C0 class over 2080 metres,returning a mile rate of 2-02.3.
Despite racing without cover from gate three forthe entire trip, Givemeaspell proved too strong at thefinish for the pacemaker Gotta Go Henry to give theMelton area the quinella, the margin 1.6 metres.Father Frank finished third from three back in themoving line.
Another former New Zealander Qtown Rip Roar-ing which has created a big impression winning hisonly two starts in Australia, brought up the hat-trickwith a strong victory in the Hyland Sportswear Pacefor C2 class over 1609 metres.
Surprisingly slowly out from gate two with Jareburning away from gate six to lead by a margin,Qtown Rip Roaring settled three back in the runningline with the second favourite Celebrity Lass alsoslowly away from the pole following him.
Moving a spot closer racing for the bell as BettorThan Best crossed the leader, Qtown Rip Roaringwhen eased three wide approaching the home turngave his supporters a scare as he took a little time toget going.
Once balanced, Qtown Rip Roaring charged tothe wire to score impressively by 4.1 metres fromBetter Than Best and Mediation (three back themarkers) in a mile rate of 1-57.8.
A four year old gelded son of Courage Under Fireand Zara Rose, Qtown Rip Roaring has fronted thestarter on 30 occasions, having won only twice in hishomeland.
Half-neck to spare■ Daylesford trainer Mick Barby was victorious atCranbourne with improving six year old In ThePocket/Beauty Rainbow mare Pocket Of Fortune inthe Aldebaran Park Trotters Mobile for T0 & T1class over 2080 metres.
Driven by wife Anne-Maree Conroy who workswith father Bob, Pocket Of Fortune lobbed beauti-fully one/one from gate four with Opia leading fromthe pole.
Taken three wide along the back straight on thefinal occasion, Pocket Of Fortune appeared to havethe race in his keeping a long way out, but only hada half neck to spare at the finish over Opia whichfought on gamely in a rate of 2-05.7. The Dutchmanfinished third after trailing the winner before movingaway from the markers in the last lap to be held upmomentarily.
Welcome to arrival■ Lancefield's Graeme and Josie Wilson werethrilled when a new arrival - a colt by Bonavisa Bayfrom their handy race mare Safe Hills was born re-cently.
It is the second foal from the mare, the other be-ing a filly by Julius Caesar.
Rita Burnett will be trusted with the handling ofboth youngsters.
■ Listen to Len Baker on Harness Review, 8pm-10pm Mondays, on 97.9 FM, streamed in979fm.com.au
- Len Baker
Travel Extra
■ In his continuing search for the more weird, wackyand wondrous in the world of travel, David Ellissays that in October 1940 the world mourned theloss of silent movie star Tom Mix who died in bi-zarre circumstances in a car crash in Arizona.
At one stage earning up to US$17,500 a week(about $240,000 today), Mix made 291 full-lengthmovies, with his press agent promoting him as agenuine cowboy, and a Wild West hero who’d foughtin the Spanish-American War, the Boxer Rebellionand the Boer War, and had been a Sheriff, a US.Marshal and a Texas Ranger.
While he’d once been a ranch cowboy that wasabout it: in truth Tom Mix was an Army deserterwho simply walked off-camp one day and neverreturned, and was a drum major in a Cavalry Bandin Oklahoma before heading to Hollywood to tryhis luck there in 1909.
When sound movies arrived, he had difficultymaking the transition and appeared in only nine be-fore exiting stage left.
Visitors to Florence in Arizona today can see aniron statue of a riderless horse next to a dry creekbed in which Mix crashed his V8 Cord Phaetonsports car on October 12 1940 – after he’d swungoff the road at speed to avoid a wash-away, and analuminium suitcase on the backseat had spearedforward breaking his neck and crushing his skull.
That “Suitcase of Death” is on display at theTom Mix Museum in Dewey, Oklahoma.
THEY SAID IT: I'm not a paranoid, derangedmillionaire. God dammit, I'm a billionaire.(Howard Hughes)
