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Observer WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2022
53 YEARS EST. 1969
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PHANTOM OF THE OPERA OPENING AT ARTS CENTRE
H-G17
■ Opera Australia and the Really Useful Group present Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera at Arts Centre Melbourne from October 30. With new staging and scenic design, Maria Björnson’s iconic original costumes and many special effects including a new realisation of the show’s chandelier, this production includes a 37-strong cast and 27-piece orchestra, making it one of the largest musical productions ever in Australia. The Australian cast is led by Josh Piterman in the coveted lead role of the Phantom, while Amy Manford is the ingénue Christine Daaé and Blake Bowden plays Raoul Vicomte de Chagny. Directed by Laurence Connor with choreography by Scott Ambler, set design by Paul Brown, Tony Award-winning original costume design by Maria Björnson, lighting design by Tony Award-winner Paule Constable and sound design by Mick Potter, The Phantom of the Opera has music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Charles Hart (with additional lyrics by Richard Stilgoe), book by Richard Stilgoe and Andrew Lloyd Webber, orchestrations by David Cullen and Andrew Lloyd Webber. This new production is overseen by Matthew Bourne and Cameron Mackintosh. Performance Details: From October 30 Venue: Arts Centre Melbourne Bookings:phantomoftheopera.com.au - Cheryl Threadgold
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● Josh Piterman as The Phantom and Amy Manford as Christine.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
■ GWB Entertainment presents A Christmas Carol opening in Melbourne at the Comedy Theatre from November 12 to December 29. Starring David Wenham as Ebenezer Scrooge, the production will feature Bernard Curry (Savage River, Wentworth) as Bob Cratchit, Debra Lawrance (Please Like Me, Five Bedrooms, Home and Away) as The Ghost of Christmas Past and Samantha Morley (Girl
● David Wenham as Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol.
From The North Country, Billy Elliot) as The Ghost of Christmas Present. The cast also includes Emily Nkomo (Jagged Little Pill) as Little Fan,Anthony Harkin (Kinky Boots, The Sound of Music, Next to Normal) as Jacob Marley, Sarah Morrison (Come From Away, Ladies in Black, Mamma Mia!) as Belle, Nicholas Kong (Spring Awakening, Anything Goes) as Fezziwig, Andrew Coshan (A View From The Bridge, Merrily We Roll Along) as Fred and Stephanie Lambourn (Broadway cast of A Christmas Carol) as Mrs Cratchit, and is completed by Cameron Taylor, Melanie Bird, Cameron Bajraktarevic-Hayward, Benjamin Colley, Jan Di Pietro and Embla Bishop. Australian producer Torben Brookman for GWB Entertainment said: “We are thrilled to announce this incredible Australian cast to join David Wenham in bringing this classic tale of community, hope and redemption to the stage. A Christmas Carol is the perfect production for the entire family to see this Christmas season in Melbourne.” Two visionary Tony Award winners — director Matthew Warchus (Matilda the Musical) and playwright Jack Thorne (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) – have created a magical new interpretation of Charles Dickens’s timeless story, A Christmas Carol and Melbourne audiences can immerse themselves in a bighearted, smash hit production that brims with Christmas spirit. Rehearsals commence this month ahead of the Australian premiere on November 12. Comedy Theatre, Melbourne November 12 – December29 Tickets from $49.50 (plus booking fee) christmascarolaustralia.com.au