Bert Newton will play the Wizard in the Australian production of Wicked at Melbourne's Regent Theatre, it is believed.
Newton will be the permanent replacement for Rob Guest, who tragically died earlier this month after suffering a massive stroke.
The entertainment veteran, best known for his television work, will take over the role in November. Rodney Dobson will fill in until then.
Newton has already been rehearsing with the cast.On stage, Newton has appeared in musicals such as The Wizard Of Oz and The Sound Of Music and most recently, The Producers.
He is currently employed by the Nine Network where he hosts the popular light entertainment clips program 20 to 1 as well as special events.
Aussietheatre.com
Monday, October 27, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
Hundred pay tribute
Family, friends, colleagues and fans have gathered at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne this afternoon to say a final goodbye to musical theatre veteran Rob Guest at a public memorial.
Leading lady Marina Prior spoke of Guest as a "gentleman" who was a "constant friend". Christina Tan spoke of her time touring with Guest, while Wicked star Amanda Harrison broke down as she paid tribute to "her Wizard". Anthony Callea performed, while a letter was read out from Andrew Lloyd Webber.
A special video tribute was played, which earned a mixture of laughs - particularly when it came to footage of Guest in his pop star days - and tears, as the theatre industry and general public alike remembered a wonderful entertainer.
Guest died after suffering a massive stroke at his Melbourne home earlier this month. He was just 58.
Aussietheatre.com
Leading lady Marina Prior spoke of Guest as a "gentleman" who was a "constant friend". Christina Tan spoke of her time touring with Guest, while Wicked star Amanda Harrison broke down as she paid tribute to "her Wizard". Anthony Callea performed, while a letter was read out from Andrew Lloyd Webber.
A special video tribute was played, which earned a mixture of laughs - particularly when it came to footage of Guest in his pop star days - and tears, as the theatre industry and general public alike remembered a wonderful entertainer.
Guest died after suffering a massive stroke at his Melbourne home earlier this month. He was just 58.
Aussietheatre.com
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Rob Guest Farewelled
Family, friends and close industry colleagues have farewelled theatrical veteran Rob Guest at a private and sombre funeral service in Sydney.
The funeral was held yesterday at St Peters Presbyterian Church in North Sydney. It follows Guest's sudden death earlier this month from a massive stroke.The general public and others touched by Guest's extraordinary career will have an opportunity to pay tribute to his life at a public memorial in Melbourne on Monday.
It is expected that his partner Kellie Dickerson, entertainment legend Bert Newton and Wicked producer John Frost will all speak at the memorial, while Sir Cameron Mackintosh has recorded a video tribute.
At the memorial, there is expected to be a significant announcement from ANZ about a permanent tribute to Guest, and the major impact he had on the entertainment industry. ANZ is a major sponsor of Wicked, the show in which Guest was starring at the time of his death.
Aussietheatre.com
The funeral was held yesterday at St Peters Presbyterian Church in North Sydney. It follows Guest's sudden death earlier this month from a massive stroke.The general public and others touched by Guest's extraordinary career will have an opportunity to pay tribute to his life at a public memorial in Melbourne on Monday.
It is expected that his partner Kellie Dickerson, entertainment legend Bert Newton and Wicked producer John Frost will all speak at the memorial, while Sir Cameron Mackintosh has recorded a video tribute.
At the memorial, there is expected to be a significant announcement from ANZ about a permanent tribute to Guest, and the major impact he had on the entertainment industry. ANZ is a major sponsor of Wicked, the show in which Guest was starring at the time of his death.
Aussietheatre.com
Monday, October 6, 2008
Rob Guest Memorial to be held Monday
A public memorial for veteran performer Rob Guest is to be held at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne next Monday, October 13.
Guest died last week after suffering a stroke at his Melbourne home. He was 58 years old.
His death has stunned the entertainment industry and the general public alike, and the Regent Theatre is expected to be packed by those wishing to pay tribute to an extraordinary career and a remarkable man.
The memorial will begin at 12.30pm and everyone will be invited to attend, but details are still being finalised.Guest's funeral is to be held in Sydney.
Last night, Broadway At Bedtime on Melbourne radio station JOY 94.9 dedicated its program to Guest's legacy via an hour-long tribute.
Aussietheatre.com
Guest died last week after suffering a stroke at his Melbourne home. He was 58 years old.
His death has stunned the entertainment industry and the general public alike, and the Regent Theatre is expected to be packed by those wishing to pay tribute to an extraordinary career and a remarkable man.
The memorial will begin at 12.30pm and everyone will be invited to attend, but details are still being finalised.Guest's funeral is to be held in Sydney.
Last night, Broadway At Bedtime on Melbourne radio station JOY 94.9 dedicated its program to Guest's legacy via an hour-long tribute.
Aussietheatre.com
Friday, October 3, 2008
Tributes flow in for Rob Guest
The Australian entertainment industry remains stunned following the death of theatrical veteran Rob Guest earlier this week, with tributes continuing to flow in for the star of The Phantom Of The Opera and Wicked.
Guest, 58, suffered a massive stroke late on Tuesday night and died 24 hours later, with his family and partner Kellie Dickerson by his side. Dickerson is the Musical Director on Wicked.
Respected theatre performer James Lee, who performed with Guest in Les Miserables and Phantom, told AussieTheatre.com that there were many fond memories of the stage legend.
"There are many images and memories I have of Rob Guest," Lee said."His excitement and pride when his daughter Amy was born in Brisbane while we were doing Les Mis. The water skiing afternoons in his boat where Rob could never believe how well I would do. His passion for the craft and this industry we work in. His love for his family, his cars and boats.
"He was always there for a charity gig in some form or another if asked. And then there are his practical jokes; sometimes funny, sometimes pathetic, always consistent. When Rob’s dearly loved dresser Norman passed away while we were doing Phantom in 1997, Rob spoke to us as a cast and broke down when speaking of Norman's passing. It’s now our time to cry for you my friend. You are now up there with him, Dave Etheridge and Brian Stacey having a ball. All taken too soon. Vale Rob Guest. You will be missed."
Marina Prior, who starred with Guest in The Phantom Of The Opera, said he would be "terribly missed".
"It was an absolute privilege to have known him and worked with him," Prior said. "He was a great leader of a company and a great mentor."
Helen Clark, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, where Guest made a name for himself as a pop star, has also expressed her deep sadness over his death.
Aussietheatre.com
Guest, 58, suffered a massive stroke late on Tuesday night and died 24 hours later, with his family and partner Kellie Dickerson by his side. Dickerson is the Musical Director on Wicked.
Respected theatre performer James Lee, who performed with Guest in Les Miserables and Phantom, told AussieTheatre.com that there were many fond memories of the stage legend.
"There are many images and memories I have of Rob Guest," Lee said."His excitement and pride when his daughter Amy was born in Brisbane while we were doing Les Mis. The water skiing afternoons in his boat where Rob could never believe how well I would do. His passion for the craft and this industry we work in. His love for his family, his cars and boats.
"He was always there for a charity gig in some form or another if asked. And then there are his practical jokes; sometimes funny, sometimes pathetic, always consistent. When Rob’s dearly loved dresser Norman passed away while we were doing Phantom in 1997, Rob spoke to us as a cast and broke down when speaking of Norman's passing. It’s now our time to cry for you my friend. You are now up there with him, Dave Etheridge and Brian Stacey having a ball. All taken too soon. Vale Rob Guest. You will be missed."
Marina Prior, who starred with Guest in The Phantom Of The Opera, said he would be "terribly missed".
"It was an absolute privilege to have known him and worked with him," Prior said. "He was a great leader of a company and a great mentor."
Helen Clark, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, where Guest made a name for himself as a pop star, has also expressed her deep sadness over his death.
Aussietheatre.com
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Wicked Cast back on Stage
The cast of Wicked returned to the stage on Thursday night to deliver an emotional performance of the hit musical at the Regent Theatre - the first since the sudden passing of stage legend Rob Guest, who was playing The Wizard in the production.
Wicked co-producer John Frost addressed the audience before the curtain went up, explaining that it would be an extremely tough night for the cast and describing Guest as a "father figure".
The performance was dedicated to his memory, and at times throughout the night the emotional strain on many cast members was obvious. Both Lucy Durack and Amanda Harrison struggled to get through the poignant number 'For Good'.There was a solid standing ovation - though that's not rare at Wicked - and a particularly strong response for Rodney Dobson, who has the tough job of filling Guest's shoes as The Wizard.
Television cameras filmed the final moments of the show, as the media continues to follow the story extensively. National Nine News led with the story of Guest's death across the country, a sign of his tremendous reach across the general population.
Flowers adorned the Regent Theatre prior to the performance, with several arrangements left under photos of Guest as The Wizard, an emotional reminder of the role of a lifetime for a man who had achieved so much.
Guest died in the very early hours of Thursday morning, 24 hours after suffering a massive stroke at his Melbourne home. He was rushed to hospital in the minutes following his collapse, but his condition deteriorated quickly.
On Thursday night, theatre companies across the country dedicated performances in his honour.
"Rob Guest was one of Australian music theatre’s biggest stars, and the most easy-going of stars," Frost said. "He may have had top billing but at all times he came across to us – producers, fellow cast members and backstage crew – as an irrepressible, always cheerful optimist. An all round good bloke. All of us who knew him are shocked and deeply saddened."
Guest's funeral service is likely to be held early next week, while plans for a public memorial are also underway. It's likely to be held at the Regent Theatre later this month.
Aussietheatre.com
Wicked co-producer John Frost addressed the audience before the curtain went up, explaining that it would be an extremely tough night for the cast and describing Guest as a "father figure".
The performance was dedicated to his memory, and at times throughout the night the emotional strain on many cast members was obvious. Both Lucy Durack and Amanda Harrison struggled to get through the poignant number 'For Good'.There was a solid standing ovation - though that's not rare at Wicked - and a particularly strong response for Rodney Dobson, who has the tough job of filling Guest's shoes as The Wizard.
Television cameras filmed the final moments of the show, as the media continues to follow the story extensively. National Nine News led with the story of Guest's death across the country, a sign of his tremendous reach across the general population.
Flowers adorned the Regent Theatre prior to the performance, with several arrangements left under photos of Guest as The Wizard, an emotional reminder of the role of a lifetime for a man who had achieved so much.
Guest died in the very early hours of Thursday morning, 24 hours after suffering a massive stroke at his Melbourne home. He was rushed to hospital in the minutes following his collapse, but his condition deteriorated quickly.
On Thursday night, theatre companies across the country dedicated performances in his honour.
"Rob Guest was one of Australian music theatre’s biggest stars, and the most easy-going of stars," Frost said. "He may have had top billing but at all times he came across to us – producers, fellow cast members and backstage crew – as an irrepressible, always cheerful optimist. An all round good bloke. All of us who knew him are shocked and deeply saddened."
Guest's funeral service is likely to be held early next week, while plans for a public memorial are also underway. It's likely to be held at the Regent Theatre later this month.
Aussietheatre.com
Public Memorial for Rob Guest
There will be a public memorial for theatrical veteran Rob Guest after an extraordinary reaction to his sudden death overnight, with plans being discussed with his family.
Guest's death is front page news in Melbourne and has led television and radio news bulletins for much of the day. There has been countless tributes across talkback radio and the internet since news of his death broke early this morning.
The public memorial is likely to be held at the Regent Theatre late next week. The venue is currently housing Wicked, in which Guest was starring as The Wizard.
Tonight's performance of Wicked at the Regent Theatre is expected to go ahead, with theatre companies across the country preparing to dedicate performances to Guest's memory.
Musical theatre leading lady Marina Prior said Guest would be "terribly missed".
There is obvious concern for Guest's partner Kellie Dickerson, who he had been with for 10 years.
Dickerson is the musical director on Wicked, and the show's co-producer John Frost admitted returning to work would be a harrowing experience.
"She stands in that orchestra pit every night looking up at the stage at him singing his songs,'' Frost told The Age.
"My biggest fear is that she will eventually have to come back to work and have to look up onto that stage and he won't be there. In his costume will be somebody else ... that is going to be really painful and personal."
Aussietheatre.com
Guest's death is front page news in Melbourne and has led television and radio news bulletins for much of the day. There has been countless tributes across talkback radio and the internet since news of his death broke early this morning.
The public memorial is likely to be held at the Regent Theatre late next week. The venue is currently housing Wicked, in which Guest was starring as The Wizard.
Tonight's performance of Wicked at the Regent Theatre is expected to go ahead, with theatre companies across the country preparing to dedicate performances to Guest's memory.
Musical theatre leading lady Marina Prior said Guest would be "terribly missed".
There is obvious concern for Guest's partner Kellie Dickerson, who he had been with for 10 years.
Dickerson is the musical director on Wicked, and the show's co-producer John Frost admitted returning to work would be a harrowing experience.
"She stands in that orchestra pit every night looking up at the stage at him singing his songs,'' Frost told The Age.
"My biggest fear is that she will eventually have to come back to work and have to look up onto that stage and he won't be there. In his costume will be somebody else ... that is going to be really painful and personal."
Aussietheatre.com
Theatre Legend Rob Guest dies
Australian theatre veteran Rob Guest has died at the age of 57 after suffering a massive stroke at his Melbourne home on Tuesday night.
Guest collapsed at around 10pm on Tuesday while working on his computer and was rushed to hospital, where he remained on life support until his death late on Wednesday evening.
The theatrical mainstay had been playing the Wizard in the record-breaking Australian production of Wicked at the Regent Theatre, and showed no signs of illness when he appeared in the show on Sunday night.
Guest's partner, Kellie Dickerson, is Wicked's musical director.Awarded an OBE for his services to the New Zealand Entertainment Industry, Guest began his career in the New Zealand pop charts. He performed in almost 40 musicals and TV productions in New Zealand, Asia and America and came to Australia to audition for Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Les Misérables. He took over the lead role of Jean Valjean and performed it as he toured Australia and New Zealand for the next three and a half years. In 1995, he went to London at Cameron Mackintosh’s invitation to appear in the 10th Anniversary production of Les Misérables.
In 1992 he was cast as The Phantom in The Phantom Of The Opera and performed the role for a record 2,289 performances over seven years.
"Rob Guest is one of Australian music theatre’s biggest stars: there have been few bigger in our lifetime," Wicked co-producer John Frost said.
Guest's role in Wicked was seen as a comeback of sorts. He had been missing from the commercial musical arena for some time, but was extremely passionate about the show and its anticipated long season in Melbourne.
But no matter how big Wicked is to become, Guest will always be known as The Phantom, with his record-breaking run something to behold. It is a tenure that still holds respect across suburban Australia, and the theatre industry itself.
Rodney Dobson played the Wizard in both Wednesday performances of Wicked and it is unclear whether or not the show will go ahead tonight.
The opening night performance of The Production Company's Mame was dedicated to Guest on Wednesday night, with many of his close friends - including leading lady Rhonda Burchmore - part of the cast.
Aussietheatre.com
Guest collapsed at around 10pm on Tuesday while working on his computer and was rushed to hospital, where he remained on life support until his death late on Wednesday evening.
The theatrical mainstay had been playing the Wizard in the record-breaking Australian production of Wicked at the Regent Theatre, and showed no signs of illness when he appeared in the show on Sunday night.
Guest's partner, Kellie Dickerson, is Wicked's musical director.Awarded an OBE for his services to the New Zealand Entertainment Industry, Guest began his career in the New Zealand pop charts. He performed in almost 40 musicals and TV productions in New Zealand, Asia and America and came to Australia to audition for Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Les Misérables. He took over the lead role of Jean Valjean and performed it as he toured Australia and New Zealand for the next three and a half years. In 1995, he went to London at Cameron Mackintosh’s invitation to appear in the 10th Anniversary production of Les Misérables.
In 1992 he was cast as The Phantom in The Phantom Of The Opera and performed the role for a record 2,289 performances over seven years.
"Rob Guest is one of Australian music theatre’s biggest stars: there have been few bigger in our lifetime," Wicked co-producer John Frost said.
Guest's role in Wicked was seen as a comeback of sorts. He had been missing from the commercial musical arena for some time, but was extremely passionate about the show and its anticipated long season in Melbourne.
But no matter how big Wicked is to become, Guest will always be known as The Phantom, with his record-breaking run something to behold. It is a tenure that still holds respect across suburban Australia, and the theatre industry itself.
Rodney Dobson played the Wizard in both Wednesday performances of Wicked and it is unclear whether or not the show will go ahead tonight.
The opening night performance of The Production Company's Mame was dedicated to Guest on Wednesday night, with many of his close friends - including leading lady Rhonda Burchmore - part of the cast.
Aussietheatre.com
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Rob Guest on Life Support
One of the veterans of Australian musical theatre, Rob Guest, is fighting for his life in hospital after suffering a massive stroke at his Melbourne home last night.
AussieTheatre.com understands the 57-year-old, who is currently starring in the musical Wicked at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne, is on life support after his condition worsened overnight.
Guest is playing the Wizard in Wicked and his partner, Kellie Dickerson, is the show's musical director. The cast of the show was informed of the news prior to today's matinee performance."Rob Guest is one of Australian music theatre’s biggest stars: there have been few bigger in our lifetime," Wicked producer John Frost said this afternoon.
"He is, nonetheless, the most easy-going of stars. He may have top billing but at all times he comes across to us – producers, fellow cast membes and backstage crew – as an irrepressible, always cheerful optimist. An all round good bloke. All of us who know him are shocked."
Guest had appeared in Wicked over the weekend and had shown no signs of illness. Members of his family are flying in from New Zealand to be by his bedside.
Media reports this afternoon suggest the outlook for Guest is "extremely grim".
Awarded an OBE for his services to the New Zealand Entertainment Industry, Rob Guest began his career in the New Zealand pop charts. He has performed in almost 40 musicals and TV productions in New Zealand, Asia and America and came to Australia to audition for Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Les Misérables. He took over the lead role of Jean Valjean and performed it as he toured Australia and New Zealand for the next three and a half years. In 1995, he went to London at Cameron Mackintosh’s invitation to appear in the 10th Anniversary production of Les Misérables.
In 1992 he was cast as The Phantom in The Phantom Of The Opera and performed the role for a record 2,289 performances over seven years.Rodney Dobson is playing The Wizard in Wicked until further notice.
Aussietheatre.com
AussieTheatre.com understands the 57-year-old, who is currently starring in the musical Wicked at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne, is on life support after his condition worsened overnight.
Guest is playing the Wizard in Wicked and his partner, Kellie Dickerson, is the show's musical director. The cast of the show was informed of the news prior to today's matinee performance."Rob Guest is one of Australian music theatre’s biggest stars: there have been few bigger in our lifetime," Wicked producer John Frost said this afternoon.
"He is, nonetheless, the most easy-going of stars. He may have top billing but at all times he comes across to us – producers, fellow cast membes and backstage crew – as an irrepressible, always cheerful optimist. An all round good bloke. All of us who know him are shocked."
Guest had appeared in Wicked over the weekend and had shown no signs of illness. Members of his family are flying in from New Zealand to be by his bedside.
Media reports this afternoon suggest the outlook for Guest is "extremely grim".
Awarded an OBE for his services to the New Zealand Entertainment Industry, Rob Guest began his career in the New Zealand pop charts. He has performed in almost 40 musicals and TV productions in New Zealand, Asia and America and came to Australia to audition for Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Les Misérables. He took over the lead role of Jean Valjean and performed it as he toured Australia and New Zealand for the next three and a half years. In 1995, he went to London at Cameron Mackintosh’s invitation to appear in the 10th Anniversary production of Les Misérables.
In 1992 he was cast as The Phantom in The Phantom Of The Opera and performed the role for a record 2,289 performances over seven years.Rodney Dobson is playing The Wizard in Wicked until further notice.
Aussietheatre.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
