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
Thursday, October 2, 2008
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
Monday, September 22, 2008
Wicked cast to perform at Light The Night
The upcoming Light The Night charity concert has been bolstered with news that Amanda Harrison and Lucy Durack will perform at the event on November 10.
Harrison and Durack are currently starring in the blockbuster musical Wicked and will be joined at Light The Night by fellow cast members Anthony Callea, Penny McNamee and Maggie Kirkpatrick.
Now in its fourth year, Light The Night has become an extremely popular annual concert, raising funds for leukaemia research and the Arrow Bone Marrow Transplant Foundation.
Amanda, Lucy, Anthony, Penny and Maggie will join other performers giving freely of their time for this worthy cause. Those already confirmed are singer/songwriter Lior, country stunners the McClymonts, television and musical star Tim Campbell, the inimitable Maria Venuti, jazz star Emma Pask with Phil Stack, All Saints actor Virginia Gay, winner of the 2008 AussieTheatre.com Rising Star competition Erin Cornell, and musical theatre divas Margi de Ferranti, Emma Powell and Francesca Arena.
Light The Night is inspired by Matthew Rennie, a brave young man who fought a three year battle against leukaemia. Unfortunately Matthew passed away in late October last year, shortly before the 2007 concert. Light the Night was created by Matthew’s two brothers, musical theatre performers Shaun Rennie and Adam Rennie, and friends Monica Smith and Greg Smith.
Light The Night 2008 will be held at the City Recital Hall in Sydney at 7.30pm on November 10. Bookings: (02) 8256 2222.
Aussietheatre.com
Oh and I am currentley uploading videos for the Video Archive, creating a layout for the forum, uploading pics to the gallery and finishing updating every page, including bios and linking everything up together, please bare with me as this is a school project and its taking sooo long to be able to do stuff on it!! If you would like to donate pics from other productions that you have seen or merchandise or anything including videos, please send them to admin.wickedaustraliafans@inbox.com, all donations are welcome and you will be credited highly, thank you in advance for all your donations
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Wicked girls score top gig
Amanda Harrison and Lucy Durack will perform the National Anthem at this year's AFL Grand Final, one of world sport's biggest events.
The Grand Final on September 27 will be watched by almost 99,000 people at the ground, an Australian television audience of 4.3 million, and another 120 million viewers internationally.
Harrison and Durack, who star in the smash hit musical Wicked, say they are thrilled with the honour.
"The MCG on Grand Final Day, what a stage!," Harrison said.
Durack added: "What an audience – around 125 million!’ And above all, what a privilege!"
John Frost, Wicked's co-producer, said he was thrilled when the AFL invited the girls to sing the Anthem.
"Amanda and Lucy sing together in Wicked, and bring the house down, but they’ll never have a duet to match this," he said. "I think it’s every Australian performer's private dream: singing the Anthem, hearing the roar of 100,000 and taking the bows before the bounce of the ball for our biggest sporting event.
"Wicked is playing to sell out audiences at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne. And at the MCG there won’t be a seat unsold. Showbusiness and Australian footy – there’s no business like them!"
Harrison and Durack follow a long line of distinguished artists who have sung the National Anthem at the Grand Final, among them Peter Allen (1980); Rolf Harris (1982); Olivia Newton-John (1986); Archie Roach and Yothu Yindi (1993); Tina Turner (1995); Julie Anthony and INXS (2001); Killing Heidi (2002); Christine Anu (2003); Guy Sebastian (2004); Delta Goodrem and Michael Buble (2005); Irena Cara and John Paul Young (2006): and, last year, Jet and Natalie Bassingthwaite.
AFL boss Andrew Demetriou said: "The AFL is delighted and honoured to have Amanda Harrison and Lucy Durack as part of the 2008 Toyota AFL Grand Final to perform the National Anthem. Amanda and Lucy have been the stars of Australian theatre in 2008 with their roles in Wicked and we are extremely pleased to be able to bring our country’s finest stage talent to the biggest sporting event on the Australian calendar."
The Grand Final will be broadcast live on free-to-air television.
Aussietheatre.com
The Grand Final on September 27 will be watched by almost 99,000 people at the ground, an Australian television audience of 4.3 million, and another 120 million viewers internationally.
Harrison and Durack, who star in the smash hit musical Wicked, say they are thrilled with the honour.
"The MCG on Grand Final Day, what a stage!," Harrison said.
Durack added: "What an audience – around 125 million!’ And above all, what a privilege!"
John Frost, Wicked's co-producer, said he was thrilled when the AFL invited the girls to sing the Anthem.
"Amanda and Lucy sing together in Wicked, and bring the house down, but they’ll never have a duet to match this," he said. "I think it’s every Australian performer's private dream: singing the Anthem, hearing the roar of 100,000 and taking the bows before the bounce of the ball for our biggest sporting event.
"Wicked is playing to sell out audiences at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne. And at the MCG there won’t be a seat unsold. Showbusiness and Australian footy – there’s no business like them!"
Harrison and Durack follow a long line of distinguished artists who have sung the National Anthem at the Grand Final, among them Peter Allen (1980); Rolf Harris (1982); Olivia Newton-John (1986); Archie Roach and Yothu Yindi (1993); Tina Turner (1995); Julie Anthony and INXS (2001); Killing Heidi (2002); Christine Anu (2003); Guy Sebastian (2004); Delta Goodrem and Michael Buble (2005); Irena Cara and John Paul Young (2006): and, last year, Jet and Natalie Bassingthwaite.
AFL boss Andrew Demetriou said: "The AFL is delighted and honoured to have Amanda Harrison and Lucy Durack as part of the 2008 Toyota AFL Grand Final to perform the National Anthem. Amanda and Lucy have been the stars of Australian theatre in 2008 with their roles in Wicked and we are extremely pleased to be able to bring our country’s finest stage talent to the biggest sporting event on the Australian calendar."
The Grand Final will be broadcast live on free-to-air television.
Aussietheatre.com
Monday, September 1, 2008
Will Poppins delay opening to avoid clash?
The forthcoming production of Mary Poppins may delay its opening to avoid a potentially dangerous clash with runaway hit Wicked in Sydney, sources close to the production say.
Mary Poppins is expected to open at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney in October 2009 but a clash with Wicked could prove disastrous. Wicked, which opened in Melbourne in July, is doing big business at the box office and has exceeded all expectations.
If Wicked lasts 14 months in Melbourne - which is said to be the current theory - it would move to Sydney's Lyric Theatre as early as late September 2009 and would be open for just a matter of weeks before Mary Poppins commenced performances.
While there is little doubt Mary Poppins will be a major success - particularly with families - it would be dangerous to run two mammoth musicals in the one city at the same time.
It is understood that the producers of Mary Poppins are in the very least considering putting off their opening for several months until the excitement surrounding Wicked dies down.
Wicked producers have never confirmed a Sydney season, instead promoting the Melbourne run across the country in an attempt to lure the tourist market.
Aussietheatre.com
Mary Poppins is expected to open at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney in October 2009 but a clash with Wicked could prove disastrous. Wicked, which opened in Melbourne in July, is doing big business at the box office and has exceeded all expectations.
If Wicked lasts 14 months in Melbourne - which is said to be the current theory - it would move to Sydney's Lyric Theatre as early as late September 2009 and would be open for just a matter of weeks before Mary Poppins commenced performances.
While there is little doubt Mary Poppins will be a major success - particularly with families - it would be dangerous to run two mammoth musicals in the one city at the same time.
It is understood that the producers of Mary Poppins are in the very least considering putting off their opening for several months until the excitement surrounding Wicked dies down.
Wicked producers have never confirmed a Sydney season, instead promoting the Melbourne run across the country in an attempt to lure the tourist market.
Aussietheatre.com
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