RENT 2007 Audition Notice

Eventainment & yellow glass theatre inc present ***RENT** by Jonathan Larson Starring Anthony Callea, Tim Campbell & Nikki Webster Bunbury Entertainment Centre - November 1-3 Regal Theatre, Subiaco - from November 9 Direction by Chris Kabay, Musical Direction by Simon Holt GENERAL AUDITION CALL - SUNDAY 19 AUGUST 2007 * Males and females * Strong Singers/Actors required * MUST be over 18 years old * Roles and Ensemble roles available * Previous auditionees need not apply EMAIL CURRENT CV AND HEADSHOT TO chris@eventainment.com.au For more information www.eventainment.com.au Tickets on sale thru Ticketek soon!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow, if there was ever a reason NOT to audition for a show, that cast list is it...

Wow, typical narrow minded view...

Or the view that doesn't want to see a brilliant musical proverbially shat upon by retards with no acting talent whatsoever?

I'm sorry you feel that way. But if I were going to audition for a brilliant, relevant musical, then I would hope to be cast with performers who have been trained for musical theatre - not has-beens, wanna-be's and TV 'stars'. Same goes for watching it from the sudience. The Hair debacle was enough - do we have to ruin another great musical?

Thanks. :D

Don't be sorry. If they're terrible, then go for gold on your review, but atleast base it on more than assumption. Who knows their backgrounds. We only know their TV performing lives. I didn't see Hair, but look forward to this production. I am looking forward to hear Anthony sing the role, and see how his acting skills scrub up. Perhaps he has acted or done musicals before his Idol experiences. If these 3 performers haven't trained (not everyone does), I hope they still bring an amazing performance... if not, then we'll atleast agree on the review!

I guess it just bugs me that they're trying so hard to stretch their fifteen minutes of fame. There are so many talented music theatre performers out there - why not cast them? If it turns out that Anthony, Nikki, and Tim are great in their roles (and I don't think all of them have the chops for this show), then I'll concede defeat. But I feel like this is a publicity stunt to a)put bums on seats, and b)revive careers. Until then, grrrr!! :D

I'm not a huge fan of the casting interstate actors for the role of a LOCAL theatre company also (and I'm honestly not Nikki Webster's biggest fan) but you might want to look up the so far casts' experience before bagging them. Nikki Webster started out in Music Theatre for the first 8 years of her very young career. Tim Campbell has been lucky enough to work in musical theatre in both Australia and in Dubai and Singapore. Afraid I don't know much about Anthony Callea except I saw him sing live and he really didn't do much for me. I would have liked to audition for this production if only for the opportunity to work alongside professionals but unfortunately due to prior commitments I can't. Best of luck for the season.

"Previous auditionees need not apply" A bit of a shame... I'm assuming they're referring to people who auditioned for the 2005 season and didn't get in. I unfortunately fall into that category. Suffice to say, two years has made a difference to my voice and confidence and I was hoping for a second tryout. Guess I'll have to give this one a miss...

This is an interesting topic. Coming out of a music theatre course myself I have to say that I haven't seen such a big joke in my life before... Anthony Callea? Okay... maybe a half-decent voice but if that's all it takes to get into Musical theatre then half the freaking country should be getting the main parts. Nikki webster... can we say washed up child star that had very little talent to begin with? Its all very well that these people may have had experience in the past, but it doesn't necissarily mean that they have any talent in the field. Why don't we stop trying to cast 'the so called big names' and actually search for some talent?

Not wanting to stick my nose in - I care nothing for this particular musical - but wanted to add to the conversation that having 'big names' in a show is not a new thing. Movie producers often cast at least one big name, because there is a belief that a movie - no matter how good in plot, characters or production values - will not sell without a couple of stars to attract audiences. The same theory can apply to large live performances here. Yes, it's sad that lesser known artists - ignoring the comments about lack of talent for the 'stars' - don't get a better shot at the limelight, but the fact of the matter is that producers around the world do this. I'm not condoning it, but take a look at all the other well-known productions. They hardly ever have an all new-talent cast. Sticky Apple Legs www.freewebs.com/stickyapplelegs Puppets in Melbourne www.thepromptcopy.com/pip

I for one, will be travelling from the east coast to see this production. Just a bit of history, Anthony is currently on the tailend of a massive eastcoast tour and when that finishes he goes straight into rehearsal's to co-star in the Sydney production of the critically acclaimed multi award winning, dramatic musical/Opera "Dead Man Walking" based on the Academy Award winning movie by the same name, Starring the Opera legend Teddy Tahu Rhodes as "Joseph de Rocher" the condemned man. Anthony has a glorious voice and I for one can't wait to see him in this production.I have seen him live on many occassions and he is really quite dynamic. Tim Campbell is also multi talented,I have seen him perform live and will be wonderful as well. I haven't seen a lot of Nikki's work,but I beleive she had great reviews from the HAIR production. Isn't this a casting call for a lot of the quite major roles in this production, there's not just 3 people in this musical?

It's a real shame that producers see this need to involve B-list Eastern States celebrities in a local production, I agree. And I know that we have more than enough local talent that would put them entirely to shame. At the same time - maybe Nikki Webster's gotten a little more mature in the last seven years. Maybe her voice and acting have improved somewhat. I don't think we should bag these "celebs" when we haven't seen the production yet. Not that I'm expecting to be impressed, but give them a chance! Oh and I'd audition if the show dates weren't smack bang in the middle of exams. Rent's overdone but still a pretty great show... I really, really hope it doesn't get slaughtered.

I'm really looking forward to this production, its become a such a classic, I have been waiting for this,I'm very excited that Tim Campbell & Anthony Callea are in this show. The 3 top billing's are great and definately no B grades there, you really should check their Bio's before making judgement, it sounds like your being ill-informed. Give them the benefit of their vast experience and enjoy the show. Nikki, for instance has been involved in theatre productions including Wizard of Oz, Aladdin” and “Cinderella,” as well as such famed musicals as “Les Miserables” and “The Sound of Music.” and received numurous awards including Mo Award, and Variety Heart Award for Young Entertainer of The Year. Tim Campbell, has been invloved in many stage productions including Jack in 'Jack and Jill' to the Prince in 'The Nutcracker'Tim has been a featured comedian and vocalist in various musical revue style productions including KAOS Theatre Restaurant. He also directed and co wrote a season of shows. Tim still continues to perform in many corporate productions here at home and throughout Asia, the Pacific and the Middle East and has been in a major role in Home & Away since 2004. Anthony Callea, has been professionally singing since he was 17 yo and was a vocal coach before Idol teaching 27 students, he also did some acting in his earlier years, he holds the record for the Highest selling record, and has won multiple awards including Mo Award and Variety Heart Award for Young Entertainer of The Year. Handpicked to sing for Queen Elizabeth 11 in 2005 and Pavarotti, as well as Prince Frederick & Princes Mary and he is one of the most in demand young singer/songwriter's in the country. He has toured Australia extensively with his music,just finished mentoring on the last series on It Takes Two, performing genres, from Musical's, Pop to Opera. After his current tour finishes he will be co starring in the big production of Dead Man Walking at the State Theatre in Sydney. So I would say these guys all come with pretty top credentials. There are other parts in the production and it amazes me that someone who is passionate about theatre would not audition because the lead is already filled. Any production even though produced locally, will make a national call, plus they need some star power. For instance the production of Dead Man Walking only bound for Sydney, star of the show comes from New Zealand and the rest of the cast come from all over the country.

I'm really rather bemused at some of these comments. Yes, the leads are already cast...but they have gone to names that will put 'bums on seats'...and that, my friends, is what is needed to make sure that professional musical theatre stays alive and well in the West. A successful run will make it all the more appealing for this, and other companies to stage other events. As for B-Grade imports, I have had the privelige of listening to Callea live...there is NOTHING B-Grade about that voice.

Of course the casting of 'name' imports is degigned to 'put bums on seats' If they *can't* put bums on seats the show won't open, or if it does open, won't stay open long. Get the paying patrons in...that is what we need to ensure even more productions in the West...and the more productions, the more work for locals and the more chance for locals to make a name for themselves with the paying public.

I know nothing of Tim Campbell, but I've had a look at his bio and he seems experienced enough to make a go of Rent. Nicki Webster has never been a fave of mine, but I can't argue against her vocal strength. She has obviously been performing in theatre recently so I would expect her to be really good. Anthony Callea is just a vocal maestro. I don't know if he has any acting experience past the days of YTT productions, but what a find for Australian theatre if he can pull it altogether. It seems as if Aussie singers are moving into theatre more regularly now - David Campbell, Shannon Noll are two that come to mind. Callea's voice blows them both out of the water and I have witnessed his natural stage presence, so I really hope he can complete the profile and act and move well on stage. I have no doubt he will work hard and give it 100%. For all those auditioning for the remaining parts, I wish you well, and I hope for a successful run. If importing artists for some of the leads gives impetus to the show then at least it gives the remaining cast a chance to be noticed. I'm from the east and won't be able to see the show unfortunately (unless someone decides to pick it up here). Hopefully that's the case, because it will have had a successful run. Good luck to all.

It seems the tall poppy syndrome is alive & well in WA. 3 Eastern states stars come across to WA, and all some people can do is moan & bitch. Feeling a little threatened are we? Oh, and Dead Man Walking is Anthony Callea's 1st musical. So, although his voice is arguably the best in the country (that comes from pro's not me), this is new territory for him, and he hasn't had much acting training, as far as I'm aware. Good luck to him, I hope he does well. Tim Campbell - veteran, including O/S musicals Nicky Webster - veteran. She's been doing musicals for as long as I can remember. Maybe she can teach some locals (and Mr Callea) a few tricks. Just a tip - you don't make others look small by bagging out top artists, you make yourself look small. If you want to get far in the industry, learn to keep your negative thoughts to yourself. Paying out with little substance to back up your allegations only works on reality TV. Don't want to get a reputation as a bitter trouble maker, do you? Myself, I'm looking forward to seeing it.

And are the local actors being cast in this show actually being paid?

Who does Tim Campbell play in Rent? Cheers!

Does this mean RENT wont show in Sydney? I really want to see it

Okay so i thought I would throw my two cents worth in. I love RENT and managed to catch the last production of RENT by yellowglass and it was fantastic. Yellowglass has a fantastic reputation for producing great shows based mostly on the fact that they have a great production team of Simon and Chris and they use people who are committed and talented (they nearly always cast the same people in their shows but they are fabulous). My problem with this production is that as a show about going against the mainstream I find it really dissapointing that people like Courtney Act, Anthony Callea and Nikki Webster: people who have made a name for themselves by going with the mainstream in the most extreme way possible, have been cast in the lead roles. I am also confused as to what role Nikki will play, probably Mimi but not really the best role for a white girl with a sweet voice. In terms of talent there is no denying they are talented otherwise they wouldn't be where they are but I don't think they are right for this production. The 2005 cast were fabulous (Devon as Mimi was fantastic) but I heard some of them have since moved on to full time courses, and other work (although Devon was in Hair and I also saw her at a show downstairs at the Mag not long ago). I enjoyed the last production and really don't feel the need to see it again. I also find Anthony Callea quite plastic and annoying to watch. i have instead spent my cash to go see La Boheme which incidently is the show which Rent is based on. To all those who don't want to see the show it's simple just don't. If you are a little intrigued, as I was with Hair, then go see it and write a review AFTER you have seen it.

Nikki Webster is playing Maureen. Anthony Callea is Mark and Tim Campbell is Roger. Dont think its hard to work out who Courtney Act will play! hahah. Can't wait to see the show! Ben

Oh that makes me so happy. I had horrible visions of Anthony Callea and Nikki Webster having to fall in love. It would have been so good to see Anthony as angel though... ha ha ha I love Nikki but Maureen? It's Idina all the way for me baby. Although Nikki will finally get her kit off for a show "you bet your arse" but then again its Nikki and she can get away with not doing it ala Hair (still pissed off about that... not that she didn't get her kit off but the fact the rest of the cast did and she didn't ... a little elitist for me) I've never seen Nikki play a strong character before so this should be a real test for her. She's always been the sweetie, the pushover, or the love interest. Maybe I will spend my cash after all.

Anthony Callea's voice is far from the best in the country, especially in terms of musical theatre. Homegrown talent rules, and it's great to have these relatively large Australian names gracing Perth with their presence. But let's get one thing straight: "famous" does not equal "talented." Anthony Callea was a charming and capabale idol contestant, but does that make him appropriate for a role such as this? i guess we'll have to see, but I never hold much faith in anyone who got their start in such a shallow, poorly run competition. To date I find one of yellowglass's best finds has been Andy Conaghan. This man is an absolute gem- engaging, ridiculously talented, and an extremely capable graduate of Perth's very own W.A.A.P.A. I say go, Andy, go. You are great. Nikki Webster- meh. I'll judge when I see it, but I'm not going to lie and say my hopes are high. But who knows? she may surprise us all. I hope so, becasue otherwise there will be a furor, considering the popularity of RENT and the brilliance of its last season here. Good luck to all involved! Make it a good one. :-)

How many of the people here bagging Anthony or Nikki actually know anything about them, or have heard them on stage. Nikki blew me away in hair, there is nothing small or timid abouther voice!! I am hoping so hard that Cle gets a gig in Rent. She was amazing in Hair. I haven't been to that many musicals i must admit, but i find after 5 minutes of recognition, you see the people on stage as characters, not as "celebrities" ( made me feel a little dirty calling them that ) ;) So it doesn't really matter who it is on stage, as long as they have great voices!! I am looking extremely forward to RENT, and cant wait to see how Shane plays Angel.

These are proven artists who have already attracted patrons from interstate and overseas. How can that be bad for WA? I'm so glad the Eastern states don't have this embarrassingly parochial view and are happy to employ people from other states. There wouldn't be much work for local artists if they were. Given a choice between the judgement of a few ill-informed anonymous people and that of numerous singers such as Marina Prior, I'll choose theirs. I'm happy to hear Anthony Callea sing anything he chooses - as she said he 'can sing anything'and is a true professional with too much class to bag other artists.

I'm a very big fan of Nikki Webster & I live in Melbourne. I would like to know from anyone if the Musical Rent is coming to Melbourne over the next year.

Capturing a good performance everytime you're out there is rather tough. What I dearly love to hear is the soul deep within the voice that just relays the emotion required to tell the songs story. Top international performers over 50 yrs just nail it. They stylistically stay inline and the performance is just solid. These young crew are not going to be there for another 20 years so I'm a little bewildered that people would expect them to have 20 years more experience than they've been alive. So fair go. Having said that I abhor the music quest shows that enable the population to accept crap as talent. It just degrades what is accepted in the industry. I want a Celebrity Aussie Idol. (I also wanna see who of the professionals gets voted out first.) Luke ...so dance on the inside then...