Melbourne - The musical/opera centre of the Southern Hemisphere

It seems that Melbourne is going to the place to be this summer for musicals. Phantom should be still running at the Princess Theatre. Spamalot starts in November at Her Majesty's Theatre. Priscilla Queen of the desert begins at the Regent from October. So now the big question is what musical is going into the STATE THEATRE this January? The rumour is unless something falls through, look for an opening date (previews around the end of the year) opening around the 6th. Some of the possibilities are: 1. The Lion King coming back for six weeks (Not likely) 2. Disney's Aida coming over from Japan, Melbourne for six weeks, then onto Sydney for six weeks. Though apparently, Whitehorse Musical Theatre has the rights for a non-professional production in October 2008. 3. 5Oth Anniversary production of West Side Story. 4. Xanadu being produced by QPAC and Victorian Art Centre. 5. Opera Australia "Don Giovanni".

Spamalot begins previews on November 20 with it's official opening night on Saturday the 1st of November. Are we sure a musical will be mounted in the State Theatre, is this a time slot that usually goes to a musical? I'd possibly put my vote towards an opera or a ballet or something maybe. Something different. Yes, Melbourne will be a centre for musicals, but is running another musical opposite these other big ones a good idea? I think they will try to grab the attention of those interested in something different, otherwise the competition is too fierce. That's my opinion anyway. Other peoples thoughts? ____________________________________________________________ Currently working on: A nice break before jumping into my next project.

Musicals are often held at the same time here; and always in the big venues... I forget who they are run by... ... I'll remember in a sec. Meantime I have to get back to work! Sticky Apple Legs www.freewebs.com/stickyapplelegs Puppets in Melbourne www.thepromptcopy.com/pip

Mariner Theatres? But with at least three BIG shows all at once, (eg: Phantom, Spamalot and Wicked...I know they probably won't overlap)That's a lot of money people have to fork out to get tickets. You tack on another big show (or the others that are planned) there are going to be so many that people want to see that haven't got the money. That to me is a dilemma, and a possible worry about the market. We don't have a Broadway scene out here (although...it's beginning to look that way). Theatre going on this scale is not the same...these shows don't run forever, so they're going to want as many people as possible to buy tickets NOW. So if you have three, four, five shows all vying for you to go to their show it's couldn't work out for the best to add in another show. ____________________________________________________________ Currently working on: A nice break before jumping into my next project.

Mariner, that's it. I knew it started with an 'M'. You've got to remember that musicals are ten times easier to sell - especially ones like Phantom and Miss Saigon, etc. - than smaller, less known shows. And a large portion of Mariner's audience members will be subscription based. Then you have schools booking by the numbers, and other big groups; then merchandise; people buying tickets purely because it is a big name show and don't want to 'risk' seeing something less known/reviewed; booking fees... shows this big have to have a proven record for it to make any money from sales, and well, these shows do. Having said that, it is sad that these large venues don't often produce lesser known works, and locally created works. Plus, it's not like these venues are really competing, since they are all managed by Mariner. I'm sure their programmers know what they are doing, and choose shows which best suit their audience. Sticky Apple Legs www.freewebs.com/stickyapplelegs Puppets in Melbourne www.thepromptcopy.com/pip

But the above comment was in relation to what would be in the State Theatre- which isn't owned by Mariner. So there comes the competition between venues. ...and on the lines of multiple theatres owned by the same company- gosh I'd like that! (sorry a little off topic I know) ____________________________________________________________ Currently working on: A nice break before jumping into my next project.

You know I must be off today... three things wrong in a row. But still, I doubt that these shows are really in competition with each other. As I said, most of these venues run off their subscription bases; one of my relatives is a perfect example. She will see any show and every show, especially the big ones. It's kind of like having a mixed bag of lollies, you have a lot of different shows, all with different tastes and styles. Part of the enjoyment of the arts is to experience variety. And if they are in competition, think about this - what show would be able to outclass, outplay, and out-earn another big name musical? ... Another big name show of course! Sticky Apple Legs www.freewebs.com/stickyapplelegs Puppets in Melbourne www.thepromptcopy.com/pip