George Kapiniaris Interview

Check out my interview with Comedy, Stage and Television Screen legend

George Kapiniaris

Well known for playing Memo in Acropolis Now and his standup work these days George is currently in the Musical,  Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and touring with The Good the Bad and the Ethnic! 

For more info about George check out his website georgekapiniaris.com
Or book tickets to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at: chittychitty.com.au (not JUST the perfect musical for kids!)

King Kong The Musical Opening Night!

Saturday the 15th of June 2013 was the WORLD PREMIERE of King Kong The Musical! I was extremely fortunate to be able to go to the red carpet opening night at The Regent Theatre due to obtaining last minute guest tickets. The red carpet was studded with more celebs than the typical Melbourne musical red carpet, from newsreaders to masterchefs to comedians to entertainment personalities- they were all there! The regular musical carpet goers-Meldrum, Hinch and Burchmore also were there to join the huge array of celeb talent to create an in house atmosphere where wherever you looked there was a tv personality in clear range! It was great for publicity because in all honesty this was the best musical I had seen on a visual scale. Absolutely a visual SPECTACULAR! As soon as King Kong hits the stage, moments of wows and 'oh my god that's amazing' are shared across every member of the audience. Definitely a big budget production, exemplifying highly skilled talent. The dancers and the 'men in black' stage gymnasts as they swung, leaped, hooked and flew in synch across the stage. Multimedia projection and sound of course was the icing on this cake as it set the atmosphere brilliantly.

I have never seen the stage physically manipulated in so many ways in a single performance. The stage was raised, lowered and shaped to create a ship, an island and a box office front to absolute perfection. The leading lady also had a remarkable voice and exceptional dramatic skills as the actress slash damsel in distress slash love interest another obvious highlight of the show. Set design was great! Puppetry was excellent and the monkey was adorable!!! 

I would pay to see this show again! Ticket prices are reasonable so make sure you are one of the first to witness this production before it goes overseas!!! 

4.5/5 

Just HAD to get a photo with Jane Turner of Fast Forward, Bligh, Big Girls Blouse and of course Kath & Kim fame!!! 

This time we were both 'out of costume'! 

She said we look like The Veronica's...compliment or insult Ahahah? 

For tickets and more info go to Official King Kong Live on Stage Website!

Judith Lucy and Denise Scott in 'The Spiral'

Not an empty seat in sight! The Princess Theatre in Melbourne sold out for the two Funny Ladies, Judith Lucy and Denise Scott. Just by reflecting back on their extensive list of contributing to the Melbourne Comedy scene, names were enough to sell a show.

Judith Lucy is perhaps well known for her work on 'The Late Show' back in the 90s along side Mick Molloy and Rob Stitch for her rather negatively toned attitude to which she successfully delivers her comedy. In satire sketches and even conversational set pieces, Lucy is able to share the most sensitive of topics with her audience from adoption to her sex life to her alcoholic abuse. This 'no shame' attitude that Judith attains allows her audience to connect and laugh with her as she delivers thoughts and accounts to thousands.

Denise Scott may be known to you as the 'Winners and Losers' mother and her motherly figure does not leave the stage. Speaking about the back fat created by her minimiser bra, Denise is willingly keen to share with you some of her self-inflicted embarrassments. I had seen Denise live at The Comedy Gala a few years ago and I must say she has executed her routine to perfection in her 'laid back' delivery style.

Together, both Judith and Denise complement each other and it was really fantastic to see them up on stage together at the same time. The Spiral is a dual stand up performance as they perform side by side, even admiring each others work.

This show is set up a bit like a book launch as they shamelessly promote their recent written works whilst they share with their their personal writer's notebook. From minimiser bras, passing out and to suggestive dance moves these ladies have no boundaries or restrictions. To wear a bather- like nude suit on stage, dancing to Rihanna's SnM whilst they unpicked their numerous wedgies, a lot of guts and admiration goes to those ladies. It's great to see that they will do anything for a laugh...and a stomach hurting laugh (or dozen) they received by the audience in return!!!

I was fortunate to have a chat to these ladies after the show and they were extremely appreciative of the complements that they received and took the time to converse with each person waiting in the 'sign line' and posed for a photo!!

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!

Absolutely loved this musical! It had a fun and lively feel that carried across the whole show! Very energetic, funny, witty and clever wordplays too! I've been to quite a few musicals over the past couple of years and Chitty matches up amongst the best! The set design, stage effects and props are amazing! From fireworks to a flying car, the stage was constantly filled with intriguing scenery and an appropriate atmosphere was crafted together.


Outstanding dance routines and costumes were present whilst the Vulgaria set blew me away with its vibrancy.The performance by George Kapiniaris drove the show; it was spectacular. It was so great to see such a full venue laugh and appreciate his comic timing and comedic skills (and voice) through Goran! It was very clear that the spies and their Vulgarian-stupidity broke up the performance extremely well.

The cast and little boy and girl were also fantastic and so was Alan Brough. We mustn't forget the car too! It sure is a character in itself! It was such a catchy and lively performance I would go again, the routines were engaging and visually spectacular! The season has finished from Melbourne and I encourage Adelaidians to go and see Chitty Chitty!

Book tix at www.chittychitty.com.au

Rock of Ages!

One of my favourite theatrical performances all year, Rock of Ages!

A love story told in the true rocker style. Crazy hair, bright lights, fog machines, glitter and pamphlets showering the audience.. no worries... oh yeah and a bit of bum. We had third row seats just off centre, perfect for capturing and being involved in the true essence of the production! Seats make ALL the difference, so if ever there is a chance of getting good seats and paying a tad more I try and take it! The ushers decked out in their 80s rocker and groupie outfits not only guiding us to our seats but asking if we wanted any drinks delivered mid performance, selling programs and CDs, merchandise (had to buy the tshirt and program), the works. Actually come to think of it, perhaps a concert environment better describes the atmosphere. (even with the expensive price for snacks! Hahaha)

From the first act, the audience were drawn back in time into this recreated world where a love story nestled, a love of a boy, and a boys love for the music. The theatrical performers successfully conveyed all the action, drama, dope from the late 70s and 80s. If I had the money I would go again without a doubt! -enters all the online competition for free tix- It's a must see!!!!! OMG GO AND SEE IT!!! 

Cannot forget the highlight of hearing the songs of the 80s soo smoothly weaved into a performance! 

Before I go I will leave you with a great quote, line, phrase, lyric...

Don't Stop Believing!

Doctor Zhivago the Musical Opening Night!

What's better than free tickets to a Musical?

Free tickets and sitting 2 seats away from Australian character legend, Chris Lilley!

Thanks to a lovely Great Aunty for getting us tickets to the opening night of one of the latest musical productions of Melbourne, Doctor Zhivago I was fortunate enough to relive the opening night experiences of Chicago, Fame and Mary Poppins once again. Held on Thursday the 14th of April, 2011 at Her Majesties Theatre, the red carpet was rolled out as local stars walked into the bar and theatre in fur to team with the theme of the Russian story which was about to unfold before their eyes. The carpet was home to the likes of Darynn Hinch, Alan Fletcher, Ronda Burchmore, well known presenters of the news past and present and even talented star of We Can be Heroes and Summer Heights High, Chris Lilley walked in with their 'plus ones' to witness the Musical of the film, Doctor Zhivago. It was lovely to see most people in fur hats and scarves on this Autumn evening however animal rights activists may not take the same perspective if it were real. What else could top off the night by personally given a front row seat to the show amongst celebrities! As we entered the auditorium I was fortunate enough to be able to speak to Chris Lilley as we briefly spoke about his latest series, Angry Boys. (on screens early May!) He was nice and modest and coincidently had seats 2 seats down our row!

This would have been the second production at Her Maj to be seated front row and I must say, rumours of the front row being a neck-breaker is absolutely false. These seats ultimately allow you to be further immersed into the production as you see not only the performance, the wig alignment to the actor's heads but the sweat and spit flying across the stage. (not at the audience.. that would be awkward, no need for another shower thanks!) To be honest I did not think that this musical would be my sort of style however I am extremely glad that I did take a day off work for this as it was SOOO worth it and changed my perspective. The voices were amazing, the set was spectacular, the acting was true, (even the crying!)  and the plot was a beautiful love story which had tears in the eyes of some of the audience. I heard sniffles a lady.. (quite possibly a well known figure... just not to me...) told me how touching and watery her eyes were. The sound effects were also brilliant and despite us knowing when a gun was to fire... I could still be surprised when it does and jump in my seat. Funnily enough, so did well known dancer Rhonda Burchmore as we jumped in unison and connected gaze as we quietly mimed a laugh as we were the only ones that jumped in out seats. Well at least I can say I had a moment with Rhonda right? haha. After the show there were camera and an interviewer going around and interviewed most of my relatives on their take on the show, including me and my sister. So if you see us in footage floating around, Let me know!