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Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Biggest Production to Date Heads Down Under as Sydney Festival Countdown Begins.


With just a month to opening night preparations are well underway for Sasha Waltz’s iconic production of Dido and Aeneas, the centerpiece of January’s Sydney Festival. The much applauded, 

spectacular rendering of the oldest love story in English opera famously commences with a prologue that is danced underwater in a giant fish tank to be mounted on the stage of Sydney’s Lyric Theatre (the only stage strong enough to support the show).

The set travels in four 40-foot shipping containers and will arrive on December 29. Once installed at The Star, the 9 metre long aquarium will be filled with a staggering 7,500 litres of (mercifully heated) water. To accommodate the tricky set changes, pumps are used to empty the water quickly from the aquarium after the dancers have finished performing in it.  The tank is then split in two and moved into the wings.

The German director and dancer’s choreographed version of Purcell’s baroque masterpiece is due to be accompanied by one of the world’s leading baroque ensembles, the Academy of Ancient Music Berlin. 

The cast list is headed by mezzo soprano Aurore Ugolin as Queen Dido and British baritone Reuben Willcox as her vacillating lover Aeneas. The cast also includes experienced singers of the likes of British soprano Deborah York as Dido’s confidant Belinda and tenor Fabrice Mantegna in the travesty role of the sorceress.

With flying dancers and a special role for the choreographer’s eight-year-old daughter, this is one of the biggest productions ever to come to an Australian festival and is similar in size to Théâtre du Soleil’s Flood Drummers, which was presented at Sydney Festival 2002.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events and the Arts, George Souris is leading the cheers for Waltz’s latest Australian outing and was keen to stress a possible special resonance for Sydneysiders. “Dido & Aeneas by Sasha Waltz will provide the kind of unique and cutting edge cultural experience for which Sydney Festival is renowned,” he said. 

“The aquatic theme, retelling the ancient and tragic tale of unrequited love involving Dido the Queen of Carthage and the Trojan hero Aeneas, is sure to resonate with Sydney audiences given our own love of the water.”

Dido and Aeneas plays The Lyric Theatre at the Star from January 16-21.
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Sunday, December 15, 2013

Lion King crowns Sydney capital of theater

SYDNEY, Dec. 14 (Xinhua)-- Opening this weekend to packed houses and civic excitement, the Lion King stage production has seemingly completed Sydney's ascension as the Asia-Pacific's capital of the stage musical.
Sydney's usually dour Taxis are painted as giant Simba Lions; children are dragging about lion soft-toys and even the local government has been keen to bathe in the warm glow of popularity that the latest in a string of international productions has created in Sydney.
The locally created production of one of the world's most popular stage musicals, The Lion King, opened its Australian exclusive run this week at Sydney's Capitol Theater, seemingly crowning Sydney as a major live performance capital of the world.
A thrilled State Minister for Tourism, Events and the Arts, George Souris, told Xinhua that the show would out perform even the most successful shows to have toured through Sydney in the last years -- and that includes world-beaters like Wicked and Phantom of the Opera.
"Fans of this phenomenally successful musical, from Sydney and across Australia, have welcomed The Lion King with open arms, resulting in record breaking ticket sales," he said.
The Minister's office anticipates that the Australian production entirely exclusive to Sydney - will generate about half a million ticket sales, with around 50,000 interstate and international patrons traveling to Sydney to see the show.
The State's tourism and events unit, Destination NSW, told Xinhua that the number of visitors alone means an injection of 28 million Australian dollars into the state economy.
The Disney organization anticipates that the cumulative economic impact to NSW will be about 100 million Australian dollars confirmation that the stage musical sector is booming and only likely to grow in the coming months.
That bodes well for the launch of the musical adaptation of one of Australia's most loved and iconic films Baz Luhrmann's Strictly Ballroom, which will hit the stage here next year.
The build-up to Strictly Ballroom's long-awaited arrival has reached fever pitch after delays have pushed back the opening night because of Luhrmann's constant tweaking of his Hollywood blockbuster The Great Gatsby; and an already packed stage calendar with the two Kings -- the King Kong musical in Melbourne, and Sydney's Lion King taking precedence.
When Strictly Ballroom was released, it gained 13 Australian Film Institute (AFI) nominations, winning eight categories.
The Lion King by comparison is an international blockbuster and the highest-grossing stage show in the world, with more than 70 million people having enjoyed the musical since its Broadway premiere in 1997.
The highly-regarded live show is the winner of more than 70 major international awards including, six Tony Awards in 1998 and a Grammy for Best Musical Show Album.
Sydney's Lion King is the 22nd production worldwide and the 10th production running concurrently, the highest number in the show's history.
Certainly, this is one of the biggest productions ever to open in Sydney and the capacity of these events to drive tourism, create jobs and grow the local economy is never missed by decision makers.
Now in its 16th year, The Lion King continues to reign as a cultural phenomenon and one of the most popular stage musicals in the world.
Since its Broadway premiere on Nov. 13, 1997, 21 global productions have been watched by more than 68 million people and, cumulatively, run a mind-boggling 96 years.
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Thursday, December 12, 2013

Bruce Springsteen Live in Concert - AllPhones Arena, Sydney


After delivering in March 2013 what many critics and fans declared the ‘greatest rock and roll show on earth,’ Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band have announced they are headed back to Sydney in 2014 for their most extensive tour of our shores to date.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band brought the Wrecking Ball tour to Sydney earlier this year on their first tour Down Under in more than a decade, performing three hour plus shows.

Said Springsteen’s long-time manager and producer, Jon Landau:

“Our shows in Australia earlier this year were among the very best and most satisfying of our whole 128 show tour. 

The crowds were tremendous, the fans as warm, friendly, and welcoming as we could ever hope for, and the quality of the performances, as virtually every reviewer commented, were spectacularly high."

WITH SOME VERY SPECIAL GUESTS:

- HUNTERS & COLLECTORS REFORM FOR SPECIAL MELBOURNE ONLY SHOW
- JIMMY BARNES - AUCKLAND ONLY
- DAN SULTAN - MELBOURNE & HUNTER VALLEY ONLY
When: Wednesday 19th February 2014
Where: Allphones Arena, sydney
Pricing:
Front Standing – General Admission: $227.90
A Reserve: $227.90
B Reserve: $196.00
C Reserve: $129.40
D Reserve: $99.70
Tickets Onsale Now!
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Bruce Springsteen Live in Concert - AllPhones Arena, Sydney


After delivering in March 2013 what many critics and fans declared the ‘greatest rock and roll show on earth,’ Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band have announced they are headed back to Sydney in 2014 for their most extensive tour of our shores to date.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band brought the Wrecking Ball tour to Sydney earlier this year on their first tour Down Under in more than a decade, performing three hour plus shows.

Said Springsteen’s long-time manager and producer, Jon Landau:

“Our shows in Australia earlier this year were among the very best and most satisfying of our whole 128 show tour. 

The crowds were tremendous, the fans as warm, friendly, and welcoming as we could ever hope for, and the quality of the performances, as virtually every reviewer commented, were spectacularly high."

WITH SOME VERY SPECIAL GUESTS:

- HUNTERS & COLLECTORS REFORM FOR SPECIAL MELBOURNE ONLY SHOW
- JIMMY BARNES - AUCKLAND ONLY
- DAN SULTAN - MELBOURNE & HUNTER VALLEY ONLY

When: Wednesday 19th February 2014
Where: Allphones Arena, sydney
Pricing:
Front Standing – General Admission: $227.90
A Reserve: $227.90
B Reserve: $196.00
C Reserve: $129.40
D Reserve: $99.70
Tickets Onsale Now!
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Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Tyrannosaurs Exhibition - Australian Museum Sydney






Tyrannosaurs' is the first exhibition in the world to shine a light on this legendary dinosaur family. If you thought you knew tyrannosaurs, guess again. 
While the most famous member of this family was the mighty T-Rex, tyrannosaurs come in all shape and sizes, including Guanlong, the 'Crown Dragon' and the diminutive Dilong, the 'emperor dragon', with a skeleton that is only 1m long. 
With fossil specimens from China and North America that have never been seen in Australia and stunning life sized skeletons and models, Tyrannosaurs tells the story of this celebrated dinosaur family in a completely new way. Using cutting edge technology, 
Tyrannosaurs is the first exhibition in Australia to feature augmented reality, and hands on and multimedia experiences that will engage and excite children and adults alike. 
Tyrannosaurs tells the story of this celebrated dinosaur family in a completely new way. Using 'cutting-edge' technology, augmented reality, hands-on and multimedia experiences that will engage and excite children and adults alike.
Don't be late. Book now! Exclusive to Sydney for a limited time at the Australian Museum! Stay and see packages from $86*per person per night
From prices based on twin share midweek ticket   at 3-star property. Prices cannot be guaranteed.
Exhibition from: Sunday 23 November 2013 - Sunday 27 July 2014
Block out day applies for Christmas Day.

Don't be late. Book now! Exclusive to Sydney for a limited time at the Australian Museum!
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Monday, December 2, 2013

Lion King Musical in Sydney!


Got tickets to the Lion King musical?  Stay close to Capitol Theatre at Metro Hotel Sydney Central!

Grab this Lion King family package offer for $205.00 including: 
  • One nights accommodation in a Deluxe 2x Double Bedded Room  
  • Daily Hot Buffet Breakfast for up to 2 adults and 2 children  
  • Chocolates on arrival 


Don't have tickets to Lion King? Get tickets now from Ticketmaster website: http://www.ticketmaster.com.au/Disney-Presents-The-Lion-King-Australia-tickets/artist/820969

See PDF for full show schedule to pick your date: Capitol Theatre Show Schedule Lion King

* * * * * * * * * *

“THERE IS SIMPLY NOTHING ELSE LIKE IT” The New York Times

Seen by over 65 million people, Disney’s landmark musical event The Lion King is a worldwide phenomenon that will redefine your expectations of theatre. Brilliantly re-imagined by acclaimed director Julie Taymor, Disney beloved film is transformed into a spectacular theatrical experience which has won over 70 major international theatre awards.

Set against the majesty of the Serengeti Plains, this breathtaking production explodes with glorious colours, stunning effects and unforgettable music including Elton John and Tim Rice’s Circle of Life, Hakuna Matata and the academy award winning Can You Feel the Love Tonight?
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Thursday, November 21, 2013

Sydney Festival 2014 FREE Events


Metro Hotels have partnered up with Sydney Festival 2014 to celebrate a summer of art, fun, shows and exhibitions all around Sydney.

The best of our city is back with a vengeance as Sydney Festival returns to its favourite indoor and outdoor venues throughout Sydney and beyond to present a huge and diverse program of free events. Comprised of 104 events, a staggering 21 are free in the 2014 Festival.

There’s no better way to get into the swing of summer in Sydney than by enjoying a free outdoor concert in the heart of the city, with 60,000 of your closest friends. Headlining Summer Sounds in The Domain and our opening weekend celebrations in style is the disco queen, Chaka Khan. Join us in a singalong extravaganza of hits spanning from the early 70s right up until the present day.

Bring the whole family and catch some of the Festival’s hottest acts free on January 10!

At Sydney Festival 2013, Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman’s 15-metre high yellow Rubber Duck made quite the splash in Darling Harbour, so we’ve brought it back. Parramatta residents and visitors are invited to Parramatta Park to get up-close-and-personal with Sydney’s favourite five-storey yellow bird.

Merchants Store may look like an ordinary 19th century Sydney building from afar, until you spot the people dangling from the windows, climbing up the walls and crawling on the roof…The life-size building façade is overshadowed by a giant mirror positioned at a precise 45 degree angle to the ground allowing the general public to play on the building layout, marvelling at their gravity-defying tricks and newfound ability to scale walls and perch on the rooftop.

Taking over a third of our newly expanded Festival Village in Hyde Park, Sacrilege, will be enjoyed equally by kids and kids at heart. Turner Prize-winning artist Jeremy Deller’s life-size bouncy castle version of Stonehenge has delighted kids of all ages around the UK, and is heading down under for Sydney Festival 2014. Boxwars will also bring its elaborate cardboard battalion to Festival Village to present hands-on workshops for kids of all ages.

Immersive installations will pop up across the city during the 2014 Festival including free events FUNPARK and The Very Near Future. The amusement parks that once graced Mount Druitt are long gone, but in January we will be welcoming back the crowds in the serious-minded fun of FUNPARK, whilst at Artspace The Very Near Future will find you in the backlot with the cast and crew of a film noir in the making.

Inviting you to explore the idea that all human life is the result of chance, Christian Boltanski presents his first major Australian installation, Chance. Responding to the architecture and scale of Carriageworks, this immense and complex installation allows you to witness lives unfolding, following the rhythm of births and deaths across the globe.

Here is the list of amazing FREE events to enjoy:

Boxwars (Australia) 
Festival Village, Sunday 12 - Friday 17 January from 10am–2pm (closed Monday 13 January)
FREE, suitable for all ages
www.sydneyfestival.org.au/box


Chance | Christian Boltanski (France) 
Festival Village, Friday 10, Friday 17 & Friday 24 January at 11.30pm 
FREE, 18+ 

Donny Benét & The Donny Benét Show Band (Australia) 
Festival Village, Friday 10, Friday 17 & Friday 24 January at 11.30pm 
FREE, 18+ 

Ferrython 
Sydney Harbour, Sunday 26 January at 11am 
FREE 

FUNPARK (Australia) 
Bidwell Shopping Plaza, Carlisle Avenue, Bidwell, 18 & 19 January from 6pm 
FREE 
Merchants Park | Leandro Erlich (Argentina) 
Darling Harbour, 9-23 January 9am-9pm daily 
FREE 
Paradiso Lates 
Sydney Town Hall, 16-18, 22-25 January at 11.30pm, 19 & 26 January at 10.30pm 
FREE, 18+ 
Project 28 : Roman Ondak (Slovakia) 
Parramatta Town Hall, 10 January 10am-10pm, 11-24 January 10am-6pm 
FREE 
POP 2014 
Parramatta City Streets and Parks, Friday 10 January 6-11pm 
FREE 
Rubber Duck | Florentijn Hofman (Netherlands) 
Parramatta River in Parramatta Park, 10-19 January 
FREE 
Sacrilege | Jeremy Deller (UK) 
Festival Village, Preview: 8 January 5-9pm, Season: 9-26 January, 9am-9pm 
Except Baby Bounce and Accessibility Sessions: 14 & 21 January, 9-10am 
Closed Mondays 
FREE, suitable for all ages 

Sky Terrace 
The Star Event Centre, 9-26 January 6pm-late daily 
FREE 
Summer Sounds in the Domain | Chaka Khan (US) 
The Domain, Saturday 11 January at 8pm 
FREE 
Symphony in the Domain 
The Domain, Sunday 26 January at 8pm 
FREE 
The Very Near Future 
ARTSPACE, 16 January-16 February 11am-5pm (Closed Mondays & 26 January) 
FREE 


To view each act in detail, please visit Sydney Festival's website: http://www.sydneyfestival.org.au/2014/

Staying in Sydney for the 2014 Sydney Festival? Metro Hotels has got you covered, no matter where you want to stay in the city.

As a partner of the Sydney Festival, we have created hotels packages:


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