Theatre in a Box Trivia Podcast

View Details

Welcome to Episode 2 of the Theatre in a Box Trivia Podcast

We have taken the Theatre in a Box Musical Theatre Board Game and morphed it into a trivia podcast.

Our very special guest quiz master is Karen Oliver, author of How To Fail At Showbiz & Survive.

www.howtofailatshowbizandsurvive.com

karenolivervocalist.com

https://www.facebook.com/howtofailatshowbizandsurvive There are four rounds of questions for this episode:

Round 1. Musicals with Something in Common

Round 2. Alphatheatrical - Letter P

Round 3. Vague Musical Synopsis

Round 4. Our Featured Musical - Mamma Mia! (Karen's choice)

Website: www.theatreinabox.com.au

Use the promo code 'Podcast' to get a 10% discount on the Theatre in a Box musical theatre party board game.

Game Creator: Brenton Crewes, Flynn Crewes, Paul Morrison.

Podcast Host: Paul Morrison

Theme music provided by Jacob Morrison.

View Details

Welcome to the Theatre in a Box Trivia Podcast!

We have taken the Theatre in a Box Musical Theatre Board Game and morphed it into a trivia podcast.

There are four rounds of questions for this episode:

Round 1. Musical Theatre Covers

Round 2. Alphatheatrical - Letter A

Round 3. General Knowledge

Round 4. Our Featured Musical - Hairspray

Website: https://theatreinabox.com.au/

Use the promo code 'Podcast' to get a 10% discount on the Theatre in a Box musical theatre party board game.

Game Creator: Brenton Crewes, Flynn Crewes, Paul Morrison.

Podcast Host: Paul Morrison

Theme music provided by Jacob Morrison.

View Details

As a preamble to this episode I wanted to mention that it was recorded before the issues that arose within the Performing Arts community last week, with a lot of productions being postponed of closing down. One of those productions is ‘Tell Me On A Sunday’ with D2 Productions starring Nikole Music. Nikole is my guest in today’s episode, and we discuss the Top 5 Break Up Songs in Musical Theatre. The performing arts space is doing it tough at the moment. One thing I’ve recognised In the 25 years that I’ve been involved with musical theatre is that we are a wonderful community who always look out for each other. We are all in this together. Fantastix as a company was set up to help people put on a show. Since there are no shows at the moment, I still wanted to fulfil my commitment to musical theatre and produce a podcast episode every fortnight.

I did consider not releasing episode 33 but Nikole was such a wonderful guest, the conversation was great and the top 5 Break Up Songs make up a stellar list. The music is amazing!

Look out for each other. The performing arts industry will rise above this and we will all emerge victorious. I have no doubt about that.

Nikole’s top 5

Still Hurting – Last Five Years
I’m Here – The Color Purple
Get Out & Stay Out – 9 to 5
Burn – Hamilton
Tell Me On A Sunday – Tell Me On a Sunday

Paul’s Top 5

Take Back Your Mink – Guys & Dolls
Gonna Wash That Man – South Pacific
Serious – Legally Blonde
Still Hurting – Last 5 Years
Get Out & Stay Out – 9 to 5
- 5b. Somebody Kill Me – The Wedding Singer

FANTASTIX BITS IN THE INTERVIEW

The podcast must go on
Which Aussie animal was Nikole in her Kindergarten play?
Vulnerability of one woman shows
D2 raw performance production style
Women in theatre
Singing in the car, everyone does it
What is it about watching someone performing a breakup song?
Have you ever experienced being part of an audience that gave a standing ovation mid song? Nikole has and tells us about it
Which big risk earns the no 1 position in Nikole’s count down?
I’m not crying, you’re crying
Nikole’s Social Media Poll insights
That towel dance!
Has Paul put a Guys and Dolls song in EVERY episode so far??????
Have you ever been stuck in a lift? Did you know there is a musical about that?
Lovely symmetry with the fast five and top five
Remember to subscribe to all your local theatre groups newsletters so you are the first to know when you can get back into a theatre near you!

SHOW NOTES

Stephanie J Block – Get Out and Stay Out (9 to 5)

D2 Productions

Love Fantastix? Support the show!

Join the conversation in our Fantastix Cast & Crew Community Group on Facebook

Follow our Facebook Page

Leave a rating or review in iTunes

Keep listening:

Subscribe via iTunes

Subscribe via Spotify

Subscribe via Stitcher

View Details

There have been many, many people who have gifted the world wonderful music. Some of these people have been immortalised in a musical.

Paul speaks with Emilie Lawson, who is playing Carole King in Miranda Musical Society’s Beautiful – The Carole King Musical, about the Top 5 Musicals Based on Real People.

Emilie’s Top 5

Jersey Boys
Beautiful
Evita
The Boy From Oz
Funny Girl

Paul’s Top 5

Barnum
The Boy From Oz
Beautiful
Catch Me If You Can
Mack & Mabel

FANTASTIX BITS IN THE INTERVIEW

The great roles Emilie had in High School
Which community group blew Emilie’s socks off?
Quadruple threat alert!
Caveat for this countdown, both countdowns include shows Emilie and Paul have seen.
How Babs performance makes us forget Fanny Brice
When you think of Boy from Oz do you think of Peter Allen, Hugh Jackman, Todd McKenney or maybe even Gavin Leahy?
Emilie’s personal family history influences one of her choices…..is it Tenterfield, The Bronx, Argentina or New Jersey?
Allllll those Carole King songs you just didn’t realise were even Carole King songs!
Which show ranks at No 1 in another countdown?
Differences between biopics and jukebox musicals.
Which number 1 is becoming available to amateur groups soon?
Would you call PT Barnum a quadruple (sing, dance, act, circus skills) or quintuple threat (sing, dance, act, circus and businessman skills)?
Emilie and Paul make a bunch of assumptions about a predetermined reaction to seeing Hamilton!!
Whose life do you think would make a great musical. Elton John? Judy Garland? Freddie Mercury? Michael Hutchins?

SHOW NOTES

For tickets Beautiful The Carole King Story with Miranda Musical Society: http://www.mirandamusicalsociety.com.au/

Love Fantastix? Support the show!

Join the conversation in our Fantastix Cast & Crew Community Group on Facebook

Follow our Facebook Page

Leave a rating or review in iTunes

Keep listening:

Subscribe via iTunes

Subscribe via Spotify

Subscribe via Stitcher

View Details

Iconic Dances in musical theatre. Episode 31 proved to be our most difficult countdown yet!

Luckily, I’ve teamed up with Michael Osborne to discuss this very subjective topic. Michael is currently appearing as Cosmo Brown in Rockdale Musical Society’s Singin’ in the Rain – which on its own contains four iconic dances.

Let the countdown begin. And 5-6-7-8…

Michael’s Top 5 Iconic Dances

Good Mornin’ – Singin’ in the Rain
Gym Dance – West Side Story
One – A Chorus Line
All That Jazz – Chicago
The Club - In The Heights

Paul’s Top 5 Iconic Dances

Cell Block Tango – Chicago
Singin’ in the Rain – Singin’ in the Rain
Step in Time – Mary Poppins
Prologue – West Side Story
We’re in the Money – 42nd Street

Honourable Mentions - Michael

Opening Audition Scene – 42nd Street
Jellicle Ball – Cats
All of Kinky Boots
Hand Jive – Grease

Honourable Mentions – Paul

One – A Chorus Line
Anything Goes – Anything Goes
I Got Rhythm – Crazy for You
Hey Big Spender – Sweet Charity

FANTASTIX BITS IN THE INTERVIEW

The music in this one is a CRACKER! Worth a listen for that alone
Other than a musical theatre upbringing what else do Paul and Michael have in common?
More about Whimsical Productions
It’s been 12 years between drinks for Michael in his current role, how is it different this time?
It took a specific criteria for Michael to help narrow this top 5 down! We love his well thought out countdown.
Paul struggled too……..lots of honourable mentions in this episode
Does recent modern dance have that same ICONIC flavour of the old musicals
F O S S E – say no more!
Could you say, that all the opening and closing numbers have the BEST dance numbers?
Who else loves the fly on the wall look at musical theatre that Chicago gives you?
Will anyone say KICK LINE in this episode?
West Side Story spoiler alert…. someone dies! Gasp!
Any dance performed in stiletto boots has got to rate a mention!
Which dance still rates in pop culture today?
Paul sneaks in a 5b
Is it even a musical without DANCE?
Will the dance numbers from shows like Hamilton or Kinky Boots eventually rate on a Top 5 list at some stage in the future or will the old favourites stand the test of time when it comes to iconic dance numbers?
Which past podcast episode guest would Michael like to sing a duet with?
This episode was a true challenge….which iconic dance scene would have made YOUR top 5?

SHOW NOTES

For tickets to Rockdale Musical Society’s Singin’ in the Rain - http://www.rockdalemusicalsociety.com/

Lift Off! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50v-m4yUewI

Love Fantastix? Support the show!

Join the conversation in our Fantastix Cast & Crew Community Group on Facebook

Follow our Facebook Page

Leave a rating or review in iTunes

Keep listening:

Subscribe via iTunes

Subscribe via Spotify

Subscribe via Stitcher

View Details

Welcome to a new year of Fantastic Fantastix. Another choc-full calendar of production essentials awaits us all…

For the first episode (Episode 30) of Fantastic Fantastix of 2020 I want to stick to my promise to have a 360’ look at musical theatre. So, I thought I’d go ‘behind the scenes’ and speak with writer, composer and lyricist Jye Bryant about the top 5 tips for writing and staging a new musical. His has written and collaborated on many productions including Things I Could Never Tell Steven, Captain Moonlite, Sempre Libera, Gold Digger Nights, Adam & Steve and The Velveteen Rabbit. He also has many other projects in the works which we discuss in the interview including True Blue.

As an Author, Writing & Staging A New Musical by Jye Bryant is an instructional manual for anyone eager to create and premiere their own original piece of musical theatre.

It is filled with useful tricks, tips and templates designed to reduce the workload for creators and producers alike.

Top 5 Tips for Writing & Staging a New Musical.

Is this something I can sell?
Stage the Show (in an affordable way)
Workshopping
Acknowledge what you don’t know & collaborate
Make sure the story has a song.

FANTASTIX BITS IN THE INTERVIEW

Does fear factor as an obstacle for getting new material out here in Australia?
Spoiler – you never meet Steven
Can a totally minimalist show really work?
Quirky Australian history you never knew explored in musicals
The validating nature of seeing our culture portrayed on stage
Are you part of the new generation of leaders in Australian Musical Theatre?
To have successful BIG Aussie musicals we need BIG community support
Are too many movies being adapted into musicals, just because they were a hit? Apologies to Ghost fans.
You don’t always need to sing; dialogue has its place in musicals.
Know what you don’t know
Strengthen yourself emotionally before workshops, you need real raw feedback
Grab the book for great budgeting tips
Remember there are levels of staging a show from script in hand to “helicopters”!
The one thing you need to do from the moment you start the project
Get people invested in the process of your project as early as you can
Checklists and templates and resources oh my!
Even Elmo came to Jye to find out how to write a musical!
If you love a good list and a blooper then this podcast is for you.
The difference between loving a celebrity and wanting to DO a show with them
It’s not one big job it’s millions of little jobs. Just eat the elephant…

SHOW NOTES

More about on his website Jye Bryant and on YouTube

Get the book here

Facebook Page Writing & Staging a New Musical

Love Fantastix? Support the show!

Join the conversation in our Fantastix Cast & Crew Community Group on Facebook

Follow our Facebook Page

Leave a rating or review in iTunes

Keep listening:

Subscribe via iTunes

Subscribe via Spotify

Subscribe via Stitcher

View Details

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

Obviously, this house did not belong to a fan of musical theatre. There are so many songs from Musical Theatre that get you in the mood for Christmas.

Because this is our Festive Fantastic Fantastix – I wanted to get a very special Christmas guest. They say behind every successful man is an exhausted woman and for Santa Claus – this is no different.

Welcome to our Festive Fantastic Fantastix…Mrs Claus.

Mrs Claus

We Need a Little Christmas
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
White Christmas
It’s Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas
Baby It’s Cold Outside

Paul’s Top 5

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas
We Need a Little Christmas
Surabaya Santa
Merry Christmas Maggie Thatcher
Twelve Days to Christmas

FANTASTIX BITS IN THE INTERVIEW

What is Christmas Eve like in the Claus house?
How Mrs Claus’ is like a Cabinet Member supporting the leader of a nation
Mrs Claus teaches us how the naughty and nice list REALLY works
How naughty boys grow into nice boys
The Christmas song in a non-Christmas musical that makes both lists
How can wishing someone dead possibly be a Christmas song Paul?
The song that came from Mrs Claus’ bad week and a night on the eggnog
The song taken with a grain of snow!
The Muppets cover that Paul approves of
What frustrates Santa
The post-Christmas rituals of Mr and Mrs Claus
Remember the children will pick up on your vibe
There’s Something Weird in Santa’s Beard
What is Mrs Claus’ favourite musical?
What might you hear Mrs Claus belt out at Karaoke?
What does Mrs Claus want for Christmas?

SHOW NOTES

Love Fantastix? Support the show!

Join the conversation in our Fantastix Cast & Crew Community Group on Facebook

Follow our Facebook Page

Leave a rating or review in iTunes

Keep listening:

Subscribe via iTunes

Subscribe via Spotify

Subscribe via Stitcher

View Details

Shorter episode this week. I am flying solo to count down a very specific Top 5 - Musicals That Are Fantastix But We May Never See On Stage Again.

We have time today for a Top 5 AND some exciting news. The Online Community Theatre Christmas Party is back! All the details are in the podcast, below in the show notes and via this link

Paul’s Top 5

Lil Abner
Finian’s Rainbow
Kiss Me Kate
The Pyjama Game
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

Honourable Mentions

Annie Get Your Gun
Brigadoon
Damn Yankees
Paint Your Wagon

FANTASTIX BITS IN THE INTERVIEW

The most rousing dance number in musical theatre
Porter, R&H, Berlin OH MY
Does sexism, social relevance and political incorrectness play a factor in these shows disappearing from our stages?
Can they be enjoyed with due consideration given to the era they were written in?
OR can they be modernised for future enjoyment?
Which show on the list makes it to another list (Musical’s with a show within the show)?
Listen out for Paul’s ‘Fantastix’ Irish accent
Which comic book didn’t rise to the fandom highs of the likes of Marvel?

Remember you could win a share of the swag of show tickets that’ll be under our Christmas tree at the Online Community Theatre Christmas Party.

WHEN: Wednesday 18th December at 7pm

WHERE: Live in Fantastix Cast and Crew Community (Facebook Group) & simulcast on 90.1NBC FM

WHO: Fantastix Production Essentials Paul Morrison & his ARTSGRAB co-host Michele Lansdown

WHO ELSE: Special guests (announced soon)

WHAT: we’ll be;

🎄talking all things theatre with our special guests

🎄playing some musical theatre tunes

🎄wrapping up 2019 (based on your feedback, see below)

🎄having some festive fun

🎄and of course, giving YOU plenty of chances to WIN!

Here is how to get involved;

COMMENT on this post with the 2019 show you enjoyed most
Become a member of Fantastix Cast and Crew Community
Join us live on 18th December at 7pm

To be in the draw to win Steps 1 & 2 are essential. If you’re already a member of the group, it’s a no brainer 1 step entry.

Be sure to tune in LIVE to maximise your chances to WIN (some prizes will only available for live listeners)

SHOW NOTES

Love Fantastix? Support the show!

Join the conversation in our Fantastix Cast & Crew Community Group on Facebook

Follow our Facebook Page

Leave a rating or review in iTunes

Keep listening:

Subscribe via iTunes

Subscribe via Spotify

Subscribe via Stitcher

View Details

IT’S MY BIRTHDAY!! Hooray.

The great thing about my birthday is that I get to share it with my twin sister, Julie.

We have thrown some great birthday parties over the years. …And since it was Julie that first encouraged me to join The Regals Musical Society back in 1996 – I thought we should discuss the Top 5 Party Scenes in Musical Theatre.

I have to say it’s a tough category to narrow down to just 5 – but between the two of us, I’m sure we’ll manage.

Happy birthday, Julie!! I hope it’s Fantastic Fantastix…

Julie’s Top 5

Til Death Do Us Party – Tickets Please
Sadie Hawkin’s Day – Lil Abner
Embassy Ball/Ascot – My Fair Lady
Gym Scene – West Side Story
Blow Gabriel Blow – Anything Goes

Paul’s Top 5

Rhythm of Life – Sweet Charity
Gym Scene – West Side Story
Big Fun – Heathers
Dancing Through Life – Wicked
High School Prom Scene – Carrie

Honourable Mentions

Dancing Through Life – Wicked
Masquerade – Phantom of the Opera
Be Our Guest – Beauty & The Beast
High School Dance – Bare
Clam Bake – Carousel (Dishonourable Mention)

FANTASTIX BITS IN THE INTERVIEW

What did Paul and Julie dress up as for their Pairs Party?
How many children were in Cats Julie?
Who doesn’t want a pancake at 11pm after a performance!?!
Party scenes = ensemble numbers, there’s no better way to party!
If you’re gonna party you’ve got to DANCE!
In which show are you tired before you even dance?
Which show will Julie continue to rally to have done again? Calling all football teams!
The 2004 schlock horror musical you need to know about #spoileralert
Singing in the wings - you’re still part of the party!
A great party for all the wrong reasons
How many top 5 matches will the twins have?
How did they leave out all the band scenes in Rock of Ages?
Invite Julie to a party – she loves to cook!
Would you like to hear a Julie and Julie duet?
Visit our Facebook Page or Group and keep the party going, we know our top 5 only scratched the surface and we’d love to hear from you! Consider it a birthday gift and join the conversation.

SHOW NOTES

13 The Musical

Love Fantastix? Support the show!

Join the conversation in our Fantastix Cast & Crew Community Group on Facebook

Follow our Facebook Page

Leave a rating or review in iTunes

Keep listening:

Subscribe via iTunes

Subscribe via Spotify

Subscribe via Stitcher

View Details

I just got back from the US after a holiday with the family. I was going through my emails and I saw one that was entitled ‘Love the Podcast’. It was from Blake Erickson. It’s always nice to get positive feedback for the things that you’re doing and there was only one thing to do upon receiving this email – which was to get Blake on the show!

The great thing about Blake is that he brings a wonderful mix of community theatre experience and professional theatre experience. It gave us the chance to discuss the Top 5 Australian Cast Recordings as well as community theatre, professional theatre and theatre in Australia.

About Blake…

Blake has worked throughout Australia, Asia, Britain, and the United States as a writer, actor, and singer. He studied drama and musical theatre at the University of Sydney & The Actor’s Connection New York. In early 2019 Blake co-wrote the new Australian musical The Dismissal, which premiered at the Seymour Centre. Prior to this he appeared in the international tour of Cameron Mackintosh's Les Misérables. For his performance in the title role of the one-man show Pearls Before Swine: An Evening With Orson Welles (Neil Gooding Prod.), Blake won Best Actor at the inaugural Sydney Fringe Festival Awards. Other credits include: CRY-BABY, High Fidelity, Melba, and his acclaimed cabaret Hold Me Closer Logies Dancer (all at Sydney’s Hayes Theatre); Mamma Mia!, the Australia & New Zealand tour of Madiba, Of Thee I Sing at the Sydney Opera House, Grey Gardens, and Sondheim on Sondheim for Squabbalogic.

Blake’s Top 5

Jesus Christ Superstar (1992)
Muriel’s Wedding (2019)
Man of La Mancha (2015 – Squabbalogic)
Smoke and Mirrors (2010)
Pirates of Penzance (1995)

Honourable Mentions

Miracle City (The Hayes)
Priscilla Queen of the Dessert

FANTASTIX BITS IN THE INTERVIEW

The apprenticeship nature of community theatre
Are professional performers embarrassed by their community theatre roots?
Exactly how much can you learn from community theatre?
Does going pro take the fun out of theatre?
Do you know your ‘Why?’
Mr Erickson is very eloquent. The meaning of rubric or zeitgeist can be found in our show notes?
How Aussie casts and crew put their own unique spin on musical recordings
Show of hands. Who else can trace back their love of G&S to the 1995 Aussie recording of Pirates?
After the success of the Greatest Showman, will we see the return of Smoke and Mirrors? Can we smell a 10-year rerun for 2020? We know that symmetry will appeal to Blake!
You can still buy a copy of #3! See the show notes below
All those Aussie firsts rockets a ‘terrible’ musical into the runners up place
#1 was always going to be #1 – it went into the Top 40 Charts
Some tongue in cheek basic geography for our American listeners
Daddy versus Papa Bear – get it right, Paul!
Border control alert for the first Shrek rehearsal
A gentle reminder that Warlow’s career was made on Australian stages
The cheers and boos of a memorial service AND a musical!
Stand by for a fast five question change from comfort food to a death row meal!

SHOW NOTES

Man of La Mancha

Shrek the Musical

Rubric & Zeitgeist

The Dismissal

Love Fantastix? Support the show!

Be like Blake and drop us a line. You could be our next guest!

Join the conversation in our Fantastix Cast & Crew Community Group on Facebook

Follow our Facebook Page

Leave a rating or review in iTunes

Keep listening:

Subscribe via iTunes

Subscribe via Spotify

Subscribe via Stitcher

View Details

Today we talk to a children’s entertainer, musical educator, professional performer, wife and mother to talk all things musical theatre families.

Louise’s Top 5

Tevye, Golde and their 5 Daughters – Fiddler on the Roof
Donna & Sophie Sheridan – Mamma Mia
The Elliot Family – Billy Elliot
The Family Von Trapp – The Sound of Music
The Baker and his Wife – Into The Woods

Honourable Mentions

Johnston Family in Blood Brothers
Snow Family in Carousel
Family in Grey Gardens
Seven Brothers in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

Paul’s Top 5

Von Trapp Family Singers – Sound of Music
The Addams Family – The Addams Family
Tevye, Golde, Tzietel, Hodel, Chava, Beilke, Shptintze - Fiddler on the Roof
The Banks Family – Mary Poppins
Wormwood Family - Matilda

FANTASTIX BITS IN THE INTERVIEW

Hullabaloolou – it’s a thing (not a label)!
Can you name a vegetable starting with the letter i?
Do you appropriately appreciate editing processes?
Spoiler alert for Into the Woods (act 2)
Should we adopt the title of Von Morrison Family singers?
#$^%& language in an accent is forgivable
How many fathers in Mamma Mia, Paul?
Do you know Tevye’s surname?
Was ‘Crickey’ the name of the 6th daughter from the book that was left out of the musical?
The musical Wormwoods versus the book Wormwoods
TV show Addams Family versus musical Addams Family (spoiler alert)
God Bless Kurt!
Is wine a food?
The fastest fast five ever
#louisewantstobethebakerswife
Does Louise have the best family ever? A cup of tea, an offer to do washing AND fix the dishwasher!

SHOW NOTES

Hullabaloulou on Youtube

Francis Fotography Facebook

Love Fantastix? Support the show!

Join the conversation in our Fantastix Cast & Crew Community Group on Facebook

Follow our Facebook Page

Leave a rating or review in iTunes

Keep listening:

Subscribe via iTunes

Subscribe via Spotify

Subscribe via Stitcher

View Details

I am surprised that this episode’s guest even allowed me to be part of this podcast, she demanded her own dressing room and to have grapes peeled and fed to her on the hour. Today I am speaking about and to a Musical Theatre Diva!

My special guest today is currently playing Maria Callas in D2 Production's Masterclass so before she gets me kicked out of the studio let's hear from the wonderful Virginia Natoli

Virginia’s Top 5

Eva Peron – Evita
Norma Desmond – Sunset Boulevarde
Mrs Lovett – Sweeney Todd
Mamma Rose – Gypsy
Reno Sweeny – Anything Goes
Maria Callas – Masterclass

Paul’s Top 5

Eva Peron – Evita
Mamma Rose – Gypsy
Dolly Levi – Hello Dolly!
Fanny Bryce – Funny Girl
Annie – Annie Get Your Gun

FANTASTIX BITS IN THE INTERVIEW

Who does Virginia base her entire Top 5 on?
In true diva fashion how many roles in Virginia's top 5?
Insights into Dementia Australia fundraising
“We need more women for our show”
Do belty songs and Diva roles go hand in hand
Which manipulator sneaks onto the list
Did Diva #2 have a touch of dementia?
More belting per minute than any other show
For which role did Virginia live like a hermit
Who is the Diva in disguise, and what is the disguise?
Is this a Michele Lansdown fan club meeting
How many Dolly’s are too many to have on stage at one time?
What homework does Virginia have to take home after the show?
The Opera Diva of ALL Divas in a show where she doesn’t sing
The Diva’s trio - pizza, chocolate and wine
Could you really sing a duet with Patti LuPone?
Why does Virginia need to build a bridge?

SHOW NOTES

Masterclass with D2 Productions

27th - 30th November 2019

Gallery Room, Kirribilli Centre

Tickets: d2productionsoz@gmail.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/D2ProductionsinOz/

In aid of Dementia Australia.

Love Fantastix? Support the show!

Join the conversation in our Fantastix Cast & Crew Community Group on Facebook

Follow our Facebook Page

Leave a rating or review in iTunes

Keep listening:

Subscribe via iTunes

Subscribe via Spotify

Subscribe via Stitcher

View Details

“I believe something wonderful is going to happen to me today.”

My guest today, Daniel Tolson, is a former champion athlete, he has led a team of more than 17,000 cabin crew and has personally conducted more than 1000 studies into emotional intelligence.

I wanted to get Daniel on the show because there are many moments in the Performing Arts where confidence, performance and being rejection proof are paramount.

Daniel and I are going to give you TWO top 5’s for the price of one. I wanted to discuss with you the top 5 things we can do to emotionally prepare for public performance and the top 5 ways of becoming rejection proof. In other words, the Top 5 Ways to Perform at Your Best…

FANTASTIX BITS IN THE INTERVIEW

D is for Daniel or is it?
For every minute in planning you save 10 minutes in execution
Daily preparation is the key of the high performing individual
Knock and the door will open
Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) aka the language we use to program our own mind.
Our thoughts predict 95% of our feelings/emotions
The importance of 1 degree
How Hugh Jackman displays behavioural flexibility
Do you believe something wonderful is going to happen to you today?
The unfair chemical advantage as sung by Anna in The King and I “Whenever I feel afraid, I hold my head up high ….”
Be your own performance coach, using which 2 questions?
It’s ok to be nervous
Hearing NO 1000 times means you’re a step closer to a YES!
How often do you step out of your comfort zone?
Mamma Morton said it – Rec-i-proc-it-yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!
Timing is everything
Can you handle hearing no?

Top 5 Pillars of Success

Clear outcome
Take action
Sensory acuity
Behavioural flexibility
Psychology of success

Top 5 Ways to be Rejection Proof (pillars of emotional intelligence)

Self-awareness
Self-regulation
Motivation
Empathy
Social regulation

SHOW NOTES

Grab your free resources at www.danieltolson.com

Playlist

Love Fantastix? Support the show!

Join the conversation in our Fantastix Cast & Crew Community Group on Facebook

Follow our Facebook Page

Leave a rating or review in iTunes

Keep listening:

Subscribe via iTunes

Subscribe via Spotify

Subscribe via Stitcher

View Details

Over recent podcast episodes I've spoken to a large variety of guests. I've spoken to Community Theatre Royalty. As well as that - Josh Piterman (Eps. #011) is now starring as The Phantom on London’s West End and Bob Corff (Eps.#017) is being featured on the soundtrack of Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

Today I am even luckier to have two guests both being featured in the same amazing ‘based on a true story’ musical.

They need no introduction but I’ll say this…they were employees in an enchanted castle, turned into household items and helped their Master find love and break a spell.

Welcome to Fantastic Fantastix – Lumiere and Cogsworth (aka. The very talented Lachlan O’Brien and Nathan Farrow) to discuss the Top 5 Musical Theatre Dynamic Duos.

FANTASTIX BITS IN THE INTERVIEW

What were Cogsworth and Lumiere’s first musicals?
How did Cogsworth’s Swiss relatives help with his first role?
How many clock puns are in this episode?
Find out if Cogsworth can cope with an anticlockwise countdown?
Which duos got bumped to honourable mentions
Have we been pronouncing Les Mis character names incorrectly all along?
Who starts a semantics war in this episode?
Why Lumiere believes that Leo Bloom is a duo not a sidekick?
Need we even ask who they put in the number one position?
Why yang and yang does not work?
Are all the good duos – ‘criminals’?
For the record Cogsworth has never tried a priest!
How have they handled the fame after starring in this Disney classic?
Which role has Lumiere got his heart set on next?
Try not to laugh out loud at Cogsworth’s comfort foods! I dare you.
How do Cogsworth and Lumiere describe one another?
What qualities does Cogsworth recommend for Paul’s kids?

Lumiere & Cogsworth’s Top 5

Lumiere & Cogsworth - Beauty and The Beast
Bialystock & Bloom - The Producers
Roxie & Velma - Chicago
Thenardier & Mme. Thenardier - Les Miserables
Timon & Pumbaa - The Lion King

Honourable mentions

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern - Hamlet
Jean Valjean & Javert - Les Miserables

Paul’s Top 5

Sweeny Todd & Mrs Lovett - Sweeny Todd
Lumiere & Cogsworth - Beauty and The Beast
Roxie & Velma - Chicago
Elphaba & G(a)linda - Wicked
Timon & Pumbaa - The Lion King

SHOW NOTES

If you are keen to see the Thenardier’s in action along side Convict #3 then Les Miserables opens soon with MMS

As always thank you for listening!

Love Fantastix? Support the show!

Join the conversation in our Fantastix Cast & Crew Community Group on Facebook

Follow our Facebook Page

Leave a rating or review in iTunes

Keep listening:

Subscribe via iTunes

Subscribe via Spotify

Subscribe via Stitcher

View Details

Happy Father’s Day to all the Father’s out there, especially to my Dad – who, along with my mum, is traveling overseas. I’m sure you’re having a great time and I look forward to catching up when you both get back.

To celebrate Father’s Day, I wanted to catch up with someone who was raised in Musical Theatre, performed on stage with his Dad, and is now a father himself with children who also involved in the performing arts.

Today I am catching up with Geoff Stone. We were both born and raised at The Regals Musical Society. Just like my parents, Geoff’s parents met through Community Theatre and they passed their love of theatre on to the next generation.

Geoff and I spoke about the Top 5 father roles in musical theatre.

Community Theatre really is a magical place. Even though I no longer go to rehearsals in my pajamas and dressing gown and sleep under the chairs – I still find it as magical as ever.

This episode is dedicated to all the fathers out there. Whether they are looking down from above or still with us – our Fathers are always close in our hearts.

FANTASTIX BITS IN THE INTERVIEW

Geoff’s earliest musical memory
The magic of growing up in the rehearsal room
Geoff and Paul reminisce about how wonderful it was to share the stage with their dads
The romantic story of how Paul’s parents met
Geoff’s first show age 7
Some community theatre ‘royalty’ name drops
Geoff’s transition from romantic lead to father roles
Which show did we all lose weight during and get super fit?
Geoff’s love of community theatre premieres
Warning Geoff uses the J word!
How Geoff has passed the “bug” down to his own son’s just like his own father did for him
Which father role is on Geoff’s “one-day” list?
Which soundtrack made Geoff want the role?
How Geoff faced the challenge of satisfying the Monty Python die hards
Alllllllllll those wives and children must earn this role the number 1 spot for Geoff
Double the father goodness in Paul’s no.5
Which father role is the Bruce Willis of musical theatre?
How will Geoff and Paul spend their Father’s Day?
How odd is the game of golf?
A mutual tragic love #redv
Which post rehearsal treat is Geoff’s favourite comfort food
Geoff’s top of the bucket list role
Remember the caveat they don’t need to be good role model fathers; they just need to be good ROLES!

Top5 – Geoff

The King – The King and I
King Arthur - Spamalot
Frank Abagnale Snr – Catch Me If You Can
Tevye – Fiddler on the Roof
The Baker – Into The Woods

Top 5 – Paul

Tevye – Fiddler on the Roof
Alfred P. Doolittle – My Fair Lady
Captain Von Trapp – The Sound of Music
Jean Valjean – Les Miserables
Caractacus /Grandpa Potts – Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Honourable Mentions

Mufasa – The Lion King
Gomez – The Addams Family
Maurice – Beauty and the Beast
The 3 Fathers – Mamma Mia
Joe’s dad - Our House

SHOW NOTES

Shout out to Paul’s Hamburgers for keeping us fed post rehearsal over the years!

As always thank you for listening!

Love Fantastix? Support the show!

Join the conversation in our Fantastix Cast & Crew Community Group on Facebook

Follow our Facebook Page

Leave a rating or review in iTunes

Keep listening:

Subscribe via iTunes

Subscribe via Spotify

Subscribe via Stitcher

View Details

Today I am catching up with Sarah Friedrich and Karen Oliver who are appearing in Ruthless the Musical. Considering they are playing mother and daughter is Ruthless the Musical, I thought it was appropriate to discuss the Top 5 Mother Daughter Roles in Musical Theatre.

We covered all sorts of topics including D2 Productions, Dementia Australia, Musicals with good quality female roles and the new flight path theatre. During the not so fast Fantastix Fast Five we discuss everything from whether wine is considered a food group to cheese and carbs, From Frank Sinatra to Justin Timberlake.

So, let’s discuss the top 5 Mother Daughter roles in musical theatre with Sarah Friedrich and Karen Oliver from Ruthless the Musical.

FANTASTIX BITS IN THE INTERVIEW

There’s no I in Theatre
What does a former police office and criminal lawyer have in common?
Can you say ‘piss take’ on a podcast?
The most aptly named theatre space ever
Who are the most supportive couple on the Sydney Theatre scene?
We need more sopranos, said no one ever!
How many times can Paul say ‘mother’ in 30seconds?
Which show is ‘mother/daughter’ heaviest?
What is the unanimous number one on today’s top 5 count down?
Does Paul get a little judgey about Mamma Mia’s Donna?
What is Karen so excited about happening in 190 days?
Whose legs don’t go as high as they used to?
Will Justin Timberlake listen to our podcast?

Top 5 Mother Daughter Roles in Musical Theatre

Karen & Sarah’s Top 5

Mama Rose / Louise & Baby June – Gypsy
Edna Turnblat / Tracy , Velma/Amber , Trudy/Penny – Hairspray
Mother Superior / Maria – The Sound of Music
Judy Garland/Liza Minelli – The Boy From Oz
Margaret White / Carrie – Carrie – The Musical

Paul’s Top 5

Mama Rose / Louise & Baby June – Gypsy
Edna Turnblat / Tracy , Velma / Amber , Trudy / Penny – Hairspray
Donna / Sophie – Mamma Mia
Margaret White / Carrie – Carrie – The Musical
Fantine / Cosette – Les Miserables

Ruthless the Musical

Flight Path Theatre

D2 Productions Facebook

Dementia Australia

View Details

Today I thought I’d discuss an unsung hero of the musical theatre world - the sidekick. That ever faithful, long-suffering, bumbling, punching bag that we all know and love. I am speaking with theatre performance, screen and voice actor and according to his website a pretty nice guy, Nicholas Richard, who has played many sidekicks over the years and is currently appearing as Manuel in Faulty Towers The Original Dining Experience. We discussed the traits that makes a good sidekick, the difference between a sidekick and a dynamic duo, The newly created Fantastix Sidekick Quotient and most importantly the Top 5 Musical Theatre Sidekicks…

So, let’s see what happens when two self-confessed sidekicks discuss the Top 5 Musical Theatre Sidekicks.

FANTASTIX BITS IN THE INTERVIEW

What is the job of the sidekick?
Are sidekicks pitied or loved?
What allows Nicholas to produce better facial expressions?
The ‘vague out’ clause of his current role
How the Sidekick and comedy goes hand in hand
Sidekick’s as the catalyst of change and drivers of the story line
Who wins the crown of Ultimate Sidekick according to both Paul and Nicholas?
How much of Nicholas is in his Sidekick roles and how much of the Sidekicks are in Nicholas?
Who is the only villain’s sidekick to make the list?
How many times in the episode will you hear “ying and yang”?
What is the biggest show stopping number sung by a Sidekick according to Paul?
What do you call a group of Sidekicks?
Is Disney the master of Sidekick roles?
The fascinating reality that both Lion King and Star Wars both = sidekick central
Does having more sidekick’s in your show = greater success? #fantastixsidekickquotient
How The Gansta’s Ball introduced Nicholas to Swing Dancing
What is it like to eat a doona?
The importance of acting a song
Remember Faulty Towers - it’s with a U!

Top5 – Nicholas

Patsy – Spamalot
Sipos – She Loves Me
Elder Cunningham – Book of Mormon
Leo Bloom – The Producers
Donkey – Shrek

Top 5 – Paul

Patsy – Spamalot
Sancho – Man of La Mancha
Riff Raff – The Rocky Horror Show
LeFou – Beauty and the Beast
Donkey – Shrek

Honourable Mentions

Scarecrow, Tinman and Lion – Wizard of Oz
The other Heathers - Heathers
Barnaby – Holly Dolly
The 7 Dwarfs - Snow White

SHOW NOTES

The Interactive Theatre International Dining Experience - Faulty Towers

Learn more about our guest https://www.nicholasrichard.com/

Chicken Doona Dinner recipe available when this episode hits 100 downloads, so tell your friends!

As always thank you for listening!

Love Fantastix? Support the show!

Join the conversation in our Fantastix Cast & Crew Community Group on Facebook

Follow our Facebook Page

Leave a rating or review in iTunes

Keep listening:

Subscribe via iTunes

Subscribe via Spotify

Subscribe via Stitcher

View Details

18 episodes into this podcast! Fantastic Fantastix is well and truly a teenager – so I thought it was about time to talk about Teenage musicals.

My guest today is a very talented local performer, 15-year-old Flynn Crewes. Currently assistant directing and playing the role of Scar in The Lion King Jr at The Regals Musical Society, we took time away from rehearsals to discuss the top 5 musicals for teenagers to be in. We spoke about balancing his onstage passions with all the other aspects of being a teenage school student, I find out who is Fantastic Fantastix biggest fan, Flynn gives advice to any teenagers looking to get into musical theatre and I ask him the Fantastix Fast Five. So, before my 18th episode starts ignoring me, thinks that it knows everything and sleeps in until noon – let’s talk to Flynn Crewes about the Top 5 Musicals for Teenagers to be in.

FANTASTIX BITS IN THE INTERVIEW

How old was Flynn when he first discovered musical theatre?
What is his favourite role so far?
Flynn talks about his new insights into the other side of the musical theatre world as an AD
How he stays on top of his schoolwork
When Disney tackles teenage angst
Which show does Flynn think is great for learning a variety of new skills?
Who or what is a Squip?
The teenage roles that Paul & Flynn believed should be played by adults
The highs and lows of the rock soundtrack that matches the story line perfectly
Which show contains comedy and inappropriate jokes that really appeal to high school kids?
Paul gets his teacher hat on and teaches Flynn a few things about some golden oldies
Flynn’s advice for any teenager that wants to be a performer
He scores some brownie points with the ladies in his life
Who would Flynn love to sing a duet with? This one might surprise you!

Top 5 – Flynn

13 The Musical
Spring Awakening
Be More Chill
The Little Mermaid
High School Musical

Top 5 – Paul

13 The Musical
Footloose
Hairspray
Bye Bye Birdie
High School Musical

THINGS TO CHECK OUT AFTER THIS EPISODE (SHOW NOTES)

Flynn appears next as Scar in Lion King Jnr with www.theregals.com.au

Love Fantastix? Support the show!

Join the conversation in our Fantastix Cast & Crew Community Group on Facebook

Follow our Facebook Page

Leave a rating or review in iTunes

Keep listening:

Subscribe via iTunes

Subscribe via Spotify

Subscribe via Stitcher

View Details

USA! USA! USA! Happy 4th of July. It’s Independence Day. Today’s episode is all about the great American musical. Everything in America is big and this episode is no exception.

Not only have I got my first international guest, this episode of Fantastic Fantastix is nearly an hour long. I spoke with someone who was involved with amongst others The mother of Dragons, fighting with light sabres and a wizard with a scar on his head. Bob Corff is a Broadway performer turned vocal coach and has worked with many a-list stars and on many of the blockbuster movies. We spoke about the top 5 all-American musicals, his big break at a gas station, performing as Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar, becoming a vocal coach, his favourite warm-up techniques and accents. He told me a great story about Leonard Bernstien and during the fast five he talks about being wooed for the role of Jean Val Jean on Broadway. I loved my chat with Bob Corff (A.K.A. The Voice Doctor) as we discussed the Top 5 All-American musicals.

FANTASTIX BITS IN THE INTERVIEW

What does Bob get up to on the 4th July?
Which show could Bob never tire of performing in?
What triggered the birth of vocal coaching business?
How many huge Hollywood names can Paul drop in one episode?
Oh God I Need This Job – a tearjerker
The melting pot of nationalities that makes up American Musicals
According to Bob there’s not a bad song in which show?
Why can’t we all just get along? – the underlining theme of so many musicals
The musical town Paul think’s is the epitome of the America of yesteryear?
Which musical do Bob and Paul agree is timeless and people will always get it?
Is Hamilton the new Rent? Will it stand the test of time?
Did Bob REALLY give Leonard Bernstein everything he had?
Skype working closer than any piano rehearsal room
Speaking versus singing and working with muscle memory
Be sure to listen to the whole episode and hear Bob “talk” us through an array of accents

Bob’s Top 5 All American Musicals

Hair
South Pacific
Fiddler on the Roof
Carousel
A Chorus Line

Paul’s Top 5

Oklahoma
Hamilton
Guys & Dolls
Bye Bye Birdie
The Music Man

THINGS TO CHECK OUT AFTER THIS EPISODE (SHOW NOTES)

Buy one of Bob's vocal coaching programs - www.corffvoice.com

Love Fantastix? Support the show!

Join the conversation in our Fantastix Cast & Crew Community Group on Facebook

Follow our Facebook Page

Leave a rating or review in iTunes

Keep listening:

Subscribe via iTunes

Subscribe via Spotify

Subscribe via Stitcher

View Details

Today we are talking about two very important aspects of Community Musical Theatre – Volunteers and Fundraising.

As part of our 360’ look at musical theatre, our guest is Mandy Weidmann otherwise known as the Fundraising Whisperer. Because let’s face it – without the funds there is no show. Mandy is an expert at fundraising and her website www.fundraisingdirectory.com.au is a wonderful resource that I encourage you to have a look at.

So that you can continue putting on your community theatre productions, we are discussing the Top 5 Fundraising Ideas of All Time #yourewelcome

FANTASTIX BITS IN THE INTERVIEW

Volunteer management and retention
Employing a ‘Thank You’ Sargent
Are Bunnings BBQ’s still relevant
To CHOC or not?
Wine and socks and plants, OH MY!
Bogan Bingo
Getting comfortable with Sponsorship conversations
Bieber Badgering
Wish Boards
Gaffa Tape – we know you love it!

Mandy’s Top 5

Sponsorship
Events (trivia/bingo etc)
Product drives
Raffles
BBQ or Cake Stalls

THINGS TO CHECK OUT AFTER THIS EPISODE (SHOW NOTES)

Fundraising Resources

Fantastix Community Theatre Fundraising Raffle

GET YOUR RAFFLE TICKET HERE With thanks to all our amazing friends who have donated tickets!

As always thank you for listening!

Love Fantastix? Support the show!

Join the conversation in our Fantastix Cast & Crew Community Group on Facebook

Follow our Facebook Page

Leave a rating or review in iTunes

Keep listening:

Subscribe via iTunes

Subscribe via Spotify

Subscribe via Stitcher

View Details

Today’s episode is pure evil!

We are looking at the top 5 Musical Theatre Villains. My guest today is director, performer and community theatre favourite Hannah Barn whilst she took a break from her latest project, Tarzan with Canterbury Theatre Guild. Be warned that because we are discussing villains, we will be discussing their contribution to the plot and their eventual demise which means there will be spoilers a-plenty.

FANTASTIX BITS IN THE INTERVIEW * What it takes to be a musical theatre villain * Villains, the movers and shakers of every musical theatre plot * The satisfaction of ‘just desserts’ * Is Miss Hannigan just a tired childcare worker or truly evil? * The original “dance mom” we may all recognise in our own worlds * We all love to hate them, BUT they have the best songs! * The ultimate comic villain that makes both lists * Which honourable mention should just ‘let it go’ * The longest honourable mention list yet * Which TV sitcom would have the best villain songs, according to Hannah? * Who would be eviller Voldemort or Professor Umbridge as a musical villain?

Top 5 Musical Theatre Villains (Women) – Hannah 1. Heather Chandler (Heathers) 2. Regina George (Mean Girls) 3. Velma von Tussle (Hairspray) 4. Miss Trunchbull (Matilda) 5. Miss Hannigan (Annie)

Top 5 Musical Theatre Villains – Paul 1. Gaston (Beauty and The Beast) 2. Miss Trunchbull (Matilda) 3. Patrick Bateman (American Psycho) 4. Judge Turpin (Sweeney Todd) 5. Audrey II (Little Shop of Horrors)

Honourable Mentions

Roxy Hart (Chicago)
Ursula (Little Mermaid)
Javert (Les Miserables)
Judas (Jesus Christ Superstar)
Population of Georgia (Parade)
Wicked Witch (Wizard of Oz)
And many more

Canterbury Theatre Guild – Tarzan

As always thank you for listening!

Love Fantastix? Support the show!

Join the conversation in our Fantastix Cast & Crew Community Group on Facebook

Follow our Facebook Page

Leave a rating or review in iTunes

Keep listening:

Subscribe via iTunes

Subscribe via Spotify

Subscribe via Stitcher

View Details

Today’s episode is the best dressed yet!

In our quest to give you a 360 degree look at Musical Theatre, we are discussing the Top 5 Costume and Make Up Musicals with Karen & Audrey from KazAud Creative. Best known for their stunning work with Packemin Productions, they share their insights on interpreting, designing, and creating the look and feel of a musical via costumes and make-up (incl. wigs and special effects), they offer their top 5 costume and make-up musicals, give advice to people wanting to consider a career in stage costuming or make-up and take the ever popular Fantastix Fast Five.

FANTASTIX BITS IN THE INTERVIEW

Growing use of prosthetic in community theatre
The confidence boost of costume & makeup
Audrey’s winning nod to an Aussie production over the Brits
They created HOW many Cats ?!?!?!?
Which show was a full time job for 3 months?
Who has a strong dislike of lycra and why?
Who WOULDN’T want to costume Hugh Jackman?
Which show would get the KazAud team ON stage?

Top 5 – Audrey

Wicked
Les Miserables
Love Never Dies
Phantom of the Opera
Shrek

Top 5 – Karen

1a. The Lion King

1b. Wicked

Les Miserables
Shrek
Phantom of the Opera
Beauty and The Beast

Top 5 - Paul

The Lion King
Shrek
Beauty and The Beast
Cats
Wicked/The Wizard of Oz

Honorable Mentions

Jesus Christ Superstar - Audrey
Cats - Karen
Barnum - Paul
The Producers - Paul
Peter Pan – Paul

Packemin – Mamma Mia

KazAud Creative – also on Facebook

The Regals – Cats Abridged Edition

Barnum – Australian Tour

As always thank you for listening!

Love Fantastix? Support the show!

Join the conversation in our Fantastix Cast & Crew Community Group on Facebook

Follow our Facebook Page

Leave a rating or review in iTunes

Keep listening:

Subscribe via iTunes

Subscribe via Spotify

Subscribe via Stitcher

View Details

Today's episode celebrates Mum's for Mother’s Day coming up this Sunday. Happy Mother’s Day to all the mum’s out there.

I have a very special guest. She has been involved with community theatre for over 50 years. As well as performing on stage, she has served on committee for many, many years and is a life member of The Regals Musicals Society. She raised a musical family which has been in community theatre for four generations and to top it all off – she’s my Mum! I spoke to my Mum, Cheryl Morrison, about all things Mother’s including the top 5 mother roles in Musical Theatre.

Cheryl’s Top 5

Gypsy – Mama Rose
The King & I – Anna
Mamma Mia – Donna
Fiddler on the Roof – Golde
A Little Night Music – Armfield/Egerman

Paul’s Top 5

Gypsy – Mama Rose
Les Miserables – Fantine
Blood Brothers – Mrs Johnstone
Bye Bye Birdie – Mae Peterson
Hairspray – Edna Turnblad

FANTASTIX BITS IN THE INTERVIEW

Where Paul gets his “ticketing prowess”
How many Regals Life Members are there in the Morrison Family?
How Cheryl’s musical family saw her through every mother’s nightmare (trigger warning)
The most fun songs for a mother character
Which role was Paul’s self-indulgent choice?
The sacrifices the tragic character Fontine makes for her child
How community theatre has changed over the years
The quickest comfort food answer we’ve ever had in the Fast 5
Which Show did Cheryl love so much she saw it twice on the West End
Don’t forget to tell your mum about our podcast!

Honourable Mentions

Maria – The Sound of Music
Diana – Next to Normal
Morticia – Addams Family
Mrs Banks – Mary Poppins

THINGS TO CHECK OUT AFTER THIS EPISODE (SHOW NOTES)

Ladies in Black - https://strathfieldmusicalsociety.com.au/

As always thank you for listening!

Love Fantastix? Support the show!

Join the conversation in our Fantastix Cast & Crew Community Group on Facebook

Follow our Facebook Page

Leave a rating or review in iTunes

Keep listening:

Subscribe via iTunes

Subscribe via Spotify

Subscribe via Stitcher

View Details

Today on Fantastic Fantastix - the podcast that really counts, we are discussing Aussie! Aussie! Aussie! Musicals! Aussie! Aussie! Aussie! Musicals! I spoke to the absolutely lovely Cathy Boyle about the top 5 Australian Musicals - whether it be a little battler Aussie musical or a fair dinkum international blockbuster.

So, settle back, grab a lamington and enjoy an absolute beaut countdown of the top 5 Australian Musicals with Cathy Boyle….

Cathy’s Top 5 (Little Aussie Battlers)

Keating
Ladies in Black
The Venetian Twins
The Hat-Pin
The Sapphires

Paul’s Top 5

The Boy from Oz
Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
Paris
The Hat-Pin
Evie & The Birdman

FANTASTIX BONZA BITS IN THE CHIN WAG

Cathy moving from on stage to off-stage responsibilities – She’s a little bit bossy….
Little Aussie Battlers versus Australian Blockbusters
A horrible true story that actually works as a musical
Who could have been even better than Drew Forsythe in the role of the twins (in Cathy’s eyes)???
Who is Blancha?
The joys of working on a lesser known musical
The ‘I want to do you slowly. Holy Moly.’ T-Shirt
Travelling North – The Musical, Paul Hogan – The Musical or Slim Dusty – The Musical. Any others?
“I can’t – I’ve got yoga”

THINGS TO CHECK OUT AFTER THIS EPISODE (SHOW NOTES)

Strathfield Musical Society’s – Ladies in Black. Book your tickets.

As always thank you for listening!

Love Fantastix? Support the show!

Join the conversation in our Fantastix Cast & Crew Community Group on Facebook

Follow our Facebook Page

Leave a rating or review in iTunes

View Details

Today we are discussing Mental Health with Josh Piterman. As well as being an accomplished tenor having toured with the Ten Tenors, and performed professionally in many capacities in Australia and the UK including the Drowsy Chaperone, Tony in West Side Story and most recently as Gerry in Beautiful The Carole King Musical, Josh is an ambassador for Entertainment Assist. Entertainment Assist is a national health promotion charity that raises awareness about mental health and wellbeing in the Australian entertainment industry.

We are looking at the Top 5 Musicals about Mental Health. We want to encourage open conversations in the effort to make sure that everyone within the performing arts is feeling okay and that is okay if you’re not and we are all here to support each other. However, if you do need someone to talk to urgently please phone Lifeline on 131114 for a confidential discussion.

I very much enjoyed speaking with Entertainment Assist Ambassador, Josh Piterman and I am positive that you will get something worthwhile out of it as we discuss the Top 5 musicals about mental health.

FANTASTIX BITS IN THE INTERVIEW

The Aussie stigma of “she’ll be right mate”
Remember the iceberg theory when consuming the highlight reel of social media
The role that Josh could not wait to shed for his own mental health
The impacts of comparisonitis
The disconnect of our heavily connected modern lives
Our validation addiction
Thank you Mr Einstein
Get out of your own comfort zone and ask how are you feeling right now versus how are you?
Can we get the hashtag #pitecelli to trend

Top 5

Dear Evan Hansen
Next To Normal
Be More Chill
Man of La Mancha
Sunset Boulevarde / Beautiful

THINGS TO CHECK OUT AFTER THIS EPISODE (SHOW NOTES)

Entertainment Assist

Lifeline Phone 13 11 14

As always thank you for listening!

Love Fantastix? Support the show!

Join the conversation in our Fantastix Cast & Crew Community Group on Facebook

Follow our Facebook Page

Leave a rating or review in iTunes

View Details

We’ve reached double figures – which is very exciting!

Reception of jukebox musicals has been divided. Some jukebox musicals, like the Spice Girls Musical and Good Vibrations have been critical and financial flops. Others, like Jersey Boys and Mamma Mia have been popular with both fans and critics.

In this episode of Fantastic Fantastix I am speaking with Tom Ragen. I meet Tom when we performed in Catch Me If You Can together at The Regals Musical Society where he played Frank Jr. He is part of dynamic quartet The Vallies – an all singing, all dancing tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.

A seasoned performer, vocal coach, music teacher and production and casting assistant with Celebrity Cruises, Tom has spent much of his time immersed in those Jukebox favourites that we have all grown to know and love.

So, let’s put our glad rags on, spin some 45’s and discuss the Top 5 Juke Box Musicals with Tom Ragen.

FANTASTIX BITS IN THE INTERVIEW

Beware “the watch check”
Tom’s favourite mega mix of all time
Does anyone really expect to enjoy the ‘show’ or do they only go for the music
Tom’s West End Binge
Paul’s favourite 4th Wall Break
The trashily awesome possibilities of singers/bands that should have a jukebox musical
Panto meets cruise show - “it’s behind you”

Tom’s Top 5

Beautiful
Mamma Mia
We Will Rock You
Priscilla Queen of the Desert
Jersey Boys

Paul’s Top 5

Rock of Ages
The Boy From Oz
Jersey Boys
Mamma Mia
Saturday Night Fever

Honourable Mentions

Shout
Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story
American Idiot

THINGS TO CHECK OUT AFTER THIS EPISODE (aka the 'SHOW NOTES')

The Vallies

Fantastic Fantastix Spotify Playlist

Roller Coaster Video as promised

As always thank you for listening!

Love Fantastix? Support the show!

Join the conversation in our Fantastix Cast & Crew Community Group on Facebook

Follow our Facebook Page

Leave a rating or review in iTunes

Keep listening:

Subscribe via iTunes

Subscribe via Spotify

Subscribe via Stitcher

View Details

My guest today is Tim Dennis. As well as being President of Miranda Musical Society, and Director of their current production Jesus Christ Superstar, Tim is an avid reader. I thought it would be a novel idea to talk to Tim about books more specifically about books that musicals have been based on. Tim is part of a multi generation musical theatre family; we discussed this wonderful ‘hobby’ of community theatre and the part it has played in his life. We spoke about our favourite musicals that are based on books, books that should be made into musicals and of course the ever popular fantastic Fast Five. Currently in the final week of rehearsals of Jesus Christ Superstar let’s check in with Tim Dennis, discuss the Top 5 Musicals based on books and see if everything’s alright. Yes. Everything’s fine!

FANTASTIX BITS IN THE INTERVIEW

Who was Tim canoodling with on a Barricade in Les Mis?
Paul’s one and only butch role
Which Miranda Musical Society show is frequently touted as a favourite?
Which show did Tim fall in love with, hearing just the first 3 bars of the soundtrack?
“In Bob we trust”
Which book had Tim NOT read before he saw the musical?
The top selling book of all time that did NOT make it into the Top 5
Books that Tim and Paul would love to see made into Musicals
Quotable quote “ the collaborative JOY of an all-consuming hobby”

Tim’s Top 5

Wicked
les Miserables
Into The Woods
Man of La Mancha
Oliver

5.01. Little Women

Paul’s Top 5

The Wizard of Oz
Les Miserables
Seussical
Matilda
Man of La Mancha

THINGS TO CHECK OUT AFTER THIS EPISODE (SHOW NOTES)

Tickets on sale now for Jesus Christ Superstar – directed by Tim Dennis
Miranda Musical Society – Les Miserable (coming soon)

As always thank you for listening!

Love Fantastix? Support the show!

Join the conversation in our Fantastix Cast & Crew Community Group on Facebook

Follow our Facebook Page

Leave a rating or review in iTunes

Keep listening:

Subscribe via iTunes

Subscribe via Spotify

Subscribe via Stitcher

View Details

My guest today is Wayne Scott Kermond joining me via the Fantastic Fantastix Zoom Room from Rockhampton. I really enjoyed hearing about Wayne’s journey as a performer. We covered so much more than just his Top 5 musical comedy roles for men. So let’s have a chat with one of Australia’s favourite song and dance men, Wayne Scott Kermond.

FANTASTIX BITS IN THE INTERVIEW

Surprising theatre culture of North QLD
Wayne’s performance origins
Importance of versatility
Show Business – it’s TWO words
Performing with Jon English and a host of others

Wayne’s Top 5

Tom Thumb – Barnum
Nathan Detroit – Guys & Dolls
Fagin – Oliver!
Max Bialystock – The Producers
Cosmo Brown – Singing in the Rain

Paul’s Top 5

The Gangsters – Kiss Me Kate
The Genie – Aladdin
Cosmo Brown – Singing in the Rain
Max Bialystock – The Producers
Pseudolus – A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

THINGS TO CHECK OUT AFTER THIS EPISODE (SHOW NOTES)

Kinky Boots, Rockhampton
Wayne Scott Kermond website
Into The Woods

As always thank you for listening!

Love Fantastix? Support the show!

Join the conversation in our Fantastix Cast & Crew Community Group on Facebook

Follow our Facebook Page

Leave a rating or review in iTunes

Keep listening:

Subscribe via iTunes

Subscribe via Spotify

Subscribe via Stitcher

View Details

"If music be the food of love...play on!" Dim the lights. Light some candles and enjoy this Fantastic Fantastix Valentine's Day special where we discuss the top 5 musical theatre character couples with Louise and Andrew Symes - one of Paul's favourite musical theatre couples. What makes a quality musical theatre couple? Is Andrew correct for wanting to include Valjean and Javert? Can Louise and Andrew narrow down a top 5 between the two of them? FANTASTIX BITS IN THE INTERVIEW * Journey, growth & real are key words in this one (feel free to play along a la episode #004 drinking game) * Louise & Andrew’s shared first show, the same show performed in two different locations * Before Louise realised she could sing * Favourite roles * Duo’s vs romantic couples – the criteria * Lessons in love from Eliza Doolittle * Romance and tragedy * The Le Cage Couple that Paul gets passionate about and mixes up * That time Louise played Paul’s on-stage mother * An awesome free download of our Ultimate List of 100 Musical Theatre Character Couples

Louise’s Top 5 * 5 – Edna & Wilbur (Hairspray) * 4 – Emile & Nellie (South Pacific) * 3- Yum Yum & Nankipoo (Mikado) * 2- Angel & Collins (Rent) * 1 – Aida & Radames (Aida)

Andrew’s Top 5 * 5 – Eliza & Higgins (My Fair Lady) * 4- Mable & Fredrick (Pirates of Penzance) * 3- Baker & Bakers Wife (Into the Woods) * 2-Tony & Maria (West Side Story) * 1 – Emile & Nellie (South Pacific)

Paul’s Top 5 * 5 – The Thenadiers (Les Miserable) * 4- Captain & Maria (Sound of Music) * 3- Golde & Tevye (Fiddler on the Roof) * 2- Georges & Albin (La Cage) - not Renata, Paul! * 1 – Edna & Wilbur (Hairspray)

Honourable Mentions * Cosette & Marius (Les Miserable) * Elphaba & Fieryo (Wicked) * Curly & Laurie (Oklahoma) * Belle and Beast (Beauty and the Beast) * Kim & Chris (Miss Saigon) * Gomez & Morticia (Addams Family) * Mrs & Mrs Enoch Snow (Carousel) * Seaweed & Penny, Tracy & Link (Hairspray)

THINGS TO CHECK OUT AFTER THIS EPISODE (SHOW NOTES) * Play our Musical Theatre Quiz or Download 100 Musical Theatre Couples Trivia Game * Join the conversation in our Fantastix Cast & Crew Community Group on Facebook

THANK YOU

Head over to iTunes to subscribe to the show and play the episode.

Or you can listen to the episode right here, by hitting the Play button at the top of this post. We hope you enjoy!

Thank you for listening!

Love Fantastix? Support the show!

Join the conversation in our Fantastix Cast & Crew Community Group on Facebook

Follow our Facebook Page

Leave a rating or review in iTunes

Keep listening:

Subscribe via iTunes

Subscribe via Spotify

Subscribe via Stitcher

View Details

"I know everything about the Facebook Algorithm" This episode is all about bums... bums on seats that is! That's right! F-R-E-E Free! There are so many ways you can support musical theatre without it costing you anything. By the end of this episode you could have 101 of them! Paul spoke with Michele Lansdown from Heymish PR - a marketing guru for the entertainment industry. Because whether you are a performer, producer, committee member or a member of our supportive audience you can help - and it's free! Michele even turns the tables and asks Paul the fast five - it's time to learn something about our host... FANTASTIX BITS IN THE INTERVIEW * PR 1980’s style * Half time vs interval. Crowd v Audience * Getting more Facebook fans than Kyle and Jackie O * Babs had it right * Helping community theatre can be good for small business owners * Cracking the Facebook Algorithm * Volunteer as the life blood of community theatre * Where the onion should be on a sausage sanga and crispy vs al dente bacon * The musical that featured an accidental Mr Whippy...

Michele’s TOP 5 * 5 – If you have a tickets, get people to go along with you. FILL YOUR CAR. * 4 – Take groups flyers/poster to your workplace and get them in the public eye * 3- Tell your social media peeps with a personal story or recommendation (don’t forget the booking link) * 2- Take the publicity survey seriously. Give a unique view point that an editor will notice * 1 – Put your hand up - volunteer

THINGS TO CHECK OUT AFTER THIS EPISODE (SHOW NOTES) * Download our 101 Ways to promote your show * Michele’s other episode #003 * Find HeyMish PR in the Fantastix Production Essentials Directory * If you want to make your story interesting check out 6 Tips for Writing a Press Release With Traction * Mark Gardner (Hairdressing Salon) * Tickets for Into the Woods with Bloom Creative Productions * Grab your printed marketing material from the Fantastix Production Essentials Print Shop

THANK YOU

Head over to iTunes to subscribe to the show and play the episode.

Or you can listen to the episode right here, by hitting the Play button at the top of this post. We hope you enjoy!

Thank you for listening!

Love Fantastix? Support the show!

Join the conversation in our Fantastix Cast & Crew Community Group on Facebook

Follow our Facebook Page

Leave a rating or review in iTunes

Keep listening:

Subscribe via iTunes

Subscribe via Spotify

Subscribe via Stitcher

View Details

"I gave up Mary Poppins tickets to be here" Surely there's more to Musical Theatre than Phantom, Hamilton and Les Miserables. What about the lesser known (i.e. off, off Broadway) under represented musicals that should have - nay deserve to have our attention! Luckily director, actor, committee member, graphic designer, musical theatre lover and perennial audience member, Kenney Ogilvie, has come to the rescue. Kenney discusses his highly subjective top 5 lesser known musicals that we need to know about. FANTASTIX BITS IN THE INTERVIEW * How many shows Kenney see’s each year * The furthest he has travelled to see community theatre * The not disgusting enough show of 2018 * Listening trivia night epic fail * An awesome hangover song (flash back to last episode #004) * The writers that grew up with Disney * Directing wish list for the show with 5 part male harmonies * Story time with Kenney (Deserves it's own jingle...) * A Big HINT to committees on behalf of Craig Stewart * An inspiring, wordy musical and a cautionary tale told by ghosts * The time Kenney went Swedish Chef on stage

TOP 5 – Kenney

5 – Next Thing You Know
4 –Burnt Part Boys
3- Toxic Avenger
2- I SING!
1 – Whisper House

THINGS TO CHECK OUT AFTER THIS EPISODE (SHOW NOTES) * Get tickets to see You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown with Bankstown Theatre Co * Listen to some of the songs we play on our Spotify play list * Join the conversation in our Fantastix Cast & Crew Community Group on Facebook * Community Theatre Christmas Party chat with Kenney * Matinee Cafe Marrickville * Kenney Designs in the Fantastix Production Essentials Directory

THANK YOU

Head over to iTunes to subscribe to the show and play the episode.

Or you can listen to the episode right here, by hitting the Play button at the top of this post. We hope you enjoy!

Thank you for listening!

Love Fantastix? Support the show!

Join the conversation in our Fantastix Cast & Crew Community Group on Facebook

Follow our Facebook Page

Leave a rating or review in iTunes

Keep listening:

Subscribe via iTunes

Subscribe via Spotify

Subscribe via Stitcher

View Details

"I use antlers in all of my decorating" Drinking songs are a staple in musical theatre. Large ensemble songs involving clinking glasses and stumbling around are great fun. Who better than a craft beer connoisseur, Paul Adderley, and a micro brewery owner, Paul, to discuss the best musical theatre drinking songs. Raise a glass and CHEERS!! FANTASTIX BITS IN THE INTERVIEW * Inner West the centre of the beer world * Paul’s musical theatre origins * Characteristics of a good drinking tune * ‘drinking’ ensembles * Drunken ballads and typecasting * Musical theatre fathers * Eurobeat 2020 Campaign * Les Mis drinking game * A blooper with a sausage * And only 1 dad joke (I promise)

PAUL ADDERLEY'S TOP 5 * 5 – Pour oh Pour the Pirate Sherry (Pirates of Penzance) * 4 – Oom-Pah-Pah (Oliver) with Old Speckled Hen by Morland Brewery/Greene King * 3- Gaston (Beauty and the Beast) with Kronenbourg 1664 by Carlsberg * 2- Keep on Loving You (Rock of Ages) * 1 – L’Chiam (Fiddler on the Roof) with Baltika 6 Porter by Baltika Brewery

PAUL MORRISON'S TOP 5 * 5 – Drink with Me (Les Miserable) Gavroche by Sylvestre * 4- Gaston (Beauty and the Beast) * 3- Drinking Song (The Student Prince) Paulaner Wheat Beer * 2- Oom-Pah-Pah (Oliver) * 1 – L’Chaim (Fiddler on the Roof)

Honourable Mentions

Wild Wild Party (Wild Party)
I’ll Have Another Beer (Eurobeat)
Well Did You Ever (High Society)

THINGS TO CHECK OUT AFTER THIS EPISODE (SHOW NOTES) * Spotify * Ladies in Black – Strathfield Musical Society * Tarzan – Canterbury Musical Society * Les Miserable Drinking Game * Temperance Society Summer Hill * Quarryman Hotel Pyrmont * Wayward Brewing Co

THANK YOU

Head over to iTunes to subscribe to the show and play the episode.

Or you can listen to the episode right here, by hitting the Play button at the top of this post. We hope you enjoy!

Thank you for listening!

Love Fantastix? Support the show!

Join the conversation in our Fantastix Cast & Crew Community Group on Facebook

Follow our Facebook Page

Leave a rating or review in iTunes

Keep listening:

Subscribe via iTunes

Subscribe via Spotify

Subscribe via Stitcher

View Details

Shooting guns, battling spiders, costume changes in the wings! All in a day's work for Michele Lansdown. Michele is a mainstay of Sydney musical theatre and has played many, many of the iconic female roles. She joined Paul on the Fantastic Fantastix Podcast and discussed her Top 5 favourite Female roles for the more mature performer. FANTASTIX BITS IN THE INTERVIEW * Making bold audition choices * Politically correct terminology * The mechanics of 1970’s wardrobe and fast costume changes * Sondheim melodies and morals * Discovering the future Matilda * Self-care for psychotic roles (spoiler alert) * Props training for handling guns * Bucket list roles and missing out on a role * Games nights and art classes * Jurassic spiders

MICHELE'S TOP 5 * 5 – Dolly Levi (Hello Dolly) * 4 – The Chaperone (The Drowsy Chaperone) * 3 - The Witch (Into the Woods) * 2 - Mame (Mame) * 1 – Norma Desmond (Sunset Boulevarde)

Honourable Mentions * Phyllis (Follies) * Joanne (Company) * Miss Hannigan (Annie)

PAUL'S TOP 5 * 5 – Miss Hannigan (Annie) * 4- Madame Morrible (Wicked) * 3- Mame (Mame) * 2- Dolly Levi (Hello Dolly) * 1 – Mama Rose (Gypsy)

THINGS TO CHECK OUT AFTER THIS EPISODE (SHOW NOTES) * Spotify * Find HeyMish PR in the Fantastix Production Essentials Directory * Bentspoke Brewing Company * Tickets for Into the Woods with Bloom Creative Productions * School Spectacular * Squabbalogic

THANK YOU

Head over to iTunes to subscribe to the show and play the episode.

Or you can listen to the episode right here, by hitting the Play button at the top of this post. We hope you enjoy!

Thank you for listening!

Love Fantastix? Support the show! Join the conversation in our Fantastix Cast & Crew Community Group on Facebook

Follow our Facebook Page

Leave a rating or review in iTunes

Keep listening:

Subscribe via iTunes

Subscribe via Spotify

Subscribe via Stitcher

View Details

Never work with children or animals...unless they are in one of the top 5 musicals for children to be in! Paul is joined by Emily McKnight to discuss being a children's entertainer and educator, the no-filter environment of performing for children, the benefits of having children participate in the performing arts. Being a musical theatre lover Emily will discuss her top 5 musicals for children to be in. FANTASTIX BITS IN THE INTERVIEW * How Emily Who the character came about * The challenges performing for children * Educational nature of the songs in Sound of Music * Mary Poppins Returns * The song everyone should sing * How musicals encourage kids to read * Earworms * Benefits of music and performance for children * Friendship through musicals * Emily’s dream role

EMILY'S TOP 5 * 5 -Wizard of Oz * 4 - Sound of Music * 3 - Mary Poppins * 2 - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang * 1 - Matilda

Honourable Mention

Les Miserable

PAUL'S TOP 5 * 5 - Peter Pan * 4 - Annie * 3 - Sound of Music * 2 - Seussical * 1 -Matilda

Honourable Mention

Oliver

THINGS TO CHECK OUT AFTER THIS EPISODE (SHOW NOTES)

Emily Who – Spotify and YouTube
Jays Jungle
Emma Watson’s book club - Our Shared Shelf
Join the conversation in our Fantastix Cast & Crew Community Group on Facebook

THANK YOU

Head over to iTunes to subscribe to the show and play the episode.

Or you can listen to the episode right here, by hitting the Play button at the top of this post. We hope you enjoy!

Thank you for listening!

Love Fantastix? Support the show!

Join the conversation in our Fantastix Cast & Crew Community Group on Facebook

Follow our Facebook Page

Leave a rating or review in iTunes

Keep listening:

Subscribe via iTunes

Subscribe via Spotify

Subscribe via Stitcher

View Details

Welcome to Fantastic Fantastix - the musical theatre podcast that really counts. You love musical theatre. I love musical theatre. Let's talk about musical theatre together...

Passionate for podcasts? Can't go past a good countdown? Hold onto your hat because Fantastic Fantastix has hit the airwaves.

A 360 degree look at musical theatre delivered as a Top 5 countdown on a wide range of topics from onstage, backstage, front of house and all the other aspects of putting on a production.

Here are our Top 5 Reasons you should check the podcast out

This short introductory episode looks at why we have made Fantastic Fantastix. If you love musical theatre then this podcast is for you!

Theatre in a Box Trivia Podcast: Recent Episodes

Theatre in a Box