Almost impossible to
belief that the 35th Sydney Mardi Grass festival is about to begin.
This year the program leans more to the quality than content trend with
favourites returning and some exciting shows playing for the first time.
I’m excited and
looking forward to three weeks of fabulous GLBT slanted culture. For all the
details visit www.mardigras.org.au or
pick up one of their cute little programs and get out and enjoy.
What am I looking
forward to the most you ask – well this is my five must see for 2013.
Hats Off
Leading the start of the festival is one of my
all-time favorites and never to be missed - Hats Off! This wonderful gala variety of musical
theatre and cabaret stars gathers to raise funds for the fight against HIV/AIDS
and since 1997, Oz Showbiz Cares / Equity Fights AIDS Inc. have raised over
$750,000. Since 1997, Oz Showbiz Cares / Equity Fights AIDS Inc. has raised over
$750,000 for critically needed services for people with AIDS, HIV and
HIV-related illnesses. Since 1997, Oz
Showbiz Cares / Equity Fights AIDS Inc. has raised over $750,000 for critically
needed services for people with AIDS, HIV and HIV-related illnesses.Since 1997, Oz Showbiz Cares /
Equity Fights AIDS Inc. has raised over $750,000 for critically needed services
for people with AIDS, HIV and HIV-related illnesses.
This year is just bound to be special featuring the
iconic, timeless and landmark sounds with Hats
Off! to the Classics. Including hits from Motown, Disco and every Broadway
show, Hats Off! to the Classics promises
to be a dream evening for everyone who enjoys the delightful world of musical
theatre.
Expected to appear this year are David Harris, Josie
Lane, Stephanie Grigg, Deborah Krizak, Monique Salle, Fiona Sullivan, Tom
Sharah and of course the always wonderful, Garry Scale. Topping the bill is
theatre royalty Nancye Hayes and Toni Lamond with classic Broadway showstoppers.
Taking host duties this year are the fresh and fab
Chloe Dallimore and Josh Horner and along with the shows ambassador, winner of
Channel 10's I Will Survive Mike
Snell the lineup promises to kick the festival off with one huge bang of
celebration.
Tina Arena
After four sold-out performances in Sydney last year,
Tina Arena is returning to the Mardi Gras Festival for an encore performance
with her Band and the magnificent Sydney Symphony conducted by young Melbourne
conductor Nicholas Buc.
Tina Arena is one of our most successful international
recording and performing artists with a career spanning four decades and
millions of album sales worldwide; at this show she sings all her hits and a
few wonderful standards.
Tina is once again joined on stage by Anthony Callea,
Aria Award winner best known for his record breaking single The Prayer, who
will sing two outstanding duets, including The Prayer with Tina.
Tina Arena has been a long time friend of the Sydney
GLBT community and has performed at many of our celebrations including several
of the Post Parade parties, Sleaze Ball’s and the closing of the Gay Games
celebrations. She will be the perfect headliner for this our anniversary
festival.