Boy from Oz Still Calls Australia Home
The world amateur premiere of home-grown musical ‘The Boy from Oz’ has successfully brought Broadway to the suburbs.
The Sutherland Entertainment Centre was awash with glitter and sequins last week as the Miranda Musical Society performed six sell-out performances of the much-loved bio-musical about the singing, dancing and camel-riding showman Peter Allen.
Penny Dunn, publicist for the non-profit community organisation, played a leading role in the production as a perky Liza Minnelli.
“We are extremely proud of the production. It definitely exceeded our expectations,” Miss Dunn said.
“Doing the world amateur premiere of this show was a little bit daunting because we really wanted to do the show and the people it portrays justice. I believe we did this and more.”
Miss Dunn said the highlight of the production for her was standing in the wings and hearing the massive audience every night applaud as soon as the lead, Gavin Leahy, came out and said: “Good evening Sydney”.
This was Leahy’s debut production with Miranda Musical Society but the 27-year-old hairdresser and group fitness instructor was not fazed about following in the footsteps of former ‘The Boy from Oz’ leads Hugh Jackman and Todd McKenney and stepping into the famous shoes – and sequins – of the man whose personality was almost as cheery as his trademark Hawaiian shirts.
“I was honoured to be a part of this theatrical event,” Leahy said.
“Peter Allen and his tragic but inspiring story is testament to what can be achieved when you are prepared to have a go.”
The Miranda Musical Society’s next production will be Stephen Sondheim’s ‘A Little Night Music’ June 13-22 at the Sutherland Memorial Arts Theatre. For bookings call (02) 8814 5827.
Uncategorized | Comment (0)Hope is where the Heart is
Sutherland Shire teachers have united with their Rwandan counterparts to restore the education system in the strife-torn African country.
Rwanda, a nation encumbered by civil war in the past, is still suffering the devastating impact of poverty today.
However, individuals, volunteers, organisations and governments are helping to restore Rwanda and its people through several ongoing projects, such as education, aimed at implementing the initial vision of Hope Rwanda “100 days of Hope” in 2006.
Hope Rwanda Education Team coordinator and Shire resident Michelle Shaw said education is the key to breaking the poverty cycle but only 13 per cent of Rwandan students go to secondary school.
“If a Rwandan student fails final secondary exams, they are often immediately employed as a teacher with little extra training, facing class sizes of over 70 students on average,” Mrs Shaw said.
While Rwanda has moved forward, the depth of the conflicts in 1994 have left an indelible imprint of suffering and pain.
“Current Rwandan teachers are often child survivors of the genocide, having faced severe trauma and dislocation,” Mrs Shaw said.
“With poor pay, feelings of failure and minimal classroom management skills, Rwandan teachers are discouraged and often leave the profession.”
Hope Rwanda Education Team is working in partnership with the Rwandan Ministry of Education to build capacity in Rwandan primary and secondary teachers through in-service training.
“Our volunteers seek to stand alongside Rwandan teachers, reaffirming that they are integral to the nation’s economic and social development, and indeed, more precious than gold,” Mrs Shaw said.
In a show of practical support, last week local teachers, residents and community groups got behind the 2008 Inaugural Walk of Hope, an 18km journey from Menai to post-event celebrations at Dunningham Park, Cronulla.
The walk raised over $11,000 to help support the training of teachers in Rwanda and increased awareness of the plight of the troubled nation.
Illawong Primary School teacher and participant Taryna Melville said: “The international community may have turned its back in the past, but now we have the opportunity to make a difference.”
To be a part of this project contact the Hope Office on 9659 2553, or email michelle.shaw@woodsshaw.com.au
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