STAGES with Peter Eyers

Hailed by the New York Times as a soprano of “gleaming sound, free and easy high notes, agile coloratura runs and lyrical grace,” Jessica Pratt is considered one of today’s foremost  interpreters of some of bel canto’s most challenging repertoire.
She returns to Opera Australia to sing all the female leads in Offenbach’s The Tales of Hoffmann. The production was in rehearsal in 2021 when it succumbed to the force of the Covid pandemic. Fortunately for us, the production is back on track, opening at the Sydney Opera House on July 11th.
In August of 2021 STAGES shared an episode featuring the magnificent Jessica Pratt. We share it with you once again, along with a recent catch-up as she commenced rehearsals for take-2 of Offenbach’s great work.
Jessica Pratt will also take the stage in Delirio - a mind-blowing evening of cliffhangers presented in a repertoire of classic mad scenes from Opera’s great narratives.
The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).www.stagespodcast.com.au

Kanen Breen is one of Australia’s most sought-after operatic tenors and a renowned concert and cabaret artist. He made his international debut, in 2003, in the role of Rodolfo, in Baz Luhrman’s Broadway production of  LA BOHEME in New York.

He has been a principal artist for OPERA AUSTRALIA over many years singing an extensive range of roles including Camille in THE MERRY WIDOW , Nanki Poo in THE MIKADO, Truffaldino in THE LOVE FOR THREE ORANGES, Florville in IL SIGNOR BRUSCHINO, Alfred in DIE FLEDERMAUS, Monostatos in THE MAGIC FLUTE and Ralph Rackstraw in HMS PINAFORE, Sellem in THE RAKE’S PROGRESS, Marco Palmieri in THE GONDOLIERS, Dr. Caius and Bardolf in FALSTAFF, Pong in TURANDOT, Andres/Cochenille/Pittinaccio/Frantz/Nathanael in THE TALES OF HOFFMANN, Pirelli in SWEENEY TODD, Almaviva in THE BARBER OF SEVILLE, Rinuccio in GIANNI SCHICCHI, Nadir in The Pearlfishers, The Duke and Borsa in RIGOLETTO, Almaviva in THE BARBER OF SEVILLE, Count Albert in DIE TOTE STADT, the title role in ALBERT HERRING and Rev. Horace Evans in PETER GRIMES, the Sorcerer in DIDO & AENEAS and Damon in ACIS & GALATEA, Dr. Blind in DIE FLEDERMAUS, Guillot in MANON, Ramiro in LA CENERENTOLA, Count Elemer in ARABELLA, Pliable and Lord Lechery in THE PILGRIM’S PROGRESS,  Arturo in LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR, Squeak in BILLY BUDD, Vitek in THE MAKROPULOS AFFAIR and Johnny in the company’s world premiere seasons of BLISS at the EDINBURGH FESTIVAL.  His performances of Emilio in Handel’s PARTENOPE were awarded a HELPMANN AWARD.

For the STATE OPERA OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA his roles include Peter Quint in A TURN OF THE SCREW and Dr. Studz in HOW TO KILL YOUR HUSBAND. And for WEST AUSTRALIAN OPERA he appears as Cassio in OTELLO during 2023.

He was first engaged by VICTORIAN OPERA for its premiere season of THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS and has since appeared as The Beadle in SWEENEY TODD, Uncle Ernie in THE WHO’S TOMMY and the premiere season of Richard Mills’ ‘TIS PITY with Meow Meow. For OPERA NEW ZEALAND he has appeared as the Governor/Vanderdendur/Ragotski in CANDIDE.

Breen is also regularly engaged by PINCHGUT OPERA, in 2021 appearing in the title role of Rameau’s PLATÉE. His past appearances including Erice in Cavalli’s, L’ORMINDO and Arnalta/Nutrice/Famigliari in Monteverdi’s THE CORONATION OF POPPEA.

Other engagements have included the  MELBOURNE FESTIVAL‘s production of Jonathan Mills’ THE GHOSTWIFE, performances which he repeated at the Adelaide and Sydney festivals and in London at the BARBICAN’s BITE02 festival, The Witch Of Endor in the ADELAIDE FESTIVAL‘s season of the GLYNDEBOURNE FESTIVAL OPERA production of Handel’s SAUL, his performances receiving a HELPMANN AWARD and the role of Wilhelm in Tom Wait’s THE BLACK RIDER.

And on the musical theatre stage, he joined the cast of the GORDON FROST ORGANISATION‘s Australian production of CHARLIE & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY. 2023 includes the role of Dr Treves in THE MARVELLOUS ELEPHANT MAN in Melbourne.

His recent concert engagements include CARMINA BURANA with the MELBOURNE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA and the SYDNEY PHILHARMONIA CHOIR. 

The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).

www.stagespodcast.com.au

Anthony Costanzo's career as a performer spans more than 20 years. His theatre credits: How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying, Mack & Mabel, The Music Of Andrew Lloyd Webber – Masterpiece, Pinocchio, Hair, The Witches Of Eastwick, CATS – World tour – Asian Tour, We Will Rock You, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Seriously – The Petshop Boys Reinterpreted, Wicked – Australian tour Strange Bedfellows and Chess.

Anthony studied at Monash University, majoring in Classical Piano and Musical Theatre. In 1995 he won The International Year of Tolerance song writing competition and the ASA National Songwriting Contest in 1998, 2000, 2003.

In 2002 Anthony was commissioned to compose additional songs for the Australian Production of The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe. He has collaborated twice with Mary Anne McCormack, writing John & Sarah, which was short-listed for the Pratt Prize and on BOXED-IN which was produced by the VCA. Anthony also collaborated with Peter Fitzpatrick on Life’s a Circus, which was short-listed twice for the Pratt Prize, nominated for three Green Room awards including Best New Australian Musical, featured in the Short, Sweet & Song Festival and the 2008 OzMade Musicals. In 2015 Anthony and Peter wrote and produced Crossroads.  

Anthony is currently writing a personal project titled One Way Ticket and is one of the creative writing team for Midnight – The Cinderella Story, set to premiere in Melbourne in June.

The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).www.stagespodcast.com.au

With nearly 30 years’ experience and nominations for his work as both a performer and choreographer, Nathan is a driving force in the performance industry. After 14 successful years as a performer, Nathan began his transition into choreography and direction in 2006. He has since made a name for himself as a highly acclaimed and sought-after Artistic Director and Choreographer with an impressive portfolio that highlights the scope of his skill-set.
Nathan has a knack for breathing new energy into classic productions while maintaining a respectful nod to the timeless choreography that audiences love. His passion for storytelling has led him to large-scale productions where he has embraced the opportunity to create something powerful and impactful on an international platform. His talent for finding the tempo that best fits the style of the production makes him an asset to any project.
Showcasing experience in theatre, large-scale events, film and television, a few of his career highpoints include Head of Choreography and Staging Director for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, Artistic Director for both Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 4th Islamic Solidarity Games, Director of Mass Choreography for the 2014 Winter Olympics, The 40th Anniversary of Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show, High Society at the prestigious Old Vic in London’s West End, and choreographing for the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.
They are vast, varied and impressive credits in a career that continues to thrill audiences and performers alike - indicating that there is so much more stellar creation and triumphant accolade ahead for Nathan M. Wright.
The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).www.stagespodcast.com.au

Stuart Green has been a fixture around theatre foyers for over 5 decades - as the genial bar manager who attends to your cocktail pre-show and at interval …. or sometimes even post-show if the theatre allows (a disappearing culture).
Stuart commenced his career serving the clientele of Sydney Theatre in 1972 with his first shift being Opening Night of JCW’s A Little Night Music at Her Majesty’s Theatre - a treasured venue now demolished and replaced by an apartment block. 
Stuart has subsequently catered for patrons at a host of Sydney venues - the Theatre Royal, The Cremorne Orpheum Picture Palace and the State Theatre, where he now manages bar operations and leads tours of the venue. These appointments have brought a series of close encounters, witness to a changing theatre culture and opportunities to observe an abundance of shows over a 50 year period.
An avid fan of stage and screen, Stuart is a font of knowledge about all things show. His laser memory and obvious glee in sharing such information is substantial. Any detail, trivial or major, regarding film, the commercial theatre, the theatre and cinema buildings long gone, and artists & creatives who have graced our stages … Stuart is a custodian of that theatre heritage and only too willing to share. STAGES featured Stuart in our first season and it’s a delight to welcome him back to extend our knowledge once again.
The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).www.stagespodcast.com.au

Robyn Archer AO FAHA is a singer, writer, artistic director and public advocate for the arts. Winner of the Helpmann Award for Best Cabaret Performer 2013 and named Cabaret Icon at the 2016 Adelaide Cabaret Festival, she currently performs highly acclaimed recitals of French (Que Reste-t’Il) , German (Dancing on the Volcano) and American (The Other Great American Songbook) song, wrote and directed The Sound of Falling Stars (2017/18) and released her album Classic Cabaret Rarities in 2019. 

In July 2022 Robyn premiered Robyn Archer: an Australian Songbook with a two-week season for Queensland Theatre. Working with long term accordionist George Butrumlis, actor and guitarist Cameron Goodall and pianist Enio Pozzebon the show was an audience and critical success and will tour in 2023.

Robyn is recognised internationally for her expertise in the repertoire of the Weimar Republic (Brecht and his musical collaborators and others from 1920s and 30s Germany) which she has been performing through Australia and worldwide since the 1970s, including at the National Theatre, London in 1977, in Hong Kong, Honolulu, and at the Brecht Festival in Augsburg. 

Her many other stage successes include The Seven Deadly Sins which opened the Space in 1974, and one-woman shows A Star is Torn (through Australia and at Wyndham’s in London’s West End for a year) and Tonight Lola Blau both at the Adelaide Festival Centre. She has written and had produced, plays including Il Magnifico, Poor Joanna (with poet Judith Rodriguez), and Architektin; plays with music including Songs from Sideshow Alley, Café Fledermaus and The Bridge; and devised cabarets featuring her own songs and writing such as The Pack of Women, Scandals and Cut and Thrust. 

Robyn has published numerous books from The Robyn Archer Songbook to Mrs Bottle’s Burp and Detritus (a collection of her public speeches) as well as writing for the Griffith Review and the Australian Book Review. Among her many awards, including the ABR Laureate, the Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Cultural Leadership Award, the SA Premier’s Lifetime Achievement Award, the International Society for Performing Arts’ International Achievement Award and an ARIA Award for Best Soundtrack (The Pack of Women), the 2018 Adelaide Festival of Ideas Dedication recognised Robyn for her contribution to the world of ideas and public life. In the same year she also received the JC Williamson Centenary Lifetime Achievement Award. Robyn is an Officer of the Order of Australia, Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (France), Officer of the Crown (Belgium), Honorary Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities and has Honorary Doctorates from the Universities of Sydney and Adelaide as well as Flinders, Canberra and Griffith Universities and the University of South Australia. 

Robyn Archer - An Australian Songbook - commences a National Tour - kicking off in Melbourne tonight playing …. 
June 12th & 13th - Victorian Arts Centre
Adelaide Cabaret Festival - June 17th and 18th
Canberra - July 7th and 8th - Canberra Arts Centre
Darwin - August 19th and 20th - Darwin Entertainment Centre
Sydney - October 18 to 29 - Belvoir Theatre
Hobart - November 3rd and 4th - Theatre Royal
A journey through Australian music that spans 150 years, from convict lament to Kate Miller Heidke and First Nations songwriters, Robyn explores the unique sound of our country with a repertoire full of passion, politics, landscape and laughter. 
The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).www.stagespodcast.com.au

Joel Fenton is a contemporary dance theatre artist. Born in Tasmania, he completed a Master of Dance at the Victorian College of the Arts in 2017 and a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance) at Queensland University of Technology in 2010. His masters explored the process of creating and crafting contemporary dance theatre through his SITCOMS task based improvisation practice.
Joel received a JUMP mentorship in 2013, where he was mentored by Shaun Parker. This mentorship has been ongoing with Joel currently developing his skills in the roles of Project Coordinator, Tour Manager and Rehearsal Director for Shaun Parker & Company.
Since joining the company in 2015, Joel has performed in KING, Happy as Larry, Trolleys, Hover, The Box, Axle & Spin, touring extensively across Australia and internationally to Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, Austria and Germany.
Joel has also performed, taught or choreographed for Tasdance, Devize Co, Brand X, Lyric Opera, Phluxus2Dance Collective, QL2, Stompin, Arts Tasmania and several independent artists.
Joel was Artist in Residence at University of Tasmania in 2018 and undertook an Arts Tasmania Education Residency at Launceston College in 2019.
He produced Summer Solo Series in Melbourne 2012-14, Tasmanian Solo Series in Launceston 2020 and The Dance Photography Exhibition in Brisbane 2010.
The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).www.stagespodcast.com.au

It’s TONY time once again - the annual celebration of the Broadway community via their awards ceremony - The Tony’s - named after Antoinette Perry, an actress, producer and theatre director who was co-founder and secretary of the American Theatre Wing
The 2023 awards have been surrounded by some controversy as producers negotiated with the striking writers guild of America for cooperation to present the ceremony. Happily, the awards will proceed as scheduled featuring live performances but in a non-scripted format.
The televised performance is an essential marketing tool that can boost sales for those shows nominated and those that are awarded prizes. The ceremony will be broadcast on American network CBS on June 11th. The awards were postponed for approx. 18months in 2020 during the Covid pandemic which made such an event impossible. Audiences have yet to return to prepandemic levels, so such a telecast is understandably needed.
Australians are an ever growing presence on the Broadway stage and this year were are cheering for Suzie Miller’s production of Prima Facie; a play that  has taken the world by storm. After a commanding production starring Sheridan Harbridge which commenced at Sydney’s Griffin Theatre, it landed triumphantly in London’s West End starring Killing Eve’s Jodie Comer. The production won Best Play and Best Actress at the Olivier Awards. 
The production opened on Broadway in April, once again starring Comer. Once again conquering box-office and compelling audiences with its visceral storytelling. A recent announcement has informed us that the play will be adapted into a feature film starring Tony winner Cynthia Ervio.
Prima Facie is nominated in these categories at the Tonys …Best Leading Actress in a Play - Jodie Comer (first time on stage), Best Scenic Design of a Play - Miriam Buether Best Sound Design of a Play - Ben & Max Ringham, Best Lighting Design of a Play - Natasha Chivers. And Australian Daniel Edmonds is Assistant Conductor on the Best Musical nominee - Shucked!
STAGES is joined in this episode by Musical afficiando Mark Humphries who will share his experiences of the Great White Way and offer his own predictions as to where the Tony’s may land amongst this year’s nominees.
The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).www.stagespodcast.com.au

Peter Carroll’s distinguished career has spanned over 100 productions and 50 years. He continues to work in musical theatre, new Australian texts, and global classics. He has worked with the major theatre companies and commercial managements in Australia including, MTC, QTC, STC, STCSA, Belvoir, Bell Shakespeare, and Opera Australia. 

Peter began his career as a teacher (English, History and Drama) while gaining experiences in theatre work. In 1968 he went to London to study at the Central School of Speech and Drama where he topped the course. He returned to Sydney in 1970 and for three years headed the Voice and Speech department at the National Institute of Dramatic Art. During this time, he produced many plays for the students and kept up his acting work with guest appearances.

At the end of 1973 Peter decided to attempt a full-time acting career and his work since then has more than vindicated his choice. He was a founding member in the 1970’s of the Nimrod Theatre Company, performing up to seven or eight major roles a year, ranging from Shakespeare and Restoration comedy to contemporary Australian drama. He has acted for the Sydney Theatre Company from its beginnings at the Sydney Opera House.

Some of his early performances were as Benedick in John Bell’s hilarious production of Much Ado About Nothing, the dual roles of Hotspur and Pistol in Richard Wherrett’s production of Henry IV, Jesus in a Perth Festival production of The Mystery Plays of Wakefield and Thomas à Becket in a Perth Festival production of Murder in the Cathedral.

As one of Australia’s most admired and popular stage actors, he is particularly well remembered for his beautifully studied role of the Catholic priest in Ron Blair’s one-character play, The Christian Brothers, which was performed to acclaim from leading critics and audiences in all Australian capitals, numerous country centres, NZ and Riverside studios in London. In a vast career some standout performances include, Money and Friends, The Cherry Orchard, The Blind Giant is Dancing, A Hard God, Happy Days and Night on Bald Mountain. His repertoire is extensive.

His casting in the role of Juan Peron, in the musical Evita marked a return to the earliest days of his career when he sang Gilbert and Sullivan productions at Sydney University. A resume of iconic musical theatre roles have peppered his career - Sweeney Todd, Thenadier in Les Miserables, Gus the theatre cat in CATS, Bella Zangler in Crazy for You, Pilate in Jesus Christ Superstar and The Narrator in Into the Woods.
His film and television career has been extensive here in Australia and internationally. TV credits include titles such as Aftertaste, The Letdown, Bloom, and Rake. Film credits include The Power of the Dog, Sleeping Beauty, The Chant of Jimmy Blacksmith, and Crazy Rich Asians.Peter has won many awards including Green Room Awards, a Helpmann Award, a Sydney Theatre Critics’ Circle Award and an Honorary Doctorate of Creative Arts. He is the inaugural recipient of the Media Arts & Entertainment Alliance’s Lifetime Achievement Award; and he continues to be a proud supporter of the union and was awarded an AM for services to the theatre in 2021.

The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Recipient of Best New Podcast at 2019 Australian Podcast Awards. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).www.stagespodcast.com.au

Peter Carroll’s distinguished career has spanned over 100 productions and 50 years. He continues to work in musical theatre, new Australian texts, and global classics. He has worked with the major theatre companies and commercial managements in Australia including, MTC, QTC, STC, STCSA, Belvoir, Bell Shakespeare, and Opera Australia. 

Peter began his career as a teacher (English, History and Drama) while gaining experiences in theatre work. In 1968 he went to London to study at the Central School of Speech and Drama where he topped the course. He returned to Sydney in 1970 and for three years headed the Voice and Speech department at the National Institute of Dramatic Art. During this time, he produced many plays for the students and kept up his acting work with guest appearances.

At the end of 1973 Peter decided to attempt a full-time acting career and his work since then has more than vindicated his choice. He was a founding member in the 1970’s of the Nimrod Theatre Company, performing up to seven or eight major roles a year, ranging from Shakespeare and Restoration comedy to contemporary Australian drama. He has acted for the Sydney Theatre Company from its beginnings at the Sydney Opera House.

Some of his early performances were as Benedick in John Bell’s hilarious production of Much Ado About Nothing, the dual roles of Hotspur and Pistol in Richard Wherrett’s production of Henry IV, Jesus in a Perth Festival production of The Mystery Plays of Wakefield and Thomas à Becket in a Perth Festival production of Murder in the Cathedral.

As one of Australia’s most admired and popular stage actors, he is particularly well remembered for his beautifully studied role of the Catholic priest in Ron Blair’s one-character play, The Christian Brothers, which was performed to acclaim from leading critics and audiences in all Australian capitals, numerous country centres, NZ and Riverside studios in London. In a vast career some standout performances include, Money and Friends, The Cherry Orchard, The Blind Giant is Dancing, A Hard God, Happy Days and Night on Bald Mountain. His repertoire is extensive.

His casting in the role of Juan Peron, in the musical Evita marked a return to the earliest days of his career when he sang Gilbert and Sullivan productions at Sydney University. A resume of iconic musical theatre roles have peppered his career - Sweeney Todd, Thenadier in Les Miserables, Gus the theatre cat in CATS, Bella Zangler in Crazy for You, Pilate in Jesus Christ Superstar and The Narrator in Into the Woods.

His film and television career has been extensive here in Australia and internationally. TV credits include titles such as Aftertaste, The Letdown, Bloom, and Rake. Film credits include The Power of the Dog, Sleeping Beauty, The Chant of Jimmy Blacksmith, and Crazy Rich Asians.Peter has won many awards including Green Room Awards, a Helpmann Award, a Sydney Theatre Critics’ Circle Award and an Honorary Doctorate of Creative Arts. He is the inaugural recipient of the Media Arts & Entertainment Alliance’s Lifetime Achievement Award; and he continues to be a proud supporter of the union and was awarded an AM for services to the theatre in 2021.

The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Recipient of Best New Podcast at 2019 Australian Podcast Awards. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).www.stagespodcast.com.au