The Addams Family to Premiere In Sydney

Minister for Major Events, George Souris, today announced that The Addams Family, Broadway’s Smash Hit Musical Comedy, will make its Australian premiere in Sydney in March 2013 at the Capitol Theatre.

Minister Souris said securing The Addams Family premiere demonstrates Sydney’s re-emergence as the number one city for first run musicals.

“As the preferred location to open this world-class musical in Australia, this is a clear vote of confidence by the producers in Sydney as a major events destination,” Mr Souris said.

The Addams Family opened at Broadway’s Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in March 2010 and immediately became one of Broadway’s biggest hits. In fourteen months the show has grossed over US$62 million and is consistently among Broadway’s top grossing shows each week.

Minister Souris said pursuing major events is key to rebuilding the NSW economy, a strategy that includes Sydney attracting the finest in musical theatre.

“We are seeing producers embrace our city for their shows which are once again becoming an essential part of the Sydney visitor experience.

“Bringing these musicals to life requires a joint effort and we are working harder than ever with Sydney theatre owners and the City of Sydney to further improve our standing in this area,” he said.

Events NSW estimates that internationally renowned musicals can generate around $3 million per month in new money for the State or almost $20 million in direct economic impact over a 6 month run.

The Addams Family Australian Producer, Rodney Rigby, said the show would bring audiences from across Australia and New Zealand to Sydney, with the Harbour City the obvious choice for the premiere.

“When I saw The Addams Family on Broadway, I knew that Sydney was the perfect city for its Australian premiere, so much so that the Capitol Theatre could have been designed by Charles Addams himself,” Mr Rigby said.

Minister Souris has long advocated that Sydney, as Australia’s global city, must have world class entertainment for locals and visitors on the NSW events calendar, in order to fill our hotels and boost our tourism industry.

“We look forward to working with producers Rodney Rigby together and Stuart Oken to put on a long and successful run for this great show.

“This is the start of a new run of musicals for Sydney and NSW. In addition to the recent and highly successful Doctor Zhivago, Sydney will also host the premiere of Legally Blonde in June 2012.

“These premieres will add to a diverse range of world-class productions already showing in Sydney, including Mary Poppins and Jersey Boys.

“The Government will be making more major announcements in the very near future on major first run musicals to premiere in Sydney,” he said.

(Source: Travmedia.com 19th May 2011)

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Ballets Come with a Little Cut and Thrust

The first, Checkmate, features the swords and comes from Dame Ninette de Valois. She was born in Ireland in 1898 – giving herself the French-sounding name while a teenager – and went on to found a London ballet school that was the precursor to the Royal Ballet School. Her Sadler’s Wells Theatre Ballet toured to Australia in 1956, sowing the seeds for what would become the Australian Ballet. She gifted Checkmate to the Australian Ballet in 1986. Her dramatic, expressionistic 1937 work danced upon a chessboard stars the duplicitous Black Queen who leaves a trail of death and destruction in her wake.

Concerto is from the Scottish-born Sir Kenneth MacMillan - he wrote to Dame Ninette at age 15 using his father’s name to score a place in her ballet school. His 1966 work, danced to Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No 2, is considered technically fiendish. “It’s an extraordinarily taxing ballet,” says McAllister. “He put in all these really, really hard steps. It’s a beautiful piece of music – quite glorious – but it’s tricky with these quite intricate rhythmic patterns.”

Christopher Wheeldon created After the Rain in 2005 for the New York City Ballet. Continuing the intergenerational thread among these choreographers, Sir Kenneth once gave Wheeldon inspirational advice: “You seem to have some talent for choreography; you should take every opportunity you have to practice it and make ballets.”

Wheeldon took Sir Kenneth’s advice to heart. Today, he’s still just 38 but is considered one of the world’s best choreographers. “His work looks contemporary but it’s so timeless,” says McAllister.

For those ballet aficionados wondering what might be in store for the company’s 50th anniversary next year, McAllister says: “Next year is the year – we’ve got a mixture of heritage, new and important works.” All will be unveiled in August.

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Katy Perry Set to Play the Logies

THE list of nominees for this year's Logie Awards is pretty bland, but we can reveal that at least the night will start with a bang.
Katy Perry is confirmed to open the awards ceremony at Melbourne's Crown Casino complex on May 1, performing her chart-topping hit Firework.

Perry will be in Australia as part of her California Dreams World Tour, with sold-out performances at the Sydney Entertainment Centre on May 4 and 14.

Classical music superstar Andre Rieu is tipped to attend the Logies, with 'tween heartthrob Justin Bieber also in Australia.

Shane Bourne will be the host, and awards will be presented by Chris Lilley, Karl Stefanovic, Sarah Murdoch, Lisa McCune, Deborah Mailman, Shane Jacobson and Megan Gale.

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Come face to face with the legendary terracotta warriors in Sydney this summer

One of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the twentieth century, the guardian warriors of China’s first Emperor have captivated audiences around the world.

Discovered by villagers in 1974, this vast underground army was created to protect the tomb of the first Emperor of China, Qin Shihuang (221-220 BCE) in readiness for the afterlife.

The First Emperor: China’s entombed warriors brings to Australia over 120 objects, featuring ten terracotta warriors including foot soldiers, generals, kneeling bowmen and horses. Normally viewed at a distance, this is a rare opportunity to examine the details and intricacies of these iconic figures.

Rare and precious ceremonial bells and daggers, ornamental jade and brass, pottery and ceramics, and significant recent finds also discovered in the Emperor tomb complex will be on display alongside the warriors.

The exhibition reveals the fascinating story of a key figure in world history, who unified China, leaving a legacy that has lasted over 2000 years.

Drawn from institutions in Shaanxi province, including the Museum of Terracotta Warriors and Horses of Emperor Qin Shihuang.

Bon Jovi Concert at Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney Events

Global Rock icons, Bon Jovi, return to Australia in December with a series of gigantic stadium shows as part of The Circle world tour.

Bon Jovi will play Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane. Tickets will go on sale on Thursday 8 July.

The Circle tour will see the band spend much of the next two years on the road, performing a staggering 135 shows in 30 countries. This brand new stadium stage production coming to Australia is one of the biggest sets ever to be seen in this country. Powered by 800,000 watts of sound and containing close to 10,000 pounds of high definition video technology, it will blow fans away!

Having sold more than 120 million albums and performed more than 2,600 concerts in over 50 countries for more than 34 million fans, Bon Jovi is at their best when they’re on the move, and that’s truer now than ever before.

The November 10th, 2009 release of Bon Jovi’s new album, The Circle, and the band’s subsequent world tour, provides a powerful reassertion of Bon Jovi’s commitment to the hard-hitting rock and roll that has been the band’s indelible signature since it began more than 26 years ago.

Bon Jovi has established themselves as one of the world's most dynamic live rock acts, Jon Bon Jovi said recently “I put out as much for 50 people as I will for 60,000. You want to be great every night. Every time you step in front of the microphone and pick up a guitar you want to be the best that you can be”.

Step into The Circle, don’t miss Bon Jovi live in Australian in December.

Visit BonJovi.com/Tour for more ticketing and VIP Package information.

When: Evening Friday, 2010/12/17
Where: Sydney Football Stadium - , Sydney, NSW Australia
Cost/Tickets: $ -
Search 4 Tickets, Seating, floorplan
Friday 17 December 2010

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Rock Me Package At Metro Hotel Sydney Central

Metro Hotel Sydney Central, perfectly located opposite the Capitol Theatre in the heart of Sydney’s entertainment district, is offering a very special ‘Rock Me’ package for $169.00*.

The "Rock Me" package comprises of:

One night’s accommodation in a superior room
Buffet breakfast for 2 people in Indigo on Capitol
$30.00 drinks voucher at Paddy Maguires pub (located directly opposite the Metro Hotel); ideal location for pre or post show drinks
Extended check-out till 12 noon
Valid from September 01st – December 30th 2010

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Sydney hosts Golden Oldies stars

Tourism NSW’s Manager of International Operations, Ian Cameron, is on an all-star team, the Gentleman of Sydney, this week at the 18th Golden Oldies World Rugby Festival 2010 with matches being played at Centennial Park. Former Wallaby Mark Ella AM is Festival Ambassador and captain of the team that includes former Wallaby greats David Campese, Simon Poidevin, Gary Ella and Glen Ella. Other former international players such as Robbie Deans and John Freeman are also participating.

Mark Ella said Sydney was an ideal host city for the event. “All the players have enjoyed the festival so far. The excellent facilities meant the parade and functions were fantastic,” he said. Former British Lion and Scottish legend Scott Hastings said it had been great to meet friends from around the world. “The camaraderie and friendship is amazing especially playing alongside guys we used to play against,” he said. Around 4,000 people including players are partners are attending the festival in Sydney this week. Ian is a member of the Sydney Organising Committee.

(Source: INSIGHTS 29th September 2010)

Luna Park celebrates 75 years - Sydney Tourism News

Luna Park, Sydney’s iconic amusement Park, has announced a line up of activities to celebrate its 75th anniversary to take place during the Spring School Holidays (Sept 25th – Oct 10th). To celebrate 75 years of history and fun, Luna Park have launched a ballot on www.lunaparksydney.com and is inviting Australians to register online for their chance to win limited tickets to the Park’s celebrations, including, a John Farnham concert, live in the Big Top and free rides all day on Luna Park’s 4th October birthday. Everyone who registers online will also receive a $15 off voucher for any Unlimited Rides Pass purchased throughout the Spring School Holidays.

AFTER three decades as one of the world's most renowned comedians, Robin Williams will finally embark on his first ever stand-up comedy tour of Oz

The Weapons of Self Destruction tour will play arenas in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

The Oscar-winning star of Good Will Hunting and Insomnia has been a frequent visitor to Australia to promote films but he has only ever performed a couple of one-off club shows here, including an impromptu performance at The Sugarmill in Sydney in February.

Earlier this year, Williams, 59, created a storm of indignation after joking that Australian’s are “basically English rednecks” on the Late Show with David Letterman.

Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd shot back that Williams should “spend a bit of time in Alabama” before calling other people rednecks. Mr Rudd’s widely reported comments sparked anger in America’s southern states.

“That was pretty bizarre,” the comedian told the Herald Sun.

“I was like: Wow! I’ve started an international incident! I don’t want to cause a war between Alabama and Australia – please no!”

Williams said Australia was “an amazing country” and he’d meant no offence.

“I was talking about the accent, not talking about a state of mind,” he said.

The comedian said he’d decided to finally tour Australia after taking his show to every other major English speaking territory in the world.

“You’re the last frontier!” he said. “So that’s the best place to go.”

The Weapons of Self Destruction tour played more than 100 cities in the US, Canada and the UK during 2008 and 2009, with tickets frequently selling out in a matter of minutes.

The tour had to be temporarily postponed in March last year while the comedian underwent heart surgery to receive a transplanted aortic valve from a cow.

“I feel a lot better,” he said. “It’s me 2.0!”

A HBO broadcast of Weapons of Self Destruction, recorded in Washington last year, has been nominated for three Emmy awards.

Promoter Paul Dainty, Chair of Dainty Consolidated Entertainment, said he had first made Williams an offer to tour in 2002, when the comedian returned to stand up after a 16 year break. He said he'd chasing him ever since.

“I must have asked him 50 times,” he said. “He’s true comedian’s comedian and his tour was one of the hottest tickets in America.”

Tickets go on sale at midday on September 2 with prices yet to be announced. Dates as follows:


- November 4, Brisbane Entertainment Centre, www.ticketek.com.au

- November 7 and 8, Melbourne, Rod Laver Arena, www.ticketek.com.au

- November 11 and 12, Sydney Entertainment Centre, www.ticketmaster.com.au

Looking for Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane Accommodation? Metro Hotels have ideal accommodation.

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Ash means cash for hotel industry (Sydney Hotels)

Travellers say hotels are cashing in on the hundreds of thousands of airline passengers stranded around the world as clouds of volcanic ash keep airspace closed over Europe and the UK.

Tourists stranded in Singapore, en route to the United Kingdom and Europe, say they are looking at paying at least $300 more than the normal rate for a one night hotel stay.

And that is if they can find a hotel with a vacancy.

Kate Edmondson was set to fly from Sydney to Dublin via Singapore on Thursday. She told ABC News Online she has made it as far as Singapore and will be kicked out of her hotel this afternoon.

Ms Edmondson says she is frantically trying to find somewhere else to stay.

"I've got a few leads with people and I've got my friends and family and the church in Australia trying to find me somewhere," she said.

"I think it will be resolved but it is scary to know in half-an-hour I'm going to go and sit down in the lobby for a while and think about what I'm going to do."

Ms Edmondson says competition for hotel rooms is fierce.

"I lost an opportunity this morning when someone offered me a room for $300 above the rate and it was a case of she who hesitates is lost," she said.

"I lost that room and once I rang back it was all gone. I really should have taken that room.

"I just wasn't sure about my travel insurance and I hesitated because I thought 'oh you're ripping me off' and instead of facing the reality of that's the position I'm in, I hesitated and I didn't take it."

Read FUll Story HERE

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Sydney leading the way in hotel occupancy rates (Sydney Tourism News)

Sydney is leading the recovery in hotel occupancy rates as room supply remains tight. Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show a strong rebound in the December quarter.
Industry advisers Dransfield Hotels & Resorts said results were well above expec-tations and confirmed “the economic tide has turned.” The key figure, revenue per available room or revPAR, fell 2.3 per cent nationally but this was much less than Dransfield and other analysts had expected.
In Canberra, revPAR actually increased, by 5.1 per cent, and also in Sydney, (2.6 per cent)and on the Gold Coast (0.8 per cent). Sydney was the industry’s best performer with hotel occupancy for the quarter reaching 86.8 per cent.

CeBIT Australia is the most influential event of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region

CeBIT Australia is the most influential event of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region

CeBIT is the must-attend event for over 550 premier exhibitors and 37,000 highly-qualified delegates. Don't miss your opportunity to get advance recognition of new technologies transforming entire industries. Access the most comprehensive profile of industry, commerce and services leaders and decision-markers, from Australia and overseas.

When: 24-26 May 2010
Where: The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre



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New Images of Metro Apartments on King (Sydney CBD Apartments)

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Whether visiting Sydney to see a show, enjoy a dinner, attend a sporting event or simply to enjoy an overnight stay in a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Sydney's CBD, Metro Hotel on Pitt, is an ideal, affordable accommodation choice for business and leisure visitors to the city.

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Coming Events at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre

Three Great events coming up in Sydney

Furniture Fair - 3-5 February 2010

Fashion Exposed - 14-16 February 2010

Reed Gift Fair - 27 February- 3 March 2010

View the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre website

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