Lion King crowns Sydney capital of theater

SYDNEY, Dec. 14 (Xinhua)-- Opening this weekend to packed houses and civic excitement, the Lion King stage production has seemingly completed Sydney's ascension as the Asia-Pacific's capital of the stage musical.

Sydney's usually dour Taxis are painted as giant Simba Lions; children are dragging about lion soft-toys and even the local government has been keen to bathe in the warm glow of popularity that the latest in a string of international productions has created in Sydney.

The locally created production of one of the world's most popular stage musicals, The Lion King, opened its Australian exclusive run this week at Sydney's Capitol Theater, seemingly crowning Sydney as a major live performance capital of the world.

A thrilled State Minister for Tourism, Events and the Arts, George Souris, told Xinhua that the show would out perform even the most successful shows to have toured through Sydney in the last years -- and that includes world-beaters like Wicked and Phantom of the Opera.

"Fans of this phenomenally successful musical, from Sydney and across Australia, have welcomed The Lion King with open arms, resulting in record breaking ticket sales," he said.

The Minister's office anticipates that the Australian production entirely exclusive to Sydney - will generate about half a million ticket sales, with around 50,000 interstate and international patrons traveling to Sydney to see the show.

The State's tourism and events unit, Destination NSW, told Xinhua that the number of visitors alone means an injection of 28 million Australian dollars into the state economy.

The Disney organization anticipates that the cumulative economic impact to NSW will be about 100 million Australian dollars confirmation that the stage musical sector is booming and only likely to grow in the coming months.

That bodes well for the launch of the musical adaptation of one of Australia's most loved and iconic films Baz Luhrmann's Strictly Ballroom, which will hit the stage here next year.

The build-up to Strictly Ballroom's long-awaited arrival has reached fever pitch after delays have pushed back the opening night because of Luhrmann's constant tweaking of his Hollywood blockbuster The Great Gatsby; and an already packed stage calendar with the two Kings -- the King Kong musical in Melbourne, and Sydney's Lion King taking precedence.

When Strictly Ballroom was released, it gained 13 Australian Film Institute (AFI) nominations, winning eight categories.

The Lion King by comparison is an international blockbuster and the highest-grossing stage show in the world, with more than 70 million people having enjoyed the musical since its Broadway premiere in 1997.

The highly-regarded live show is the winner of more than 70 major international awards including, six Tony Awards in 1998 and a Grammy for Best Musical Show Album.

Sydney's Lion King is the 22nd production worldwide and the 10th production running concurrently, the highest number in the show's history.

Certainly, this is one of the biggest productions ever to open in Sydney and the capacity of these events to drive tourism, create jobs and grow the local economy is never missed by decision makers.

Now in its 16th year, The Lion King continues to reign as a cultural phenomenon and one of the most popular stage musicals in the world.

Since its Broadway premiere on Nov. 13, 1997, 21 global productions have been watched by more than 68 million people and, cumulatively, run a mind-boggling 96 years.

Source: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/entertainment/2013-12/14/c_132967855.htm

Carols Under the Bridge 2013

An authentic carols event beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge

One of Sydney's biggest and fastest growing Christmas events, Carols under the Bridge (that's the Sydney Harbour Bridge, in case you were wondering) is a relaxed carols event that's all about the festive season. There's no celebrity host, no showbiz singers, just music, food, activities for the kids, and 4000 fellow revellers.

Kids Stay FREE at Metro Apartments Darling Harbour

The event will take place on Saturday December 14 at Bradfield Park in Kirribilli. It's organised by the local Church by the Bridge, and co-presented with Anglicare, who will be running a stall and selling candles to raise money for their Christmas appeal.

Two concerts will be taking place over the course of the day. The first will start at 5.00pm, with performances from Dave Halls Band, who are a seven-piece jazz band. While they are playing, there will be face-painting and games for the kids.

Children are encouraged to attend the event

At 7.30pm the more traditional Christmas carols concert will begin. It will run until 9.00 and everyone is encouraged to sing along to classic carols like Silent Night, The First Noël and O Holy Night. Free songbooks can be collected as you arrive.

Throughout the evening there will be food stalls selling all sorts of beverages, snacks and meals on the Milsons Point side of the event. You may also choose to get something to eat at one of the local cafes and restaurants.

If you're thinking of attending this year's Carols Under the Bridge, public transport is the recommended way of getting there, as the thousands of people who are expected to attend should make your chance of finding a place to park your car pretty slim.

Tyrannosaurs Exhibition - Australian Museum Sydney

Tyrannosaurs' is the first exhibition in the world to shine a light on this legendary dinosaur family. If you thought you knew tyrannosaurs, guess again. 

While the most famous member of this family was the mighty T-Rex, tyrannosaurs come in all shape and sizes, including Guanlong, the 'Crown Dragon' and the diminutive Dilong, the 'emperor dragon', with a skeleton that is only 1m long. 

With fossil specimens from China and North America that have never been seen in Australia and stunning life sized skeletons and models, Tyrannosaurs tells the story of this celebrated dinosaur family in a completely new way. Using cutting edge technology, 

Tyrannosaurs is the first exhibition in Australia to feature augmented reality, and hands on and multimedia experiences that will engage and excite children and adults alike. 

Tyrannosaurs tells the story of this celebrated dinosaur family in a completely new way. Using 'cutting-edge' technology, augmented reality, hands-on and multimedia experiences that will engage and excite children and adults alike.

Don't be late. Book now! Exclusive to Sydney for a limited time at the Australian Museum! Stay and see packages from $86*per person per night
From prices based on twin share midweek ticket   at 3-star property. Prices cannot be guaranteed.

Exhibition from: Sunday 23 November 2013 - Sunday 27 July 2014
Block out day applies for Christmas Day.

Don't be late. Book now! Exclusive to Sydney for a limited time at the Australian Museum!

For more information: tyrannosaurs.com.au

Where:

Australian Museum

6 College StreetSydney, 

NSW  2000 

tyrannosaurs.com.au 

Phone: (02) 9320 6000

Santa Delivers Festive Spirit to Ipswich

Santa has a chat on Saturday with excited youngsters Blaise and Corey Wyatt.

SANTA Claus made a spectacular arrival in Ipswich aboard his sleigh, pulled by real-life reindeer Vixen and Cupid. 

Hundreds of shoppers turned out to welcome Santa and Mrs Claus as they weaved their way through the Riverlink shopping centre on Saturday. 

Their arrival was celebrated with a magical parade featuring fairies, angels on roller-skates, a gingerbread man, elves and carollers. 

Families lined the aisles as the procession made its way around the centre before concluding at the Gasometer area outside Cold Rock, where children were able to pet Vixen and Cupid and the other baby reindeer. 

The parade was complemented by a Christmas elves song and dance stage show, face painting, craft demonstrations and Christmas carols. 

HO, HO, HO: Santa with his helpers and reindeer tour Riverlink Shopping Centre on Saturday

Riverlink marketing manager Robyn Bannister-Tyrrell said Santa's arrival was well received by customers.

"We wanted to get shoppers into the Christmas spirit and enjoying themselves while doing their Christmas shopping," Mrs Bannister-Tyrrell said 

She said Santa's arrival would be followed by a series of family fun and entertainment events, including carollers and visits from the man in red in the lead-up to Christmas. 


Children will be able to have their photo taken with Santa daily in the East Mall, near Medicare, until December 24.

Adrenaline Packed Holiday on Offer for SUNfest Participants

Cameron Smith, 13, Corey Stenzel, 12, Nathan Davis, 15 and Tallis Threadingham, 12.

AN ADRENALINE packed holiday adventure awaits those participating in SUNfest 2014.

The popular holiday program for youth aged 10 to 17, which is sponsored by Gladstone Regional Council,will be back with a bang in January, offering more than 50 activities to choose from.

There is plenty of action on offer with pistol shooting at Calliope and go-karting in Rockhampton, as well as the opportunity to play laser skirmish or paintball (15-17 years only).

Council's community services portfolio spokesperson councillor Maxine Brushe said the action wasn't only land based with the local waters of Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy offering plenty of fun.

"Youth can learn the basics of surfing with local surfing legend Grom, find out what all the fuss is about when it comes to stand-up paddle surfing, or enjoy a spot of kayaking," Cr Brushe said.

"Or for the ultimate adventure, there's the Overnight Escape to Awoonga Dam and Harmony Farm.

"Participants will pitch a tent and camp under the stars at Ubobo as part of this two-day adventure from January 9-10 which also includes canoeing and exploring plus horse riding, games and fun on the flying fox."

SUNfest 2014 runs from January 6-17 and once again includes activities for children aged 10-11 years in a program called Lil' Kids.

Tickets will be available for purchase from the the ticketing website www.gladecc.com.au, by phoning the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre on 4972 2822 or in person at the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre Box Office, the Boyne Tannum Community Centre, Miriam Vale Council Office, Calliope Council Office and Mt Larcom and Agnes Water Rural Transaction Centres.

Proof of a participant's age and completion of an indemnity form are part of SUNfest entry requirements.

Lion King Tickets On Sale Now!

Got tickets to the Lion King musical?  Stay close to Capitol Theatre at Metro Hotel on Pitt!

Book this Lion King Package for $260.00* per night including:

• One night's accommodation in a Superior Deluxe Queen Room
• A bottle of wine on arrival
• 2 course Pre-theatre Dinner at Palace Hotel Sydney for 2 adults
• Extended check-out to 12 noon the following day

Book this hotel package: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/254

Don't have tickets to Lion King? Get tickets now from Ticketmaster website: http://www.ticketmaster.com.au/Disney-Presents-The-Lion-King-Australia-tickets/artist/820969

See PDF for full show schedule to pick your date: Capitol Theatre Show Schedule Lion King

* * * * * * * * * *

“THERE IS SIMPLY NOTHING ELSE LIKE IT” The New York Times

Seen by over 65 million people, Disney’s landmark musical event The Lion King is a worldwide phenomenon that will redefine your expectations of theatre. Brilliantly re-imagined by acclaimed director Julie Taymor, Disney beloved film is transformed into a spectacular theatrical experience which has won over 70 major international theatre awards.

Set against the majesty of the Serengeti Plains, this breathtaking production explodes with glorious colours, stunning effects and unforgettable music including Elton John and Tim Rice’s Circle of Life, Hakuna Matata and the academy award winning Can You Feel the Love Tonight?

Wet'n'Wild Sydney CEO Chris Warhurst says Premium Tickets Are 'Good Value'

WET'N'WILD Sydney boss Chris Warhurst has continued to defend ticket prices by claiming his park offers more entertainment than a One Direction concert.

Wet'n'Wild Sydney CEO Chris Warhurst believes the $124.99 gold season pass is good value

The wave of discontent over the Prospect water park’s prices has swelled with the release of single entry ticket prices online today.

People over 110cm tall will pay $69.99 per visit and children under that height will cost $54.99 each.
While children aged three and under are free, there is currently no family pass available and tickets do not include the cost of parking, locker hire or the two pay-per-ride attractions.

Wet n Wild Sydney SkyCoaster

Last week the Blacktown Advocate’s Facebook page was inundated with hundreds of complaints about the $124.99 price tag on a premium season pass to the water park, which will open in December.

The single entry prices received an even larger reaction when posted on Facebook by the Advocate earlier today.

“That's ridiculous. To get my family in it will cost us $340 – not going to happen,” Yvonne Cole said, echoing the thoughts of many who responded.

Wet'n'Wild Sydney CEO Chris Warhurst, who earlier this week was forced to defend the cost of the gold season pass, said the single entry pricing was reflective of the quality of the entertainment on offer.

Wet n Wild Sydney is still under construction in Sydney West. Its a huge construction site with workers and large machinery assembling the rides, it can be seen from M4 motorway.

“If you go to a One Direction concert or a Taylor Swift concert you pay more than $100 a ticket and you only get 90 minutes of entertainment,” he said.

“Here at Wet’n’Wild we are offering world-class entertainment and you can stay all day.

“Our pricing is in line with the world-class water park we are building, the likes of which has never been seen before.”

Mr Warhurst also indicated the single entry pricing mirrored that of the theme parks on the Gold Coast.
On social media many people continued to respond it would be more affordable to head to Queensland, with unlimited access to Movie World, Sea World and Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast priced at $100.

Others said they would be taking their families to Jamberoo Action Park where a season pass costs just $90.