Erin James

Erin James

Keep Calm and Get Your Theatre On

Keep Calm and Get Your Theatre On

Is it possible that people involved in theatre are slightly dramatic, on occasion? Do you think? In my experience, theatrical folk often are over-the-top and heightened in their reactions to events for which the ‘general public’ wouldn’t even bat an eyelid. The release of an Audra McDonald album or the lead…

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Erin James

Wizard of Oz in Under 5 Minutes

A good friend of mine sent me this video today — and I thought I would share it with you. I was transfixed for four minutes, listening to all the snippets of sound I recognised from the wonderful MGM movie The Wizard of Oz in this very clever remix and…

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Erin James

Betcha Bottom Dollar

Betcha Bottom Dollar

The Melbourne Cup is over for another year, and in the wake of the hype, colour and excitement of this year’s Spring Racing Carnival I began to ponder how Australia responds to theatre in comparison to other forms of entertainment. Despite my deep seated theatrical bias, I know (and love,…

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Erin James

Thank God it’s Ear

In 2007 I took a trip to New York to study music theatre on a scholarship. For the better part of a month, I saw Broadway shows, worked with composers, musical directors, acting coaches, vocal coaches and soaked up the atmosphere of the city that never sleeps. My two touring…

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Erin James

Theatre’s Code Of Ethics

Theatre’s Code Of Ethics

I happened upon a 1945 Code of Ethics for Theatre Workers recently and I couldn’t help but think about how the unspoken “rules” set out in this 55 year old document have shaped the theatre world in which I live and how, even to this day, most people I know…

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Erin James

The New World

The New World

A new world calls for me to follow  A new world waits for my reply  A new world holds me to a promise  Standing by, standing by …. I was listening to the opening from Jason Robert Brown’s Songs For A New World and I couldn’t help but link the lyrics with…

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Erin James

A Storm Is Brewing

Performers gather at Equity’s Sydney offices to show their concern about the Government’s proposed changes to the Foreign Actor Certification Scheme Guidelines. Photo by Peter Ross

Today, I write on a subject, about which I am extremely and profoundly passionate: Australia and Australians in the Arts. No, this is not a ‘patriotism’ column. I’m not about to hark on about singing the national anthem at every theatrical event (although, kudos to Kookaburra for giving that idea a…

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Erin James

Not Exactly Romeo

Paul Fujimoto

While looking for a new musical to feature this week, I stumbled across a composer from New York City called Paul Fujimoto (pictured). After listening to some of his music online, (namely a musical he has written called Not Exactly Romeo) I decided to feature him in my next column. I…

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Erin James

The Book Of Mormon: Beyond Belief

The Book Of Mormon: Beyond Belief

Following their enormous success at the 65th Annual Tony Awards last week, I thought it more than apt to feature The Book Of Mormon as my top “Must Listen” new musical pick this week. As if 9 Tony Awards wasn’t enough, The Book of Mormon has broken records beyond belief! This week, the Original Broadway…

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Erin James

Musicals You Must Listen To

Musicals You Must Listen To

It’s been a while since I have had a new “shhh, don’t talk to me, I’m listening to a show” musical to listen to, and I must admit: I am ashamed of myself. Gone are the days when we had to wait months or even years to hear a new…

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