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Ballet Revolucion

“This is a unique opportunity to see some of the world's most talented classical and contemporary dancers from the elite companies in Cuba perform way beyond their normal repertoires. Throughout the show, the performers demonstrate their phenomenal versatility, combining styles as diverse as classical ballet and hip hop.Passion and ferocity are fundamental to Cuban dancers. They don't just dance with the music they dance inside it and this is production is uniquely Cuban. This dynamism in Cuban dance inspired Producer Mark Brady and Jon Lee to create an exciting new dance event straight out of Havana, and bring it to the world.Ballet Revolucion is a powerful blend of styles and genres set against a blend of sounds meshed with classic Cuban, modern Latin American and R&B hits by such as Enrique Iglesis, Shakira, Santana, Ricky Martin, Usher, Beyonce and many more.”

Contact: Ticketmaster - Ph: 136 100

Website: http://www.balletrevolucion.com.au

Love Never Dies

Andrew Lloyd Webber flies into Melbourne later this week – his first visit in 20 years - to see the new creative vision of LOVE NEVER DIES, his sequel to the phenomenon, The Phantom of the Opera. The most eagerly awaited musical in decades, LOVE NEVER DIES has its Australian premiere at The Regent Theatre on Saturday, May 28.And this Friday, May 20, Andrew Lloyd Webber will see the spectacular new set created for this Australian production. Shown the model of the set in London, he described it as unlike any he had ever seen — and how much the musical’s set and costume designer Gabriela Tylesova, reminded him of the young Maria Bjornson, designer of The Phantom of the Opera.On Friday he will see, for the first time, the astonishing Coney Island set. Accompanied by Producer Tim McFarlane, he will be shown around by Gabriela Tylesova and Director Simon Phillips who worked in close collaboration with her.The Phantom of the Opera opened in Melbourne in 1990. It went on to be seen by almost four million Australians and New Zealanders in a season that lasted almost eight years. The initial Melbourne season sold 1.5 million tickets.‘No other show has touched this amazing record for both Melbourne andAustralia,’ Tim McFarlane says.

Contact: 1300 111 011

Website: http://www.loveneverdies.com.au

Rock of Ages

Rock Of Ages: A loud, funny, and debauched show. Source: The Sunday Telegraph

A jukebox musical based around a string of 1980s hits by the likes of Bon Jovi, Pat Benatar, Poison and Twisted Sister?

It may not sound much chop on paper but with its hot-rocking score and tongue-in-cheek vibe, Rock of Ages is a blast.

A surprise hit on Broadway, the show has now stormed onto stage in Melbourne with a brilliantly staged, and performed, production.

The flimsy plot is pretty silly - though the show makes no bones about that. Right up top, the genial, mullet-topped narrator Lonny (Brent Hill) cheerfully informs us that they will be freely plundering rock and rom-com clich aacs. Set in 1980s Los Angeles, a greedy German developer (David Whitney) plans to clean up the Sunset Strip, which includes razing the Bourbon Room, a legendary rock 'n' roll club.

Meanwhile, shy, wannabe rocker Drew (Justin Burford), who sweeps the floor there, falls for Sherrie (Amy Lehpamer), newly arrived from Kansas with dreams of being an actress.

Will the Bourbon be saved? Will Drew and Sherrie ever get together with the sexually voracious rock star Stacee Jaxx (Michael Falzon) on the scene? It's not hard to guess where it's all going to go but it's a lot of fun getting there.

Writer Chris D'Arienzo has crafted a loud, funny, slightly debauched show that is full of self-parody, weaving songs like We Built This City, Waiting For A Girl Like You and We're Not Gonna Take It into the narrative with a knowing wit, while the designers have had great fun with the big hair, acid-washed denim, glam rock, thrash metal and general excess of the '80s.

The fabulous cast bring an irrepressible energy and warmth to skin-deep characters. In his first stage role, Burford (from rock band End of Fashion) gives a winning performance, making Drew sweetly na adive but not too gormless, while singing superbly and rocking it up in style.

Hill is also a standout as the impish sound guy Lonny, Falzon has a ball as the drug-addled, egomaniac Stacee Jaxx, and Lincoln Hall makes an unforgettable musical theatre debut as Franz, the developer's effete son, who turns out to have a sweet tooth and a soft centre.

The ensemble strut their stuff in decidedly raunchy choreography as the terrific, tight band really lets rip. What's more, the sound is excellent - there's lots of dialogue over loud music and you can hear it all.

So come on, feel the noise. Rock of Ages will rock your socks off and send you home smiling - .

Contact: info@rockofagesaustralia.com.au

Website: http://www.rockofagesaustralia.com.au

ACMI

Free admission! OPEN DAILY 10AM – 6PM ACMI, Federation Square

A kaleidoscope of colour,sound and movement Screen Hub Play classic and contemporary video games. Celebrate thelives of prominent personalities and see their treasures. Engage with stunning interactive exhibits. Screen Worlds is like nothing you’ve ever experienced before. Screen Worlds Orientation Tour Our free guided orientation tours are the perfect way to begin your Screen Worlds experience. Enquire at the Tickets & Information Desk for details.

Website: http://www.acmi.net.au

Chill On

Melbourne’s hottest attraction is as cold as Ice! Nothing works up a thirst quite like an Antarctic adventure deep in the heart of Melbourne. Enjoy a drink surrounded by more than 30 tonnes of carved ice. Everything within the Ice Lounge is made of ice – from the bar to lean against, the couch to lounge on, even the glass you drink from! Guests are provided with ski jackets, gloves and woollen boots so they are kept warm in the chilly minus 10 degree arctic environment. Stunning Arctic-themed cocktails and mocktails are served in glasses made entirely from ice, while you enjoy cool music and warm service in an environment that is truly unique. Children welcome daily from 12:00noon till 6:00pm.

Contact: 03 9663 3877

Website: http://www.chillon.com.au

The Victorian Arts Centre

Melbourne is home to the internationally acclaimed Australian Ballet as well as the countrys major opera company, Opera Australia, with the StateOrchestra of Victoria the musical force behind them both.Along with the Ballet and Opera the Victorian Arts Centre is also home to the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra who are renown for their diversity in style, performing both classical masterpieces as well as a more contemporarystyle of music. The Victoria Arts Centre is host to many other nationally and internationally acclaimed performances.

Contact: Victoria Arts Centre 9281 8000