Featuring the work of over 100 Artists, who have contributed their talent to celebrate the breadth, depth and diversity of Australia’s performing arts industry, Return is an original song written to boost the spirits of the industry whilst raising funds for the Wilin Centre for Indigenous Arts and entertainment benevolent funds across Australia.
Written by Australian Composer/Lyricist Jess Newman, Return features he lead vocals have been recorded by notable International and Australian performers such as Arielle Jacobs (currently starring as Jasmine in Aladdin on Broadway), Ainsley Melham (currently starring as Aladdin on Broadway), Tim Omaji (In The Heights, Fame, Madiba the Musical), Ruva Ngwenya (We Will Rock You, Madiba the Musical, Beautiful), David Harris (Miss Saigon, Wicked, Legally Blonde), Jemma Rix ( Ghost, Frozen), and Laura Murphy (Muriel’s Wedding, Grease).
“The song was written as an anthem dedicated to our industry and all the remarkable artists who inspire and teach me daily,” says Jess Newman. “It has been a difficult year for us all, but this has been a great opportunity to rally and manifest a sense of community amongst artists during a period of struggle for the industry.”
“I hope people listen to the song and feel the warmth, vibrancy and beautiful diversity of our community, and can begin to look forward to a time when we can bring that energy to audiences again,” she says.
The project was produced by Neil Gooding Productions and orchestrated/mixed by Isaac Hayward. The music video, recorded completely in isolation, is directed and choreographed by Luca Dinardo (West Side Story, Bring It On), and includes an extraordinary troupe of dancers, backed by a choir of over fifty Australian performers.
“This project was a beautiful opportunity to shed light and hope over our industry and restore faith in the hearts of all artists, that we will in the future,” said Director/Choreographer, Luca Dinardo.
CREATIVES:
Director / Choreographer: Luca Dinardo Music and Lyrics: Jess Newman Orchestrator: Isaac Hayward Editor: Steve Khoury Additional Footage: James Terry Collective Producer: Neil Gooding Productions
SINGERS:
Tim Omaji, Ruva Ngwenya, David Harris, Ainsley Melham, Jemma Rix, Arielle Jacobs and Laura Murphy
CHOIR:
Tahra Cannon, Elise Muley, Taylor Penrose, Sarah Krndija, Bianca Baykara, Stephanie Adams, Baylie Carson, Shannen Alyce Quan, Katie Weston, Patrick Conolly, Ed Deganos, Tom Kantor Du Toit Brendenkamp, Adam Canny, Jake Gardner, Wendy-Lee Purdy, Montana Tonkin, Zule Khan, Tayla Jarrett, Belinda Jenkin, Emily Thompson, Jessica Velucci, Jessica Condon, Allie Bizzanelli, Imogen Moore, Sherry Watson, Tamara Lee Bailey, Juan Gomez, Connor Sweeney, Lachlan Griffith, Sam Harmon, Ethan Taylor, Felicity Amos, Rosie Daly, Georgia Gourlay, Chris Pappas, Haji Myrteza, Michael Paton, Kiana Krizak, Taylor Swan, Laila Sabir, Hannah Mackay, Sam Hamilton, Jessica Ellis, Simon Buchner, Louise Butler, Kirralee Hiller, Jody Hooker, Kate Carey, Jadd Munzer and Thomas McGuane
DANCERS:
David Sirianni, Tarik Frimpong, Melissa Pham, Elandrah Feo, Marty Alix, Sheridan Anderson, Neville Parry, Tigist Strode, Noah Missell, Ashleigh Kiven, Liam Kocijan, Katrina Bickerton, Stefan Lagoulis, Shay Debney, Mietta White, Brett Fisher, Luca Dinardo, Sian Kelly, Maddy Rose Smith, Olivia Carniato, Daisy Calnin, Kyla Bartholomeusz, Rune Nydal, Celina Yuen, Tom New, John Reed, Romy Vuksan, Jamie Winbank, Freya List, Sebastian Johnston, Angelina Thompson, Emma Russell, Jazz Miller and Ben Scarmozzino
In this challenging time our actors, singers, dancers, creatives and technicians need your financial assistance to survive. Your donation will be distributed across the Actors and Entertainers Benevolent Funds, Trusts and organisations around Australia and the Wilin Centre for Indigenous Arts.
Return will be available to stream on Spotify. For more information and to make a donation, visit: www.abfnsw.org for details.
Image: The Cast of Return (supplied)