Stars from Evita, currently playing at Arts Centre Melbourne, will perform at Home Grown’s Songbook Series at Chapel Off Chapel on Monday 25 February 2019.
Showcasing the work of a songwriters Kurt Kansley and Oliver Lidert, Melbourne boy Kansley (currently starring as Che in Evita) and American Lidert (in London’s West End playing the Genie in Aladdin) are no strangers to the stage. However, composing is their true passion.
With help from some of Kansley’s Evita cast mates, as well as both established and emerging stars of Australian theatre, this Songbook Series promises to be special.
“It is an absolute honour to be premiering some of our music in Australia and we are thrilled to have it performed by some of Australia’s best,” said Kansley and Lidert. “Australia has exceptional artists who are rarely given the opportunities that are available to performers in London or New York, the work ethic and talent here are second to none. To have these artists tell our stories and give life to our songs is a true privilege.”
Hosted by Michael Falzon (Evita, Swing on This), some of the stars performing on the night include: Tony winner Paulo Szot (Evita, South Pacific); Samantha Dodemaide (Evita, The Wizard of Oz); Alinta Chidzey (A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder, Jesus Christ Superstar); Rebecca Mendoza (Miss Saigon, FAME); Zoy Frangos (Evita, Les Miserables); Elisa Colla (My Fair Lady, Les Miserables); Cessalee Stovall (The Book of Mormon – Australia and US Tour); Rachel Cole (Matilda, WICKED); Christopher Scalzo (Evita, RENT); Georgina Hopson (My Fair Lady, Evita); Baylie Carson (Dusty, Hello, Dolly!, The Boy From Oz); and Imogen Spendlove (Our Christmas Gift).
Kansley & Lidert intend to have much of their work harvested here in Melbourne because of this city’s depth of talent. “Here and around the world we intend to break the mould, celebrate diversity and what that really means, create new stories, shake up and test old values and inspire the artists of the future,” they said.
Home Grown: Songbook Series: Kansley & Lidert
Chapel Off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel Street, Prahran
Performance: Monday 25 February 2019 – 7.30pm
Bookings: www.chapeloffchapel.com.au
For more information, visit: www.homegrownaus.com for details.
Image: Kurt Kansley and Oliver Lidert (supplied)