Ol’ Lady stages a great comeback

By Shaun Inguanzo
AUSTRALIAN singer Julie Anthony was a late withdrawal from what organisers have labelled a successful opening night of Dandenong’s Drum Theatre and Town Hall.
A superb night’s entertainment on Saturday, 11 February was kicked-off with both a symbolic and funky tribute to the theatre’s name – a mixture of bongos, drum kits and even industrial barrels – were beaten to welcome the arrival of the $13.9 million theatre complex to the City of Greater Dandenong.
Iconic entertainer Charles ‘Bud’ Tingwell then made his way on to the stage as host of the evening’s events to welcome the evening’s dignitaries, including Premier Steve Bracks, to the complex.
Greater Dandenong mayor Peter Brown was first to take the stage, announcing that the newest version of Dandenong’s Grand Ol’ Lady “heralds a new beginning for (Dandenong).”
He was followed by Mr Bracks, who provided a brief history of the town hall.
Guests were then treated to a stunning performance by recent graduates of the International Institute of Circus Arts, whose acrobatics took full advantage of the new theatre, by hanging, swinging, climbing and jumping from the side and from above the stage.
One of the evening’s showstopper performances was Chinese tenor Hao Zhou, who performed with Italian wife Nella Ortisi, covering several Chinese and Italian opera songs, including the renowned aria, Nessun Dorma.
A small intermission followed with food and drink, before headline act James Morrison, and late replacement for Julie Anthony, Silvie Paladino, took to the stage to complete the opening night.
Mr Tingwell announced Ms Anthony’s withdrawal at the beginning of the show, stating that the singer had fallen ill at the last moment.
Greater Dandenong cultural facilities director, Paul Streefkerk, was pleased with the night, and said he felt relieved that Drum staff could now focus on operating the theatre.
“Nobody makes a living out of opening theatres,” Mr Streefkerk said.
He said the first of the Drum Theatre’s Encore Morning Music Series performances, by Denis Walter, had already sold out the 530-capacity theatre, and that more than 200 bookings had been made for the year.