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Thursday, 20 February, 2014 Page 17
What’s On Queens of the Outback hit stage LET the sequins fly free, the Queens of the Outback are coming to town. Fresh from a two-year stint working as a choreographer at the Venetian Casino in Macau, the multi-talented Simon Vowles has come up with a show inspired in the tradition of Priscilla Queen of the Desert and To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything but with a twist this is a mash-up musical. Producer, creator, choreographer and performer Simon Vowles - along with promoter Andrew Malouf - has been working solidly on the concept for the past nine months, penning the story, organising the soundtrack and the musical mash-up, casting the perfect performers for the roles and much more. No stranger to working on massive shows - Simon has previously been involved with Time Warp, Westside Story, Chicago and Grease - this was the first time he had undertaken all the roles, at once, by himself. It’s certainly been a labour of love creating a full show, complete with extravagant costumes, changing background footage and an incredible soundtrack that includes music from almost every genre. “It is really fun,” Simon said. “I love big costumes, I love the witty humour. There is such a fun element in this show and we’ve catered to everybody, straight people, gay people, everything in between people, and to every [musical] genre. My three words for this show are fun, fast and fabulous. “It is a mash-up musical and for anyone who loves Glee or
Dan joins in harvest By TANIA PHILLIPS
Drag performers Aaron Taylor, Simon Vowles and Justin Clausen put audiences in a spin.
the Pitch Perfect type movies, this caters for everybody. It is layered music on music, it’s all very fast. I’ve tried to cover a whole variety of music genres so that everyone can feel a part of it.” Queens of the Outback is much as the name suggests ... some fantastic drag queens performing in the outback of Australia. The storyline is simple but addictive, three drag queens pack up their wares to head across the outback to perform at one of their daughter’s 16th birthday parties. That’s not the half of it though, there are some hilarious experiences along the way including a temporary imprisonment, breakdowns, a little love story and many a minibar to be emptied. It’s a show jampacked with fishnets, feathers, sequins and all things fabulous. As for the music, Simon wasn’t joking when he said
there was something for everyone. The soundtrack is incredibly diverse, with a mash-up of songs from Dolly Parton, Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, Tina Turner and even, since it’s an Australian musical, a little bit of Cold Chisel. “Because when you think big fabulous frocks, you think Jimmy Barnes... right?” laughs Simon. Songs such as Dancing Queen, I Will Survive, Love Generation, We Are Family, Sweet Dreams, Ticket To Ride, Leaving on a Jet Plane and Khe Sanh are performed live by the talented cast.
CURRUMBIN-BASED performer Dan Hannaford will fly straight in from the US to perform at this year’s Apple and Grape Festival in Stanthorpe. The talented artist has been recording in Los Angeles for the past month - collaborating with US artists ahead of working on his brand new album. The Apple and Grape Harvest Festival dates back to 1954 when it was known as the Back to Stanthorpe Week and has now it has grown into one of Queensland’s Iconic events and attracts up to 52000 visitors over it’s current three days of fun. The three-day event will see music played in venues across the area including the iconic Rock the Creek from 6pm-10pm which will be headlined by the equally iconic Mental As Anything. Dan, who has built up a following across South East Queensland and Northern NSW in recent years, will play Maryland Street from 12.30pm and High Street at 3pm. The former Ballina musician now based on the Gold
Performer Dan Hannaford joins this year\’s Apple and Grape Harvest Festival. 115264
Coast, has opened shows for the likes of Donavon Frankenreiter and The Black Sorrows and his independent debut Rust & Dust was featured as album of the week on ABC Radio. Dan showcased his talent at the 2012 Byron Bay Blues Festival being named on the bill alongside John Fogerty, Cold Chisel and Crosby Stills & Nash. He has been busy gracing hundreds of stages all around Australia, including perfor-
mances at Australian Blues Music Festival in Goulburn, the National Folk Festival in Canberra, Gympie Muster and Tamworth Country Music Festival. Recently stepping into Studio 301 in Byron Bay with Producer Paul Pilsneniks (The Tea Party, Angus Stone) Dan is about to embark on his next musical pursuit, recording his new single for his upcoming album set for release later this year.
Coming Soon to the War wick RSL Memorial Club The Southern Downs Number 1 Entertainment Venue!
What: Queens Of The Outback Where: Warwick RSL club When: Sunday, 9 March Interested: Contact the club for details.
Criterion Hotel EVERYDAY LUNCH SPECIALS A V A I L A B L E 11:30AM – 2PM
$
Friday Saturday Tuesday Wednesday 21st February 22nd February 25th February 26th February
*REWARDS MEMBERS DRAW $2,100.00
*CHEAPER
TuESDAyS $10 Club FoR DInnER! T-bonE nIgHT
*
KIDS EAT FREE
LUNCH AND DINNER
KARAOKE WITH DUDE LIVE FROM 8.30PM
BUY ONE MEAL, GET ONE FREE!
*gold Club POKIE MEMBERS DRAW FROM 7PM
InCluDES A DRInK! ~
LUNCH AND DINNER
It’s Free to join! Receive Exclusive Deals! Accrue your points! Ask how to become a Gold Card Rewards Member today! Lunch and Dinner Available all weekend!
See You @ The Cri
* Terms and Conditions Apply
Palmerin Street
P. 4661 1042
Queens Of The Outback Tickets 1120804-LB08-14
Free Pool tables from 7pm Market Madness from 7.30pm
Sunday 9th March
30
Doors Open 7pm for 7.30pm Show
65AlbionStreet•Warwick Ph 4661 1229Fax4661 7776 Information for members, guests & bona ide visitors 1120095-RC08-14