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Post by jemasjottings on Oct 21, 2011 0:25:57 GMT 9.5
Thought I'd add a new thread to honour a wonderful young performer. Lucy Maunder has been a very busy young lady since she graduated from WAAPA in 2007 - where she won a year long "Bound for Broadway" scholarship. The following is an excellent article written by Polly Simons detailing her achievements and what it's like being brought up in a showbiz family. Because of this she's had to work extra hard to get where she is today, but she deserves every success as she is a very talented performer with an exquisite voice. northside.whereilive.com.au/news/story/lucy-maunder/It's easy to understand the wonderful rapport between Anthony and Lucy in Dr Zhivago as they have known each other since she was a little girl and the affection and respect they have for each other is obvious when you see them together in interviews. Their harmonies are exquisite throughout each of their songs and were superb renditions of heart-wrenching lyrics and a haunting score - from the very talented creative team of Amy Powers, Michael Korie and Lucy Simon. The following is a rundown of her work from 2000 to 2007 - she's since performed in several more, some of which include Dr Zhivago - A New Musical - with the ultimate musical theatre performer, Anthony Warlow - The Threepenny Opera, 2011 Helpmann Awards with Taneel Van Zyl singing "It Comes as No Surprise" from Dr Zhivago and recently she performed two songs at the ANZ Rob Guest Endowment Concert. www.markmorrissey.com.au/profiles/MaunderLucy_cv.phpI personally wish her every success for the future ... and hope she graces Australian shores for many years to come ... it would be Australia's loss to see her based overseas ... but definitely the world's great gain. Chookas, Lucy! (And happy recent birthday!)  |
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Post by jemasjottings on Dec 22, 2011 19:20:13 GMT 9.5
I keep finding places where Lucy is appearing and thought some might be interested. Here is her latest adventure: "Australian Pops Orchestra presents New Year's Eve 2011 Philharmonic Phireworks NYE 2011 30th Anniversary Party | Australian Philharmonic Orchestra and Australian Pops Orchestra The Australian Pops Orchestra and Australia’s favourite singers celebrate New Year’s Eve in three star-studded performances. A sumptuous feast of music at the State Theatre. The stars are aligned for the New Year’s Eve Philharmonic Phireworks celebrations with the magnificent 72 piece Australian Pops Orchestra accompanied by some of Australia’s most loved performers. Don’t miss the brilliant Melinda Schneider, The Phantom of the Opera lead Donald Cant, Australian soprano Lucy Maunder, magnificent tenor James Egglestone, and legendary Denis Walter – under the baton of the world renowned conductor Gavin Sutherland. Lucy Maunder has worked extensively in both Australian and international theatre. Throughout 2011, opera sensation Lucy played Lara opposite Anthony Warlow in the World Premiere production of Doctor Zhivago. Most recently, Lucy starred in the Victoria Opera production of The Threepenny Opera playing the role of Polly Peachum." www.apoconcerts.com.au/nye-2011/ |
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Post by jemasjottings on Jan 4, 2012 20:45:53 GMT 9.5
Next installment for this great young performer - Lucy was part of the 2011 Sydney World AIDS Day Concert - An All-Star Tribute to Judy Garland in November 2011. Here is a clip of her singing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" on The Morning Show - her song commences at 1.00 and there's a short interview following the performance. Hope you enjoy her superb rendition of such a classic song. (Oh, and there is an ad the runs for 15 seconds or so before it goes straight into the Morning Show segment.) Would love to hear what you think of her performance. www.acon.org.au/get-involved/news/wad-concert-2011 |
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Post by Fredus on Jan 4, 2012 21:50:19 GMT 9.5
I'm sorry I haven't answered to this thread properly yet... I've been very slack and it's not helped by the fact that I have to go to bed now... or very soon, anyway. But I will answer properly at some point!
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Post by jayko on Jan 5, 2012 16:51:01 GMT 9.5
I got to see her at the new years eve concert, she was great! Love her voice.
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Post by jemasjottings on Jan 5, 2012 20:38:34 GMT 9.5
I got to see her at the new years eve concert, she was great! Love her voice. Wish I could have been there, too - bet it was great. From what I can tell she left for London yesterday but I haven't been able to find out what she's up to over there - holiday or work... Probably holiday seeing there's no mention of her anywhere and from other posts on the web she's been really busy since DZ finished. Yes, her voice is beautiful - and she seems like such a very likeable and humble young woman. I've seen quite a few interviews with her and each one she comes across like the girl next door. A friend of mine has met her a couple of times and he says she is one of the most down-to-earth people he's ever met, and she was very happy to chat with him after DZ each time. No diva-ish qualities at all. Fredus - thanks for your reply... Wasn't sure if I had done something to stop anyone else's comments from being posted or whether people just weren't very interested seeing this is really Ant's website. |
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Post by Fredus on Jan 6, 2012 17:27:51 GMT 9.5
Nah, we tend to be happy to fangirl anyone. Well, not just anyone. Everyone has their favourites and all... I just haven't been up for functioning in a normal sort of way lately and I know Marie-Cris has been in pretty much the same boat - it makes replying to stuff awkward. ... unless you want to swoon about the incredible talents of Jim Henson, then I'll be there whether I'm functioning or not. |
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Post by jemasjottings on Jan 6, 2012 19:52:04 GMT 9.5
Thanks Fredus - Fully understand about being so busy. I just thought maybe I'd accidentally clicked on something to stop any replies (or even from people actually seeing what I'd posted in the first place...) Jim Henson - will keep that in mind next time I run into anything about him |
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Post by Fredus on Jan 6, 2012 20:07:21 GMT 9.5
I can understand the paranoia. And every time you've posted int his thread, I thought I should post back... and it never happened. Give it a couple of months and I'll be less stressed and more betterer at answering threads. Wonderful Jim Henson.... I know it's not him anymore (RIP Jim!), but only a few days until the new Muppet movie comes out. .... and I'm going wa-ay off-topic for Lucy's thread. Oops. |
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Post by cynthia on Feb 14, 2012 7:49:47 GMT 9.5
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Post by jemasjottings on Feb 14, 2012 20:54:57 GMT 9.5
Good spotting, Cynthia! Thanks for the heads up...
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Post by jayko on Feb 15, 2012 5:17:27 GMT 9.5
Just remembered I also saw Lucy at the Rob Guest endowment concert last year. She sang a song called Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang with Lucy Durak, Rob Mills and... I can't remember the other guy. The song was written by Matthew Robinson, a very talented Australian performer/writer. He was in A Little Night Music with Lucy. It was a great performance! Here is the audio that someone took: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lT66r642UM |
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Post by jemasjottings on Feb 17, 2012 21:16:42 GMT 9.5
Thanks for the link, Jayko!! I'd seen it advertised and tried to get a copy from the actual producers but with no luck. Great diction and catchy tune! And for those fans who'd like to read a great interview with Lucy, here's the link: aussietheatre.com.au/features/artist-profiles/an-afternoon-with-lucy-maunder/I especially like the last couple of paragraphs: David Allen: ' I ask one final question: if she had her pick, what would she like to do next? “I’d love to go back and do Zhivago again. It was such an incredible experience and I just wish it had lasted longer. We had the most incredible cast. Everyone was so supportive of everyone else. But then I’ve always been lucky in that respect. I’ve never been in a company where there have been problems. We’re all working together and we’re supportive of each other.” ' That's one wish I hope comes true - would see it again in an instant with that amazing cast! |
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Post by antlove on Feb 28, 2012 10:29:59 GMT 9.5
Lucy is totally amazing! I think the Helpman award for best leading lady should have been hers (Dr. Z). I've only seen Lucy in Dr Zhivago and A little night music, but i'm a total fan now she is just amazing, beautiful and inspiring
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Post by jemasjottings on Feb 28, 2012 15:01:17 GMT 9.5
antlove - welcome to Unexpected Song! I agree with all your sentiments - DZ was my first encounter with her amazing talent but now I'm hooked! And I was very blessed to be given a copy of Lucy in A Little Night Music which has further enhanced my admiration.
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Post by antlove on Mar 6, 2012 9:28:28 GMT 9.5
It's very easy to get hooked on her Jem - Even as a person she is just lovely! I've watched alot of her interviews on youtube and she seems like the sweetest person ever!
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Post by jemasjottings on Mar 10, 2012 17:57:54 GMT 9.5
Agree totally antlove. I have a couple of friends who've both met her a couple of times at Stage Door and they said she's always so friendly and willing to give up her time to chat, even when her family have been waiting for her. And I agree about the interviews - she's always come across as so down to earth - not diva-ish at all, and is obviously very close to her family - which, as a mum myself, warms my heart! It's great to 'meet' someone who feels the same as I do about her. I received a lovely letter after I wrote to thank her for the wonderful portrayal as Lara, and it's one of my 'treasures'! Oh, and to add to a post of mine above - found out the reason she was in London was to attend Tasmin Carroll's wedding - which Peter Carroll was telling me all about when we were chatting at South Bank one day. Should have figured seeing I knew they were friends - duh! @ Fredus - by the way - re Jim Henson - have you seen the new production advertised of Elmo's World Tour? Tess Borg is the writer/director of it and she's the wife of Anton Berezin - who was Gints in DZ (and Anthony's understudy on several occasions). Looks good and is getting great reviews. - Just thought I'd give you this heads up on it with an interview of her talking about it on The Circle - takes a few seconds to load and there's an ad first, but it's a great interview. www.un.org/children/conflict/english/uganda.html |
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Post by jemasjottings on Apr 4, 2012 19:42:51 GMT 9.5
Just to confirm why I think Lucy's great - I found this on Aussie Theatre's website: aussietheatre.com.au/features/maunder-shines-bright-in-the-key-of-black/Just a snippet from this article - but the whole thing is well worth the read if you're a fan of Lucy's. "It takes a certain indefinable quality to grab your audience and hold them spellbound on the rise and fall of your voice, captivated by the movement of your body and the expression on your face. It’s called star power, and of it you can only say that you know it when you see it. Some months later I found myself sitting in a gorgeous 19th century Australian Coach House in the Blue Mountains. I’m surrounded by soft lighting, wood paneling and an audience spell bound by a star named Lucy Maunder. ... We are seldom given so fine a chance to appreciate a great singer, a great actress and a great musician as we have been afforded with Lucy Maunder in Songs in the Key of Black. Shimmering into view with her trademark elegance and verve she holds you from the first whispered lines and she doesn’t let you go. With smiles and laughs a-plenty she pulls you through the world of one of the 20th centuries most gifted songwriters, interpreting song after song and standard after standard with gentility, boldness and with love. Comic – hilarious! – one moment, and mourning a lost love the next with such aching honesty – you can’t not watch her! I would love to mention every song in which Lucy excelled but we don’t have the pixel ink so I’ll confine to the Berlin standard ‘What’ll I Do’. In her capable hands the song smoulders and swirls and builds until half way through it escapes her like an animal cry and an audience already on the edge of their seat can do nothing but watch as her heart breaks. This is a performer with a gift for interpreting lyrics and – clearly – a great love and understanding for the works of Irving Berlin." Now ... just to find some way to get down to Sydney to see her |
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Post by jemasjottings on Apr 19, 2012 16:08:03 GMT 9.5
Lucy's latest project: "Reasons to be Pretty" playing at the Darlinghurst Theatre in May 2012. "Co-produced by Andrew Henry (returning to Australia after studying with the acclaimed Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago) who is part of the cast and James Beach (The Very Dangerous Variety Hour), who directs, the rest of the lineup is no less impressive. The cast also includes Julia Grace (Tribes), Stephen James King (The Great Gatsby) and Lucy Maunder (Doctor Zhivago)." aussietheatre.com.au/news/neil-labutes-reasons-to-be-pretty-makes-its-australian-debut/ |
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Post by jemasjottings on May 4, 2012 20:32:53 GMT 9.5
Found this today - Lucy singing "Once Upon a Dream" in Jekyll and Hyde, Korea - wow, she has the most exquisite voice. I loved her in DZ, and now I want to see her in this and with AW preferably. Couldn't help the fine mist of tears that rose out of nowhere listening to it. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. The clip begins with Anthony singing :"This is the Moment" - but no photos unfortunately, and then Lucy comes in at 1.30 mins singing "Once Upon a Dream" - such a beautiful rendition. vimeo.com/27179908And also this - such a great rehearsal and very poignant songs - would have loved to have heard them all. Lucy comes in at around 0.48 second mark with Belinda Wollaston who was also in DZ. aussietheatre.com.au/news/elegies-for-angels-punks-and-raging-queens-rehearsal-sneak-peek/We are so very blessed with the talent in this country  |
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Post by Fredus on May 9, 2012 14:26:07 GMT 9.5
@ Fredus - by the way - re Jim Henson - have you seen the new production advertised of Elmo's World Tour? Tess Borg is the writer/director of it and she's the wife of Anton Berezin - who was Gints in DZ (and Anthony's understudy on several occasions). Looks good and is getting great reviews. - Just thought I'd give you this heads up on it with an interview of her talking about it on The Circle - takes a few seconds to load and there's an ad first, but it's a great interview. www.un.org/children/conflict/english/uganda.htmlI realise this is rather belated - lack of internet sucks rather - but, yes, I did see posters around of it, but there was not a chance of us being able to get to it, so I put it firmly from my mind.  I'll just have to console myself with DVD's. On the upside, the DVD for the latest movie should be coming out this month. Then we just need Muppets in Space and we have all the movies. Yay! .... sorry I'm being all off-topic for the thread. Again. |
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Post by jemasjottings on May 9, 2012 23:12:42 GMT 9.5
Found this YouTube clip of snippets from the Australasian produced Korean version of Jekyll and Hyde for those who are interested. Lucy Maunder and Belinda Wollaston from DZ star in it. www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCYq8hOdt3AMust admit, I much prefer Anthony's voice over Brad Little, but gives a good peek at the songs, sets and costumes and two great Aussie performers doing their thing. |
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Post by jemasjottings on May 14, 2012 21:38:47 GMT 9.5
She is such a busy young woman - review for her current role in "Reasons to be Pretty": aussietheatre.com.au/reviews/reasons-to-be-pretty-darlinghurst-theatre-company/"The entire company is strong. Carly is played with a coolness by Lucy Maunder that is its own reward in its undoing; her flashes of vulnerability are striking. Stephen James King as Greg’s best friend and Carly’s husband is the actor that best matches Henry; defensive, funny, and masculine, he plays a working-class lothario who has a vague lack of courtesy with ease. This is an excellent production of a contemporary play that manages to feel incredibly relevant without preaching any kind of message; this is pure commentary on who we are and who we might be, and for that, reasons to be pretty is hugely important. Don’t miss it." This is when I wish I lived in Sydney! |
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Post by jemasjottings on Jun 2, 2012 23:13:55 GMT 9.5
judithwrightcentre.com/02_cal/details.asp?ID=1091My hubby and I are heading along to this on the 25 June - front row cabaret table seats. So looking forward to hearing this fabulous performer sing again. Just hope I don't stand on the table when she is finished, begging for songs from DZ - which is highly likely seeing I can't get those songs out of my head! So, three fantastic shows with front row seats in three weeks ... and hearing two of the best performers Australia, if not the world, have to offer - this IS a good life!
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Post by cynthia on Jun 3, 2012 16:18:19 GMT 9.5
I had several things to do in Sydney and managed to see "Reasons to be pretty" last weekend - thoroughly enjoyable and all four cast were excellent. The review Jema linked to on 14 May was spot on.
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Post by jemasjottings on Jun 6, 2012 20:54:24 GMT 9.5
Just found this on AussieTheatre website:
"Old world glamour in the Key of Black
5th June, 2012 | Written by: David Allen | 2 Comments and 4 Reactions
Last night, had you found yourselves within the walls of Oxford Street’s Slide Bar between the hours of nine and ten, you would have found an audience completely in the thrall of a star named Lucy Maunder.
Irving Berlin: Songs in the Key of Black made it’s Sydney debut last night to a packed house – quite literally standing room only.
With effortless style, and old world glamour, Lucy Maunder gave an absolutely flawless performance and (once again) stole the show.
And what a show! Songs in the Key of Black is everything good cabaret should be.
It is a singular rarity for Sydney audiences to be exposed to a show and a performance like this. Lucy Maunder was absolutely breathtaking. She reeled the audience in with such authority, at one point I tapped my date’s shoulder and just said: “Look”. Around us, the entire audience was stock still, just watching Lucy. You could have heard a pin drop – magical!
The show, written by Nick Christo, and rounded out by the flawless piano stylings of Daniel Edmonds, will be touring in coming months at the Noosa Long Weekend Festival and Brisbane’s HUM Cabaret Series, with dates in Perth and Melbourne to follow. A return Sydney performance has been scheduled at the Riverside Theatre in November.
If you missed out on yesterday’s performance, best book tickets now. This is a show that sells out and so it should. It comes from an atmosphere more commonly found on the isle of Manhattan than in Darlinghurst, and frankly it’s not a bad idea. Anthony Warlow is going to New York. With the audience response this show and its star elicit, they might soon follow."
Great reviews - so thrilled we've got front row seats in Brizzie!
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Post by jemasjottings on Jun 15, 2012 19:38:29 GMT 9.5
Lastest news for Lucy - I've read that she's currently (or maybe just finished) making a CD recording of "Songs in the Key of Black". She must be so excited and deserves all the accolades for the hard work she puts in. With everything she's been up to, at least since DZ finished, she's hardly had a moment to herself with either plays, concerts or performances one after another. I'm going to see her on the 25 June as she performs "Songs in the Key of Black" in Brizzie so I'll certainly be adding her CD to my collection.
Oh, and her father, Stuart Maunder, won an OA in the Queen's Birthday Honours List for his contribution to the performing arts. A very talented family.
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