Latest news with #MandurahPerformingArtsCentre
Perth Now
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Music duo reunited in stage story
Praise from an artist about their life story portrayal is no easy feat but it was bestowed on The Simon and Garfunkel Story cast when Art Garfunkel surprised them on stage in 2024 after attending a New York performance. UK musical theatre talent Luke Hogan depicts Garfunkel alongside US performer Israel Bloodgood as Paul Simon in this blend of theatre, concert and biography, presenting the tale of how two young boys from Queens, New York become one of the world's most successful music duos. The production follows the highs and lows, from humble beginnings to the songs and stories that shaped them, the dramatic split, solo careers and epic 1981 Central Park reunion concert. 'Art's voice is iconic,' Hogan says. 'His mannerisms are so unique; it's been a joy to embody them. Luke Hogan as Art Garfunkel and Israel Bloodgood as Paul Simon in The Simon and Garfunkel Story. Credit: Carsten Windhorst 'The music they made is some of the best we've ever heard. Once we found that sound, we were so excited to share it. It's what makes this show feel so alive.' Narration and huge projected images of 1960s photographs and film footage help to set the scene as the audience is transported to a time of poetic lyrics, haunting harmonies and cultural revolution. Hogan and Bloodgood perform the catalogue of hits accompanied by a full band — comprising Nick Martin on bass, Harrison White on keyboards/guitar and Harry Denton on drums — including Mrs Robinson, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Homeward Bound, Scarborough Fair, The Boxer and The Sound Of Silence. The Simon and Garfunkel Story is returning to Australia. Credit: Carsten Windhorst 'It (the show) brings people back to their youth or reminds them of loved ones who adored this music,' Hogan says. 'The projections give the audience a clearer understanding of the story. They remind us of the era's significance.' Bloodgood adds: 'It's like being invited into the world behind the songs, what inspired them, what they meant.' The Simon and Garfunkel Story first toured Australia in 2016 and returns with Hogan and Bloodgood following their sell-out performance earlier this year at The London Palladium. It is all about audience connection for this pair, who are reminded how deeply this music resonates whenever seeing people mouth the lyrics, smile or even tear up. 'I want them to be moved, to reflect, maybe even be challenged, and hopefully, we make a few new Simon and Garfunkel fans along the way,' Bloodgood says. Luke Hogan performs as Art Garfunkel and Israel Bloodgood as Paul Simon. Credit: Carsten Windhorst 'The lyrics, the melodies; they're timeless. Every time I perform a song like America or Old Friends, I discover something new. 'Singing Kathy's Song or Homeward Bound, I think of my wife and kids. Those songs are about longing. Paul Simon understood that.' The Simon and Garfunkel Story is at His Majesty's Theatre, August 15 and 16 and Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, August 17. Tickets at (Perth) and (Mandurah).
Perth Now
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Fishtrap Theatre a platform for creativity
Mandurah Performing Arts Centre has launched The Fishtrap Theatre's bold new look, with the venue rebranded and reimagined as an intimate performance hub for locals and visitors alike. The venue has unveiled a new wall mural created by internationally renowned artist HandBrake, aka Hans Bruechle, along with an upgraded bar and pre/post show entertainment, including local performers and DJs. The revamp is accompanied by Fishtrap Theatre's latest studio season of four performances, which kicked off on May 16 with blues 'n' roots musician Ben Catley. Your local paper, whenever you want it. It continues on May 26 with Melbourne Theatre Company's powerful production Slap. Bang. Kiss. following three young people whose stories start a series of events when they go viral. Credit: Supplied Written by award-winning playwright Dan Giovannoni, the performance is directed by Katy Maudlin as part of Melbourne Theatre Company's education and families program, featuring Tyallah Bullock, Conor Leach and Tsungirai Wachenuka. Following its world premiere at Subiaco Arts Centre, Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company's production Thirst tours south on June 10, as playwright Barbara Hostalek's romantic comedy full of heart and karaoke explores themes of country, community and survival. Thirst. Credit: Supplied Family adventure Whalebone rounds out the program on June 21 with a visually theatrical experience of gadgets and imagination performed by clown, inventor and comedian Jens Altheimer. Mandurah Performing Arts Centre creative development and programming manager Alison Pinder said the team was incredibly proud of the diversity and richness of this season. Whalebone. Credit: Supplied 'The Fishtrap Studio is all about bringing bold, exciting and sometimes surprising stories to life, and this season does exactly that,' Pinder adds. 'The Fishtrap is more than a theatre, it's a platform for creativity.' Program information and tickets at
