Tuesday, October 31, 2017

End of an Era


As this month draws to a close, so does the end of an era.   
After 5 years in the world of [Mainstream] traditional musical theatre, I’ve opted to hang up my Theatre Cloak.  If you've been along to see all or some of the productions, I thank you very much.  If you didn't make it, then here's the lesson - value what you've got while you've got it because when it's gone, it's gone!  

 Whilst it’s been an absolute HOOT! - and I’ve met and worked with some oh-so-very-talented-people – it’s an all-consuming activity during the long months of a  production.  Such heavy commitments take a toll – both physically and in terms of other creative projects which have to be put on hold during the production process.

I’ll continue to write of course .... and plan to do a few hybrid shows next year – along the lines of the Speakeasy which ran in December and January.  And some of my stories may well turn up in book form in the future. But there are other mediums which could well provide a suitable vehicle – especially for my comedy work. 
 Stay Tuned!

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In the meantime - a few classic quotes/lyrics from the past 5 years:-

  • From Wallycom 2017:   "...She’ll never last that one! Y’gotta have a hide like a rhino – and the habit of a wino – to do that job...."
  • From Ladies Who Almost Lunch 2017: "....So Down the Hatch to choices made, and up yer arse to hopes betrayed...the cards were stacked and all were played, and life is nothing more...than a masquerade ...anyway..."
  •  From  Table Manners 2016: “...tight schedule!? She’s wound up tighter than a size 10 Gstring on a size 20 body.  Y’ don’t wanna be around when THAT string snaps, she’ll be richocheting from Honeysuckle to Cessnock! AND she’s got the table manners of a feral rabbit!” 
  •  From Thunderbelly 2016:   
           "Life they say is very strange...‘n history shows things never change  
              we need new shoes, the rent is due,  ...    so what’s a working girl to do"
  • From Upstairz Downstairz V2 2015 “ Aw, you lot dunno when you’ve got it good!  Try being a muso!  everyone wants it for nothing ...Or they wanna pay you in food and drink...and y’outta Try street busking – then you’ll know what tough is!  miserable bastards toss in 20cents" "20cents?!?!  You lucky bastard – last time I went busking I got a skinful of cocktails chundered into me hat!”
  • From Upstairz Downstairz V1 2014 “A bloke -  or a Sheila – should stand by their mates through thick and thin, be True Blue and Fair Dinkum, even when they’re wearing thongs and stubbies....or in the case of a Sunday barbie, even if they’re drinking beer from stubbies and wearing thongs for knickers....in either case neither is as attractive as it sounds”!"
  • From Between the Lines 2013/2014/2015  And here I am looking at Mr Potter, his bulging muscles succumbed to gravity and ended up as a pot-belly hanging over the top of his long brown shorts…..thrilling me no end with an expanse of skinny, hairy legs all the way down to his sandals and mis-matched socks. True , his body IS glistening with sweat – but believe me it’s not a pretty sight.






Thursday, September 14, 2017

A Rare Bird

Conformity is not a flavour that I am on speaking terms with.

Although there have been many times in my life where I've had to "toe the line" ,  mostly I find a way to rebel against the chains.

Don't put me in a box....or expect me to do/say what you think I should.  Cos I'm compelled then  to shake people and things out of their complacency.  I have an urge to encourage others to use their "thinking bits" and see life and issues from different perspectives.

Some people might call this "contrary".... like  "oh she's such a contrary bitch!" ....or  "opinionated" .... like  "oh she's too bloody opinionated for her own damned good" .....
I say ....... BRING IT ON!
I'm a songwriter  -  it's all grist to the mill!

Here's a rare opportunity to hear the stories behind the songs ....
Sunday 17th  @ The Dungeon  2pm  
 Tix at the door

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

SPRINGING INTO SPRING!

Despite succumbing to the evil flu which is running rampant in this region currently,  the show must go on ...and there are 2 events this month definitely worth coming out for:

Sat 9th Sept 
"The Voice of Spring"

 The annual chorus fundraiser is a delightful way to spend a Spring Afternoon.   With some lovely songs from the choristers, some fun games and a stack of prizes to win {including a 2 night B&B stay at Merewether, and $150 worth of Art Classes from wonderful artist Stephen James},  a short comedy spot with Rob Byrne, and a scrumptious afternoon tea....why WOULDN'T you want to be there.   Tickets at the door $20 [or purchase in advance to go in a bonus draw]  2pm



Sunday 17th September 2pm
"The ORIGINAL Ms O' ..." 

.........finally, after too long a wait, I'm doing a dedicated Originals gig in my home town. 

 Because I've been so involved in writing and directing for mainstream theatre over the past 5 years, people who know me as a songwriter have asked me if I've stopped writing.  Nothing could be further from the truth though!  A lot of my new works over the past years have been written to fit the shows....some have been recorded.....some have been performed in my commercial gigs.....many have only ever been heard by show audiences.  And if you're not a theatre-goer, will not have heard 5 years worth of great songs!

And people who have joined my mailing list via the theatre productions, will not know my work as a songwriter {because in the productions, the songs are simply considered part of the script}. 
So as my theatre work is coming to the end of its life-cycle, it's time to get back to the work I love most - and do best.
This gig will deliver some old favourites and some of the beautiful [or fun] new pieces from recent years.  with musicians Aaron Hipwell and Russ Redford plus guest musicians/artists.
Show time is at 2pm - at The Dungeon, Glebe Rd Adamstown.  Tickets are $20pp and include light refreshments ...but feel free to book a table, bring some friends, and your favourite tipple!
BOOKINGS via bookings@maureen.com.au

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

The Slalom Run

  Now into the second half of a BIG year, it's gathering speed for the downhill run!
Despite a VERY wobbly opening, the Wallycom gremlins were purged and the team delivered a great entertainment experience to our audiences.  It seems though, that the technological demons are extracting their revenge this week by creating chaos in all my gadgets ...computers/printers/phones/ etc!  sigh!

Coming Up Next

  •  ...AUGUST:   Blues for the Blues - at Souths, Merewether on Sunday 20th 2pm - an afternoon of classic Blues with profits being donated to HEADSPACE {youth mental health organisation}  Tickets $20 at the door
  • ...SEPTEMBER:  Sat 9th - The Voice of Spring -annual concert with my combined chorus groups - a fundraiser for LIFELINE.  This event has been running for a few years now and guests thoroughly enjoy the relaxed afternoon of music, games & quizzes, and a generous prize pool.... not to mention the delicious afternoon tea. The laughs are free. Tickets $20pp must be purchased in advance - direct from any of the choristers or by contacting Maureen
  • ...SEPTEMBER:  Sun 16th 2pm - The Original Ms O - at The Dungeon, Glebe Rd Adamstown.  An all-originals gig showcasing the plethora of new works over the past 5 years and some old favourites.  With guest musicians/singers.
  • ...OCTOBER:  the final theatre piece for the year - Ladies Who Almost Lunch  - a comedy/drama with original music.  6 performances over the last 2 weekends.  Check details on the Theatre page which will be updated progressively

From November it will be time for a long and well-earned rest break ....and time to catch up with my social life!  

Friday, March 10, 2017

Still breathing!

As the song goes "There's life in the Old Broad Yet"...and that was certainly the case for this month's themed concert:   CRAZY:The Life and Music of Patsy Cline!    Now in it's 7th Season the show attracted a near-full house at The Dungeon last weekend. Nice to see it still getting support.
 If you missed it, there are 2 more shows at The Buttai Barn 16/17 May -
lunch/show package only [$45pp]  -
bookings to the Barn on 0249 303 153

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Coming up next is another themed concert that has already been drawing lots of interest. This is the songs and stories of 3 extraordinary women who shaped a generation -
 Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon
They had plenty to say and said it through their music,  driving  a revolution of feminism into the 70's and providing a soundtrack to our lives.For anyone who grew up in this era, this is your life in music.  Younger generations are still discovering the magic of this music and it's relevance in their own lives.

ONE SHOW only - on Sunday May 21st at The Dungeon, Adamstown 2pm start
Tickets are available online at www.ticketebo.com.au/maureen
Be quick, this one could book out early!

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Meanwhile, back at the ranch! 
The new theatre production WALLYCOM is now underway.  This is a parody of the Telecommunications industry - the industry that we all love to hate!  The necessary evil in our existence in a modern world.  There's a great Cast on board for this one - and quite a few new faces - plus some new songs that just may tickle your funny bone.

The show will open on June 28 and details will be made available in the next few weeks.


Thursday, January 19, 2017

Jumping in to 2017

It's going to be a BIG and BUSY year ahead with many new projects on the drawing board.

Thanks to all who managed to get along to Speakeasy over the holiday break ....I know you enjoyed it .....and so did WE!  It was a hoot to do.  So much so that we're going to proceed to Version II later in the year.  Stay tuned for that one.

In the meantime - check out the program for 2017: