One of Australia’s most-loved theatre stars, Anthony Warlow, takes to the stage once again in a concert celebrating a decades-long internationally acclaimed career at QPAC’s Concert Hall on January 28-29.
The show, moved from September, will allow fans to take a glimpse behind the curtain with Anthony whose name is synonymous with The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, The Secret Garden and Annie (to name but a few) as he shares personal stories, highlights from his time on the stages of some of the world’s most remarkable theatres and reflects on lifelong friendships made over the years.
For Anthony it will be the first time back on stage after his 2020 US plans were scuppered by Covid.
“I was preparing the role of ‘Archibald Craven’ in the newly realised production of Lucy Simon’s “The Secret Garden” when the pandemic began,” he explained.
“I was in New York working on reviving the role I loved playing in 1995.
“Sadly, production was halted and I came back to Australia deciding to use the time now granted to me to get some serious renovations done.”
But now the renovations are behind him Anthony is returning to his first love with a retrospective show An Evening with Anthony Warlow.
Anthony will draw on his extensive repertoire performing his most loved songs alongside treasured material never performed live in concert.
Accompanied by Queensland Symphony Orchestra conducted by Vanessa Scammell, the concert will see Anthony salute his time on Broadway with songs from the hit musicals including Sweeney Todd, Jekyll and Hyde and The Phantom of the Opera as well as songs from the era of Nelson Riddle classic swing.
Anthony will be joined by special guest Amanda Lea La Vergne, a Broadway star in her own right known for her performances in Annie, The People in the Picture, Grease and Bring it On.
“This is really a look back at the influences that formed my musical self,” Anthony said.
“From classical to more contemporary music theatre stages I have visited over the past 40 years.
“An eclectic evening of songs and stories.
“At this stage it will be just Brisbane that gets a look into the more intimate side of my career. I’m hoping to bring the show to other states when conditions allow.
The show has been almost a year in the planning with Anthony and show director Peter Adams starting with the germ of an idea.
“His thoughts on how to address my musical life over the past years have been fantastic and so a healthy collaboration began,” he said.
“Brisbane has been the launching pad for many shows I have performed in over the years. Brisbane audiences are fantastic and provide a litmus test for new productions. The Secret Garden, Annie and Dr Zhivago to name a few, all had there premier performances at QPAC.
“I’ve performed in concert , musicals and operas in Brisbane and have always enjoyed the warm response the discerning audiences provide.”
For more information head to https://www.qpac.com.au/event/anthony_warlow_21.
