Fourteen years after Australia’s princess of musical theatre, Marina Prior, and much-loved tenor David Hobson performed at Leeuwin Estate, their love of WA continues with the pair back here in May with their new Ovation tour.
“I remember the beautiful Leeuwin Estate concerts which obviously are a highlight for every performer,” David tells Have a Go
News from Melbourne where he was busy rehearsing for the city’s sell out opening night.
“Marina and I did a fantastic concert down there and it kind of launched us and gave us a platform to keep doing these concerts together, because they just went so well.
“We enjoy each other’s company on stage so much. We have a similar taste in music and humour and it seems to resonate with audiences.”
David says it was decided to change things a little for the Ovation tour. Two renowned singers, Silvie Paladino, a music theatre performer well known for singing in Carols by Candlelight and Sunset Boulevard and baritone Michael Cormick who performed in London’s West End in major roles such as Phantom of the Opera have joined the show.
“We’re all very good friends with similar tastes in music. It’s a great concert and we sing all the great hits from shows from musical theatre such as Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables and Cats and all the classics including My Fair Lady and Rodgers and Hammerstein.
“And, of course, there’s all the opera pieces from me like La Boheme, Rigoletto and La Traviata. So it’s a wonderful mix. And we do it with a fantastic pianist and string section.
“The good news is there’s a chance for the audience to get up close and personal and see what’s behind the curtain. People get to see us without makeup and costumes but the girls still get dressed up.”
The four artists had their first taste of performing together when they sang the national anthem at the opening ceremony at the Australian Open at Rod Laver Arena in January and Raise Me Up at the men’s quarter final.
David is one of Australia’s best-known operatic, concert and stage performers, with a repertoire that spans the gamut of musical styles from baroque through to pop. His powerful and emotive voice has earned him a reputation as a true artist and an audience favourite.
He says WA is one of his favourite places.
“We’ve gone everywhere from Albany to Esperance, Bunbury, Mandurah, Perth and Broome. I haven’t done an opera in WA for a while, but I always enjoy spending a few months doing shows.”
A new group CD has been created for Ovation and David has also done a new solo CD to go with the show.
Both David and Marina live in Melbourne but David says the show has been created so that performers and producers can return home for three or four days as opposed to being continually on the road.
He says he has to be sensible keeping his voice in fine form.
“Sometimes it’s hard because I’m a big football follower. I play cricket at the moment, also tennis and I exercise. I love being fit.
“I play a lot of sport. I play football twice a week with friends, we also play frisbee and take part in movie and book clubs. I have a family with two adult children and so yes, I have a pretty active life.”
David says live theatre and live music is something special.
“People will never regret going out to experience a lovely show.”
Ovation plays at Albany Entertainment Centre Thursday, May 21, Bunbury Entertainment Centre Friday, May 22, Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Saturday, May 23 and Regal Theatre Subiaco, Sunday, May 24.
For tickets, please visit Ticketek.
