Saturday, December 13, 2008

Monday, December 8, 2008

No Idle 2009 For Busy Anthony


looking forward to 2009

Sounds like 2009 will be a big year for Anthony Callea.

After his six-month stint with stage show Wicked ends in Janury he won't be idle, thanks to plans for a new album.

However, Anthony is undecided whether he will record original songs or concentrate on covers like every other Aussie act of late - think Guy Sebasian, Human Nature, David Campbell...

One thing is for sure, Anthony is looking forward to joining the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra's 2009 Santos Symphony Under the Stars on January 31st.

Even though his partner, actor Tim Campbell, won't be in the audience."He has a gig on somewhere else that weekend," Anthony says, adding he understands why their relationship makes headlines...well, sort of.

"I can see how to some people it can be interesting."We're together and that's it really... We're happy and there's nothing more to be said."

Review - 'Anthony Callea, with Tim Campbell'


Anthony Callea And Tim Campbell Perform At Crown Casino
Review by Tim Hunter
DNA Magazine
Date: 7-Dec-2008

2008 has been a big year for pocket rocket Anthony Callea. Not only has he starred in Wicked, but his relationship with hottie Tim Campbell was made official in February. And now he’s done a One Night Only show at the Palms at Crown in Melbourne – with Campbell.


Seeing the two on stage together is a wet dream for many a guy – and girl too, if the audience was anything to go by. It was the girls who were down in the front row. It seems coming out has not damaged their careers – or their fanbases one bit.


And neither should it, because these guys are great and professional performers. Campbell started with an energetic set of camp covers like My Sharona, Footloose (with bootscooting backing dancers), and Shake Your Groove Thing. He was fun, relaxed, and the kind of guy you just want to take home to meet Mum!


Callea’s stage presence was just as impressive; confident and assured as he pumped out the crowd-pleasing hits such as Rain, Hurts So Bad, and a few surprises, such as You’ll Never Walk Alone, and his Wicked song As Long As Your Mine. But it was The Prayer that had everyone wrapt and silent waving a sea of mobile phone and digital cameras.


But the big gay moment was Callea and Campbel’s duet, Get Here. Seeing two men in love, on stage, expressing that in song in front of a mostly straight audience, brought a lump to the throat, a tear to the eye, and a swell of pride to the chest.


Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Never An Idol Moment

Never an Idol moment
Andrew Murfett
December 3, 2008


IT'S a topic that will not go away. There are few interviews Anthony Callea has completed in the past two years in which it has not been mentioned. It is, of course, the 25-year-old's decision to attempt to launch a career in the music business through Australian Idol.

Callea was the star of the show's second season. His performance of Andrea Bocelli's The Prayer ranks as arguably Idol's all-time musical highpoint. The performance stunned the judges and the television audience, and proved both groups had underestimated him through the competition. And yet he didn't win.

In the four years since finishing as runner-up on the program, Callea has forged an interesting and varied career, releasing two albums for Sony Music, touring sporadically and, this year, taking on a role in the local production of the Broadway musical Wicked.

As he begins to think about recording a third album early next year, Callea will play his first and only pop gig of 2008, on Saturday at Crown.

Behind the scenes, the performer has dealt with a bitter and costly change in management. And then there was his most courageous career move yet, the decision finally to come clean about those persistent rumours about his sexuality.

Gossip alleging he was gay dogged Callea's time on Idol and the period immediately after, even as he became the favourite of young girls and grannies across the country. Finally, and with little fanfare, he wrote a statement confirming he was gay and posted it on his website last year. His partner, former Home and Away actor Tim Campbell, will perform with him at Crown this week.
"You really have to be comfortable with yourself before you make that step," Callea says, explaining the delay in confirming what so many people had long suspected. "Everybody has an opinion. People say, 'You should have been up front about it', but you need to be comfortable.

"You don't want to get to 30 or 40 and be dealing with your sexuality. I wanted to do it my way. I didn't want my label or management to be a part of it, I wanted to write my own statement and express what I've gone through and dealt with."

There was a view that for anyone to come out while a contestant on Idol would be career suicide, but Callea says the impact on his career has been minimal.

"If you make it an issue, it becomes one," he says. "Being gay is a part of me, not who I am. I want to be known as a singer."

But when asked if you have to be straight to win Australian Idol, he laughs nervously.
"I don't think so. There will always be a minority of people who have an issue with homosexuality," he says.

"You have to have a thick skin sometimes. If you display an attitude that you're not affected by it, it shows people dealing with their sexuality that you can deal with it and still do what you love."

Callea began writing and recording music at 16. Through his later teens he regularly submitted demos and recordings to scouts from all the major labels without much luck.

"I used to make CDs and send them in," he says. "It's tough out there. Idol was an opportunity and a platform. What's the difference between something like that and Missy Higgins, who entered a radio competition?" (Higgins won JJJ's Unearthed competition in 2001, while still at high school.)

After finishing Idol, Callea released his version of The Prayer as a single. It sold about 300,000 copies, and his self-titled debut album, also rush-released, topped the charts. But the follow-up album, A New Chapter, could not match the sales of its predecessor. The signs were ominous.

At the same time, Callea was being sued by former manager Wendy Richards, who claimed breach of contract after he left her company in 2006. Although she was seeking more than $750,000, a confidential out-of-court settlement was reached after mediation.

When asked if the turmoil was distracting, he is succinct: "That's in the past. I'm happy with my management now."

Taking a part as the munchkin Boq in Wicked, at any rate, looks a lot like a shrewd career move. In the show, currently playing eight times a week at the Regent, Callea is impressive.

But he admits that, not being a trained actor or dancer, he has found staying in character difficult at times. "It's one of the biggest musicals to hit Australia and it's taught me a lot in a different discipline," he says. "It's a team effort, there are rules and protocols. Whereas in the pop world, you can get away with murder.

"This has challenged me. I've had to step out of my comfort zone each night. I didn't think I would be part of such a big production to start off with.
"But I want to be able to look back on my career in 15 or 20 years' time and have some great experiences."

Callea, who shared a dressing room with Rob Guest, says the veteran performer's sudden death in October drew the company closer together.

"We did a performance knowing he'd had a stroke, which was surreal. The next performance he was gone. He was at my house Monday night and had the stroke on the Tuesday. We had a glass of wine, he showed me his new car, and was really happy in a production he loved."

As for this Friday's show, Callea says fans can expect material from his first two albums as well as a sprinkling of new songs.

"I didn't want to get through the whole year without doing a live show," he says

Monday, December 1, 2008

Callea's One Night Stand

Click to read article in new window



Thursday, November 27, 2008

Come Back Boq!!


Anthony as The Tin Man in 'Wicked'

In a lovely endorsement of Anthony Callea's contribution to the show, Wicked producer John Frost, speaking publicly for the first time since Anthony announced his plans to leave the hit musical said:

"We would like to see Anthony come back and join the show again at some point in the next few years – he’d certainly be welcome."

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Anthony Callea - Technophile

Click on article to read full sized.

It's Enough To Make Anyone Green With Envy!



Anthony Callea and Kate Law reunited backstage.


Kate Law loves nothing more than to sing. So the Vision Australia client was very excited when she found out that she was going to see the Broadway musical Wicked in Melbourne with mum and dad.


Kate's trip from her Geelong home to one of the most popular productions in Melbourne became a day to remember when she was also given the opportunity to be reunited with Vision Australia's 2007 Carols by Candlelight Carols Ambassador and Aria Award winner, Anthony Callea.


Kate, along with her brothers Jacob and Nicholas, spent a lot of time with Anthony Callea in the lead up to last year's Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight, but they have not seen each other since Christmas Eve.
So Kate was understandably excited when Anthony took time out of his busy schedule to say hi and pose for a few photos backstage before the show.
Kate was also among a number of Vision Australia clients who took advantage of the audio description service for this show.
Clients were also given the opportunity to take part in a tactile tour of the costumes and stage.
"I was lucky to spend so much time with Anthony last year so it was very nice to meet him again. I really liked Anthony's character in the show too - he made me laugh," she said.
Due to popular demand Vision Australia will provide another audio description of Wicked on Saturday 10 January at 2pm at the Regent Theatre, Melbourne.
For more information or to book tickets please contact EASE Ticketing, on 03 9699 8497 or email ease@artsaccess.com.au
source - Vision Australia Website

Monday, November 24, 2008

Callea's One Night Stand


Partners, off and on stage

Callea’s one night stand
Nick Bond Posted: Wednesday,
19 November 2008

Anthony Callea will be taking a night off from performing (as a munchkin, no less) in the mammoth musical Wicked next month to put on a one-night-only show at The Palms At Crown.

To the delight of many, Callea’s support act for the show will be his partner, Tim Campbell.

It’s the most public showing yet for a relationship that began almost a year ago. Do the pair have a master plan to become Australia’s own Sonny and Cher?

“Definitely not — we’re not that cheesy,” Callea told Southern Star.

“Tim’s a great performer, and I thought, he’s going to be there anyway — why not have him get up and do a set as well?”“

Now I’m actually a bit nervous. He’s been in rehearsals, but he won’t let me see what he’s working on. I know he’s got a full band and four dancers, and I’m a little bit scared that his show is going to be better than mine. He’s one of those triple threats — he can sing, dance and act,” said Callea, with a healthy mix of admiration and jealousy.

Fans might even be treated to a duet.

“Possibly. We’re bashing out a few songs on the piano at home, but at this stage that’s as far as it’s gotten. We just want the night to have a great vibe about it — sometimes when you over-rehearse, it doesn’t come off as natural as you want it to.”

While the couple’s steps into the spotlight were at first tentative — they walked the red carpet separately at this year’s Logies — they are now regularly seen together at events and openings. Callea doesn’t see their relationship as an issue.

“I don’t see us as being any different to any other couple. Of course we’re going to go to events together — we are together. We’re comfortable with who we are, and it sometimes takes a while to get to that point. I’m not going to worry about what people think about my relationship, because it’s really nobody else’s business.”

Perhaps not, but as one of Australia’s only high-profile gay couples, Callea and Campbell are in a position to be role models for young Australians coming to terms with their own sexuality.

“Yeah, hopefully we are. We get letters from teenagers and even adults who are going through that emotional rollercoaster of realising their sexuality, saying ‘thanks so much for doing what you’re doing.’ It’s nice to know that some good is coming out of us being open about ourselves.”

With all this talk about Callea’s main squeeze, and as a card-carrying member of the Ginger Appreciation Society, I had to ask: how does it feel to be shacked up with one of Australia’s spunkiest rangas?

“I’d never even heard the word — somebody said it to me, and I was like ‘what’s a ranga’?” he laughed. “The funny thing is, my mum is fair-skinned with freckles and red hair. When my mum and Tim stand together, they actually look like brother and sister.“

But ranga appreciation? He doesn’t really have full-on red hair, it’s actually light brown, so I don’t think he’s a true ranga.”

Anthony, you’ve got yourself one fine piece o’ ginge. Own it.“OK … go the redheads! Nothin’ wrong with it…”

source - Sydney Star Observer

He's Gone A Long Way


Werribee's most famous son.

By Allyson Fonseca
25th November 2008

WERRIBEE crooner Anthony Callea has come a long way since his waitering days at Watton St’s Raffael’s Cafe.

Callea, 25, rose to prominence as a runner-up in the 2004 season of Australian Idol.

The song now synonymous with his name, The Prayer, remains the fastest and highest selling Australian single, four times going platinum and selling more than 280,000 copies.

“I still love seeing the reaction from the crowd when I get out and sing The Prayer,” Mr Callea said.

“It’s like they’re all on the edge of their seats, going, ‘Is he going to make that note?’”

But Callea has not turned his back on his old stamping ground.

“Growing up in Werribee was great,” said Callea, who was educated at Corpus Christi primary school and MacKillop College.


“My uncle used to have a law firm there, so as kids we’d spend time hanging out in Watton St. Every Sunday after church, my mum would go to Bruno’s Deli to get fresh meat.
People always go, ‘Oh you lived in Werribee; that’s so far away’ – but it’s so not.
I’ve got family and friends still in the area, so I’m always there, popping in and out."

“Sometimes I get bizarre looks from people. Unfortunately, it’s always the days when you look like crap that you get recognised.”

Up until January, Callea continues to play Boq in the musical Wicked, except on Saturday 6 December when he will perform live at Melbourne’s Crown Casino.

Callea’s partner and stage/screen entertainer, Tim Campbell, will also appear on stage for a special guest performance.

In 2007, Callea was inadvertently outed in a Sydney radio gossip segment by an announcer and acquaintance who thought the singer's sexuality was common knowledge.

But Callea was unfazed by the subsequent controversy.

“My sexuality is obviously part of who I am – but it’s not just who I am,” he said.

“At the end of the day, it doesn’t change what I do. I am happy and comfortable with myself and what I do. I think that’s the most important thing.”

Attended by a film producer, Callea spent last week in New York, seeking inspiration for the new album on which he intends to focus in the first half of 2009.

“I’d like to put myself into the shoes of my own fans: what do they want to see?” he said

“It’s all well and good just getting out there and singing and performing, but I want them to see what goes on behind the scenes in putting a project together.”

Callea said his number one passion was “getting out there singing a great song”.

“Growing up, I loved John Farnham. These days there are some amazing artists out there – look at artists like Christina Aguilera and Pink.

“They’re not just singers, they’re actual performers and entertainers, who know exactly who they are and what they are doing. Every artist aspires to be like them. I’ve already got my tickets to Pink. That’s how much of a fan I am.”

Callea’s advice to aspiring singers:

“If you love something and want to pursue it, don’t let anyone tell you anything different.“Take it seriously, but if you’re not happy any more, and it becomes a chore, then you’re doing it for the wrong reasons,” he said.

“I think it’s really important to be versatile and not just pigeonhole yourself to one thing.”

Thursday, November 20, 2008

A Wicked Bond


Kate's mate Anthony

Blind Geelong girl Kate Law has been re-united with former Australian Idol singer Anthony Callea as a special backstage guest at the musical Wicked.

Kate, 8, and her mother Jayne have both been vision-impaired since birth.

They first met Callea at Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight where he was an ambassador last year.

Kate who loves drawing and singing, soon fell in love with the singer and they formed a strong bond.

Last Saturday, Callea invited Kate and Jayne to the backstage of his current hit show Wicked. Callea and Kate spent their reunion by chatting and taking a photo.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Honey Smooth Voice Of The 'Bee


Anthony Callea at Werribee Mansion

BY LISA FOREMAN
19/11/2008

ARIA winner Anthony Callea is proud to say he is a Werribee boy through and through.
After shooting to fame as runner-up in the 2004 series of Australian Idol, Callea still lives in Wyndham and has fond memories of growing up here.

The 25 year old, soon to fly to New York to start work on his third album, recalls living with his parents in Yalonga Avenue, off Duncans Road, and then in another house near the Princes Highway.

He spent his primary school years at Corpus Christi before attending McKillop College.
Callea says he has heard all the jokes about Werribee's smell and no longer bats an eyelid.

"To be honest, people can take the piss out of Werribee as much as they want, but for me it was a great place to grow up," he said.
"It was a great place and I don't have any regrets about my upbringing in Werribee, I loved it."

Since Idol, Callea has released two albums and holds the record for both the biggest and fastest-selling single in Australia for his debut release, The Prayer.

Callea was five when he turned to his mother and told her he wanted to be a singer.

"Mum used to drive me to Richmond once or twice a week for singing lessons," he recalled.
"At that age I didn't know what I wanted to do, but I just enjoyed it and loved doing it and thankfully it led to something I could actually make a career out of."

To expose his talent, he would take part in school holiday singing competitions at Werribee Plaza.

"No matter how cool you think you are, everyone has been a dag at least once in their life."

His first accolade came when he won the Wyndham Young Achiever award: "I think I was in year 8 or 9. I remember going to the cultural centre and getting my little trophy and medallion."
Things have certainly changed since then.

He auditioned for the second series of Australian Idol.

"I just thought I'd be stupid not to give it a go.
"It was a tough three months, but I'm glad I did it as obviously I wouldn't be doing what I am doing now."

The gamble paid off.

Callea has accumulated many awards, including an ARIA, Channel V Artist of the Year award and MTV Viewers' Choice award and has sung for dignitaries including the late Luciano Pavarotti, the Queen and Prince Frederik and Princess Mary of Denmark.

He has also taken his talents to the theatre, starring in the musical Wicked.

Callea's next project will see him team up with partner and former Home and Away star Tim Campbell for a performance at Crown casino in Melbourne on December 6.

Tickets from http://www.ticketek.com.au/ or on 1300795012.

article sourced from The Werribee Banner

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Anthony to end his run in Wicked

Anthony Callea is set to return to his 'day job' with the singer deciding not to renew his inital 6 month contract with the hit stage musical 'Wicked' in order to concentrate on his recording career.

He is meeting with producers in the US this month to discuss the new album, with the whole process being filmed.

His portrayal of the character Boq has received high praise from both audiences and critics alike:

"Callea is a fun and engaging Boq, and his scenes with Penny McNamee (Nessarose) are wonderfully entertaining - a duo well and truly connected."
- AussieTheatre

"Anthony Callea's munchkin outsider is brimful of pathos and energy."
- The Australian

"Anthony Callea is strong as munchkin Boq."
- Sunday Herald

"Anthony Callea makes a commendable transition to musical theatre."
- Herald Sun

"Anthony Callea and Rob Mills, who copped a lot of attention for their casting as Boq and Fiyero, were truly grand."
- Troy Dodds - Aussie Theatre

"No-one in the cast can be faulted. Australian Idol alumni Rob Mills and Anthony Callea work a treat."
- Geelong Advertiser

"Anthony Callea is winning as the munchkin Boq."
- The Sunday Telegraph

"Anthony Callea is gentle and winsome as the Munchkin Boq, who finally takes a stand after being walked over by his fellow students."
- Australian Stage Online

"Perhaps the biggest surprise comes from two former Australian Idolers Rob Mills, as male lead Fiyero, and Anthony Callea as a perfectly cast munchkin. Both hold their own with strong vocals - Callea particularly has a voice that seems perfect for musical theatre."
- New Zealand Herald

"Rob Mills as the lover boy Fiyero and Scarecrow puts on a well measured performance as does Anthony Callea as Boq and the Tin Man."
- New Zealand Business Review

"Anthony Callea is too cute for words as Boq the munchkin."
- B News

"The Australian cast is superlative - Apart from the stellar performances of Harrison and Durack, there is a very strong supporting cast of uniform excellence - Anthony Callea exploits both voice and stature as the passionate Munchkin Boq."
- Blaze

"his performance is extremely well projected and note perfect."
- Gen Q

"Some of the best moments come from former Australian Idol contestant Anthony Callea.
-stuff.co.nz"

"As the munchkin Boq in Wicked, Callea is impressive."
- Andrew Murpett - The Age

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Anthony Confirmed For Carols By Candlelight


Anthony rings in Christmas Eve

Vision Australia have confirmed the performers for the 2008 Carols By Candlelight, and Anthony is back for his fifth appearance at Carols.
.
He will be joined by other multi timers David Campbell, Hi-5, Marina Prior, Ian Stenlake and Dennis Walter.
.
Also appearing will be the entire cast of the mega smash hit musical Wicked , including Callea and new Wizard Bert Newton.
.
Making their Carol debut will be Georgie Parker and Tim Campbell, while Today hosts Karl Stefanovic and Lisa Wilkinson will host the night.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Celebrity Couple Enjoy Oaks Day


A well suited pair
Anthony Callea and partner Tim Campbell enjoyed a whirl around the Myer tent, before they head to New York, where Callea will record his third album.

Romance To Share Stage


Support act - in every way.

BY CAMERON ADAMS, CLAIRE SUTHERLAND and NEALA JOHNSON

ANTHONY Callea started the year making headlines by revealing he was dating fellow performer Tim Campbell. Now they're finishing the year by performing together on stage. Campbell will open for Callea at the Palms at Crown on December 6.

"I don't know what Tim's doing, he's keeping it a secret from me," Callea tells The Back Room. "Apparently there might be dancers. He had a rehearsal and about 20,000 people were there. I'm starting to worry now. I think his show is going to be better than mine! He's a really strong performer. I figured if I was doing a show he's going to be there anyway, so he may as well get up and sing.''

The pair are also planning a duet.
"We've just got a piano at home, so if we can come up with something better than Chopsticks we might throw that in.''

It's been a busy year for Callea, performing in Wicked eight times a week. He'll take a night off from the hit musical for the Palms show, which he wants to be "not overly rehearsed''.

Callea says moving into theatre has taught him new discipline.
"Keeping it fresh is the main challenge, doing exactly the same thing eight times a week. For a pop singer, every night can be different. You can interact with the audience if someone yells out. In Wicked you have to keep a straight face."

Callea takes a break from Wicked for a trip to New York this month to meet the producers of his third album, which may contain songs from popular musicals.

"I'm not sure what direction it will take yet,'' Callea says. "I'm lucky I haven't had to rush an album out just for the sake of it. I'm going over there with an open mind, I'm open to whatever comes my way."He'll also take the opportunity to see the Broadway production of Wicked."I've never seen the show. I'd never actually heard of Wicked when they asked me to be part of it, so hopefully I can scam some tickets!''

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Long And Short Act


Anthony and Buddy Franklin mugging for the camera

Possibly the tallest and the shortest men in the Birdcage shared a joke over their heights in the Lavazza marquee.
Hawthorn footballer Buddy Franklin posed with Idol singer Anthony Callea, with the pair hamming it up for the cameras, and causing plenty of giggles among onlookers.

Anthony Attends Melbourne Cup


A WINNER IN THE FASHION STAKES

Tuesday and a day off from the smash hit musical Wicked, saw Anthony attending this years Melbourne cup, enjoying, with fellow cast member Rob Mills, the antics of US Rapper Snoopdog in the Lavazza marquee.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

LIVE IN CONCERT - ON SALE NOW


LIVE - ANTHONY CALLEA
Special Guests: Tim Campbell

Anthony Callea returns to the music stage for not only an exclusive Melbourne show, but more importantly, an exclusive Australian show.

Taking a night off from his successful run in ‘Wicked’, Anthony will delight his fans with this special show, featuring all his hits and more.

This is your only chance to see Anthony perform live with his band this year.
Don’t miss out. Book now.

Running times:
Doors Open: 7.3O
Support Act: 8.15pm
Interval: 8.55pm
Main Act: 9.15
Approximate Finish: 10.30pm

Please Note: Running times are approximate and may be subject to change.

Friday, October 24, 2008

One Night Only - Live In Concert!!

ANTHONY CALLEA Live in Concert

One night only Saturday December 6th @ The PALMS - Crown Casino Melbourne.

Anthony wishes to express his special thanks to his fans on his offical forum for all their continued support, so he has arranged to have tickets on sale to 'Anthony Callea Offical Forum' members on Wednesday 29th Oct, before ticket sales are open to the general public - Please note you will need the password 'ACOF' to take advantage of this special offer.

Tickets available from the Ticketek site

"SPECIAL GUEST PERFORMER" on the night will be Tim Campbell, who will be opening the show @ 8:15pm.

Monday, October 20, 2008

A Wicked Break

Off To The Big Apple...

WHILE many artists returned for the annual music gongs, Anthony Callea is taking off.

Callea will have a short spell from hit musical Wicked to head to New York next month to begin work on an album.

He'll spend a few weeks working in the Big Apple, while boyfriend Tim Campbell hits the famed boutiques for threads.

"Tim said he'll be doing the shopping while I'll be working, but that's OK because he's got good taste,'' Callea said.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

ARIA Awards 2008 - Photos

Anthony and partner Tim Campbell



Red Carpet Romance


Anthony Callea and partner Tim Campbell

SOME things last in the rock world - just ask a loved-up Anthony Callea and his partner Tim Campbell. They paired up on the red line and said their relationship was "going great" a year after they began dating. Callea was relishing the night off Wicked, the Wizard of Oz stage show he performs in Melbourne.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Photos from the Rob Guest Memorial





"...Callea shared a dressing room with Guest.
He sings, almost hauntingly, the song Now That You've Gone. 'I know you had a good life. It doesn't make it any easier,' he sings -- and tears well because for many there it is so true...."

Anthony Sings At Rob Guest Memorial




Hundreds pay tribute
Monday, October 13, 4:09pm AEDST.

Family, friends, colleagues and fans have gathered at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne this afternoon to say a final goodbye to musical theatre veteran Rob Guest at a public memorial.

Leading lady Marina Prior spoke of Guest as a "gentleman" who was a "constant friend". Christina Tan spoke of her time touring with Guest, while Wicked star Amanda Harrison broke down as she paid tribute to "her Wizard".

Anthony Callea performed, while a letter was read out from Andrew Lloyd Webber.

A special video tribute was played, which earned a mixture of laughs - particularly when it came to footage of Guest in his pop star days - and tears, as the theatre industry and general public alike remembered a wonderful entertainer.Guest died after suffering a massive stroke at his Melbourne home earlier this month. He was just 58.

- Troy Dodds

http://www.aussietheatre.com/news.htm#memorial

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Anthony's message on the passing of Rob Guest

I have had the privilege of knowing Rob Guest very well in recent times.I shared a dressing room with him in the current production of Wicked and we have shared so much laughter and happy times together, our room was known as the clean and beautifully scented room with non stop talk about fast cars.

Not only was he the true professional on stage but he was a true gentleman offstage. He was a wealth of knowledge who wouldn't hesitate to listen and give advice when needed. A selfless man who everyone could easily call a friend.

It's unbelievable to think that he is gone and how life can change so quickly, my heart goes out to his children, beautiful partner Kellie and family. The Wicked family will never be the same and he will be greatly missed.

- Anthony

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Anthony On New Gospel Album

NEW ALBUM – OUT END OF AUGUST 2008
“For the Children” The Melbourne Gospel Choir



















The Melbourne Gospel Choir, all the contributing artists and their record companies have unanimously agreed to donate a substantial percentage of the royalties generated from
the sales of this project to the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne’s RCH1000 project.


Tuesday, September 16, 2008

CALLEA'S ON A ROLE

Catherine Lambert
June 15, 2008 12:00am

HE has stepped on stage to be watched intently by millions of people, but Anthony Callea admits he is terrified about making his theatre debut.Callea may have nerves of steel, but he has not acted and knows a starring role in the hit musical Wicked will be a test.

When he stepped on to the Wicked set for the first time this week, he was struck by the exciting reality of what he was about to do and nerves turned to excitement.

Working in a cast of this size with a massive crew is amazing because were all here for a common goal to put on a great show, Callea said.

It's a great, exciting feeling, but its also scary because its a new venture for me. Ive never acted or danced before and I can often have two left feet ... I'm jumping right out of my comfort zone.
Callea, 25, plays endearing munchkin Boq in the blockbuster show. Its not a lead role, but Boq is a crucial thread in the world of Oz

He is the misguided boy besotted with good witch Glinda, but she is impervious to his devotion. He does anything she asks of him, but her repeated rejection takes its toll and he eventually loses his heart altogether.

The challenging and exciting part is that this time when I walk out on stage, I cant be Anthony Callea I have to be Boq and keep remembering what is going through his head and seeing things from his perspective, he said.

Even though its a fairytale, Boq goes through an emotional roller-coaster that anyone who has ever loved someone who remains oblivious to them can relate to.

Hes a very sad character, but hes also a lot of fun. Its mainly an acting role, so Ill be exploring that side of myself a bit more.

Wicked, which tells the story behind the Wizard of Oz, is a big, expensive show, with producer John Frost saying this week sales are approaching $10 million for the Regent production

For a show that is brand new, the advance sales are fantastic, Frost said.

People want to see new shows and this is a big, spectacular production. Its certainly bigger than Sunset Boulevard and The Lion King, which were the last big shows in this theatre.

I think also Melbourne loves a premiere and an ownership of a show, which is why Im planning to leave it here for as long as possible.

Wicked International general manager Nancy Gibbs said the Melbourne response to the show had been much stronger than the London opening.

The audience is the best advertiser for this show because its such a thrilling, unusual theatre experience, Gibbs said.

One of the greatest attractions for Callea was the shows music.

I love musicals, but often with a soundtrack there are at least a few songs that dont work, he said. But I love every single one of these songs.

There are so many emotions in these songs, from the gut-wrenching Defying Gravity to the beautiful For Good and the fun of Popular.

Recording a new album for release by Christmas will enliven his passion for singing, which first struck Australian audiences four years ago on Australian Idol.

He performed to more than three million people in the shows grand final and he was thrown into the media spotlight.

It wasnt always a comfortable place to be, but he has managed to keep it in perspective, recover from the knocks and continue to grow in confidence.

You just have to have a really thick skin and not let things get to you, he said.

If Im ever feeling a bit sensitive, I bring it back to what I do and remember why Im here. Im a singer and a performer ... I tell myself to just get out there and do my thing without getting caught up in an artificial world.

As much as I love what I do, its still a job. Out in the world and on stage Im Anthony Callea or a character, but when I get home and close the door I like lying on the couch, watching TV and not thinking about anything, just like anybody.

He and partner Tim Campbell, who played Johnny OKeefe in the recent production of Shout, take time to eat out most nights Callea admits he cant even cook a piece of toast and they support each other professionally.

Campbell has been offering Callea some acting advice and will be in the opening-night audience with Calleas parents.

The best advice Tims given me is to bring myself into the character as much as possible to make it real, he said.

Its been really invaluable advice.

Callea credits his relationship with the Wheel of Fortune host with giving him the confidence to branch out creatively and work in a variety of mediums from television to the recording studio and now the theatre.

Hes so supportive of what I do and I really support what he does, so we dont have to try to make it work it just clicks, he said

If you have to think about a relationship, it doesnt work.

But even though they work in similar industries, they have different personalities.

Even though were two completely different people, we seem similar, he said. Hes more calm than me and Im a bit more fiery. Im the one who sometimes doesnt think before he opens his mouth.