Gala celebrates Adelaide’s new Walk of Fame
GALLERY: To celebrate the unveiling of its Walk of Fame, the Adelaide Festival Centre hosted a gala that was almost as star-studded as the new walk on the centre’s northern promenade.
Rhonda Burchmore performs at the Walk of Fame Gala. Photo: Kelly Carpenter
The concert featured extraordinary talents in opera, classical, jazz and country music, musical theatre, comedy, contemporary dance and acting, including Greta Bradman, Rhonda Burchmore, Beccy Cole, Peter Combe, Slava Grigoryan, Nancye Hayes, Tim Minchin, James Morrison, Niki Vasilakis, Paul Blackwell and the Australian Dance Theatre.
Together with Todd McKenney as host, they produced a show that was entertaining, amusing and moving.
Country singer Beccy Cole was a scene-stealer with her brilliant voice and sparkling stage presence. She paused a song to share tales about country Australia, ageing and performing, sculling a beer and AFL-kicking a stubby holder into the crowd.
Country music star Beccy Cole. Photo: Kelly Carpenter
Other highlights included Niki Vasilakis, whose violin playing with classical guitarist Slava Grigoryan was magical, and musical theatre veteran Nancye Hayes singing “Broadway Baby”.
Tim Minchin was the show’s final performer and an obvious crowd favourite. He was as touching as he was hilarious, performing “If This Plane Goes Down”, “When I Grow Up” (from Matilda the Musical) and a faithful rendition of Peter Allen’s “I Still Call Australia Home”.
Nancye Hayes and Todd McKenney. Photo: Kelly Carpenter
Through it all, McKenney cracked jokes, chatted with the crowd, and sang and danced with old friends. He tied the show together with stories of past highlights at the Adelaide Festival Centre, on a stage that has been home to many entertainers.
The Walk of Fame features a selection of stars from the Festival Centre’s 40-year history – with 130 names initially and more to be added – and the Gala celebration was an intimate and uniquely Adelaide affair. A one-off spectacular offering an inspiring look back at the arts in our state and an optimistic view of the future.
More photos from the gala:
Australian Dance Theatre. Photo: Kelly Carpenter
Slava Grigoryan and Niki Vasilakis. Photo: Kelly Carpenter
Peter Combe. Photo: Kelly Carpenter
The Adelaide Festival Centre presented two Walk of Fame Gala performances on Friday at the Festival Theatre.
