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Front Row: Aussie theatre show’s desperate plea to Nicole Kidman and the country music ‘scandal’ rumoured to be a stunt
Front Row is your weekly backstage pass to the Australian entertainment industry’s biggest parties, premieres, and behind-the-scenes secrets. Got a tip? Email us at frontrow@nine.com.au.
This week, Front Row attended the highly anticipated Moulin Rouge! The Musical cast reveal and we picked up some piping-hot country music secrets at 30,000 feet. Safe to say, we’ve got plenty to dish.
Moulin Rouge cast’s desperate plea to Nicole Kidman
Sydney Lyric Theatre was buzzing with media on Wednesday morning as we gathered in droves for the Moulin Rouge! The Musical cast announcement.
Us theatre tragic journos have been holding our breath for this reveal ever since the Sydney return was announced, so when the golden ticket invite landed, we could barely keep our cool.
It’s been 25 years since Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor starred as Satine and Christian in Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 musical film Moulin Rouge! But just who would fill their shoes in the Aussie stage reimagination? 20th Century Fox/Allstar
Arriving at the theatre, Front Row bumped into a few fellow entertainment reporters in the lobby, all buzzing with anticipation. Sydney was in full event gridlock, with reporters frantically calculating transit times between this reveal, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping photo call with Hollywood stars Mckenna Grace and Joseph Zada, and the Street Fighter movie premiere that evening.
Naturally, wild theories were flying around the lobby. Could THE showman of all showmen Hugh Jackman be taking on Harold Zidlee? Had Nat Bass or Samantha Jade bagged Satine? Was Cody Simpson about to step into Christian's bohemian boots?
With our paws clutching our free welcome drinks, we filed into the theatre. Comedian Susie Youssef took the mic, building the suspense before dropping the big news:
“Guys, it’s time! She is the sparkling diamond, he is a penniless songwriter... please welcome your Satine and Christian... the extraordinary Erin Clare and Nigel Huckle!”
While the rumour mill had us briefly wondering if a Hollywood mega-star might pop up, any curiosity about big-name crossovers vanished the absolute second Erin and Nigel took the mic.
The pair launched into Your Song proving they are insane vocalists with undeniable chemistry. Front Row has no doubt they’ll be electric on stage. Plus, comedian and drag artist Reuben Kaye as Zidler? Pure genius.
Meet your new Christian and Satine! Nigel Huckle and Erin Clare are both talented singers, actors and performers in their own right. Supplied
After the performance, Front Row nabbed a quick chat with the new leads, who wasted no time sending a hilarious direct plea to the original movie’s Satine, Nicole Kidman.
“Nicole, we’re speaking directly to you,” Erin pleaded into our mic with a cheeky grin. “We would love if you could come and bring those incredible bangs to opening night in Sydney!”
“Nicole, we come to this place [the theatre] for magic,” Nigel jumped in. “You know what I’m talking about. This is your formal invitation.”
“You’ve never been more culturally relevant!” Erin added.
Don’t forget the ever-fabulous Reuben Kaye as Zidler! Supplied
While we might not have a global superstar wearing the corset, seeing a dazzling, home-grown production take over Sydney feels like a huge triumph for Aussie talent.
With Australian theatre practically on its knees lately following a devastating string of tour cancellations, this is exactly the shot in the arm the industry needs.
We can only hope Nicole takes up the offer for a front-row seat!
Was country star’s wild behaviour just a publicity stunt?
The last place we expected to pick up some juicy music industry gossip was sitting on an overnight flight from Los Angeles to Sydney, but stranger things have certainly happened at 30,000 feet!
One Front Row reporter found herself rubbing shoulders (literally – economy seating spares no one) with a road crew member for a massive American country singer.
While we won’t name the star, the singer’s roadie was more than happy to spill a few industry secrets.
His juiciest claim? That country star Morgan Wallen’s recent controversies were all publicity stunts to get more eyes (and ears) on his latest music and tour.
For anyone who missed the drama, Wallen landed in hot water earlier this year for flipping a piano at one of his shows after encountering tech issues. Just a few days later he was in the headlines again for snatching a phone off security and lobbing it into the crowd.
This on-stage outburst landed Morgan Wallen in some serious hot water. Instagram/@countrycentral
According to the roadie, those stunts were orchestrated to get Wallen more media attention. We’re not sure if we believe it, but stars have been known to misbehave in order to stay in the spotlight before.
On a sweeter note, the roadie also tipped us off on a local talent to watch, predicting big things for Queensland country singer-songwriter Mack Geiger. Remember the name – you heard it at 35,000 feet first!
