Government applauds Priscilla

Minister for Major Events and the Arts, George Souris, has warmly congratulated the Australians who have distinguished themselves at today’s Tony Awards given for excellence in Broadway stage productions.

Minister for Major Events and the Arts, George Souris, has warmly congratulated the Australians who have distinguished themselves at today’s Tony Awards given for excellence in Broadway stage productions.

“The award of best costume design to Lizzy Gardiner and Tim Chappell, two people from rural New South Wales, shows the depth of talent we have in this State and country…and it is something the Coalition Government intends to nurture and promote,” Mr Souris said.

Gardiner and Chappell won the coveted Tony for their brilliant and outlandish costume designs for the stage production of Priscilla Queen of the Desert which has been delighting Broadway audiences.

“This celebrated duo has also won an Oscar in 1995 for its costume design of the movie of the same name and who could forget LIzzy Gardiner’s appearance at the Oscars wearing a dress she designed made entirely of gold American Express cards,” Mr Souris said.

“It is a matter of great pride that two people from country NSW, Lizzy Gardiner from Dubbo and Tim Chappell from Lismore, have won such world acclaim and we should be extremely proud of their achievements.

“I would also like to congratulate Tony Sheldon for his Tony Award nomination as leading actor in a musical for his role as Bernadette in Priscilla Queen of the Desert.

“Again it demonstrates the depth of world-class talent in this country and reminds us that when it comes to the entertainment industry, we can do it as well as anyone anywhere.

“That’s why the Coalition Government is determined to turn around 16 years of indifference and inactivity and return Sydney to its pre-eminence as Australia’s live production capital.

“To this end, we have rationalised our bidding and marketing process by announcing the Establishment of Destination NSW which will consolidate the roles of Events NSW  and Tourism NSW  to  bid for and attract the world’s major stage productions which will greatly enhance tourism and the State’s vibrancy.

“We have already witnessed the announcements of Sydney winning the rights to such productions as Legally Blonde, The Addams Family, Strictly Ballroom, La Traviata and Annie…and there is more to come.

“We have among the world’s most talented actors, singers, dancers, directors and production staff and we have Australia’s only international city. I can assure you that Sydney is back in the game in a big way for first run stage productions.”