Hats Off set for Melbourne

Hats Off – the annual fundraising concert presented by Oz Showbiz Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (OSCEFA) – has become an annual concert institution in the diaries of Melbourne’s theatre and cabaret cognoscenti.

This year, the cream of Australia’s media, arts and entertainment community will come together to celebrate the 10th year of Hats Off in Melbourne on Sunday, September 6 (Father’s Day), 2009 at St Kilda’s National Theatre.

In 2009 OSCEFA is donating funds raised through Hats Off to Pacific Counselling and Social Services which cares for people living with HIV/AIDS in Fiji where testing, support and medical facilities are extremely scarce outside the three major cities.

Money raised by Hats Off 2009 will be specifically directed toward an urgent need to upgrade patient care and counselling services.

According to Troy Sussman, Artistic Coordinator for Hats Off 2009, “On Father’s Day, the National Theatre in St Kilda will play host to an incredible concert to celebrate ten years of media, arts and entertainment industry support for people living with HIV/AIDS. From musical theatre superstars to virtuosic magicians and everything in between, Hats Off once again offers something for everyone.”

This year’s incredible lineup includes Caroline O’Connor, Sharon Millerchip, Craig McLachlan, Gina Riley (Pictured) and cast members ofChicago, Judi Connelli, Suzanne Johnston, David Harris, Christopher Parker, Alex Rathgeber, The Beautiful Losers (Adam Murphy, Mark Jones and Karlis Zaid), Alan Fletcher, Jack Jones (Irwin Thomas), Chelsea Plumley, Sally Bourne, Trevor Ashley, Scared Weird Little Guys, Divas Inc. (Antoinette Halloran, Danielle Calder and Dimity Shepherd), David Rogers-Smith, Melissa Langton, Anne Phelan, Val Jellay, Marty Fields, James Roche and Jimmy Cupples, Josh Piterman, Matthew Robinson, The Ross Skiffington Grand Magic Company, Centrestage School of Performing Arts, The Sparklettes Drag Troupe and the Hats Off Dancers.

OSCEFA is also proud to present a tribute to Patron and friend Ross Coleman featuring the Hats Off Dancers and to be staged by Andrew Hallsworth and Yvette Lee.

Over the last ten years OSCEFA is proud to have raised over $500,000 for people living with HIV/AIDS throughout Australia and around the world through its support of the Victorian AIDS Council and a host of other organizations.

All monies raised by Hats Off 2009 will be specifically and directly donated to Pacific Counselling and Social Services in Fiji to assist in upgrading care and support facilities.