Lion King’s Stars of the Savannah set to raise much needed funds for charity
On January 12, 2015, the cast and crew of blockbuster musical The Lion King will take to the stage at Brisbane QUT Gardens Theatre for a special one night only charity concert – and it’s going to raise the roof!
Preparations are now full swing for the festive season AND a special concert in support of the Big Brothers and Big Sisters charity thanks to Lion King cast member Jason Te Patu and his co-stars from Disney’s hit musical. Big Brothers and Big Sisters Foundation Australia helps troubled youth form positive relationships with caring adults. It helps and all proceeds from this event will be donated to the charity.
Te Patu is both the producer and Creative Director of Stars of The Savannah, and he is particularly excited to be working towards this wonderful event.
“Even though it’s one single night, it takes months and weeks (and an awesome team) to create an event like this” he told AussieTheatre.
“The fact that it’s for charity though always keeps me grounded and on track! A humbling learning experience indeed!”
According to Te Patu, The Lion King has already formed a wonderful affiliation with the charity Big Brothers Big Sisters and having had experience working with underprivileged kids in New Zealand, he was prompted to help out the charity in some way while the production was in Brisbane.
“Putting together this fundraiser is an awesome way of showcasing the cast’s performing skills whilst raising money for an organisation that’s dear to my heart!”
Most of the cast of The Lion King will be involved on the night in some way or another. From working front of house and backstage, to performing in different variety acts, it’s a family show for everyone. Most of the programme has been kept under wraps, but he does hint that two of the show’s leading men (Rob Collins and Nick Afoa, Mufasa and adult Simba) will be performing a smooth duet, Sinatra-style!
“Rob is of Aboriginal descent and Nick is Samoan and also a former youth counsellor at schools in New Zealand. Many of our Aboriginal/Maori/Pacific Island youth need positive role models like Rob and Nick to pave the way for a brighter future. As you can imagine, this cause is particularly close to both of them”, Te Patu explained.
“We also have touring and local crew pitching in to make this concert the best it can be. I’m overwhelmed by the generosity of spirit from the company.”
Stars of the Savannah is a chance for the cast of Disney’s The Lion King to sing, dance, act and perform in a way Australian audiences have never seen them before! Best of all, each and every artist is donating their time and talents to help children who face serious adversity create a brighter, more positive future for themselves through leadership and guidance from a caring adult.
Do yourself a favour and book a ticket to see the incredible talents of this multicultural cast on display. You won’t be disappointed!
Tickets are now available via gardenstheatre.qut.edu.au
Gardens Theatre, QUT, Brisbane
January 12, 7pm
Tickets $40
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