Coomalie Cabaret
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Coomalie Cabaret, Litchfield Outback Resort, Batchelor, NT
Performance: July 30, 2022. 7 pm
Tracks Dance Company presents The Grey Panthers performing in Batchelor for this one-night-only evening of entertainment
Coomalie Cabaret featured over 28 dancers from Darwin, outer Darwin and Coomalie regions, enjoying their life over their 60s. The Grey Panthers hijacked a bus and went to town – Batchelor Township. This not-to-be-missed opportunity to experience the loud-and-proud life attitude of Australia's longest-established senior dance group was seen by a sold-out enthusiastic crowd of locals, Territory, Interstate and international guests. (Unfortunately due to COVID we were down a few performers)
More Than Just A Cabaret
Spend the day in the country:
GREY PANTHER DISPLAY
10 am – 9 pm
Presented at the Litchfield Outback Tavern, this display included posters and short films of works by the Grey Panthers. As Australia’s longest-running senior dance troupe, the Grey Panthers have entertained audiences in full-length shows, pop-ups and community performances for the past 35 years.
DANCE WORKSHOP 10-11 am
Tracks creative team led participants through a warm-up, learning some repertoire, and a warm-down. A great way to get the day moving. The Dance Workshop was open to all ages and by donation.
ARTIST TALK 11-11.30 am
An insightful discussion about the artistry of older adults between the Grey Panther directors and facilitators David McMicken, Jessica Devereux and Darryl Butler. It was hosted by Darwin theatre maker, director and funny guy Kyle Walmsley.
GREY PANTHER POP-UPS 6 pm
Pre-show Pop Up performances in and around Litchfield Outback Resort - Spice Girls
COOMALIE CABARET 7-8 pm
Venue: Litchfield Outback Resort
Scenario
- Master of Ceremonies - Kyle Walmsley
- Spice Girls - Original Choreographer: Sarah Calver
- Pushbike Song - Choreographer: Darryl Butler. Music: Then Mixtures
- Ballin’ The Jack - Choreographer: David McMicken. Music: Danny Kaye
- Lola - Choreographer: David McMicken with Kelly Beneforti. Music: Les Baxter
- Who Can Remember Sweet November - Choreographer: Joanna Noonan. Music: Enya
- Nothing Matters When We’re Dancing - Choreographer: David McMicken and Kelly Beneforti. Music: The Magnetic Fields
- Jump Around - Choreographer: Kelly Beneforti, featuring Soloist Steph Spillett. Music: House of Pain
- No Walls, No Ceilings, No Floors - Choreographer: Darryl Butler. Music: Barbara Mandrell
- Cabaret - Choreographer: Jess Devereux. Music: Lisa Minelli
- Latin Medley - Choreographer: Jess Devereux. Music: Chan Chan, Roy Paci & Aretuska, Ritchie Valens, Ricky Martin
- Ain’t No Mountain High Enough - Choreographer: Kelly Beneforti. Music: Marvin Gaye and Tammy Terrell
- 60 Shades of Grey - Choreographed by Kelly Beneforti and David McMicken. Music: Right Said Fred
Creative Team
Choreography: David McMicken, Kelly Beneforti, Darryl Butler, Jess Devereux, Joanna Noonan, Sarah Calver
Production Manager: Duane Preston
Promotion/Media: Adelaide Wood, Mikaela Earnshaw
Poster Images: Duane Preston
Graphic Design: Backslap Design
Performers
The Grey Panthers
Darwin: Barbara Pollock, Cherrian Eecen, Connie Vlastuin, Darryl Butler, David McMickien, Ellen Hankin, Elsa Gibbons, Jenni Sanderson, Jess Devereux, Lillian Mann, Marge Duminski, Maria Vlastuin, Natina Demetriou, Nikki Charlesworth-Canning, Susan Pattiselanno, Toni Vine-Bromley, Trish Greenfield
Coomalie: Darryl Butler, Denise Grecian-Wright, Ellen Hankin, Jan Powik, Gail Flack, Marjan LeFaucheur, Nanette Gillies, Pat Simmonds, Prue King, Sue Mornane
Special Guest Master of Ceremonies: Kyle Warmsley
Thank You
Deepest gratitude to the McElwee family for their ongoing and generous support of the Coomalie Grey Panthers and this event.
Company Partners
Tracks Inc. is proudly sponsored by the Northern Territory Government.
Project Partners
Regional Arts Australia
Regional Arts NT
Supporting Partners
Litchfield Outback Resort
Tracks 2022
Artistic Co-Directors: David McMicken and Tim Newth (Tim is currently on long service leave)
Company Director: Adelaide Wood
Assoc. Artistic Director: Jessica Devereux
Dance Animateurs: Kelly Beneforti and Steph Spillett
Production Manager: Duane Preston
Administrator: Mikaela Earnshaw, Debbie Macairin
Bookkeeper: It Figures
Committee Members: David Taylor (Chairperson), Max Dewa Stretton (Vice-Chairperson), Glenn Bernardin (Treasurer), Venaska Cheliah, Andrea Wicking, Rachael Wallis, Michael Grant, Ken Conway. David McMicken, Tim Newth, and Adelaide Wood (Ex-Officio Members)
Public Fund Trustees: Maari Gray, Will Crawford, and Lachlan Peattie
Patron: Her Honour the Honourable Vicki O’Halloran AM, Administrator of the Northern Territory
Photos
Date / Venue
7 pm Saturday, July 30
Litchfield Outback Resort, 49 Rum Jungle Rd, Batchelor
Audience Responses
“The Cabaret was just brilliant! The way each item took an idea and expressed it through dance was fantastic. For anyone who thought they were just going to see some old pensioners hauling themselves around the room, the pace and quality of production would have been quite a shock”
“OMG, that was BRILLIANT. Didn't expect it to be so amazingly good. CONGRATULATIONS.”
“I was in awe. Can't wait for the next one.”
“... lovely to see so many dancing as if no one is watching.”