Robert Young: Theatre director’s life celebrated

The life of music theatre director and choreographer Robert Young will be celebrated in a memorial concert titled Robert Young: A Life On Stage held at The Arts Centre Gold Coast next week.

From his early days as a hoofer in the JC Williamson production of My Fair Lady to directing and choreographing musicals on both sides of the Tasman, Robert Young dedicated his life to the stage. After directing the inaugural Arts Centre Gold Coast production of Jesus Christ Superstar in 1989, he directed and choreographed more than 40 shows at the Centre, nurturing a talented and passionate music theatre community that exists to this day.

Young also pioneered the Arts Centre’s Summer School Program, mentoring young talent from across the Gold Coast and beyond in all aspects of musical theatre production. Many of Young’s former students have gone on to become successful music theatre professionals, including Christina O’Neill (Sunday in the Park with George, Avenue Q), Glaston Toft (Jersey Boys), Katherine Rodrigues (Jersey Boys, Hairspray), Heath Keating (Hairspray, Grease), and Adele Parkinson (Legally Blonde, Carrie The Musical).

One such student Keane Fletcher, WAAPA music theatre graduate currently on tour with The Ten Tenors, believes that Young was instrumental in encouraging him to follow his dream of performing.

“Robert taught me how to be professional without losing my enthusiasm. He taught me discipline and confidence in my craft but also encouraged me to experiment, to challenge my own expectations and to never settle for anything but my best. His enthusiasm and professionalism inspired not only me but a generation of young performers and we are forever indebted to him”.

To celebrate his life and legacy, former cast and crew members will pay tribute to the director in a short memorial concert early next week. The concert will include songs from some of Young’s favourite and most successful productions, as well as tributes from those who knew him best. Attendance to the concert will be by gold coin donation, with all proceeds going to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

EVENT DETAILS

Robert Young: A Life on Stage Memorial Concert

The Arts Centre Gold Coast, Arts Theatre 135 Bundall Rd Surfers Paradise

Date: Tuesday 17 December 2013

Time: 6pm – doors open at 5:30pm

Cost: gold coin donation to support the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia

For further information:

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