Michael Danby (Melbourne Ports, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you Mr Deputy Speaker, and congratulations on your new position. The celebrated hit musical Promises, Promisesat the State Theatre in Victoria was a genuine tribute to Australian talent, with a gifted cast and crew that I believe rivals Broadway's best.

Starring Australia's much loved leading lady of the stage Marina Prior and TV favourite Matt Hetherington, Promises, Promisesis Neil Simon's famed story of ambition, despair and hopeful romantic love, set to Burt Bacharach's and Hal David's score. Behind the stage, one of Australia's most respected and renowned filmmakers, Nadia Tass, directs this production. This ensemble is a not-for-profit theatrical company, specialising in showcasing new theatre talent and stimulating the Melbourne and Australian theatre industry. Since 1999 Melbourne has enjoyed the Production Company's celebration of the works of Rodgers and Hammerstein, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Neil Simon and Jerry Herman.

I must pay particular respect and tribute to the chair of the Production Company, Jeanne Pratt, who engages local directors, choreographers and designers to showcase Australia's best and brightest. Jeanne Pratt is a patroness of many charitable, theatrical and artistic causes spearheaded by the Pratt Foundation. Her particular appreciation for and devotion to our local artistic talent is truly admirable. This local talent, thanks to Jeanne's patronage, will one day receive worldwide recognition and appreciation.