back to Hairspray again...

Hairspray arrived today. And I'm pleased to say that the DVD is pretty awesome. The quality is brilliant - the sound faultless. As expected the bonus features are terrific. The cast and crew talk about the film with relish and excitement. It certainly comes across a great set to be on.

If you've seen the film or haven't had the pleasure...keep your eyes out for the council member, Shelley (Sarah Jayne Jensen) . She's one of those characters who has no lines but manages to steal almost every scene she's in.

I can see this being staged a s a concert one day. Hopefully the film cast and Broadway cast can appear together, it would be a concert you wouldn't want to miss.

I'm off to watch the commentary. (With 2 to choose it may take a while!)

new book

Anyone living in Adelaide has most certainly attended the Magic Cave or Christmas Pageant at least once. And during the Christmas Pageant 75th anniversary lead up, a book has been released chronicling the 75 Pageants and the 111 year old Magic Cave.

The Legendary Magic Cave and Christmas Pageant is by Lee Lennan, is a 310 page, hardbound, coffee table sized book. The book lovingly looks at all facets of these two local icons. Nine chapters delve into the history of John Martin’s Magic Cave from it’s design and creation to the changes it saw over the years. The author has spoken with many key people who designed and built the cave every year – so you can expect some wonderful behind the scenes stories.

The Pageant is also lovingly looked at (16 chapters in all) – from float design and construction, the media coverage from early radio to today’s satellite TV broadcast, a definitive history of Nipper and Nimble, costumes, carpentry, certainly nothing is overlooked. Countless colour and black & white images convey a great sense of time travel through Adelaide history.

I personally think Lee’s book will become a bible over the years for anyone wanting to know about these two iconic events. The $69.95 price may deter a few people but it’s certainly great value for your money. This book was well overdue and a pleasure to read. Available at all South Australian bookstores now.