The Angel Star will take you on a journey that will immerse you in the heart of the action and fill you with the festive spirit.
Christmas is right around the corner. Markets and carols are taking over the parks and streets of the Lower North Shore, infusing the air and captivating hearts with a festive spirit.
And what could be better to get in the mood than joining the celebrations with a Christmas concert? This year, Australian producer and writer Marcus Cheong brings to life his Broadway experience with The Angel Star, his first interactive concert to be presented on the North Shore.
Featuring a score that combines thrilling new musical numbers with beloved Christmas carols, The Angel Star promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, breaking the fourth wall and immersing the audience in the action.
Marcus, who grew up in Longueville, has a background in architecture but decided to move to the USA in 2006 to follow his passion as a storyteller. He spent 15 years in New York, dedicating his life to producing musicals. This led him to produce musicals on Broadway and star in an Australian SBS TV documentary about his journey called Angels in New York.
Back in Sydney since 2020 due to COVID-19, Marcus is returning to the stage, promising to share more than a Christmas carol and bring Broadway’s magic to Australia’s doorstep.
“The Angel Star isn’t your typical musical; it’s an interactive experience that encourages the audience to become part of the show. You can sing along, dress up as characters, and even dance with the cast.
“It’s a show where the audience isn’t just a spectator but an active participant. The goal is to create an immersive experience that captures the spirit of Christmas, offering a touch of magic for audiences of all ages,” explains Marcus.
And there is more. As something that has been a constant note in Marcus’ career, creating the piece has more to do with sharing ‘enriching life experiences’ than merely telling tales.
“While we were in the pandemic in quarantine, we decided to use the time productively and create a new musical. We did it over Zoom because no one could see each other. I connected with the composer Daniel Thornton, who lived in the Blue Mountains, and the director Rich Fowler, who was in Sydney then. During that year, we wrote The Angel Star from different places worldwide, but connected by the internet,” Marcus says.
“This show is the first time I’m merging the sense of a Broadway musical with the idea of involving and interacting with the audience. That’s the magic of theatre, it’s live and you have real people there. And rather than just having them watch what is happening, they get to be part of it. It is a great opportunity to have more fun.”
That ‘fun’ part lies with the audience. Attendees will have the chance to display their theatrical skills under the choreographer’s instructions. The more they participate, the merrier.
Iconic Christmas characters will abound, including Saint Nicholas, the Ghost of Christmas, The Nutcracker, Sera, and the Angel of Light, who will share their talent and stories with families and people of all ages.
The Angel Star Date: 16 December at 2:30pm and 6:30pm Where: Northside Performance Space 2 Pole Lane, Crows Nest Tickets: northsideperformancespace.com