Melbourne Attractions Winter 2014

Melbourne has so much to offer you this winter, Metro Apartments on Bank Place offer fantastic Winter Hot Deal accommodation options, 

Visit today: www.metrohotels.com.au/hotels/victoria/metro-apartments-on-bank-place/hot-deals/

Strictly Ballroom the Musical to blitz Melbourne

PREPARE to bask in the glow of one of the world’s biggest disco balls.

Strictly Ballroom the Musical is coming to Melbourne and will open at Her Majesty’s Theatre in January.

The glitzy stage version of Baz Luhrmann’s feel-good film will transfer from Sydney’s Lyric Theatre, where the world premiere in April evoked an instant standing ovation.

The date for Melbourne’s opening night is yet to be confirmed, but it will likely be mid-January before the show runs for a limited season.

Producer Carmen Pavlovic, of Global Creatures, said she hoped the show would follow the well-worn musical path of a national tour and then a stint in Asia.

Opening night of “Strictly Ballroom the Musical” in Sydney. Picture: James Morgan Source: Supplied

“There’s no doubt audiences are loving the show. It feels like a rock concert most nights I go in,” Pavlovic said. “I think the comment we’re most hearing is that it makes you feel good and just really puts a smile on your face.”

The stage show unites Strictly Ballroom’s original creative team, with Luhrmann as director and his Academy Award-winning wife Catherine Martin the creative brains behind the dazzling sets and costumes.

Two previously little-known performers, Thomas Lacey and Phoebe Panaretos, lead of cast of 43 which includes Bob Baines, Drew Forsythe, Natalie Gamsu and Robert Grubb.

The musical’s Sydney opening received mixed reviews from critics, some of whom praised the visual spectacle but were less impressed with the show’s emotional engagement.

Pavlovic — whose company also brought us King Kong and How to Train Your Dragon: Live Spectacular — said Strictly Ballroom got off to a solid start.

“I thought the reviews overall were good. They were mixed in some ways; some of that’s fair, some of it we’re working on as we go along,” she said.

“But that’s all part and parcel of creating a new show. It’s a very dynamic process. You have to remember that we’re creating new work here, unlike a lot of shows that come from the West End or Broadway, have been mounted several times and have all their kinks ironed out.”

Strictly Ballroom combines Broadway dazzle and kitch Aussie fun to tell the inspiring story of a champion dancer who breaks the rules to follow his heart.

There is no doubting the show’s eye-popping design, which extends to bright, sparkly covers on all the chairs in the theatre.
“The idea of Catherine’s design is that it really draws the audience into the performance and that ethos will be carried over into Melbourne,” Pavlovic said.

“Something the show does very well is invite the audience in and permit them to really feel part of it. I think that invitation is extended to audiences from the minute they step into the auditorium, right through to the end of show when the last people to take a bow at the end of the night are the audience.”

Tickets for the Melbourne season will go on sale on July 21 from Ticketek.

Source: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/arts/strictly-ballroom-the-musical-to-blitz-melbourne/story-fni0fcgk-1226955888143


Coming to Melbourne for Strictly Ballroom the Musical?

Book your next stay at Metro Apartments on Bank Place: www.metrohotels.com.au/hotels/victoria/metro-apartments-on-bank-place

These serviced boutique apartments in the Mebourne CBD are located within easy reach to public transport.

It is just a walk out the front door to a large variety of restaurants, bars and coffee shops and is in walking distance to Melbourne's famous Bourke Street Mall, the Southgate complex, Crown Casino and Southbank Promenade. Major Sporting venues including Etihad Stadium, the MCG and the Rod Laver Arena are just a short tram ride away.

Stop by reception and our friendly staff will be glad to give you tram and shuttle information to get you to the South Melbourne Market, Bridge Road Richmond, Chapel Street South Yarra, Melbourne Zoo, Melbourne Aquarium, Imax Theatre and Melbourne Museum, The Arts Centre, Old Melbourne Goal, Immigration Museum and many more cultural and entertainment attractions in the city.

Enjoy a short break this Winter at Metro Apartments on Bank Place

Winter is the perfect time to book a short break in Melbourne with its labyrinth of hidden laneways lined with boutique shops and European style cafes, and its choice of art galleries, museums, cultural and sporting events, and restaurants.

Melbourne has a well-earned reputation as the cultural and sporting capital of Australia, and this Winter is no exception.  Melbourne will play host to a number of exciting sporting events, including the AFL Finals Series, commencing September 5 and culminating in the AFL Grand Final on September 27, a number of NRL games, and USA and Canada will battle it out in an exhibition Ice Hockey match in Melbourne on July 25.

There is also a whole range of cultural events taking place this Winter in Melbourne, including the Melbourne International Film Festival (July 31- August 17), Melbourne Writers Festival (August 21 - 31), and Melbourne Cabaret Festival (June 19 – July 6). Throughout August and September, major international artists are scheduled to perform in venues throughout Melbourne, including George Benson (August 21), Lady Gaga (August 23), Queen & Adam Lambert (August 29), Kanye West (September 9), Robbie Williams (September 16), and Justin Timberlake (September 18 & 19).

Reed Gift Fair, the biggest gift and homewares trade show in the Southern Hemisphere, will run from August 2 – 6, and the National 4X4 & Outdoors Show and Fishing & Boating Expo will return to the Melbourne Showgrounds from August 22 – 24.

Metro Apartments on Bank Place, in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, is the ideal accommodation choice for those attending Melbourne’s myriad of sporting events, cultural festivals and concerts. Metro Apartments on Bank Place offers inner city apartment style accommodation that lives up to the city’s European charm. Tucked away down a cobbled laneway, the surrounding heritage-listed piazza introduces you to Melbourne’s charming lanes and city precinct with its range of cafes, restaurants and enticing shopping.

Bustling by day and alive with al fresco dining by night, Bank Place is situated a short stroll away from all of Melbourne’s sought after attractions: Bourke Street Mall, Federation Square, Southgate Centre and Crown Casino. Hop on one of Melbourne’s famous trams to spend the day at the MCG or the National Gallery of Victoria, and take in a show at the Victorian Arts Centre – only a short ride away by taxi or tram.

The property offers 46 apartments, a choice of either studio or one-bedroom suites, as well as a split level, two bedroom penthouse. All suites include a kitchenette and laundry facilities.

To book your stay with Metro Apartments on Bank Place, visit our website http://www.metrohotels.com.au/hotels/victoria/metro-apartments-on-bank-place/welcome/, or call 1800 004 321.

Studio accommodation at Metro Apartments on Bank Place

Our comfortable and convenient Studio Apartments  feature a kitchenette and modern amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi and Foxtel. With easy access to the business end of Melbourne with the ASX, Melbourne law courts, and the financial district a quick walk away. Some of Melbourne’s most popular shopping and attractions including Southbank, Bourke Street Mall, and Crown Casino are also within easy reach.

With one queen bed, this room is suitable for up to 2 guests.

Amenities:

• Complimentary Wi-Fi access
• Kitchenette
• Air Conditioning
• Alarm Clock/Radio
• Cable TV (Foxtel)
• Coffee/tea making facilities
• Flat screen TV
• Direct dial telephone
• Hair Dryer
• Iron/Ironing Board
• Small refrigerator
• Work desk with lamp

View this room at: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/hotels/victoria/metro-apartments-on-bank-place/accommodation/studio/

Midweek Special on Bank Place

Great rates on mid-week stays, ideally located in Melbourne CBD.

Book this Mid Week Special at Metro Apartments on Bank Place from  $130.00 per night, including:

• Accommodation in a Studio Apartment
• Complimentary WiFi
• Extended check out time of 11am
• Bottle of wine on arrival

*Not available Friday and Saturday nights.

To book, visit: http://www.melbourne-metro-apartments-bank-place.bookings.metrohotels.com.au/index.site.packages.package.3637.html

Bank on Metro

You can Bank on Metro with a bonus upgrade to a One Bedroom Apartment at the Studio rate!

Enjoy the benefits of your own serviced boutique apartment, with our compliments.

• Convenient CBD location
• Fully equipped kitchen and laundry
• Complimentary unlimited WiFi

To find out more, visit: http://www.melbourne-metro-apartments-bank-place.bookings.metrohotels.com.au/index.site.packages.package.3854.html

Midweek Special on Bank Place

Great rates on mid-week stays, ideally located in Melbourne CBD.

Book this Mid Week Special at Metro Apartments on Bank Place from  $130.00 per night, including:

• Accommodation in a Studio Apartment
• Complimentary WiFi
• Extended check out time of 11am
• Bottle of wine on arrival

*Not available Friday and Saturday nights.

To book, visit: http://www.melbourne-metro-apartments-bank-place.bookings.metrohotels.com.au/index.site.packages.package.3637.html