Gala dinner strengthens line-up

Gala dinner strengthens line-up

Rising star Michael Falzon will be the headline act at the upcoming Aurora annual dinner to raise funds for the gay and lesbian community.

Falzon, who is best known for his starring role in the Australian production of the Queen musical We Will Rock You, will open the event on 30 June at Sydney Town Hall.

He promises an “impactful way to kick off the evening”.

Aurora chairperson Jane Marsden confirmed Falzon’s attendance last week along with the news that in 2006 the group had raised $14,000 to be split between youth group Twenty10 and the Gay and Lesbian Counselling Service.

“We offer something different with our gala dinner event and in return we can provide much needed funds to the community,” she said.

“It’s a true meeting of celebration and support.”

Also on the Aurora main stage will be award-winning Australian diva Christine Anu and retired New Zealand MP, former sex worker and transsexual Georgina Beyer, who will be giving the annual address.

During the event, diners can bid for an evening of wining and dining with environment minister Malcolm Turnbull or journalist-cum-politician Maxine McKew. Film buffs can bid on a night out with the ABC’s Margaret Pomeranz and David Stratton.

And all washed down with a two-course meal, cheese and wines.

For Falzon, however, the night’s James Bond theme is getting him most excited, but he is still trying to select a repertoire.

“I’ll be suited up, bow tie, dinner suit, tailored and slick – I might even do my hair,” he said.

“Tom Jones’s Thunderball is fantastic, From Russia with Love is a beautiful song which is epic and all the Shirley Bassey stuff is just amazing.

“I’ll probably stick to the contemporary tunes though – maybe Sheryl Crow or A View To A Kill. I mean, I can’t get up and sing Shirley Bassey – that’s just going to be embarrassing.”

In September Falzon will star alongside Shannon Noll in the Australian tour of the spectacular musical War Of The Worlds. However, it’s likely a Queen song will sneak into his Aurora set.

“People think of me as the guy who sings the Queen songs and that might be frustrating if I didn’t enjoy the music so much – it’s still an honour.”

So why is Falzon so keen to support Aurora?

“People ask me why I’m involved with gay charities or why I support Mardi Gras. It’s because I’m in an industry where there is a huge gay community and I’ve grown up with it,” he said.

“Whether it’s the gay community, Variety, breast cancer support – it doesn’t matter. If it’s something I believe needs support I’ll always get behind it and in the end all I’m doing is singing some songs and that’s not a huge commitment on my part.”

The Aurora annual dinner is on Saturday 30 June at Sydney Town Hall. Tickets are $180 and include entertainment, food, wine, cocktails and appetisers on arrival. See www.auroragroup.com.au for tickets.

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