Hats Off gender bender

Director Jason Langley was given an unusual brief for this year’s fundraising concert Hats Off: all the songs had to be about being a man, or being a woman, but any gender could sing them.

And so on Monday 7 February, punters will hear Barry Crocker sing I Am Woman, and vocal group The Leading Men will croon I Feel Pretty. Langley said we can also expect renditions of Man In The Mirror and Man, I Feel Like A Woman. The song choices of Judi Connelli and Toni Lamond remain a mystery.

I’ve approached the artists and asked if they’ve had anything to fit the theme -“ and most have, Langley said.

The Hats Off concerts were first held in 1997 by Oz Showbiz Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Inc, the brainchild of Tia Jordan and Jonathan Mill.

Since 1997 OSCEFA has raised more than $150,000 for people with AIDS, HIV and HIV-related illnesses.

Performer Jason Langley directs the concert for the first time this year after appearing in almost every previous concert.

This year he’s gathered a line-up that includes Christine Anu, Shauna Jensen, Jay Laga’aia (The Lion King), The Idea Of North, Dale Burridge, Tamsin Carroll, Daniel Scott, Jack Webster, Hayden Tee, Kaye Tuckerman, Shaun Rennie and Lisa (Debbie Does Dallas) Adam, and Kate Houlihan and Amanda Harrison (We Will Rock You).

Funnymen Trevor Ashley and Aunty Mavis are also scheduled to entertain, as well as chorus members from The Lion King, We Will Rock You and Dirty Dancing.

Hats Off (For Her And Him) is on for one night only, Monday 7 February, at the Star City Casino Showroom. Tickets are $55 with limited $45 concession tickets available through ACON.
Phone 9266 4800 or visit www.ticketek.com.au for bookings.