A highlight of the Mardi Gras season, this year’s Hats Off! is a showcase of show tunes, showstoppers and showbiz greats. Reg Domingo reports. Photographed for SX by John McRae.

On the set of this week’s SX cover shoot, it’s hard to get in a word in edgewise. Minnie Cooper, resplendent in a glittering red-sequinned gown, keeps offering instructions on how to extend the sprouting tule at the end of her dress. The larger-than-life Bob Downe, dapper in a navy polyester suit, continually shares his enthusiasm for his never-before-seen ensemble. Comedian Jan Van de Stool, meanwhile, fires off hilarious quips, most of them at friend and fellow entertainer, Garry Scale, who replies back with verbal punches of equal bite and wit. With four such flamboyant personalities in the one space, the SX crew was going to be in for a fun ride.

After Sydney photographer John McRae captures their individual portraits, it was time for the group shot. But as they jostle into position, Bob yells, “Wait! Don’t forget the hat! How should I hold it?” To which everyone unanimously agrees: “Hold it as if you’re tipping the hat off!”

It’s a fitting and symbolic gesture as the fab four have come together for the annual charity event, Hats Off!. A highlight of the Mardi Gras Festival, the star-studded concert raises much-needed funds for ACON and the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation. It is organised by the charity fundraising group, Oz Showbiz Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

Joining Bob, Minnie, Jan and Garry on Monday, February 22, at the Seymour Centre, is a cavalcade of stars from the fields of musical theatre, comedy, dance and cabaret, all of whom are donating their time and talent for free.

“We are always so grateful to the very talented performers and creative team that pull these magical nights together,” says Jonathan Mill, President and Co-founder of Oz Showbiz Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (OSCEFA). “It is such a fun way to raise money and awareness for two great organisations.”

This year’s theme, ‘History of the Showstopper’, is inspired by the historical tune of the 2010 Mardi Gras season. It is being helmed by director Margi de Ferranti, an old hat in the Hats Off! family.

“Hats Off! was created in 1998 as an opportunity for members of the show business community to donate their talent and time to help raise funds to help mitigate the circumstances of those living with HIV/AIDS,” de Ferranti tells SX. “Over the years, on the smell of an oily rag, the brightest stars of the musical theatre industry have offered their services and entertained thousands. This year will be no different. We decided on the theme ‘A History of Showstoppers’ – in other words, it’s a musical theatre lover's dream concert.”  

Among the musical treats to be served up on the night are tunes from Gypsy, Wicked, Dreamgirls, Carousel, Jesus Christ Superstar, Funny Girl, A Little Night of Music, Guys and Dolls and Mame.

This year’s event is being hosted by the hysterical Jan Van de Stool. Acerbic, quick-witted and hilariously funny, she will be joined by co-host Garry Scale who, in his words, “will be apologising for Jan’s gaffes”. The two have both been previously involved with Hats Off! – Jan emceed last year’s proceeding and Garry says he’s been part of Hats Off! “probably since its inception”.

Minnie Cooper is also no stranger to the Hats Off! family. This year marks the third time the drag star will be taking to the Hats Off! stage. Asked what she will be performing on the night and she replies: “Some A-list drag queens and I will be performing a camp rendition of ‘I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair’ from South Pacific”. A showstopper, no doubt it will also be.

Bob Downe, on the other hand, is a bit more coy when it comes to his appearance, declining to give details about his number. But he does reveal that it will be Bob’s Hats Off! debut. “I’m thrilled to be finally doing it.”

Bob and Minnie are, of course, just two morsels of a much larger showstopping banquet. Among those confirmed to perform are Judi Connelli, David Campbell, Sigrid Thornton, Toni Lamond, iOTA, Peter Cousens, Monique Montez, Hayden Tee, David Harris, Helen Dallimore, Amelia Cormack, Lucy Durack, and members of the cast of Wicked.

“We have a program jam-packed full of unbelievable numbers,” de Ferranti says. “And we are hoping to create some show stopping moments of our own.”

Hats Off!

The History of the Showstopper

With performances by

Judi Connelli

David Campbell

Sigrid Thornton

Toni Lamond

iOTA

Miguel Ayesa

Wayne Scott Kermond

Peter Cousens

Monique Montez

Belinda Wollaston

Hayden Tee

David Harris

Lucy Maunder

Helen Dallimore

Chloe Dallimore

Amelia Cormack

Lucy Durack

Penny McNamee

Marika Aubrey

The cast of Wicked

The cast of A Little Night Music

and more

Monday, February 22, 7:30pm

Everest Theatre, Seymour Centre, corner City Road and Cleveland Street, Chippendale

Tickets $90 A Reserve/$75 B Reserve/$70 concession/NMG members

Book at seymourcentre.com.au or call (02) 9351 7940

For more info, go to mardigras.org.au

Pictured: Hats Off! 2009. Photo: PetezImagez

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