Latest news with #stageproduction
South China Morning Post
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong actor Will Or diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, drops out of play
Hong Kong actor Will Or Wai-lam has been diagnosed with stage four lung cancer, forcing him to pull out of what was set to be his first stage production, the performer has said. Or wrote on his social media on Wednesday that he was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma in May, 'just when everything seemed to be going smoothly'. 'At 33, the prime of my life, I'm forced to rest,' he said. 'It would be a lie to say I'm not [emotional] and don't want to curse the heavens and the entire world.' Or is best known for his role in the 2021 film Drifting, which focuses on Hong Kong's homeless population. His performance in the film saw him nominated for best supporting actor at the 58th Golden Horse Awards and both best supporting actor and best new performer at the 40th Hong Kong Film Awards. He was set to be one of the four main leads of the theatre play Let Me Entertain You, which will be staged at the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts from August 8 to October 14.
CTV News
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Behind the scenes of Disney's The Lion King in Edmonton
Disney's The Lion King uses around 230 puppets and puppet replacements in their show tours. That's one and a half semi-trucks full of puppets. July 16, 2025. (Evan Klippenstein/CTV News Edmonton) A classic Disney film turned stage production is well underway in Edmonton, and cast and crew are inviting audiences to bask in the mechanics of the magic. The Lion King performances at the Northern Alberta Jubilee auditorium began last Wednesday and run eight times a week through July 27. Part of its charm is the vast array of detailed puppets on stage that help bring the show to life. The show is designed in a way where it's often visible to the audience who's pulling the levers. Drew Hirshfield Drew Hirshfield plays Zazu on stage, which he said requires a lot of shoulder strength. July 16, 2025. (Evan Klippenstein/CTV News Edmonton) Drew Hirshfield is the man behind the puppet of Zazu, the show's uptight hornbill who often flanks King Mufasa and later Simba. He appears on stage dressed in a blue wool suit with a painted blue and white face while he operates Zazu's puppet with his hands. 'That's sort of the magic of this theatrical event,' Hirshfield said. 'There's me, the human actor, but then there's also this amazing puppet that clearly represents a bird, and then the two of us together create this dual event.' His right thumb, for example, articulates movement of Zazu's eyelids. His left hand supports the body and wings so Zazu can 'fly through the Pride Lands as needed.' Hirshfield credits people like puppet supervisor for Broadway Across Canada, Michael Reilly, for making the artistry a reality. 'They maintain the intricacies of this puppet and many more … we couldn't tell the story without them,' he said. Michael Reilly Michael Reilly backstage with the masks and puppets he cares for on July 16, 2025. (Evan Klippenstein/CTV News Edmonton) Reilly and his team travel with 17 semi-trucks. One and a half of those trucks, he said, are filled with the 230 puppets and puppet replacements needed to make the show go on. 'We have everything from as small as a mouse to as big as a full size elephant,' he said. The puppets were designed and created by Julie Taymor and Michael Curry. While they may look like wood, they're really carbon fiber. Reilly said a lot of trial and error went into ensuring the puppets were operable by actors with as few incidents as possible. Part of Reilly's job is also to keep the puppets prepped and ready to go, even during the normal bangs and scrapes of live showtime. 'If you're doing your job well, no one notices,' he said. He said when there is a mistake, though, the audience tends to laugh with the actors, not at them. Cheetah - The Lion King Reilly credits the actors who operate intricate puppet designs that make the show what it is. July 16, 2025. (Evan Klippenstein/CTV News Edmonton) Reilly, in turn, credits the actors, singers and dancers who bring the show to life. 'Otherwise, [the puppets] just sit here and look very pretty on a table,' he said. The production is North America's longest-running and most-attended Broadway tour with more than 10,000 performances in over 90 cities. Tickets are still available on the Broadway Across Canada website or through Ticketmaster.
Associated Press
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Koneckt Solutions Announces the Highly Anticipated Shalma Festival 2025 Featuring Top Electronic Music Artists
Koneckt Solutions reveals the lineup and the details for the Shalma Festival 2025, setting a new benchmark in electronic music with the grandest stage in the Indian Ocean. Mauritius, July 1, 2025 -- Koneckt Solutions Set to Host the Biggest Electronic Music Event of the Year Koneckt Solutions Ltd, a prominent player in the entertainment industry, is gearing up for one of the most exciting electronic music events in the Indian Ocean region, Shalma Festival 2025. The festival is scheduled to take place on the 5th of July, 2025, and promises to be a spectacular celebration of electronic music, featuring some of the biggest names in the industry. A Grand Vision for the Shalma Festival Building on the success of previous events, Koneckt Solutions aims to set the bar even higher with this year's Shalma Festival. The event will showcase an unprecedented stage production that is set to be the largest the Indian Ocean has ever seen. With a commitment to pushing boundaries, Koneckt Solutions has spared no effort in ensuring that the Shalma Festival 2025 will be a true milestone for the local and international music scene. A Star-Studded Lineup for an Unforgettable Experience This year, Shalma Festival 2025 will feature the hottest names in electronic music. Koneckt Solutions has carefully curated a lineup of talented artists who are expected to provide a truly unforgettable experience. By booking the very best in the genre, the company is ensuring that attendees will be treated to an unmatched music experience. The Shalma Festival has grown to be a highly anticipated event for both locals and international fans of electronic music, and this year is no different. Setting New Standards in Event Production Koneckt Solutions prides itself on its exceptional ability to deliver top-tier events. With the upcoming Shalma Festival 2025, the company is raising the bar for what is possible in event production. The stage design will be a sight to behold, with advanced lighting and visual effects enhancing the energy of the festival. It's not just about the music; the overall experience is being crafted to ensure that every element of the event is nothing short of spectacular. 'Our goal is to create a space where music lovers can come together and experience the very best that electronic music has to offer,' said Mohammad Muzaffar Lallmamode, CEO of Koneckt Solutions. 'This year's festival will be unlike anything anyone has seen in the Indian Ocean. We're setting a new benchmark in terms of both musical performance and stage production.' A Message from the Visionary Behind the Brand At the helm of Koneckt Solutions is Mohammad Muzaffar Lallmamode, whose vision and leadership continue to transform the entertainment landscape in Mauritius and beyond. As the founder and CEO, Lallmamode has been instrumental in crafting experiences that bridge social divides through the unifying power of music. His strategic direction has made Koneckt Solutions synonymous with quality, innovation, and community engagement in the electronic music scene. 'If you want to do something well you will lack behind, do it perfectly and you will be in the money,' Lallmamode remarked—a guiding principle that informs the company's meticulous approach to event production. Under his direction, Koneckt Solutions is not only building stages but also shaping cultural connections that resonate far beyond the music. Uniting Music Lovers from Around the World The Shalma Festival is more than just an event; it's a unifying experience for music lovers. By bringing together people from all corners of the globe, the festival aims to foster a sense of community and celebration. Whether you're a local fan of electronic music or an international visitor, Shalma Festival 2025 will provide an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share the same passion for the art form. A Commitment to Excellence Koneckt Solutions continues to distinguish itself by not just hosting events, but by curating experiences that leave lasting impressions. 'If you want to do something well, you may fall behind; but if you do it perfectly, you'll be in the money,' says Lallmamode. This philosophy encapsulates the company's approach to event planning—doing it right is paramount. The Shalma Festival 2025 is the perfect example of this commitment to excellence, and Koneckt Solutions is poised to deliver an event that will surpass all expectations. Join Us at Shalma Festival 2025 As anticipation builds for the Shalma Festival 2025, Koneckt Solutions invites music lovers from around the world to join them for an extraordinary celebration of sound, light, and culture. Tickets are expected to sell out quickly, so those interested are encouraged to secure their spots early. The event promises to be an unparalleled experience that no electronic music fan should miss. For more information about the festival, including the full lineup and ticket details, visit the official Shalma Festival Facebook page and Instagram profile. About Koneckt Solutions Ltd: Koneckt Solutions Ltd is a forward-thinking entertainment company committed to bridging societal gaps through music. Founded with the vision of creating unity in the community, Koneckt Solutions has rapidly become a recognized name in the electronic music scene. The company is known for hosting large-scale events that bring together the best in music, production, and crowd experiences. Media Contact: Mohammad Muzaffar Lallmamode CEO, Koneckt Solutions Ltd Email: [email protected] Phone: +23055003221 Contact Info: Name: Mohammad Muzaffar Lallmamode Email: Send Email Organization: Koneckt Solutions Ltd Website: Release ID: 89163582 Should you detect any errors, issues, or discrepancies with the content contained within this press release, or if you need assistance with a press release takedown, we kindly request that you inform us immediately by contacting [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our expert team will be available to promptly respond and take necessary steps within the next 8 hours to resolve any identified issues or guide you through the removal process. We value the trust placed in us by our readers and remain dedicated to providing accurate and reliable information.
