Morning Melodies to feature three local acts this year
Published on 10 March 2025
Three local acts will be part of this year’s Morning Melodies season at the Pilbeam Theatre.
Well-known local performers Amanda Hock, Angelo Conway, and Rhonda Janes and Grant Wolf Whitfield were selected to fill three spots in the Pilbeam Theatre’s popular concert series for seniors.
Each has devised their own show, mentored by Melbourne-based theatrical producer Margaret Fisk.
The shows are It’s A Musical Life (Amanda Hock); Hits from the Great American Songbook (Angelo Conway); and Dazzling Duets (Rhonda Janes and Grant Wolf Whitfield). They will be performed at the Pilbeam Theatre on Monday 7 April, 7 July and 20 October, respectively.
Rockhampton Regional Council Communities, Culture and Heritage spokesperson Cr Drew Wickerson said that Council is very proud to provide this experience to local performers.
“It’s marvellous that some of our local performers are getting the opportunity to not only perform at Morning Melodies but also to create their own shows and potentially take these shows on the road.
“Council has arranged for producer Margaret Fisk AM to mentor Amanda, Angelo, Grant and Rhonda and to work with them in person and virtually throughout the entire process. Council has also assisted them promotional and administrative backup to enable them to pitch their shows for future tours,” he said.
“In the past, most Morning Melodies acts have been part of a statewide tour, chosen collectively by the venues presenting the show.
“In 2023 Rockhampton Regional Council trailed a Morning Melodies performance by Amanda Hock. Following the success of that show, expressions of interest were called and performers were selected for the 2025 Morning Melodies season,” he said.
Margaret Fisk said: “It has been great working with Amanda, Angelo, Rhonda and Grant.
“I am working with them on a range of aspects including helping them focus their ideas and understand their audience, song selection, stage presence, even down to the practicalities of taking their show on the road.
“I have been very impressed with the high calibre of performers that I have the privilege to mentor. The shows that they have each created specifically for the Morning Melodies audiences are simply fabulous and very entertaining and I can’t wait to see them on stage at the wonderful Pilbeam Theatre,” she said.
The shows are:
Amanda Hock: It's A Musical Life
Amanda Hock is one of CQ’s most recognisable performers, with stage credits in some of the region’s biggest musicals. Now, see her in her own show, Amanda Hock: It's A Musical Life, an intimate look at her favourite roles from the Pilbeam Theatre stage. Featuring songs from Wicked, Mamma Mia!, Chicago, Mary Poppins and more, along with backstage anecdotes and an insight into why Amanda has spent such a large portion of her life on the Pilbeam stage. She will perform her show at the Pilbeam Theatre on Monday 7 April at 11am
Angelo Conway: Hits from the Great American Songbook
One of Central Queensland’s most well known entertainers, Angelo Conway, stars in this tribute to Hits from the Great American Songbook that were created for Broadway and Hollywood musical film from the 1920s to 1950s. Accompanied by a 4-piece band of some of the region’s best musicians, the show features songs such as Fly me to the Moon, Dream a Little Dream of Me, Unchained Melody, and The Way you Look Tonight. Angelo will perform his show on Monday 7 July at 11am.
Grant Wolf Whitfield and Rhonda Janes: Dazzling Duets
Much loved local performers Grant Wolf-Whitfield and Rhonda Janes will perform Dazzling Duets, a selection of famous duets from stage, screen and music industries over the past 100 years. From familiar classics from the 1920s and 1930s right through to blockbuster musicals and chart-topping pop duets, you’re sure to love this insightful and entertaining journey.
Grant and Rhonda will perform Dazzling Duets on Monday 20 October at 11am.
This project is supported by the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF), a partnership between the Queensland Government and Rockhampton Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
Morning Melodies is presented by Rockhampton Regional Council.
Tickets for Morning Melodies shows are on sale from the Pilbeam Theatre Box Office on 4927 4111 and www.seeitlive.com.au