The Foundation’s showpiece event, the Men of League Gala Dinner, has againlifted the bar on entertainment standards. Quite simply, it was outstanding, our best night ever.
Julie Goodwin (write that name down) is the nineteen-year-old who is singing to full houses as Christine Daae in the current Australian production of Phantom of the Opera. Her rendition of ‘Wishing You Were Here’ for the Remembrance segment was a wonderfully moving tribute to those members who are no longer with us.
Backed by a live orchestra, the stunning songstress was joined on stage by the greatest ever Phantom, Anthony Warlow. With his appearance previously unannounced, the marvelous surprise became quickly obvious as his magnificent voice resonated through Star City’s Grand Harbour Ballroom to the tune of “Music of the Night”. Captivating the audience with his immense vocal range, Warlow was then rejoined by Julie as the pair completed the performance with the beautiful duet from the Phantom, “All I Ask of You”.
The night received the same critical acclaim Anthony and Julie have received with the Phantom. Bob Fulton, crowned on the night as Manly’s greatest every player, and NRL CEO, David Gallop commented that it was indeed a world-class event.
Julie and Anthony were just as impressive off the stage as on it, staying the whole night signing autographs and posing for photos. They are two great talents and it was a great coup by Graeme Hughes to secure their services. Well done all round