Wallaces tribute as top talent awarded (1993)

Rare home-movie footage of George Wallace

On With the Show's

Flashback to Variety Today 1993

Wallaces Award winner Gerry O'Connor co-produced the special tribute to the Wallaces at the Ipswich Civic Hall in 1993.

A TRIBUTE to the Wallaces - George Wallace Snr and George Wallace Jnr - will be a major highlight of the 20th Queensland Variety Wallaces Awards at the Ipswich Civic Hall on Monday, June 28.

Producers Gerry O'Connor and Mary Martyn have gone `all out' to make this year's awards an extra special occasion. "We will be showing rare home-movie footage of George Wallace, his father and family, as well as sketches from original footage shot at the Theatre Royal in Brisbane during the late 60s which was featured in a tribute put together by channel Seven many years ago," said Gerry.

George Wallace Jnr (affectionately known as the Boy from the Valley) will be joined on the big screens set up at the awards night by Dick McCann, Eddie Edwards, Doris Whimp and Paul Charlton, and more.

Gerry said producing the tribute to George, who died on September 30, 1968, was a great personal thrill because he had based his own entertainment crafts on the great George Wallace. "This is the first time we have been able to pay tribute to the Wallaces in this way in the history of the awards - made possible by the valuable assistance of Hal Croxon and his team at Channel seven, Brisbane.

Public to vote on top award

A total of 21 awards will be presented on the night including, for the first time, the Queensland Times Entertainer of the Year, decided by a public vote.

Wallaces Award chairman, Don Summers, said there was much excitement about the new award which gave the Queensland public an opportunity to vote for their favourite performer.

The night, to be co-compered by Gerry O'Connor and former Wickety Wak star Greg Doolan, will also feature a star-studded entertainment program which will showcase some of the State's top artists. "We have an array of talent which will really emphasise the `variety' aspect of the awards," said co-producer Mary Martyn.

Wallaces tribute co-producer Mary Martyn and Vi Summers at the 1993 awards night in Ipswich.

Among the line-up are Col Elliott, Sh-Boom, reigning Entertainer of the Year Deana Peher and Co., Queensland Naval Band, Kisha, Dean Daniels with a Touch of Sugar and Spice, Peter May, Elizabeth Papalia, Rod Horton, Michelle Hogan, Cams Band featuring Cam Smith, John Brennan, Peter Fien and Christopher Davis, and Mavis Donovan and Joan Wilson of the Galloping Grandmas.

Eight television cameras will capture the event for screening on monitors placed strategically throughout the venue to ensure everyone gets a good view of proceedings, including the display of nominees, sponsors and winners.

A production and staging crew of 30 has been enlisted and a special effects studio will be set up in the dressing room, with an outside broadcasting (OB) outside. "We really want to make this year's awards a special night for everyone," said Gerry.

It has been 10 years since the event was staged at the Ipswich Civic Hall and the Wallaces committee expect this year's to be the best ever held.

In addition to the $40 dinner seats, which includes a three course meal, balcony seating for 190 people at $15 a head will also be available (show and presentation only). Pre-dinner entertainment will be provided by individual pianists and Wallaces Award nominees Kathy March and Anthony Marendy, with Cams Band providing the backing for artists appearing on the night. "There will be lots of surprises - a night not to be missed," said Gerry.

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