The Man from Snowy River: Arena Spectacular (2003) (TV)

Directors:

David Atkins
Ignatius Jones

Writers:

David Atkins (story)
Jonathan Biggins (additional dialogue)

Release Date:

25 January 2003 (Australia)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama | Musical | Romance | Western

Tagline:

It's a Musical, a Rock Concert, a Rodeo and an Arena Spectacular like no other.

Plot:

Jim Ryan and Kate Conroy love each other, but John Conroy stands in the way of their happiness until Jim Ryan recaptures a prized colt.

Plot Keywords:

Horse | Ranch | Wild Horse | Country And Western | Trick Riding

Cast

Georgie Parker	...	Kate Conroy
Steve Bisley	...	Banjo Paterson
Charles 'Bud' Tingwell	...	John Conroy
Lee Kernaghan	...	The Balladeer
Martin Crewes	...	Jim Ryan ('The Man')
Simon Westaway	...	Dan Mulligan
John Brady	...	Saltbush Bill / Whip and Rope Tricks
Steve Jefferys	...	The Breaker
James Rutty	...	McGinness McGee
Deb Mitchelmore	...	Whips and Ropes Assistant / Coach Passenger
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Martin Addy	...	Rider
Mick Albeck	...	Musician
Dene Barram	...	Rider
Grant Biffin	...	Rider
Heath Biffin	...	Rider
Wayne Biffin	...	Rider
Don Bourke	...	Buckboard Driver, Coach Driver
Rona Bowman	...	Stable Hand / Rider
Deborah Anne Brennan	...	Rider
John Bush	...	Rider
Tim Conroy	...	Rider
Don Cross	...	Buckboard Driver
James Gillard	...	Musician
Wayne Glennie	...	Rider
Scott Goodall	...	Coach Driver
West Hartley	...	Rider
D.J. Hendren	...	Rider
Kevin Kasper	...	Rider
Mark Kasper	...	Rider
Sandra Langsford	...	Rider
Jake Lardot	...	Musician
Robyn McKelvie	...	Musician
Lawrie Minson	...	Musician
Rudy Miranda	...	Musician
Yvette Nelson
Brendan Radford	...	Musician
Don Ross	...	Coach Driver
Shannon Ryan	...	Rider
Peter Schipp	...	Rider
Travis Sinclair	...	Musician
Zelie Thompson	...	Rider
Rhett Thomson	...	Rider
Troy Thomson	...	Rider
Troy Welsh	...	Rider

Runtime:

101 min

Country:

Australia

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Certification:

Australia:G

Filming Locations:

Australia

Company:

David Atkins Enterprises

Trivia:

Created by the same people who created 'The Man From Snowy River' segment of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony. Steve Jefferys, the rider who opened the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony, and his horse Ammo, recreated their historical appearance.

Movie Connections:

Version of The Man from Snowy River (1982)

A superb rendition of Banjo's famous poem

I was fortunate enough to see this production live (twice) when the show was touring Australia, and the excitement of the live event is captured admirably by the televised production of the show. I loved the live show - and I love this televised production of the show.

It is a superb rendition of Banjo Paterson's famous poem "The Man From Snowy River" and the story is entertaining and vibrant. All the cast members are excellent in their roles and give wonderful performances. Lee Kernaghan, a talented country and western singer, is the narrator of the show in his role as the Balladeer, and he handles this difficult task with aplomb.

Steve Jefferys, the lone horseman who rode his horse Ammo into the arena and reared at the beginning of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony, re- enacts this historic event, with Ammo, during "The Man From Snowy River Arena Spectacular". Steve Jefferys also trained the colt Drummer (the 'Colt from Old Regret'), as well as teaching actor Martin Crewes the difficult skill of 'horse whispering' - something which Martin Crewes was able to master in a very short period of time. Martin Crewes, who plays the part of 'The Man', also sings beautifully and is an excellent horse rider.

The horsemanship throughout the show is superb, and the animal performers are absolutely wonderful. The equestrian rides are exquisite.

There is something for everyone with this show. There is musical comedy, a horse muster, a rodeo (buckjumping), coach and buckboard driving, rope and whip tricks, a rock concert, country dancing, a wonderful equestrian display and, of course, romance.

An excellent production all round.