Rachael Elizabeth Beck (born 9 February 1971) is an
Australian
Australian(s) may refer to:
Australia
* Australia, a country
* Australians, citizens of the Commonwealth of Australia
** European Australians
** Anglo-Celtic Australians, Australians descended principally from British colonists
** Aboriginal Au ...
stage and television singer-actress. From 1991 to 1994 Beck had a major role on the popular sitcom, '' Hey Dad..!'', as Samantha Kelly. From 2006 to 2008, Beck appeared on all three seasons of
Seven Network
The Seven Network (commonly known as Channel Seven or simply Seven) is a major Australian commercial free-to-air Television broadcasting in Australia, television network. It is owned by Seven West Media, Seven West Media Limited, and is one of ...
's celebrity singing competition '' It Takes Two'', as a singing coach successively for
Mark Furze
Mark Furze (born 7 May 1986) is an Australian actor and musician.
Career
Furze starred in several productions by the Orange, New South Wales, Orange Theatre Company, playing the lead role in a version of ''Oliver!'' aged 10. His first TV appea ...
,
Ernie Dingo
Ernie is a masculine given name, frequently a short form (hypocorism) of Ernest, Ernald, Ernesto, or Verner. It may refer to:
People
* Ernie Accorsi (born 1941), American football executive
* Ernie Adams (disambiguation)
* Ernie Afaganis (born ...
and Mark Wilson. She has appeared in the Australian musical theatre productions of ''
Cats
The cat (''Felis catus'') is a domestic species of small carnivorous mammal. It is the only domesticated species in the family Felidae and is commonly referred to as the domestic cat or house cat to distinguish it from the wild members of t ...
'' (1985),
Disney
The Walt Disney Company, commonly known as Disney (), is an American multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate headquartered at the Walt Disney Studios complex in Burbank, California. Disney was originally founded on October ...
's ''
Beauty and the Beast
''Beauty and the Beast'' (french: La Belle et la Bête) is a fairy tale written by French novelist Gabrielle-Suzanne de Villeneuve, Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve and published in 1740 in ''La Jeune Américaine et les contes marins'' ( ...
'' (1995–96), ''
Les Misérables
''Les Misérables'' ( , ) is a French historical novel by Victor Hugo, first published in 1862, that is considered one of the greatest novels of the 19th century.
In the English-speaking world, the novel is usually referred to by its original ...
'' (1995–96), ''
The Sound of Music
''The Sound of Music'' is a musical with music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, and a book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. It is based on the 1949 memoir of Maria von Trapp, '' The Story of the Trapp Family Singers''. Se ...
'' (August 2000 to February 2001), ''
Cabaret
Cabaret is a form of theatrical entertainment featuring music, song, dance, recitation, or drama. The performance venue might be a pub, a casino, a hotel, a restaurant, or a nightclub with a stage for performances. The audience, often dining or d ...
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
''Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'' is a 1968 musical-fantasy film directed by Ken Hughes with a screenplay co-written by Roald Dahl and Hughes, loosely based on Ian Fleming's novel '' Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang: The Magical Car'' (1964). The film stars ...
''. Beck released her first solo album ''This Girl'' on 7 March 2014.
Biography
Beck grew up in Sydney, and her father John Beck directed her in school musicals. She has a brother and sister. At nine-years-old, Beck was performing at
Eisteddfod
In Welsh culture, an ''eisteddfod'' is an institution and festival with several ranked competitions, including in poetry and music.
The term ''eisteddfod'', which is formed from the Welsh morphemes: , meaning 'sit', and , meaning 'be', means, a ...
s where she sang "The Count" (from ''
Sesame Street
''Sesame Street'' is an American educational children's television series that combines live-action, sketch comedy, animation and puppetry. It is produced by Sesame Workshop (known as the Children's Television Workshop until June 2000) a ...
''). She attended
SCECGS Redlands
, motto_translation = Let Your Light Shine
, established =
, type = Independent co-educational secondary day school
, denomination = Anglican
, affiliations =
, educationa ...
school in Sydney.
Beck was married to Australian actor,
Ian Stenlake
Ian Edward Stenlake (born 5 July 1969 in Barcaldine, Queensland, Barcaldine, Queensland, Australia) is an Australian actor.
Career
Stenlake's career began during a trip to Rome when he was convinced to become an extra in a movie that was bein ...
.
Beck is an ambassador for the Australian Children's Music Foundation, a non-profit organisation which aims to provide musical instruments to children in disadvantaged, remote and indigenous communities in Australia.
Television
Following a guest stint on soap ''
Home and Away
''Home and Away'' (often abbreviated as ''H&A'') is an Australian television soap opera. It was created by Alan Bateman and commenced broadcast on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. Bateman came up with the concept of the show during a trip ...
'' in 1990, Rachael was cast in the regular role of Claudia Rossi in the serial ''
Family and Friends
''Family and Friends'' is a short-lived Australia, Australian television soap opera which debuted on 7 February 1990.Albert Moran, ''Moran's Guide to Australian TV Series'', AFTRS 1993 p 169
The series was intended to be the Nine Network's res ...
''.
From 1991 to 1994 she had a major role on the popular sitcom, '' Hey Dad..!'', as Samantha Kelly. Her other television credits include brief stints on ''
Home and Away
''Home and Away'' (often abbreviated as ''H&A'') is an Australian television soap opera. It was created by Alan Bateman and commenced broadcast on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. Bateman came up with the concept of the show during a trip ...
'' and as a reporter for '' Postcards WA''.
From 2006 to 2008, Beck appeared on all three seasons of
Seven Network
The Seven Network (commonly known as Channel Seven or simply Seven) is a major Australian commercial free-to-air Television broadcasting in Australia, television network. It is owned by Seven West Media, Seven West Media Limited, and is one of ...
's celebrity singing competition '' It Takes Two''. In 2006 she earned third place with ''Home and Away'' actor
Mark Furze
Mark Furze (born 7 May 1986) is an Australian actor and musician.
Career
Furze starred in several productions by the Orange, New South Wales, Orange Theatre Company, playing the lead role in a version of ''Oliver!'' aged 10. His first TV appea ...
. In 2007 she partnered
Ernie Dingo
Ernie is a masculine given name, frequently a short form (hypocorism) of Ernest, Ernald, Ernesto, or Verner. It may refer to:
People
* Ernie Accorsi (born 1941), American football executive
* Ernie Adams (disambiguation)
* Ernie Afaganis (born ...
, finishing fourth overall. In 2008 she partnered Mark Wilson from ''Dancing with the Stars''.
In October 2007 Beck appeared on
Nine Network
The Nine Network (stylised 9Network, commonly known as Channel Nine or simply Nine) is an Australian commercial free-to-air television network. It is owned by parent company Nine Entertainment and is one of five main free-to-air television netw ...
's practical joke series, '' Surprise Surprise Gotcha'', where a prank was played on her. In 2020 Beck voiced the character of
Azaria Chamberlain
Azaria ( he, עֲזַרְיָה), or Azarya is a moshav in central Israel. Located in the Shephelah around five kilometres south-east of Ramle, it falls under the jurisdiction of Gezer Regional Council. In it had a population of .
Etymology ...
At the age of 13 she auditioned for the Sydney premiere of ''
Cats
The cat (''Felis catus'') is a domestic species of small carnivorous mammal. It is the only domesticated species in the family Felidae and is commonly referred to as the domestic cat or house cat to distinguish it from the wild members of t ...
'' but was considered too young, she took the role of
Rumpleteazer
Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer are fictional characters in T. S. Eliot's 1939 poetry book ''Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats''. The Jellicle cat duo are mischievous petty thieves who often cause trouble for their human family. Although origi ...
for its Melbourne premiere in 1985.
Beck has starred in a number of Australian theatre productions. In 1992 she performed the title role in ''Young Judy'' – a one-woman show on the early life of
Judy Garland
Judy Garland (born Frances Ethel Gumm; June 10, 1922June 22, 1969) was an American actress and singer. While critically acclaimed for many different roles throughout her career, she is widely known for playing the part of Dorothy Gale in '' The ...
– written by her father, John. She appeared in the Australian stage productions of
Disney
The Walt Disney Company, commonly known as Disney (), is an American multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate headquartered at the Walt Disney Studios complex in Burbank, California. Disney was originally founded on October ...
's ''
Beauty and the Beast
''Beauty and the Beast'' (french: La Belle et la Bête) is a fairy tale written by French novelist Gabrielle-Suzanne de Villeneuve, Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve and published in 1740 in ''La Jeune Américaine et les contes marins'' ( ...
Hugh Jackman
Hugh Michael Jackman (born 12 October 1968) is an Australian actor. Beginning in theatre and television, he landed his breakthrough role as James "Logan" Howlett / Wolverine in the 20th Century Fox ''X-Men'' film series (2000–2017), a role ...
, (the cast recording of which won an
ARIA Music Award
The Australian Recording Industry Association Music Awards (commonly known informally as ARIA Music Awards, ARIA Awards, or simply the ARIAs) is an annual series of awards nights celebrating the Australian music industry, put on by the Austra ...
for best cast album of 1996) ''
Les Misérables
''Les Misérables'' ( , ) is a French historical novel by Victor Hugo, first published in 1862, that is considered one of the greatest novels of the 19th century.
In the English-speaking world, the novel is usually referred to by its original ...
'' as
Fantine
Fantine (French pronunciation: ) is a fictional character in Victor Hugo's 1862 novel ''Les Misérables''. She is a young '' grisette'' in Paris who becomes pregnant by a rich student. After he abandons her, she is forced to look after their chil ...
(1997–98), ''
The Sound of Music
''The Sound of Music'' is a musical with music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, and a book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. It is based on the 1949 memoir of Maria von Trapp, '' The Story of the Trapp Family Singers''. Se ...
'' (August 2000 to February 2001), taking over from
Lisa McCune
Lisa McCune (born 19 February 1971) is an Australian actress, known for her role in TV series ''Blue Heelers'' as Senior Constable Maggie Doyle, and in '' Sea Patrol'' as Lieutenant Kate McGregor RAN. She has won four Gold Logie Awards.
McCun ...
as
Maria
Maria may refer to:
People
* Mary, mother of Jesus
* Maria (given name), a popular given name in many languages
Place names Extraterrestrial
* 170 Maria, a Main belt S-type asteroid discovered in 1877
* Lunar maria (plural of ''mare''), large, ...
for the Perth and Adelaide productions), ''
Cabaret
Cabaret is a form of theatrical entertainment featuring music, song, dance, recitation, or drama. The performance venue might be a pub, a casino, a hotel, a restaurant, or a nightclub with a stage for performances. The audience, often dining or d ...
'' as
Sally Bowles
Sally Bowles () is a fictional character created by English-American novelist Christopher Isherwood and based upon 19-year-old cabaret singer Jean Ross. The character debuted in Isherwood's 1937 novella ''Sally Bowles'' published by Hogarth Press ...
, '' Singing in the Rain'' as Kathy Selden. In 2006, Beck (as Gladys Hotchkiss) appeared alongside her husband
Ian Stenlake
Ian Edward Stenlake (born 5 July 1969 in Barcaldine, Queensland, Barcaldine, Queensland, Australia) is an Australian actor.
Career
Stenlake's career began during a trip to Rome when he was convinced to become an extra in a movie that was bein ...
(as Sid Sorokin) in a stage production of ''
The Pajama Game
''The Pajama Game'' is a musical based on the 1953 novel '' 7½ Cents'' by Richard Bissell.
The book is by George Abbott and Richard Bissell; the music and lyrics are by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross. and dances were staged by Bob Fosse in his c ...
Shannon Noll
Shannon Noll (born 16 September 1975) is an Australian singer-songwriter who first came to prominence as runner-up of the first season of ''Australian Idol'' in 2003, which led to him being signed to Sony BMG. He has released five top ten albu ...
Justin Hayward
David Justin Hayward (born 14 October 1946) is an English musician best known as the lead singer, songwriter and guitarist of the rock band the Moody Blues. Hayward became the group's principal lead guitarist and vocalist over the 1967–1974 ...
in their original roles. The cast performed with the holographic head of narrator
Richard Burton
Richard Burton (; born Richard Walter Jenkins Jr.; 10 November 1925 – 5 August 1984) was a Welsh actor. Noted for his baritone voice, Burton established himself as a formidable Shakespearean actor in the 1950s, and he gave a memorable pe ...
, as well as musical talents of the 48-piece ULLAdubULLA Strings and 10-piece Black Smoke Band, conducted by composer
Jeff Wayne
Jeffry Wayne (born 1 July 1943) is an American-British composer, musician and lyricist. In 1978, he released ''Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds'', his musical adaptation of H. G. Wells' science-fiction novel ''The War of ...
.
During January and February 2012, Beck appeared in the role of Claire in Squabbalogic's premiere of Adam Gwon's chamber musical ''Ordinary Days'' at Sydney's
Darlinghurst Theatre
Darlinghurst Theatre is an independent theatre company based at the Eternity Playhouse in Darlinghurst, New South Wales.
Glenn Terry established the company in 1993 initially as an inner-city drama school. Darlinghurst Theatre productions were ...
with Michael Falzon (Jason), Erica Lovell (Deb) and Jay James Moody (Warren).
She appeared in
Enda Markey
Enda Markey (born 3 June 1976) is an Irish-born, Sydney-based, theatrical producer and former singer and actor. He is the producer of the stage productions ''Side by Side by Sondheim'' and the international tour of Boublil and Schonberg's ''Do ...
s April gala concert ''
Side by Side by Sondheim
''Side by Side by Sondheim'' is a musical revue featuring the songs of Broadway and film composer Stephen Sondheim. Its title is derived from the song "Side by Side by Side" from '' Company''.
History
The musical had its origins when David ...
'' in Sydney featuring
Ruthie Henshall
Valentine Ruth Henshall (born 7 March 1967), known professionally as Ruthie Henshall, is an English actress, singer and dancer, known for her work in musical theatre. She began her professional stage career in 1986, before making her West End d ...
before joining Falzon again in September in the touring company of ''Side by Side by Sondheim''. The touring production, which saw Beck perform in
Canberra
Canberra ( )
is the capital city of Australia. Founded following the federation of the colonies of Australia as the seat of government for the new nation, it is Australia's largest inland city and the eighth-largest city overall. The ci ...
included
Geraldine Turner
Geraldine Gail Turner (born 23 June 1950 in Brisbane, Australia) is an Australian actress and singer. She has been a leading performer in Australian musical theatre since the 1970s, and has also been active in plays, recordings, film and tele ...
and
Jessica Rowe
Jessica June Rowe (born 22 June 1970) is an Australian journalist, author and television presenter. She was the co-host of ''Studio 10'' on Network Ten until March 2018, and is Member of the Order of Australia for her mental health advocacy.
Ea ...
.
In November she originated the role of Truly Scrumptious in Australia for the national premiere of ''
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
''Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'' is a 1968 musical-fantasy film directed by Ken Hughes with a screenplay co-written by Roald Dahl and Hughes, loosely based on Ian Fleming's novel '' Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang: The Magical Car'' (1964). The film stars ...
'' at the Capitol Theatre, Sydney. Beck remained with the tour throughout 2013.
Beck appeared with fellow ''
Ordinary Days
''Ordinary Days'' is a sung-through musical with music and lyrics by American composer Adam Gwon. Set in New York City, the musical follows four characters, Claire, Jason, Warren, and Deb, exploring how their ordinary lives connect in the most ama ...
'' co-star Michael Falzon for A Swingin' Christmas Proms 2014 for Adelaide Festival Centre on 12 and 13 December 2014. Also performing were the Adelaide Art Orchestra under the direction of Timothy Sexton. She teamed up with Falzon again in 2016, as well as
Alexandra Flood
Alexandra Flood (born 26 February 1990) is an Australian operatic soprano.
__TOC__
Career
Born in Cowes, Victoria, Flood attended the Methodist Ladies' College, Melbourne and studied from 2007 until 2010 at the University of Melbourne (B. A., Gra ...
,
Luke Kennedy
Luke Kennedy is an Australian performer best known for placing second on The Voice (Australia series 2), the second season of ''The Voice (Australia)''. He has also toured internationally with the Ten Tenors and performed the title role in ''Je ...
and
Queensland Symphony Orchestra
Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) is an Australian symphony orchestra in the state of Queensland. The orchestra is based in the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's building in South Bank. The Orchestra is funded by private corporations, the ...
for
Queensland Ballet
The Queensland Ballet, founded in 1960 by Charles Lisner OBE, is the premier ballet company of Queensland, Australia and is based in Brisbane. Queensland Ballet is one of only three full-time, professional classical ballet companies in Australi ...
's season of Strictly Gershwin.
Discography
The Australian cast album of ''Beauty and the Beast''
* "Belle" with Zachary McCay,
Hugh Jackman
Hugh Michael Jackman (born 12 October 1968) is an Australian actor. Beginning in theatre and television, he landed his breakthrough role as James "Logan" Howlett / Wolverine in the 20th Century Fox ''X-Men'' film series (2000–2017), a role ...
, Kelly Aykers, Laura Hamilton, Kerry Peters, Ensemble
* "No Matter What" with
Michael Cormick
Michael Cormick is an Australian singer and actor, best known for performances in musical theatre in Australia and in the United Kingdom.
In Australia, his roles have included the Beast in the original Australian production of ''Beauty and the Bea ...
, Robyn Arthur, Grant Smith,
Bert Newton
Albert Watson Newton (23 July 1938 – 30 October 2021) was an Australian media personality. He was a Logie Hall of Fame inductee, quadruple Gold Logie award-winning entertainer and radio, theatre and television personality and presenter. Newt ...
* "Transformation" with Michael Cormick
* "Beauty and the Beast" (Reprise) – Cast
''The Martin King Project'' with
Ian Stenlake
Ian Edward Stenlake (born 5 July 1969 in Barcaldine, Queensland, Barcaldine, Queensland, Australia) is an Australian actor.
Career
Stenlake's career began during a trip to Rome when he was convinced to become an extra in a movie that was bein ...
; released on 31 December 2010 through Austep Records
* "The Ocean"
* "The Beach"
* "The River"
* "My War"
* "Dream Within a Dream"
''Stars of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Present Hit Songs from the Musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'' with David Hobson and
Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra
The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra (TSO) is a symphony orchestra based in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. It is the smallest of the six orchestras established by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
History
The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestr ...
conducted by
Guy Noble
Guy Noble is an Australian musical composer, conductor, pianist and broadcaster.
Noble studied piano in the early 1980s at the Sydney Conservatorium. On a scholarship from the Australia Council he travelled to London where he worked for four ye ...
; released on 14 May 2013 through
ABC Music
ABC are the first three letters of the Latin script known as the alphabet.
ABC or abc may also refer to:
Arts, entertainment, and media Broadcasting
* American Broadcasting Company, a commercial U.S. TV broadcaster
** Disney–ABC Television ...
* "
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
''Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'' is a 1968 musical-fantasy film directed by Ken Hughes with a screenplay co-written by Roald Dahl and Hughes, loosely based on Ian Fleming's novel '' Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang: The Magical Car'' (1964). The film stars ...
Hushabye Mountain
"Hushabye Mountain" is a ballad by the songwriting team Robert and Richard Sherman. It appears twice in the 1968 Albert R. Broccoli motion picture ''Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'': first as an idyllic lullaby by Caractacus Potts (Dick Van Dyke) to his ...
"
Beck released her first solo album through ABC Music in March 2014. ''This Girl'' featured the songs:
* " Send in the Clowns"
* "
Only Girl (in the World)
"Only Girl (In the World)" is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna from her fifth album, '' Loud'' (2010). Serving as the album's lead single, it was released on September 10, 2010. Crystal Johnson wrote the song in collaboration with producers S ...
Running Up That Hill
"Running Up That Hill", titled "Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)" on some releases, is a song by the British singer and songwriter Kate Bush. It was released in the United Kingdom as the lead single from Bush's album ''Hounds of Love'' on ...
"
* "Sun & Moon" (duet with David Campbell)
* "Love is Everything"
* "
Bluebird
The bluebirds are a North American group of medium-sized, mostly insectivorous or omnivorous birds in the order of Passerines in the genus ''Sialia'' of the thrush family (Turdidae). Bluebirds are one of the few thrush genera in the Americas.
...
"
* "One Hand One Heart"
* "
Make You Feel My Love
"Make You Feel My Love", also known as "To Make You Feel My Love" is a song written by Bob Dylan for his album '' Time Out of Mind'', released in September 1997. It was first released commercially in August 1997 by Billy Joel for his compilation ...
"
* "Perfect Day"
''My Baby Just Cares For Me'' with David Hobson; released through ABC Music on 4 April 2014
* " Get Happy"
* "
Baby, It's Cold Outside
"Baby, It's Cold Outside" is a popular song written by Frank Loesser in 1944 and popularized in the 1949 film '' Neptune's Daughter''. While the lyrics make no mention of a holiday, it is commonly regarded as a Christmas song owing to its winter ...
"
* "
Almost Like Being in Love
"Almost Like Being in Love" is a show tune with music by Frederick Loewe and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner. It was written for the score of their 1947 musical ''Brigadoon''. The song was first sung by David Brooks and Marion Bell, in the Broadway p ...
"
* "
I Got Rhythm
"I Got Rhythm" is a piece composed by George Gershwin with lyrics by Ira Gershwin and published in 1930, which became a jazz standard. Its chord progression, known as the "rhythm changes", is the foundation for many other popular jazz tunes such ...
"
* "
Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered
"Bewitched (Bothered and Bewildered)" is a show tune and popular song from the 1940 Rodgers and Hart musical '' Pal Joey''. It is part of the Great American Songbook. The song was introduced by Vivienne Segal on December 25, 1940, in the Broad ...
"
* "
You Stepped Out of a Dream
"You Stepped Out of a Dream" is a popular song with music written by Nacio Herb Brown and lyrics by Gus Kahn that was published in 1940. The song has become a pop and jazz standard, with many recorded versions.
It was a centerpiece in the 1941 mu ...
"
* "
Let's Call the Whole Thing Off
"Let's Call the Whole Thing Off" is a song written by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin for the 1937 film ''Shall We Dance'', where it was introduced by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers as part of a celebrated dance duet on roller skates. The shee ...
/ Let's Do It"
* "
The Sound of Music
''The Sound of Music'' is a musical with music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, and a book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. It is based on the 1949 memoir of Maria von Trapp, '' The Story of the Trapp Family Singers''. Se ...