Donna Demaio’s Gossip Sheet: August 10

Quote of the week:’It would be a bit sacrilegious not to have a Cyndi Lauper tune at an event like this,’ says Kinky Boots star Toby Francis, ahead of his performance at the Sydney/St Kilda pride match at Etihad Stadium this Saturday.

It’s the first time the Australian cast has performed in public, so they’re very excited. The award winning musical written by Cyndi Lauper is about being accepted for who you are, so having the singer’s anthem True Colours sung at the ground seems rather apt.

Sarah Snook and Dan Wylie Photo: Donna Demaio

What is Oscar winner Brie Larson (Room) like? According to our very own amazing Sarah Snook (The Beautiful Lie, The Dressmaker) she?s very down to earth. Snook was spotted at the centrepiece gala for the Melbourne International Film Festival at the Comedy Theatre, just back from filming The Glass Castle with Larson and Woody Harrelson in Montreal. ?When we first arrived there, she took us out to dinner the first night saying ?So sibs, what?s up,? Snook told me, referring to the fact they play sisters (siblings) in the movie.

Actor Lincoln Younes (Down Under. Home and Away) decided he?d walk to the MIFF after-party after his movie?s premiere and ?donate? his flash limousine ride to his mother and girlfriend. They had the high heels on and he didn?t. What a sweetheart.

The salmonella rockmelon scare has rippled through the catering industry, with some residual concerns. At the I Heart Radio intimate concert event at Bakehouse studios at the weekend, a thoughtful and thorough chef left a note for waiters that the rockmelon pieces being served on skewers were safe to ingest and not from the Northern Territory. There were also home style lamingtons and chunky pies but most of the screaming teenagers were just after a close up gawk at LA based band DNCE doing a cool set, including mega hit Cake by the Ocean.

Spotted: One of Australia’s finest actors David Wenham grabbing a coffee at cool Melbourne themed caf? Little Collins in the heart of New York  City.

Channel 7 reporter Laurel Irving, cameraman Rich Hall and Hollywood A-lister Matthew McConaughey!

Spotted at the Olympics: Screen star Matthew McConaughey stopped for a quick pic with a thrilled Channel 7 cameraman Rich Hall and journalist Laurel Irving. I?d love to know what he has written on his Rio accreditation. He had USA emblazoned across his T-shirt (yes he had a shirt on) and ?alright? on his cap. He musn?t mind being noticed.

Still at the Olympics, and team partner Swisse Wellness is supporting many of our athletes, who are passionately pouring their heart and soul into the games. Our swimmers are getting a lot of attention, with gold medal winner Cate Campbell reflecting, ?It?s strange that the person who could potentially stop you achieving your life?s dream is your sister.?

The incredibly talented Melbourne designer Jason Grech stepped up on stage at the Crown River room to present Hollywood star Susan Sarandon with an immaculate black gown he?d created. She was visibly thrilled with the long, stylish dress. Sarandon was adorned with gifts during her stay in Melbourne, also receiving an incredible gold-laced piece of art by local Nathalie Blossom Dadian and stunning pearl and diamond earrings.

The day after her ?Evening with Susan Sarandon? the actor headed to the National Gallery of Victoria, posing dramatically for a photo behind the water wall before admiring a string of art works.

During her stay, Sarandon sure made dreams come true. Soul singer Sarah C is still reeling from the joy of performing several songs on the Regent Theatre stage ahead of Sarandon?s stylish entrance. The performer, who has just released an EP, is a stunning artist and creative force, and included a wonderful rendition of French classic Je ne regrette rien.

Book of Mormon has sold out an entire month, several months out from its opening night in Melbourne next February. The show, with performances from January, is going to be huge. A new batch of tickets has just gone on sale for the show that won nine Tony awards including Best Musical. Just one consideration for audiences: there is explicit language. The show has sold out every single show since opening on the West End more than three years ago.

Channel 9 Newsreader, Jo Hall.

Charity of the week: Channel 9 newsreader Jo Hall was just one of nearly 400 people who headed to Bond bar in the city for the launch of Fashion Aid. The gala charity event will be held at Crown on September 10. Super talented designer (and outrageously generous) Craig Braybrook has agreed to take part in the event which showcases gorgeous gowns and outfits while guests enjoy a massive night out for a good cause.

This year funds go to Fight Cancer Foundation and The Leukemia Foundation www.fashionaid.com.au/home.html