Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre Season Booklet 2016

‘‘Wagga Wagga is a thriving, innovative and connected regional centre, where culture and creativity engage and involve the whole community.’’MAYOR OF THE CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA

COUNCILLOR ROD KENDALL

This year is full of shows that I am excited to share with you. In 2016 we welcome back some of Australia's great companies, The Australian Ballet, The Australian Chamber Orchestra, The Queensland Theatre Company, Bell Shakespeare, the Flying Fruit Fly Circus and Opera Australia.

We also have some small to medium companies who create challenging new works, such as Force Majeure with Never Did Me Any Harm, created with the Sydney Theatre Company and based on The Slap; Critical Stages' presentation of the winner of best Amercian play in 2013, 4000 Miles; and the new Australian play from Griffin Theatre The Dapto Chaser, written by CSU theatre graduate Mary Rachel Brown, who will return to Wagga with the play to work with current CSU theatre students.

We have the return of some great classics with a new production of Educating Rita and Tom Burlinson recreating the legendary Sinatra at the Sands concert. This year for the first time we have a comedy direct from Ireland, Swing, that was the hit of the Edinburgh Festival and has received rave reviews from around the world.

We finish the year with a community choir event conducted by Dr Jonathon Welch AM at the Wagga Music Bowl where everyone who has always wanted to sing is invited to take part. This really is a season that is local, national and international. Thank you for being a part of it.

See you at the theatre.

CarissaCampbellManager Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre

EMAIL UPDATES

SECURE THE BEST SEATS

For your convenience you can have your subscription processed and receive your tickets now. On the day of each performance your credit card will be debited for the amount applicable for that performance, plus a small processing fee of $2 per ticket.

Receive regular email updates – be informed of other great offers for other shows coming to the theatre. You’ll also receive a reminder email to any Season shows you have tickets to.

A new payment option in 2016 is to pay half the total cost of your tickets at the time of booking and the remaining half in April. There will be a $5 processing fee added to the April payment.

Subscribers have access to a priority booking period, so you can lock in your seats before they become available to the general public. You can relax knowing you already have tickets when one of our season shows sells out.

BenefitsBOOK NOW PAY LATER

50/50 SPLIT

DISCOUNTSReceive discounts on all season tickets – choose five plays and you’ll save. Subscribers can also access discounted tickets for family and friends throughout the year.

Catch up with friends with a drink before the show. Enjoy post-show supper on opening nights – catch up regularly with family and friends to share the experience of the theatre. Meet and greet cast and crew, ignite conversation and debate!

POST SHOW SUPPER

EXCHANGE

Exchange if you need to – you can fill your diary with theatre dates, knowing that you can exchange your tickets for another subscription show.

Finalist for the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.Winner of the 2012 Obie Award for Best New American PlayNamed Time Magazine 's #1 Play or Musical of 2012

21-year-old Leo rocks up unannounced at the Manhattan apartment of his 91-year-old Jewish grandmother Vera. Having broken up with his girlfriend and cycled across the country, he needs a place to crash for the night, no questions asked. But Vera – prickly, stubborn and sharp as a tack – isn’t about to let him off that easily.

As an overnight couch-surf turns

into an extended stay, 4000 Miles unearths a surprising parallel between these two generations in this emotionally compelling drama. With disarming frankness and surprising candour, the two negotiate social potholes and trace emotional fault lines that link them to a painful family history.

From one of America’s brightest playwrights, this compassionate and unsentimental play explores the funny, frustrating, and ultimately life-changing relationship between a grandson learning to face his life, and a grandmother who is starting to forget hers.

CastAilleen Huynh, Diana McLean, Stephen Multari and Eloise Snape

DirectorAnthony Skuse

Set and Costume DesignerHugh O’Connor

Lighting DesignerSara Swersky

Composer / Sound DesignerMarty Jamieson

Voice and Dialect CoachLinda Nichols-Gidley

ProducerCat Dibley

“If your heart is sick or just needs warming, go and see this play. If you are a baby boomer who doesn't understand your grandchildren or are from Gen Y and, like, really weirded out by your grandparents, go and see this play. If you simply love theatre, go and see this play.”JOHN SHAND,

SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

Saturday 7.30pm 27 February 2016

TicketsAdult $42.00 | Concession $37.00 | Youth under 25 $31.00 | Child under 15 $15.00Adult Subscriber $35.00 | Concession Subscriber $30.00Youth under 25 Subscriber $28.00

Recommended for ages 14+Running time: One hour 30 minutes (no interval)

4000 MilesbyAmy Herzog4000 MILES WAS

ORIGINALLY PRODUCED BY

LINCOLN CENTER THEATRE IN 2011, NEW YORK CITY

A CRITICAL STAGES, CATNIP AND MOPHEAD PRODUCTION

The original 1966 album Sinatra at the Sands has been described as ‘brilliant’, ‘incredibly exciting’, ‘the definitive portrait of Sinatra in the ‘60's’, ‘essential’, ‘a priceless document’ and ‘simply the best’.

Accompanied by his All Star Big Band Tom will sing all the wonderful songs from this sensational recording of Sinatra in his prime. Come Fly with Me, I’ve Got You Under My Skin, One for my Baby, You Make Me Feel So Young, Fly Me to the Moon, It was a Very Good Year, My Kind of Town and many more!

Tom will also perform a bonus set

of more of Sinatra’s greatest hits, including Strangers in the Night, That’s Life, My Way and, of course, New York, New York.

Tom is famous for his starring roles in the classic Australian movies The Man from Snowy River and Phar Lap, as well as his numerous TV appearances over the years.

He is renowned for his smooth style and astonishing performance skills. Don’t miss this wonderful new show as Tom will once again do justice to the marvellous musical legacy of the Chairman of the Board, Frank Sinatra.

“The next best thing to Sinatra.” THE COURIER MAIL

Saturday 7.30pm 12 March 2016

Tom Burlinson performsSinatra At TheSands

Musical DirectorRalph Pyl

Featuring All Star Big Band

TicketsAdult $65.00 | Adult Subscriber $60.00 | Child under 15 $40.00

Running time: 1 hour 55 minutes, including interval

WITH ALL STAR BIG BAND

“Like a canine on cocaine, The Dapto Chaser is a get up

and go show. Run to see it.”AUSTRALIAN STAGE

Dogs, beer, chicken schnitzel, gambling and family tradition. Welcome to the dish-licker sub-culture. This Australian comedy gets its hands dirty with the underbelly of Greyhound racing.

For the Sinclair family, dog racing is more than a sport. It’s a way of life. And their beloved dog is more than a greyhound; it’s their heart and soul on four legs. The Sinclairs are a family trapped in the pressure cooker of gambling addiction and when things don’t go to plan, they are forced to gamble the most important commodity of all – their relationship to each other.

The Dapto Chaser is a warts-and-all Australian dramatic comedy with all the adrenaline, sweat and guts of the controversial dog racing sub-culture.

Playwright Mary Rachel Brown wrote The Dapto Chaser perched in the bleachers track-side, while director Glynn Nicholas will be going on an all-schnitzel diet to get it over the line.

Warning: This production contains dogs, bitches, mongrels, drugs, cheating, lying, winning, losing and a mother-load of family dysfunction.

The DaptoChaserAN APOCALYPSE THEATRE COMPANY & CRITICAL STAGES PRODUCTION

CastRichard Sydenham, Jamie Oxenbould, Noel Hodda

DirectorGlynn Nicholas

DesignerGeorgia Hopkins

Lighting DesignerToby Knyvett

Sound DesignerDaryl Wallis

Original ProducerDino Dimitriades

Wednesday 7.30pm 23 March 2016

TicketsAdult $42.00 | Concession $37.00 | Youth under 25 $31.00Adult Subscriber $35.00 | Concession Subscriber $30.00Youth under 25 Subscriber $28.00

Suitable for audiences 15 and over. Occasional coarse language and some drug references.Running time: One hour 30 minutes (no interval)

Photo: Robert Catto

The Dapto Chaser was commissioned and originally produced by Merrigong

Theatre Company. This production first presented as part of Griffin Independent.

THE RIVERINA PLAYHOUSE (TBC)

Photo: Daniel Boud

CircusUndermy BedFLYING FRUIT FLY CIRCUS

Ordinary kids doing extraordinary things.

The Flying Fruit Fly Circus is back in town! Their highly acclaimed Circus Under My Bed is a magical show for anyone with a love of circus, dance and physical theatre.

Circus Under My Bed will draw you into the imagination of a young girl spending a final night in her bedroom before moving away. What follows is an enthralling mix of old-world circus, vaudeville and classic story-telling for young people and families. As the lights go out she dreams up a circus world of whimsical characters who

help her face her fears and turn packing-up into an adventure you won’t want to end.

If you have ever dreamed of running away to a circus, this is the show your dreams are made of, unlike anything else you will see on the Australian stage.

The young performers of the ‘Fruities’ – Australia’s world-famous national youth circus – are aged from just 9 to 19. Their daring feats and skillful trickery will enchant and inspire young and old alike.

Circus Under My Bed was

nominated for a Helpmann Award as Best Visual or Physical Theatre Production and a Sydney Theatre Award for Best Production for Children.

“A rich theatrical experience for children. This is family circus at its very best. Highly recommended.”SYDNEY MORNING

HERALD

DirectorJodie Farrugia

Sound DesignerSteph O’Hara

WriterSebastien Pasche

Lighting DesignerSian James-Holland

Costume DesignerLyn Shields

Circus DirectorScott Grayland

Technical DirectorScott Stoddart

Executive DirectorRichard Hull

Cast17 young artists of the Flying Fruit Fly Circus

Saturday 7.30pm 9 April 2016

TicketsAdult $50.00 | Concession $45.00 | Youth under 25 $35.00 | Child under 15 $15.00Adult Subscriber $45.00 | Concession Subscriber $38.00Youth under 25 Subscriber $30.00 | Family (2 adults + 2 children $100)

Recommended for ages 4 to 104.Running time: 55 minutes (no interval)

This project is assisted by the Australian Government through

the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body

Arts NSW is pleased to support and create opportunities for

growth to foster the future of arts and culture in NSW.

Photo: Pat Redmond

Swing

WAGGA WAGGA CIVIC THEATRE IN ASSOCIATION WITH MERRIGONG THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS A PRODUCTION BY FISHAMBLE: THE NEW PLAY COMPANY

A toe-tapping, heart-warming Irish gem of a show.

This delightful hit production from Ireland comes fresh from success in New York, Paris, Edinburgh and New Zealand. Swing is a heart-warming romantic comedy about being brave, trying your best and thinking outside the box.

Joe is a divorced father seeking a new job after losing his business during Ireland’s recession. May is a graphic artist who is looking to fill in time while her boyfriend is away. They meet at an evening dance

class, and begin to fumble their way through the dance steps, romantic dilemmas, career problems and life choices.

The brilliant Irish cast portray a colourful array of characters, both hilariously funny and heartbreakingly real. With its rousing finale, Swing is all about living as well as you can and ‘giving it a lash’...with rock and roll music.

Swing is supported by Culture Ireland as part of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme.

“Funny, warm, and well produced, with a rousing finale that’s enough to make you kick up your own heels.” IRISH THEATRE

MAGAZINE

BY STEVE BLOUNT, PETER DALY, GAVIN KOSTICK & JANET MORAN

WritersSteve Blount, Peter Daly, Gavin Kostick and Janet Moran

Director Peter Daly

Lighting DesignerMark Galione

Sound DesignerIvan Birthistle

Thursday 7.30pm 2 June 2016

TicketsAdult $42.00 | Concession $37.00 | Youth under 25 $31.00 | Child under 15 $15.00Adult Subscriber $35.00 | Concession Subscriber $30.00Youth under 25 Subscriber $28.00

Recommended for ages 12+Running time: 60 minutes (no interval)

Australian tour produced by Merrigong Theatre Company.

Swing is part of Wagga Comedy Fest 2016

Swing

Photo: Aaron Tait

CountrySong QUEENSLAND THEATRE

COMPANY

A FICTIONALISED STORY INSPIRED BY THE LIFE OF JIMMY LITTLE BY REG CRIBB ORIGINAL CONCEPT BY MICHAEL TUAHINE

Country Song is a fictionalised story inspired by the life of Jimmy Little -a witty, warm journey back into Australia’s recent past. It’s a rollicking celebration featuring music from some of Australia’s renowned Indigenous entertainers and pure entertainment, revelling in the healing power of music.

It’s the ’70s, and Jimmy takes a nostalgic trip through his past from talented teen to honey-voiced guitar-slinger to respected leader. Indigenous icons weave in and out of his life, as they chalk up a list of

firsts for their people as Australia goes through a turbulent change.

Michael Tuahine leads a cast of six actor/musicians in this yarn drawing on the life of the gentleman balladeer, peppered with old-time hits from Johnny Cash and Marty Robbins to Jimmy’s own No.1 Royal Telephone and his covers of ‘80s hits Under the Milky Way and Blackfella/Whitefella.

You’ll laugh, cry, dance and maybe even sing along with this inspiring tale.

“... they laughed and cheered and had a wonderful time... a standing ovation...”CRIKEY

WriterReg Cribb

Cast Bradley McCaw, Megan Sarmardin, Michael Tuahine, Tibian Wyles

DirectorWesley Enoch

Associate DirectorJason Klarwein

DesignerJosh McIntosh

Musical DirectorJamie Clark

Lighting DesignerJason Glenwright

DramaturgLouise Gough

Projection Designersoptikal bloc

Tuesday 7.30pm 12 July 2016

TicketsAdult $50.00 | Concession $45.00 | Youth under 25 $35.00 | Child under 15 $15.00Adult Subscriber $45.00 | Concession Subscriber $35.00Youth under 25 Subscriber $30.00 | School price $20.00

Adult concepts, this show deals with race and discriminationRunning time: Two hours 5 minutes including interval. This show has an 8 minute lock out.

QTC’s Country Song 2016 Tour has been assisted by

the Australian Government through the Australia Council,

its arts funding and advisory body. And is supported by

the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.

A new production from Opera Australia. Mozart's brilliant opera The Marriage of Figaro follows the adventures of a household over one crazy day. Masters are lusting over their servants, servants are outwitting their masters - Figaro is the Downton Abbey of opera, but a whole lot more fun!

Award-winning creative duo Michael Gow and Robert Kemp have created a brand new production, featuring stunning period costumes and a clever set. A talented chamber orchestra and chorus of local children will accompany some of Opera Australia's finest singers

performing Mozart’s beautiful music.

In a wealthy household in Seville, Figaro is marrying Susanna, but the Count wants to seduce her first. Marcellina wants Figaro and the Countess just wants her husband back. But Susanna is smarter than all of them. After a crazy day of disguise and duplicity, will she get her happily ever after?

Find out when Mozart's comic masterpiece comes to Wagga Wagga. It's a delightful night out, suitable for the whole family.

Sung in English, performed with chamber orchestra

ConductorPaul Fitzsimon

DirectorMichael Gow

Adaptation Michael Gow

Set & Costume DesignerRobert Kemp

Lighting DesignerMatt Scott

“The wonderful music in this fine production will pull at your heart strings.”LYNDON TERRACINI

AM, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, OPERA

AUSTRALIA

Saturday 7.30pm 30 July 2016

TicketsAdult $65.00 | Adult Subscriber $60.00Child under 15 $40.00

Recommended for ages 8+Running time: Two hours 30 minutes including interval

The Marriage ofFigaroOPERA

AUSTRALIA

“…Never Did Me Any Harm makes you laugh, cringe and possibly even cry.” JILL SYKES, SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

Never before have parents been under such pressure when it comes to raising children. Is the pressure to get it right overwhelming us? And what is ‘good parenting’ anyway? Are children today given too much choice? Too few boundaries? Less chance to take risks?

Drawing inspiration from real ‐life interviews, award- winning director and choreographer Kate Champion explores contemporary attitudes to raising children in this provocative dance theatre work.

Using a distinctive language of dance, images and text, Force Majeure and Sydney Theatre Company create an emotional, humorous and insightful work that cannot fail to resonate with all who were once children.

Never Did Me Any Harm is a captivating work that has attracted rave reviews with its power, poignancy and distinctively Australian humour.

Never Did Me AnyHarmFORCE MAJEURE

AND SYDNEY THEATRE

COMPANY

Director Kate Champion

Set and Lighting Designer Geoff Cobham

Composer and Sound DesignerMax Lyandvert

DramaturgAndrew Upton

Audio Visual and Lighting AssociateChris Petridis

ChoreographyThe Company

Wednesday 7.30pm 24 August 2016

TicketsAdult $50.00 | Concession $45.00Youth under 25 $35.00 | Child under 15 $15.00Adult Subscriber $45.00 | Concession Subscriber $38.00Youth under 25 Subscriber $30.00

Contains some strong languageRunning time: One hour 5 minutes (no interval)



Photo: Jamie Williams

Beethoven & MendelssohnPRESENTED BY

AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER

ORCHESTRA

“If you’re looking for the finest young string players in this country and, most probably, well beyond, this is where you’ll find them.” AUSTRALIAN STAGE ONLINE

The Australian Chamber Orchestra presents Beethoven & Mendelssohn performed by ACO Collective and directed by one of Finland’s most internationally successful string quartets, Meta4.

ACO Collective is the ACO’s critically acclaimed 17-piece string ensemble which delivers the ACO's regional touring and education programs Australia-wide. In 2016, internationally acclaimed Finnish violinist Pekka Kuusisto takes up the inaugural position as ACO Collective Artistic Director.

In keeping with his adventurous programming, Kuusisto has invited Meta4 to lead ACO Collective on its third tour of the year. The Beethoven & Mendelssohn program features works by Webern, Jaakko Kuusisto, Mendelssohn, Sculthorpe and Beethoven’s last complete work, String Quartet in F major, Op.135.

STARRING ACO COLLECTIVE AND DIRECTED BY META4

PRESENTING PARTNER VIRGIN AUSTRALIA

ProgramWEBERN Langsamer SatzJAAKKO KUUSISTO Wiima, Op.27MENDELSSOHN String Symphony No.6 in E-flat majorSCULTHORPE DjilileBEETHOVEN (arr. strings) String Quartet in F major, Op.135

Saturday 7.30pm 3 September 2016

ArtistsMeta4 DirectionACO Collective

TicketsAdult $55.00 | Concession $50.00 | Youth under 25 $35.00Child under 15 $15.00 | Adult Subscriber $50.00Concession Subscriber $40.00 | Youth under 25 Subscriber $30.00

Running time: Two hours including 20 minute interval

PRINCIPAL PARTNER: ACO

PRINCIPAL PARTNER: ACO COLLECTIVE

GOVERNMENT PARTNERS

Photo: Jack Saltmiras

OthelloBELL SHAKESPEARE’S

A violent exploration of the thin line that separates love and jealousy, Othello is a relentless journey of vicious passion.

A warrior on the fields of war, felled by the sharpness of whispered words, Othello is a man swept up in desire, quickly turned to murderous rage when he is betrayed by his military brother-in-arms, the cynically destructive Iago.

One of William Shakespeare’s most famous and passionate tragedies, Othello will be directed by Bell Shakespeare’s Artistic Director Peter Evans, in a gripping production that will

touch audiences to their core, as envy is a weapon wielded with brazen savagery, and the complex contradictory nature of humanity is tested.

Starring Ray Chong Nee (Bell Shakespeare’s The Dream and MTC’s I Call My Brothers) as Othello and Yalin Ozucelik (Bell Shakespeare’s Henry IV and STC’s Cyrano de Bergerac) as Iago in one of Shakespeare’s most captivating and devastating pairings, this astonishing epic tragedy will rage with jealousy on stages across Australia in Bell Shakespeare’s 2016 National Tour.

“Bell Shakespeare’s latest offering is sure to be the crowd pleaser that audiences have come to expect from the trail blazing theatre company.” ARTS HUB

Tuesday 7.30pm 20 September 2016


By William ShakespeareDirectorPeter Evans

DesignerMichael Hankin

Lighting DesignerPaul Jackson

Assistant Director & Fight DirectorNigel Poulton

With Ray Chong Nee, Joanna Downing, Alice Keohavong, James Lugton, Huw McKinnon, Elizabeth Nabben, Yalin Ozucelik, Michael Wahr.

Recommended 14+Running time Two hours 40 minutes including interval.

“A marvel of precision and ethereal beauty … Giselle is

really the perfect ballet” AUSTRALIAN STAGE

Love conquers all in the ultimate romantic ballet.

Experience one of the world’s most-loved ballet classics live on stage with The Dancers Company, The Australian Ballet’s regional touring program.

Starring guest artists from The Australian Ballet, and graduating students from The Australian Ballet School, don’t miss this special staged production when it sweeps audiences away next October.

Since its premiere in 1841, Giselle has captured the imagination and torn at the heart. This transcendent love story follows an innocent village girl transformed into a tender spirit after dying of a broken heart. With its hauntingly beautiful ensemble of white tutus, classical technique and heartbreaking story of boy-meets-girl, see why Giselle is the perfect must-see ballet.

THE AUSTRALIAN BALLET

PRESENTS THE DANCERS COMPANY 2016 INGiselle

Original choreography Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot, staged by The Australian Ballet

Set and costume designPeter Farmer

Lighting designFrancis Croese

Friday 7.30pm 14 October 2016Saturday 7.30pm 15 October 2016

Running time: Two hours including interval

TicketsAdult $58.00 | Concession $50.00 | Youth under 25 $40.00Child under 15 $30.00 | Groups of 10 or more $52.00Adult Subscriber $55.00 | Concession Subscriber $46.00 Youth under 25 Subscriber $37.00

Photo: Jeff Busby

EducatingRitaFrank is a cynical, burnt-out English professor, who drinks far too much whiskey. Rita is a hairdresser and a bit naive. She has, however, a wonderful and indeed desperate thirst for knowledge and she chooses Frank of all people to introduce her to culture. Frank soon discovers that Rita has a lot more common sense than the so-called educated class within which he moves. He begins to fall in love with Rita for her zest for life, her almost childlike qualities and her simple, natural intelligence. But Rita’s life soon changes in this new environment. Two very different worlds then collide, merging to produce a charming human comedy and a

wonderfully entertaining modern day Pygmalion.

Educating Rita was written by Willy Russell (the playwright of the ever popular Shirley Valentine) and premiered in 1980. The stage play and popular film version have gone to entertain audiences around the world becoming a comedy classic. Having successfully produced the play in 2007, HIT Productions are delighted to be producing this brand new production directed by AFI Award winning director Denny Lawrence.

Francesca Bianchi (TV movie The Colour of Eden and major roles in feature films Burns Point (2015) and Drive Hard (2014), ABC’s

It’s A Date and Nine Network’s House Husbands) will be playing Rita alongside Helpmann Award winning actor Colin Moody (STC , Belvoir Street Theatre, Bell Shakespeare and ABC’s Something in the Air) as Frank.

WriterWilly Russell

DirectorDenny Lawrence

Set & Lighting DesignerJacob Battista

“Simply a marvellous play, painfully funny and passionately serious: a hilarious social documentary; a fairy tale with a quizzical, half happy ending.” THE SUNDAY TIMES

Saturday 7.30pm 22 October 2016


Recommended 15+. Contains some strong language.Running time: Two hours 15 minutes including interval

Educating Rita is supported by the Victorian Government

through Creative Victoria

BY WILLY RUSSELL

HIT PRODUCTIONS

Community ChoirSomething huge is happening in the Music Bowl in November 2016. To celebrate Social Inclusion Week, and the Australian summer, the Civic Theatre will partner with local choirs, and individuals who love to sing, to create a community choir that will raise the roof of the Botanic Gardens Music Bowl.

Social Inclusion Week aims to help ensure all Australians feel included and valued, giving everyone the opportunity to participate fully in society. It’s about connecting local communities, workmates, family and friends in order to build and strengthen relationships and networks, addressing isolation and exclusion by supporting people who may be unable to help themselves.

Dr Jonathon Welch AM will be the choral conductor for this event. Jonathon is a multi-award winning singer, conductor, teacher, songwriter and recording artist. He is the Artistic Director of the Choir of Hard

Knocks, has won ARIA, Logie and Helpmann awards, was the Australian of the Year Local Hero in 2008, ANZAC of the year in 2009. and is the creator of Social Inclusion Week.

This massed choir will showcase a blistering repertoire of your favourite Australian songs and will feature appearances from special guests. The opportunity to participate will be widely promoted and there will be several rehearsals. Or you can just sing along on the night.

Bring a picnic supper or purchase dinner from the food vendors on the night.

Choral Conductor Dr Jonathon Welch AM

Musical DirectorMajor Lindsay MeeAustralian Army Band Kapooka

A Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre community production.

Friday 7.30pm 18 November 2016Saturday 7.30pm 19 November 2016

Running time: Two hours including interval

TicketsShow only Adult $15 | Child under 15 $10

“Everyone loves to sing.” CARISSA CAMPBELL, MANAGER

WAGGA WAGGA CIVIC THEATRE

WITH DR JONATHON WELCH AM

BOTANIC GARDENS MUSIC BOWL

OurPackages

THE PERFECT PACKAGE4000 MilesTom Burlinson performs Sinatra at the SandsThe Dapto ChaserThe Flying Fruit Fly Circus: Circus Under My BedSwingCountry SongThe Marriage of FigaroNever Did Me Any HarmBeethoven & Mendelssohn with ACO and Meta4Bell Shakepeare’s OthelloGiselleEducating RitaCommunity Choir with Dr Jonathon Welch AM

THE CLASSIC PACKAGEThe Marriage of FigaroBeethoven & Mendelssohn starring ACO CollectiveBell Shakepeare’s OthelloGiselleEducating Rita

THE CONTEMPORARY PACKAGE4000 MilesThe Dapto ChaserThe Flying Fruit Fly Circus: Circus Under My BedSwingNever Did Me Any Harm

THE SWEET SOUNDS PACKAGETom Burlinson performs Sinatra at the SandsCountry SongThe Marriage of FigaroBeethoven & Mendelssohn starring ACO CollectiveCommunity Choir with Dr Jonathon Welch AM

First week of June 2016

The Moon’s a Balloon

Peasant Prince

52 Storey Treehouse

The Ve

ry Hungry Caterpillar

Sugarland

KidsSeasonSeasonKids

The Moon’s a Balloon

Peasant Prince

52 Storey Treehouse

The Ve

ry Hungry Caterpillar

Sugarland

KidsSeasonSeasonKids

KID’S SEASON

“and - pop! - out of the egg came a tiny and very hungry caterpillar.”

One of the most-read and famous children’s books of all time, The Very Hungry Caterpillar emerges off the page in a masterful theatrical experience for the whole family.

Journey through Eric Carle’s incredible stories as they come to life on stage in this enchanting show. Featuring some other delightful characters from three of Eric Carle’s bestselling classics tales, including The Artist Who Painted A Blue Horse, Mr. Seahorse and The Very Lonely Firefly.

Based on Eric Carle's books

Creator Jonathan Worsley

DirectorNaomi Edwards

ProducerMichael Sieders

Set DesignerJames Browne

PuppetsPuppet Kitchen

Costume DesignerAndrea Espinoza

Lighting DesignerNicholas Rayment

Composer / Sound DesignerNate Edmondson

ComposerSteven Baker

With Gavin James Clarke, Dannielle Jackson, Justine Warner and Drew Wilson

“For first time theatregoers, this is a triumph of faithful storytelling and pattern recognition.”TIME OUT

TicketsOne price $25.00 | Groups 4+ $20.00 | Childcare groups $15.00THIS IS A SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITY

Recommendation: Ages 0-7Running time: 50 minutes

The VeryHungry Caterpillar ShowThursday 10am, 12.30pm, 3pm 21 April 2016

Photo: Louis Dillon-Savage

KID’S SEASON

A play by Richard Tulloch

Adapted from the best-selling book by Andy Griffiths & Terry Denton

Artistic DirectorJulian Louis

DirectorLiesel Badorrek

Set / Costume Designer Mark Thompson

Lighting Designer Nicholas Higgins

Sound Designer Ross Johnston

“Lively, colourful and very funny… A cool, clever show that all youngsters will love.” DAILY TELEGRAPH

TicketsOne price $18.50 | Groups 4+ $15.50 | Subscriber $15.50 | School group $14.00

Recommendation: Ages 6-12Running time: One hour

The 52-Storey TreehouseA CDP PRODUCTION

Tuesday 10.30am, 12.30pm and 6pm 3 May 2016They’re back! Andy and Terry’s Treehouse is now 52 storeys high, but there’s no time to play! Mr Big Nose has mysteriously disappeared, Jill has fallen into a deep sleep and Andy and Terry just can’t wake her up. Can they solve the mysteries and survive the dangers that test even their ingenuity?

Andy Griffiths’ and Terry Denton’s latest bestseller comes to life on the stage as the team behind the hit adaptations of The 13-Storey Treehouse and The 26-Storey Treehouse return with this imaginative and engaging play.

What are you waiting for? Come on up!

KID’S SEASON

Sugarland“Amongst the politics and racism and bureaucracy, the five young people in Sugarland navigate their way through this uncertain terrain with love, grace, humour, resilience and a desire to keep going…”

ARTSHUB

TicketsOne price $18.50 | Groups 4+ $15.50 Subscriber $15.50 | School group $14.00

Recommendation: Ages 14+ Coarse language, drug use and simulated self-harmRunning time: One hour 20 minutes (no interval)

BY AUSTRALIAN THEATRE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE (ATYP)

Tuesday 11am 14 June 2016Nina is 16 years old, good at school, has a job at the cinema and one of the best singing voices around. But none of that is important. She needs a place to live. Living with her Aunty in an overcrowded house, things aren't going well, and it’s getting complicated.

Erica is 16 and the new girl in town. Her Dad’s in the RAAF and the family’s just moved to Katherine. She’s lived all over Australia and every time she

makes somewhere home, she moves again. She’s so used to being an outsider, she's stopped trying to fit in.

The only thing they have in common is the music they listen to. Sometimes that's enough.

Sugarland provides a glimpse into a teenage Australia that feels like a foreign country. This exceptional new play will make you laugh and cry, and will stay with you long after you leave the theatre.

Sugarland is toured by Performing Lines for Blak Lines, and was commissioned and developed by Australian Theatre

for Young People (ATYP). The original production was co-directed by Fraser Corfield and David Page. Sugarland is supported by the NSW Government through Arts NSW,

and the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body.

Photo: Zan Wimberley

KID’S SEASON

TheMoon's a Balloon“Visually stunning, great sound, beautifully moved, gorgeous, clever, slick, happy show.”

SUSANNAH SWEENEY, ADELAIDE

FESTIVAL CENTRE


Recommendation: Ages 3+Running time: 45 minutes

BY PATCH THEATRE COMPANY

Wednesday 6pm 22 June, Thursday 10am & 1pm 23 June 2016Is the Moon a Balloon? It can be. A balloon can be whatever you want it to be...

The Moon’s a Balloon is a moving and eloquent story that explores childhood play, invention, friendship and connection in a highly visual performance that is beautifully complemented by magical lighting, digital imagery and a stunning soundscape.

A balloon can be a friend to play with or a maker of friendships. It can hold its breath for days and disappear in an instant. It can make your hair stand on end and fill you with laughter. A balloon can be something loved or something lost; something shared or something broken.

All sorts of possibilities reside in the simplest of things.



Photo: Tony Lewis

KID’S SEASON

ThePeasant Prince

Li Cunxin’s iconic autobiography Mao’s Last Dancer was first published as a children’s picture book, The Peasant Prince. Monkey Baa is honoured to be adapting this story onto the stage.

Li, a 10-year old peasant boy, is plucked from his village in rural China and sent to a ballet academy in the big city. He leaves everything and everyone he knows, including his beloved parents. Over years of gruelling training and

determination, this boy transforms from an impoverished peasant to a giant of the international dance scene. Li’s courage, resilience and unwavering hope for a better life make The Peasant Prince a story to ignite our own aspirations to be the best person we can be.

Audiences will be captivated by this inspiring story. Definitely not to be missed!

DirectorTim McGarry

DesignerMichael Hankin

Lighting DesignerSian James-Holland

ComposerDaryl Wallis

Movement Director Danielle Micich (Force Majeure)

DramaturgCamilla Ah Kin

Script ConsultantLi Cunxin

“You have your secret dreams. Follow them. Make them come true.”THE PEASANT

PRINCE


Recommendation: Ages 6-12Running time: 50 minutes

BASED ON THE BOOK BY LI CUNXINADAPTED BY EVA DI CESARE, SANDRA ELDRIDGE AND TIM MCGARRY

A MONKEY BAA THEATRE COMPANY PRODUCTION

Thursday 6pm 25 August 2016Friday 10am and 12.30pm 26 August 2016

Illustrations by Anne Spudvilas

Silvercircle2016

Quality Entertainment

During theDayALL TICK ETS $22 | ALL SHOWS 11AM

FR EE MOR NING TEA FROM 10AM

SILVER CIRCLE

Highlights of Rhonda Burchmore's 30 year career are performing on London's West End in a number of musicals, including Sugar Babies, featuring Mickey Rooney and Ann Miller; Stop The World I Want To Get Off, with Anthony Newly; and starring opposite David Atkins in the original Hot Shoe Shuffle.

Other productions include lead roles in Annie Get Your Gun, Easter Parade, They're Playing Our Song, Mame, The Boy Friend, Song & Dance, Guys & Dolls, Respect- A Musical Journey of Women, Little Orphan Trashley, Eurobeat, Calendar Girls, Into The Woods, Urinetown, Tomfoolery, La Cage Aux Folles, Jerry’s Girls,

The Drowsy Chaperone co-starring Geoffrey Rush and as Tanya in the original Australian production of Mama Mia!

Rhonda has recorded five albums, including Cry Me A River- The World of Julie London and in 2011 released her auto-biography, Legs 11.

In 2002 and 2012 Rhonda won Female Vocal Performer of The Year at the MO Awards and ACE Awards.

In 2014 Rhonda was awarded the OAM for her service to the performing arts and community and also won the Cabaret Icon Award at the International Adelaide Cabaret Festival.

“Rhonda Burchmore took the stage with more sparkles than a galaxy spilling over with stars….her numbers were explosively delivered.”THE COURIER MAIL

Tuesday 11am 5 April 2016 | Morning tea from 10amRhondaBurchmore

All tickets $22.00

Running time: One hour (no interval)

SILVER CIRCLE

Me 'NMe MatesMe ‘N Me Mates is an entertainment of Australian songs and stories in the style of an old style concert in the local hall, wool shed or pub; or even better, singing and yarning around a campfire.

Songs, stories, poems and yarns are presented by the performers authentically with dry, laconic humour and language in a relaxed way that is always respectful of our forebears and history. The works of Australia’s classic writers such as Henry Lawson, Banjo Paterson and Slim Dusty lend themselves

perfectly to live performance – the descriptions of characters and settings and the quality of the language flow over the audience in an intimate and engaging way.

Each poem, song and yarn is carefully chosen, adapted, rehearsed and presented for your enjoyment. Good old bush songs about shearing, the weather, drinking, dogs and wandering, plus some original songs, are presented with simplicity and gusto accompanied by acoustic guitar, banjo, percussion, lager phone, mouth organ and spoons.

“Well written, cleverly devised performed with energy and verve to ensure an impact and wide popular appeal. Innovative in its own way - accessible, entertaining, thought-provoking.” THE ADELAIDE

ADVERTISER

AUSTRALIAN SONGS, STORIES & YARNS

All tickets $22.00


Thursday 11am 16 June 2016 | Morning tea from 10am

Splash Theatre CompanyPerformers:Chris John, Ezra Juanta, Lachy Bruce

SILVER CIRCLE

JadeHurleyJade Hurley OAM was given the title “Australia’s King of Country Rock” by the late, great Johnny O’Keefe and has certainly lived up to that prestigious title. In America, Jade was billed as a cross between Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, and Liberace: Jerry Lee, because of his energetic piano antics, like jumping all over his piano and kicking the keys with his feet; Little Richard, because just like Richard, Jade Hurley always makes a great

and controversial headline; and Liberace, because of his flamboyant and glittery sequinned stage outfits.

Every album this unique “piano pumping/country rocker” has recorded has achieved gold, platinum, or double platinum status.

You’ll hear the music of Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny O’Keefe, Elvis Presley, Jim Reeves and more.

A MAN & HIS PIANO

“Jade Hurley is the greatest country rock performer Australia has ever produced.”JOHNNY CASH

All tickets $22.00


Thursday 11am 18 August 2016 | Morning tea from 10am

SILVER CIRCLE

There are hundreds and thousands of Elvis Presley impersonators but there is only one PELVIS.

PELVIS – ‘the man who would be king’, is a one-man comic musical of how a mild mannered nerdy geek, Aaron Tupelo, goes through the strange process of transforming into one of the greatest Elvis impersonators ever.

Featuring the amazing vocal and comic skills of Jamie Way,

PELVIS is a musical treat bringing audiences 15 of the most popular Elvis Presley songs ever. From his early beginnings of “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Love Me Tender’, to his movie collection of “Jailhouse Rock” and” Viva Las Vega” the Elvis songs rarely stop for breath. Elvis’s love ballads, “Are You Lonesome Tonight” and “I Can’t Help Falling In Love” show the tender side of this musical legend, but ‘Burning Love” “That’s Alright

Mama” will bring the house down. These are just a few of what PELVIS has to offer!

Written and Directed by Peter Cox, PELVIS looks to be one of the hottest one-hour shows to hit the Civic Theatre in 2016!

PELVIS - TheMan who would be King

All tickets $22.00


Wednesday 11am 14 December 2016 | Morning tea from 10am

PETER COX PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS

FOR GROUP BOOKINGS:

Civic Theatre Booking Office 6926 9688 or [email protected]

Wednesday 12noon and 6pm 11 May 2016Wednesday 12noon and 6pm 20 July 2016Wednesday 12noon and 6pm 7 September 2016

Music atMidday andMusic in the Evening

The Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre proudly presents the 2016 Season of Music at Midday featuring Australian Army Band Kapooka.

Conducted by Major Lindsay Mee.

Tickets are three weeks before each concert both on-line or by contacting the Civic Theatre. Prior notification of group bookings will be accepted.

All unoccupied seats at 10 minutes prior to the concert start time will be reallocated.

Free community event

JanuaryMONDAY 29 JANUARYSingle tickets on sale

FebruaryFRIDAY 5 FEBRUARYTwilight by the Lagoon – Groove by the LagoonSATURDAY 27 FEBRUARY4000 Miles

MarchFRIDAY 4 MARCHTwilight by the Lagoon – Finale with Ben Mingay and the Australian Army Band KapookaSATURDAY 12 MARCHTom Burlinson – Sinatra at the SandsWEDNESDAY 23 MARCHThe Dapto Chaser

AprilTUESDAY 5 APRILRhonda BurchmoreSATURDAY 9 APRILFlying Fruit Fly Circus – Circus Under My BedTHURSDAY 21 APRILThe Very Hungry Caterpillar

MayTUESDAY 3 MAYThe 52-Storey TreehouseWEDNESDAY 11 MAYMusic at Midday and Music in the Evening

JuneWagga Comedy Fest 2016THURSDAY 2 JUNESwingTUESDAY 14 JUNESugarland THURSDAY 16 JUNEMe ‘N Me MatesWEDNESDAY 22 & THURSDAY 23 JUNEThe Moon’s a Balloon

JulyTUESDAY 12 JULYCountry SongWEDNESDAY 20 JULYMusic at Midday and Music in the EveningSATURDAY 30 JULYThe Marriage of Figaro

AugustTHURSDAY 18 AUGUSTJade HurleyWEDNESDAY 24 AUGUSTNever Did Me Any HarmTHURSDAY 25 & FRIDAY 26 AUGUST The Peasant Prince

SeptemberSATURDAY 3 SEPTEMBERAustralian Chamber OrchestraWEDNESDAY 7 SEPTEMBERMusic at Midday and Music in the EveningTUESDAY 20 SEPTEMBERBell Shakespeare’s Othello

OctoberFRIDAY 14 & SATURDAY 15 OCTOBERGiselleSATURDAY 22 OCTOBEREducating Rita

NovemberFRIDAY 18 & SATURDAY 19 NOVEMBERCommunity Choir

DecemberWEDNESDAY 14 DECEMBERPELVIS - The Man who would be King

2016 calendar

Museum ofthe Riverina

RiverinaPlayhouse

Entrance foyer

Wollundry Lagoon

Victory MemorialGardens

BURNS WAY

MORROW STREET

CROSS STREET

TARC

UTTA

STREET

BA

YLI

S ST

REE

T

O’R

EILLY ST

Civic Theatre

Civic Centre

Car Park

Car Park

VisitorInformationCentre

Wheelchair spaces are available and we can assist with other mobility issues. If you require wheelchair access or other assistance at the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre please indicate on the booking form or inform the box office team at the time of your booking.

The Civic Theatre is fitted with a hearing loop. The system is accessible via hearing aids with a telephone setting. Please note, reception quality and levels may vary according to the age and type of hearing aid.

A carer is entitled to a free ticket when accompanying a paid Companion Card holder to the theatre.

Parking is available in close proximity to the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre. Car parks are located in Cross Street, entry via Cross Street and at the corner of Morrow and O’Reilly Streets, entry via O’Reilly Street.

The Civic Theatre foyer is a designated area for people to safely recharge their electric mobility scooter or wheelchair battery free of charge.

access information

In response to the question, ‘Suggest how you might resolve the staging difficulties inherent in a production of Peer Gynt’, you have written, quote, ‘Do it on the radio’, unquote.EDUCATING RITA

www.civictheatre.com.au

Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre Season Booklet 2016

Documents

Transcript of Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre Season Booklet 2016