ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

BROOKE DOHERTY TAKES A LOOK AT WHAT’S GOING ON THIS AUTUMN.

What child (or adult) wouldn’t want a fantastical treehouse complete with the world’s most powerful whirlpool, a desert island, and a submarine sandwich to scoot about in? And just what will happen if you press that mysterious big, red button? Full of excitement and danger, The 91-Storey Treehouse is an adventure-filled play that follows Andy and Terry’s hilarious escapades, which kids aged six to 12 will find very cool.

This endearing adaptation of the award-winning picture book by Julia Donaldson and Alex Scheffler returns to the Central Coast in a delightful production of the little Gruffalo who ignores his father’s warning and pads off to explore the wilds of the deep, dark woods. Featuring inventive costuming, physical theatre, puppetry and audience interaction, The Gruffalo’s Child is a sure treat for children aged three and up.

MAGIC BEACH

Alison Lester’s beautiful tale of childish wonder and imagination is evoked by a beach environment. It comes alive in this production of Magic Beach as an inventive, delightful and colourful play that also explores the quandary of growing up. It’s a joyous production suitable for primary-school-aged children and will bring a smile to your face.

TIM FREEDMAN

Three great performers of the Australian stage and comedy scene – John Wood, Max Gillies and Jean Kittson – deliver outrageously funny monologues that will have you in stiches. The nine monologues in Mono: A Three-Person One-Man Show feature the likes of: a ‘mindfulness’ teacher who has lost her own mind, a puzzled policeman giving evidence in the dock, and an orchestra conductor somewhat challenged with waving his baton. If you need a laugh, this is the one to see.

Singer Tim Freedman entertains audiences with his unpretentious talent and wry humour while showcasing piano arrangements of favourite songs by Randy Newman, Joni Mitchell and Neil Young, Three original songs from The Whitlams’ forthcoming album will also be featured.

You know the band. You know the songs. Here, all the iconic Fleetwood Mac ballads, blues and rock anthems are covered in one entertaining night. Be prepared for a blast.

The delightful Mirusia, who rose to fame as André Rieu’s featured soprano, will be performing such hits as Georgy Girl, I’ll Never Find Another You, and The Carnival is Over during this special performance. The Australian-born singer will also sing some of her beloved classical numbers from her tours with the famous Dutch violinist, together with some original compositions.

Monique Montez (who was part of the hugely successful Dusty: The Original Pop Diva tour) leads the Springfield band in recounting the diva’s tumultuous life story and musical achievements through iconic hits such as, Son of a Preacher Man, You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me, and Wishin’ And Hopin’.

In this energetic tribute show, Thomas Crane and his band, Bohemian Rhapsody, make good on the legendary stage persona of Freddy Mercury and the back-catalogue of music from Queen.

Doris Day’s story continues to resonate both musically and personally with acclaimed Australian singer, Melinda Schneider. So it’s only fitting that one of the last really ‘Great’ Ladies of Hollywood, the late Doris Day, be honoured and celebrated by Schneider. Schneider created a show about the late Doris Day’s life back in 2011 called, Doris: So Much More Than The Girl Next Door. In Melinda Schneider: A Farewell to Doris, Schneider pays tribute to her idol, singing all of Day’s hit songs and providing the audience with the option of a VIP experience.

Jeff Carter and Brooke McMullen recreate the energy and rapport of musical sweethearts Johnny Cash and June Carter with classics such as Ring of Fire, Walk The Line, and Folsom Prison Blues. Based on a true story, the production captures the essence of country music and the America’s South.

The Phoenix Collective’s first concert of the year adds a lot of spice and soul into exploring the origins of tango music. Performing some works of Astor Piazzolla, the celebrated father of ‘Nuevo Tango,’ Maggie Ferguson, Edward Neeman, Isabella Brown and Dan Russell will showcase Piazzolla as well as earlier styles of the tradition. Olé! For more information, visit phoenixcollective.com.au

MAGGIE FERGUSON

Exploring Ireland’s history through the mediums of song, dance and world-famous humour, this production encapsulates the resilient spirit and hope of the Irish people in an inspiring and formidable display of raw talent. If you haven’t seen Irish dancing before, this will leave you in awe.

It’s no little feat to cart more than 90 kg of equipment to one of the remotest regions on Earth, and then paint in sub-zero conditions. To his credit, artist Ken Knight pulled that off. His 2020 plein-air works of the Antarctic landscape forge a stylistic balance between naturalism and abstraction and are supported by a suite of studio paintings inspired by those experiences.

Printmaker Cheryl McCoy, and painter Donella Waters share an Indigenous heritage and feel a deep spiritual and historical connection to their land. This exhibition celebrates their symbiotic relationship to country through linocuts, acrylic painting and mixed media work.

Interested in the environment? This intriguing offering is the brainchild of five local artists who have presented their sculptural response to contemporary environmental issues. As colourful as they are beautiful, the works utilise non-traditional materials. It’s worth a peek.

Editor’s note: While information was correct at the time of going to print, please check with each venue to ensure performances have not been affected by coronavirus restrictions.

Australian music icon, John Williamson, is about to celebrate his 52nd anniversary in the entertainment industry and will be taking his Winding Back tour on the road.

‘Winding Back means I’m looking forward to spending more time in the garden and less time away from home,’ says John.

Back in 1970, when he wandered into Melbourne’s GTV9 studios with a guitar under his arm, little did the Mallee farmer realise he’d make a 50+-year career out of singing and performing, not to mention selling over 5 million albums and performing in thousands of concerts.

His Channel Nine New Faces’ performance of Old Man Emu, marked the appearance of our unofficial custodian of Australian stories in song. It was the first song he’d ever written, and became a No. 1 single. In all, his 52 albums, including 20 original studio albums, have traversed Australia like a dust-covered road train, deftly moving between larrikin humour and touching pathos.

John holds fond memories of the Central Coast.

‘I used to have a little holiday house at Pearl Beach. It’s such an untouched and peaceful place; no curb and guttering and no high rise. The residents there are so protective of its original atmosphere. Next door, at Patonga, is also a lovely place worth protecting from over commercialism.’

Perhaps John’s greatest legacy is making Australians proud of their country and of who they are. So, don’t miss him, True Blue himself, for what could be the final time.