2011 See It Live Theatre Season Brochure

Rockhampton Venues and Events is a business unit of Rockhampton Regional Council.

Welcome I would like to welcome people of Rockhampton Region and visitors to the 2011 See It Live Theatre Season.

I am delighted to announce a year of high quality shows, chosen from our best local, state and national performers here at the Pilbeam Theatre.

The Rockhampton Regional Council prides itself on the role it plays in all facets of building a more inclusive community, with a vibrant cultural lifestyle which goes a long way to enhancing our region’s liveability.

Visitors to Central Queensland, whether they be travellers or investors, are always impressed with the cultural assets of our region and with the inclusive program of performing arts events that we as Council bring to our region.

The See It Live Season is proudly presented by Rockhampton Regional Council, in conjunction with Playing Australia and and other State and Federal funding bodies.

Please take a few moments to peruse this booklet and consider the benefits and opportunities whilst enjoying significant financial benefits of becoming a subscriber.

Councillor Rose Swadling Deputy Mayor Chair of Community Development and Customer Service Committee Rockhampton Regional Council

Glenn Hazeldine and Daniel Mitchell. Photo Mel Koutchavlis

Tuesdays with Morrie By arrangement with Hal Leonard Australia Pty Ltd on behalf of Dramatists Play Service, Inc New York.

By Jeffrey Hatcher and Mitch Albom Based on the book by Mitch Albom Director: Mark Kilmurry Designer: Brian Nickless Lighting designer: Peter Neufeld

From the best-selling memoir by Mitch Albom comes a tender and uplifting comedy about a life-altering friendship.

Morrie Schwartz was an inspirational teacher and mentor, touching the lives of all his students but in particular Mitch Albom. Sixteen years have passed since graduation when Mitch learns that Morrie has Lou Gehrig’s disease (Motor Neurone Disease). Returning to visit his old professor he is once again captivated by Morrie’s wit, wisdom and the joy he takes in living. As one Tuesday becomes another and another, Mitch realizes that Morrie is teaching him one final lesson, in how to live.

Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom is the best-selling memoir of all time with over 11 million copies sold worldwide and over 300,000 copies in print in Australia. When first published it remained on the New York Times Bestseller list for 250 consecutive weeks.

“Tuesdays With Morrie is a surprisingly funny and tender play, full of quick one liners and insightful banter, beautifully performed.”

Australian Stage Online Pilbeam Theatre, Wednesday 9 February at 7.30pm Approximate duration (no interval): 90 minutes Regular adult price: $45

ThistourhasbeenmadepossiblebytheNew SouthWalesGovernmentthroughArtsNSW

www.ensemble.com.au

Rockhampton Regional Council presents

Image Š Robert Fox

The Boy From Oz Original Production by Ben Gannon and Robert Fox Music and Lyrics by Peter Allen. Book by Nick Enright Director: Karen Crone Musical Director: Robert Heppell

From Tenterfield to Tinseltown, Peter Allen became one of Australia’s greatest showmen, and The Boy From Oz is his story.

Featuring more than a dozen Peter Allen hits, such as Tenterfield Saddler, I Go to Rio, I Still Call Australia Home, Quiet Please There is a Lady on the Stage and Don’t Cry Out Loud, The Boy From Oz is the most successful Australian musical ever – and the only one to make it to Broadway. It tells the story of Peter Allen – his life, his loves, but most of all, his music.

Allen wrote and performed a string of hits that have become worldwide classics. He also lived a flamboyant lifestyle, rubbing shoulders the cream of showbusiness society in the USA. Karen Crone (Cabaret, Miss Saigon) returns to Rockhampton to direct this production.

“A wizard of a show.” The Age Pilbeam Theatre, Friday 25 March at 7.30pm Saturday 26 March at 7.30pm Sunday 27 March at 3pm

Friday 1 April at 7.30pm Saturday 2 April at 7.30pm

Approximate duration (including interval): 160 minutes Regular adult price: $45 RECEIVE A FREE BOY FROM OZ PROGRAMME IF YOU INCLUDE THE BOY FROM OZ IN YOUR SEE IT LIVE PACK!

www.pilbeamtheatre.com.au

Rockhampton Regional Council presents By arrangement with David Spicer Productions

www.breastwishes.com.au

Rockhampton Regional Council presents

Breast Wishes An Uplifting Musical Music and Lyrics: Bruce Brown Director: Jason Langley Musical Supervisor: Michael Tyack Choreographer: Nathan M Wright

Breast Wishes is an uplifting new Australian musical about life, love, family and silicon. Meet four women: sisters, mothers, daughters, cousins. Add a fumbling boyfriend, a well meaning husband and a bra-fitter who’s seen it all and you will be taken on a witty and heartwarming journey through laughter to triumph.

A celebration of breasts and those who support them, Breast Wishes is written by some of Australia’s most respected comedic and dramatic writers including Merridy Eastman, Jonathan Gavin, Richard Glover, Wendy Harmer, Sheridan Jobbins, James Millar and Debra Oswald.

With its show stopping numbers and dazzling cast Breast Wishes is a sophisticated and hilarious glimpse of cleavage and beyond which promises to make your heart sing!

Contains occasional coarse language and adult themes.

“We’ve had Menopause, but Breast Wishes is by far the best.”

Stage Whispers Pilbeam Theatre, Friday 8 July at 7.30pm, Saturday 9 July at 7.30pm Approximate duration (no interval):75 minutes Regular adult price: $45

ThistourhasbeenmadepossiblebytheNew SouthWalesGovernmentthroughArtsNSW

Proudly supporting the National Breast Cancer Foundation

Photo Branco Gaica

Rainbow’s End

By Jane Harrison Director: Craig Ilott Starring: Christine Anu, Lillian Crombie, Chenoa Deemal

Three generations of Koori women, Nan Dear, her feisty daughter Gladys and Dolly, her clever teenage granddaughter, live in a shack on a flood prone riverbank on the outskirts of a country town. For Nan, even life on ‘the flats’ represents progress of a kind, but Gladys has bigger ambitions for a real house and a real job for Dolly. When Gladys takes on buying the Encyclopedia Britannica from city salesman Errol Fisher to improve Dolly’s chances, their lives take an unexpected and challenging turn.

Set against the Queen’s visit in 1954 with music that evokes the period, this tender, funny, play celebrates the transformative power of learning and the fierce optimism of the women as they struggle for community acceptance in conservative, Menzies era Australia.

Rainbow’s End is a genuine ‘feel good’ night in the theatre. Written with gentle irony and humorous affection by Jane Harrison, the writer of the award winning play Stolen and flawlessly directed by multi award winner and former Rockhampton resident, Craig Ilott.

“This is a warm, genuine and engaging drama that allows us to experience a neglected part of Australia’s social history.”

Troy Lennon Daily Telegraph Pilbeam Theatre, Saturday 16 July at 7.30pm Approximate duration (no interval): 90 minutes Regular adult price: $45

ThistourhasbeenmadepossiblebytheNew SouthWalesGovernmentthroughArtsNSW

www.riversideparramatta.com.au

Rockhampton Regional Council presents

Leah Thomas as Violetta in Oz Opera’s La traviata. Photo Jeff Busby.

La traviata Director: Rachel McDonald Designers: Jo Briscoe and Genevieve Dugard Lighting Designer: Matthew Marshall Choreographer: Carlee Mellow Orchestral Reduction: Andrew Greene English Translation: David Pountney

Money makes the world go round. This is the bleak truth behind Violetta Valery’s life of champagne, silk dresses and extravagant parties.

No matter how she feels inside, when the music plays and the admirer pays, she must perform. So when she finds herself falling in love, her very livelihood is threatened. Can the beautiful songbird escape her gilded cage? Can she leave her past behind?

La traviata epitomises what the world loves about Italian opera: it is an enthralling story, full of fascinating characters who sing devastatingly romantic music. This new production, directed by Rachel McDonald, promises to bring Verdi’s unforgettable music to the stage with an elegant and searching new look at opera’s favourite working girl.

Sung in English. Performed with chamber orchestra.

“An impressive new production.” The Australian Pilbeam Theatre, Thursday 11 August at 7.30pm Approximate duration (including interval):150 minutes Regular adult price: $48

www.www.ozopera.com.au

Rockhampton Regional Council presents

Photo Gary Heery

ACO2 Queensland Tour Guest Director and Lead Violin: Thomas Gould

Since graduating from the Royal Academy of Music in 2006, young British violinist Thomas Gould has been showered with glowing and enthusiastic acclaim from critics and audiences. He makes his Australian debut directing ACO2 in one of the greatest pieces of music of all time, Bach’s Goldberg Variations. Starting with a simple song, Bach guides us through a myriad of musical styles over 30 variations. First, though, music from Erkki-Sven Tüür and Schubert’s charming Arpeggione Sonata.

Program: TÜÜR Action-Passion-Illusion SCHUBERT (arr. Tabakova) Arpeggione Sonata, D821 JS BACH (arr. Sitkovetsky) Goldberg Variations, BWV988 “The skill and finesse of the performances was awe inspiring and their presence was equally commanding.”

Australian Stage Online Pilbeam Theatre, Tuesday 16 August at 7.30pm Approximate duration (including interval):120 minutes Regular adult price: $45 Presenting Partner

Major Partner

ACO2 Principal Partner

OFFICIAL AIRLINE

This project has received financial assistance from the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.

www.aco.com.au

Rockhampton Regional Council presents

Michael Ling. Photo Rob Blackburn

Circus Oz Circus Oz is a legendary, world-famous, globe-roving icon.

Their shows are raw, diverse, inspired, spectacular, fantastic for families, and very funny as well!

For more than 30 years Circus Oz has been touring the globe, as well as entertaining generations of Australians at home. From Kununurra to Hong Kong, the company has taken its self-crafted performances of wit, grace, spectacle and satire to 26 countries across five continents, to critical acclaim. The Circus Oz show is a rock-n-roll animal free circus that appeals to adults and children alike.

Exploding onto the stage in 2011 is their crew of highly skilled performers, with a clutch of non-stop energy acts, all set to the rocking sound of the live Circus Oz band.

Prepare to be amazed by two hours of absurd acrobatics, graceful aerial performance, fast-paced knockabout comedy, plus much more. They’ll have you gasping and then laughing yourself silly. What more could you ask for?

“Rollicking daredevilry.” The Age Pilbeam Theatre, Friday 9 September at 7.30pm Approximate duration (including interval): 120 minutes Regular adult price: $45

www.circusoz.com

Rockhampton Regional Council presents

Shorter+Sweeter Dance From the producers of Shorter+Sweeter, the short play festival, comes Shorter+Sweeter Dance.

Ten dance works from ten choreographers, chosen from over 180 new pieces produced in Short + Sweet Dance festivals in Melbourne and Sydney over the past three years.

Works will include the hilariously strange crowd pleaser, Different Frock, Same Bird; Pieces of Mind, a Spanish influenced physical theatre work with references to classical ballet; Blonde Ambition, a comical yet tragic piece that delivers some home truths to modern women about their fanatical quest for superficial beauty; Al(one) a beautiful duet set in the 1940s, Saving Face, a contemporary energy charged duet, Cross, a fusion of breakbeat, hiphop, pole dancing and parkour which explores the underworld of Kings Cross and their fight for survival.

Since its premiere in Sydney in 2007, Short+Sweet Dance has become the showcase festival for independent dance.

"The staging of this festival is excellent, all of the short works have been wonderfully programmed, and the resulting show is seamless and diverse." The Australian Stage Online Pilbeam Theatre, Saturday 17 September at 7.30pm Approximate duration (including interval): 120 minutes Regular adult price: $42

www.shortandsweet.org

Rockhampton Regional Council presents

Actor Alex Menglet. Photo by Pierre Toussaint

Julius Caesar

By William Shakespeare Director: Peter Evans With: Alex Menglet and Kate Mulvany

To see the future one must only look to the past. Like many who came before him and after him, Julius Caesar had the support of the people but the loathing of the players.

They conspired. They persuaded. They whispered it was for the good of the country. All they needed to succeed was Brutus. Poor patriotic Brutus. He was like a son to Caesar and a poster boy for the republic. But not even a front-man of such unimpeachable integrity could avert the total and utter disaster their daggers set in motion.

Peter Evans, Bell Shakespeare’s new Associate Artistic Director, takes this momentous piece of Roman history and transports it to the corridors of backroom politics. This time, when Caesar gets the axe, it’s the media who roar like an angry mob.

This sharp political drama puts friendship to the test and reveals a stark contrast between our intentions and our actions. With Alex Menglet as Caesar and Kate Mulvany as the conniving Cassius, we go behind the scenes as yet another leader is forced from office.

"Bell Shakespeare...kept it fresh and lively" Arts Hub (reviewing Twelfth Night, 2010) Pilbeam Theatre, Tuesday 4 October at 7.30pm Approximate duration (including interval): 150 minutes Regular adult price: $45

www.bellshakespeare.com.au

Rockhampton Regional Council presents

Elma Kris and Patrick Thaiday. Photo Jeff Busby.

www.bangarra.com.au

Rockhampton Regional Council presents

Mathinna

A girl’s journey between two cultures Choreographer: Stephen Page

Inspired by a young girl’s journey between two cultures, Mathinna traces the history of a young Aboriginal girl removed from her traditional life, adopted into western colonial society to be ultimately returned to the fragments of her original heritage. Mathinna became the archetype of the ‘stolen child’ and, in this brand new work, Bangarra Dance Theatre recreates her powerful story of vulnerability and searching in an era of confusion and intolerance.

Contains references of a sexual nature.

“If you get one night at the theatre, see this show Mathinna. If you get two nights, see it again.” The Age Pilbeam Theatre, Saturday 12 November at 7.30pm Approximate duration (no interval): 75 minutes Regular adult price: $48

ThistourhasbeenmadepossiblebytheNew SouthWalesGovernmentthroughArtsNSW

How to Subscribe See top quality theatre in 2011 and save money with the See It Live 2011 Theatre Season.

Pick Your Seat It’s simple – choose a subscription pack, fill it with your choice of shows, and get ready for a great year of theatre! Get your favourite seats before most people have even realised tickets are on sale!

Choose from: 4-Pack – one ticket to any four different shows in this booklet.

6-Pack – one ticket to any six different shows in this booklet.

8-Pack – one ticket to any eight different shows in this booklet.

Youth 4-Pack – one ticket to any four different shows in this booklet (for theatregoers under 25 years of age only) Substantial Savings All subscription packs guarantee substantial savings on individual ticket prices. The more you buy the bigger the discount. You will save up to $12 per ticket depending on which shows and which pack you select (see the ‘regular price’ listed on each show’s page in this booklet to see exactly how much you will be saving).

Can’t make it to a show? No problem!

As an added bonus, because you are a subscriber, you may also transfer your ticket from one subscription show to another one (provided seats are available) if for some reason you are unable to attend your originally selected show. This service is only available to subscribers.

How to get the best seats in the House: 1. Fill out the form on the subscription brochure. If you are planning to use Dial’n’Charge, it might still be helpful to fill out the form for your own records and to expedite your transaction when telephoning Box Office staff.

2. Take payment and form to Pilbeam Theatre Box Office, Victoria Parade, Rockhampton or Dial’n’Charge on 4927 4111 or mail to: Pilbeam Theatre See It Live, PO Box 1860, Rockhampton 4700.

If you are buying a Youth Subscription Pack, you will need to provide proof of age.

Booking Details 4-PACK Category

Price

Adult

$160

6-PACK No. of packs

Category

Price

Adult

$228

Youth(<25) $100

No. of packs

8-PACK Category

Price

Adult

$288

No. of packs

Please tick shows you would like to attend SHOWS

DATE

TIME

Tuesdays with Morrie

Wednesday 9 February

7.30pm

The Boy From Oz

Friday 25 March

7.30pm

Saturday 26 March

7.30pm

Sunday 27 March

3.00pm

Friday 1 April

7.30pm

Saturday 2 April

7.30pm

Breast Wishes

Friday 8 July

7.30pm

Saturday 9 July

7.30pm

Rainbow's End

Saturday 16 July

7.30pm

La Traviata

Thursday 11 August

7.30pm

A O2

Tuesday 16 August

7.30pm

Circus Oz

Friday 9 September

7.30pm

Shorter+Sweeter Dance

Saturday 17 September

7.30pm

Julius Caesar

Tuesday 4 October

7.30pm

Mathinna

Saturday 12 November

7.30pm

C

Method of Payment YOUR DETAILS Title

First name

Last name Address

Postcode

Email Telephone

Day

Night

PAYMENT DETAILS Money Order Amount enclosed

$

Credit Card Mastercard / Visa Expiry date

Credit card security code

/

Name on card Signature of cardholder Please charge: (please tick box) Hold my tickets at the Box Office

OR

Total Subscription Post my tickets

Pay later Registered – Add $5 per posting Regular Mail – Add $2 per posting

Please indicate your preferred seating (eg. seat numbers K7 or front / middle/ aisle etc). A seating plan is available in the See Live section of www.pilbeamtheatre.com.au Mobility impaired patrons can be comfortably accommodated in the theatre.

Please indicate any special requirements: Our mailing address is: Pilbeam Theatre, PO Box 1860, Rockhampton, 4700 With all of the ‘pay now’ options, your tickets are available immediately. If you are using our Dial’n’Charge facility, we will hold your tickets at the Box Office for you to pick up at your leisure, unless you choose the postage option.

Pay Now Cash Pay the total amount at the Pilbeam Theatre Box Office.

Money Order Pay the total amount at the Pilbeam Theatre Box Office or by mail with a money order made payable to “Rockhampton Regional Council”.

Credit Card Pay the total amount at the Pilbeam Theatre Box Office or over the telephone (Dial’n’Charge 4927 4111) or by mail to: Pilbeam Theatre See it Live, PO Box 1860 Rockhampton, 4700.

Pay Later Deferred payment is available with a credit card only. This means that you commit to buying a subscription and are guaranteed good seats and discounted prices, but you pay for your tickets ten days before each of the shows you will be attending. This means that you don’t have to pay a lump sum at the beginning of the year for all your tickets.

Your credit card will have the price of the tickets debited ten days before each show and you can pick up the tickets anytime from then on. If you use this method you are committed to buying the tickets and can’t withdraw part way through the season. You can use this option over the phone (with Dial’n’Charge 4927 4111), in person at the Box Office or by mail. All prices include GST. Tickets can be posted to you at $2 for regular mail, and $5 for registered mail (per posting).

Privacy Statement

Rockhampton Regional Council collects personal information when you purchase tickets to enable us to continue to provide you with the best in the performing arts and entertainment.

To help make your visits to the theatre more enjoyable we have compiled this information:

Location and facilities

The Pilbeam Theatre is located at the corner of Victoria Parade and Cambridge Street, Rockhampton. A large car park is situated at the rear of the theatre, with access from Bolsover Street. There is a passenger drop off point at the front of the theatre, although for people with mobility impairment, access and parking are available at the Cambridge Street side of the theatre. There is a lift from foyer to Box Office level to further assist people with a disability. The Pilbeam Theatre can accommodate a number of patrons with special seating needs.

Please ensure you advise box office staff as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Bar and Foyer

On arrival at the theatre or at interval you can relax with a drink in our bar or just catch up with friends in the foyer. Pre-ordering your interval drinks will save you time at interval. Ask the bar staff about this service on arrival.

Restaurant

For lunch, dinner and high tea, Delizie is the place to be at the Pilbeam Theatre. Phone 4927 8316 for reservations.

For the comfort of other patrons

Programs start promptly at the advertised start time and latecomers will not be admitted until a suitable break in the performance.

Smoking is not allowed in any part of the Pilbeam Theatre. If you wish to smoke, please do so in the designated smoking areas which are located in the rear carpark on the other side of Quay Lane and on the kerb on Cambridge Street between Victoria Parade and the Cambridge Street entrance.

The use of cameras and recording devices is distracting to other patrons and may breach copyright. Penalties for infringement are severe.

Please turn your mobile phone off before entering the auditorium.

Rockhampton Art Gallery

By special arrangement, the Rockhampton Art Gallery will be open on the evenings of See It Live Season performances.

Rockhampton Venues and Events gratefully acknowledges the following organisations in assisting performing arts touring in regional Australia.

The Australian Government is proud to be associated with a number of the productions in this brochure through the national performing arts touring program, Playing Australia, which gives Australians across the country the opportunity to see some of our best performing arts.

DESIGN © CREATIVE AVENUE 2010