Whitehorse Centre - 2018 Professional Season Brochure

SEASON 2018

Together we have laughed, we have been moved by powerful theatre and uplifted by beautiful music. In our 20th Season we will revisit some of those memories and together create glorious new ones — won’t that be WILD!

Whitehorse Centre presents

BOBBY FOX IN

FOUR SEASONS IN ONE NIGHT Friday 23 February 8pm Saturday 24 February 2pm 1 hr 45 mins (including interval)

Relive the sensational Four Seasons In One Night when Bobby Fox returns by popular demand to open our 2018 Season.

In a celebration of the incredible music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Bobby provides a firsthand insight into the world of this legendary man and his band. Handpicked for the Australian production of Jersey Boys by Frankie Valli himself and after three years and over 850 performances as Frankie Valli, you will be taken on a personal journey of the hit stage musical.

Bobby will share with you behind the scenes experiences from his first audition to the final curtain call. Enjoy all the favourite songs including Oh What A Night!, Sherry, Walk Like A Man, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You and many more.

“Bobby Fox’s powerful falsetto soars around the theatre and it will remain in your heart as you leave.”

The Clothesline “The standing ovation was all entirely warranted.

Bobby Fox’s voice, back-up singers and band were all absolutely perfect.” The Clothesline

Image: Jodie Hutchinson

Whitehorse Centre presents a Watch This production

A LIT TLE NIGHT MUSIC MUSIC AND LYRICS BY STEPHEN SONDHEIM BOOK BY HUGH WHEELER SUGGESTED BY A FILM BY INGMAR BERGMAN Friday 9 March 7.30pm (post-show Q & A) Saturday 10 March 1.30pm & 7.30pm 2 hrs 40 mins (including interval)

With Nadine Garner, John O’May, Jackie Rees, Eddie Muliaumaseali’I Director Nicholas Cannon Musical Director Daniele Buatti It is midsummer in Sweden. On a magical night that smiles three times, an ageing actress, a married virgin, a sex-starved divinity student and a buffoonish count are drawn into a tangled and hilarious web of love affairs. Featuring a lush score including A Weekend In The Country, Liaisons and the ever-popular Send In The Clowns, A Little Night Music is a romantic tour-de-force.

Nadine Garner, John O’May, Jackie Rees and Eddie Muliaumaseali’i lead a stellar ensemble cast as this delightful and at times, heartbreaking musical is reimagined by acclaimed Sondheim repertory company, Watch This.

“Heady, civilized, sophisticated and enchanting.”

The New York Times

Originally Produced and Directed on Broadway by Harold Prince Licensed exclusively by Music Theatre International (Australasia).

All performance materials supplied by Hal Leonard Australia.

Image: Gabi Briggs

Whitehorse Centre presents She Said Theatre’s

HART Thursday 22 March 8pm (post-show Q & A) Friday 23 March 8pm (post-show Q & A) 50 mins (no interval) Patron advice: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander audiences are warned that this production contains images of deceased persons

Concept & Performer Ian Michael Writer Ian Michael & Seanna van Helten Director Penny Harpham Set & Costume Designer Chloe Greaves Composition & Sound Designer Raya Slavin Video Designer Michael Carmody Lighting Designer Katie Sfetkidis Stage & Production Manager Kate Brennan “I was always like, like a magnet with my Dad, like everywhere he went I was right next to him… He never got rid of me…”

Throughout Australia’s history, an unknown number of Indigenous children have been forcibly removed from their families. Parents driven mad, grandparents heartbroken, siblings torn apart, language lost and culture stripped away. Using testimonials from the Stolen Generations, Noongar man Ian Michael invites you to listen in on the silenced stories of this country.

“Beautiful, heartbreaking and liberating storytelling…

Once told, stories cannot be lost and we have to keep telling them until everyone listens.” Aussie Theatre

Whitehorse Centre presents Promac Productions Australia’s

PIRATES OF PENZANCE Saturday 7 April 2pm & 8pm 1 hr 50 mins (including interval)

With Philip Gould, Brian Hannan, Alison Rae Jones, Caroline Vercoe, Chris McKenna Director Hugh Halliday Musical Director Dominic Woodhead In true Australian tradition there is a comeback…

Pirates of Penzance, the smash hit Broadway musical and arguably the most popular of the Gilbert & Sullivan repertoire is performed by a talented cast of six in this madcap musical adventure. Buckle up for all the great musical delights and comedic escapades that have had audiences on their feet with applause for over 100 years.

Award winning actor and singer Philip Gould is joined by the very funny, highly acclaimed Brian Hannan and international soprano Alison Rae Jones in this feel-good musical comedy.

Pirates of Penzance promises to be a lot of fun with hit songs such as Cat Like Tread, Model Of A Modern Major General, Poor Wandering One and A Policeman’s Lot. It’s time to revisit Gilbert & Sullivan with one of their greatest musicals ever staged.

“The capacity audience loved it.” Herald Sun

Whitehorse Centre presents HIT Productions

GLORIOUS!

BY PETER QUILTER Friday 27 April 8pm (post-show Q & A) Saturday 28 April 2pm & 8pm 1 hr 40 mins (including interval)

With Diana McLean Director Denny Lawrence Glorious! is the hilarious true story of the world’s worst opera singer Florence Foster Jenkins.

In the 1940s the singer everyone wanted to see perform live in New York was the enthusiastic Florence, ‘the first lady of the sliding scale’. This deliciously happy and delusional woman paid scant attention to her critics and would screech and warble to her audiences, most falling about with laughter.

This heart-warming comedy moves from Florence’s charity recitals and lavish balls, through to her very odd recording sessions and her ultimate performance triumph at New York’s Carnegie Hall.

Glorious! is the West End and world-wide hit that was nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Comedy and has been seen by more than two million people across six continents.

“Meryl Streep is a hard act to follow but Diana McLean makes you forget her in an instant the moment she walks on stage in this touring production of Glorious!” Aussie Theatre

Whitehorse Centre presents a Christine Dunstan Production

NANCYE HAYES AND TODD MCKENNEY IN

BOSOM BUDDIES THE MUSIC, THE STORIES AND THE LAUGHS THAT STOPPED THE SHOW

Friday 4 May 8pm Saturday 5 May 2pm & 8pm 2 hrs 20 mins (including interval)

Devised by Peter J Adams Director Jason Langley Lighting Designer Trudy Dalgleish Musical Director Michael Tyack She is Australia’s leading lady of musical theatre.

He is Australia’s favourite song and dance man.

Together on stage, these two stars are brightly shining.

Nancye Hayes and Todd McKenney are pals, chums, bosom buddies. Both are multi award winners and true showbiz legends. In this new show, they reflect on their stage careers and their lives off stage as well as on! They sing, they dance, and they reminisce – about the lows as well as the highs. They tell back stage stories never before told and they show video footage never before seen.

This true story is, in turns, moving, poignant and hilarious. As part of each performance the audience is invited to ask the questions they’ve always wanted to ask. Answers guaranteed! In 2007 Nancye and Todd delighted us with the enormously successful Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks and we welcome them back for another memorable theatrical delight.

“Nancye Hayes is a master in keeping an audience riveted.”

The Age “McKenney outshines the sequins on his shirts.”

Herald Sun

, e c e e r G o t ! e s n k o e G in two we back Shirley xx

Whitehorse Centre presents HIT Productions

SHIRLEY VALENTINE

BY WILLY RUSSELL Friday 22 June 8pm (post-show Q & A) Saturday 23 June 2pm & 8pm 2 hrs (including interval)

With Mandi Lodge Director Denny Lawrence What makes for a satisfying life? This is one of the most sought-after questions of the human journey.

Inside Mrs Joe Bradshaw is the former Shirley Valentine longing to emerge.

Her self-esteem battered by school, marriage and life in general, she finds herself talking to the wall while her husband is out working. When her best friend wins an all-expenses-paid vacation to Greece for two, Shirley grasps the opportunity to head for the sun and leave her current drudgery behind to re-find herself, follow her dreams and get a new lease on life. The note she leaves in the kitchen reads “Gone to Greece, back in two weeks”.

With much humour, warmth, sympathy, human insight and a great deal of empathy for his female protagonist, Willy Russell brilliantly shows Shirley breaking out of the mould in which she was cast by society. This beautiful show is a pure delight not to be missed.

“Shirley Valentine is touching, bittersweet and funny.

Mandi Lodge’s brilliant performance as Shirley keeps the energy going and the laughs coming for the full two hour duration of the show.” Arts Review “An evening spent with Shirley Valentine is like an evening spent with your best friend.” Weekend Notes

Whitehorse Centre presents HIT Productions

HOTEL SORRENTO

BY HANNIE RAYSON Friday 13 July 8pm (post-show Q & A) Saturday 14 July 2pm & 8pm 2 hrs 20 mins (including interval)

With Dennis Coard, Kim Denman, Dion Mills Director Denny Lawrence Family is at the core of the award winning Hotel Sorrento, as we are taken on a wonderful journey of humour and drama that tells the story of three sisters who grew up together in the seaside town, Sorrento.

Hilary lives in the family home with her father and 16 year-old son.

Pippa, a business woman, is visiting from New York and Meg, a successful writer, returns from England. When the three sisters are reunited in Sorrento after 10 years apart they again feel the constraints of family life. A semiautobiographical book written by middle sister and expat Meg triggers the familial tensions and dramas that eventuate. Hotel Sorrento is about family in a literal and metaphorical sense and the importance of blood ties and collective memory, true or false.

“This is a real Australian family in a real Australian setting, a gentle psychological thriller that no Australian should miss.” Adelaide Theatre Guide “Rayson puts all the issues out there and explores corners of the human heart…” The Sunday Mail

Whitehorse Centre presents

SOME ENCHANTED EVENING Friday 20 July 8pm 2 hrs (including interval)

With Jane Rutter, Taryn Fiebig, Jud Arthur Pianist Vincent Colagiuri Legendary High Priestess of the Flute, Jane Rutter – recently knighted by the French government for her services to music – joins forces with stars of Opera Australia, soprano Taryn Fiebig and baritone Jud Arthur, to bring you an enchanted evening of best loved romantic arias and songs from Opera, Operetta and Music Theatre.

Accompanied by concert pianist Vincent Colagiuri the program features works by Mozart, Massenet, Offenbach, Puccini, Donizetti, Strauss, Lerner and Loewe, Gershwin, Cole Porter and Rogers and Hammerstein. This will be an unforgettable musical experience.

“Jane Rutter is one of the finest flautists this country has produced. She plays classical as well as everything else. She is a free spirit, one of the blessed people.”

The Sunday Age

Whitehorse Centre presents Melbourne Chamber Orchestra’s

VIVALDI’S VIOLIN Thursday 9 August 8pm 2 hrs (including interval)

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra Violin Sophie Rowell Director William Hennessy From a humble orphanage in Venice, Antonio Vivaldi wrote some of the most celebrated and brilliantly virtuosic concertos of the Baroque era.

Leading violinist Sophie Rowell joins members of Melbourne Chamber Orchestra for a concert dedicated to some of the most spectacular of these concertos, including concerti for two and four violin soloists and the dazzling concerto Grosso Mogul.

“So engrossing was the performance, and so smooth the progression between movements that the work seemed to end far too quickly.” Artshub

Photo: Jodie Hutchison

Whitehorse Centre presents a Red Stitch Theatre & Critical Stages production

JURASSICA

BY DAN GIOVANNONI Friday 7 September 8pm (post-show Q & A) Saturday 8 September 2pm & 8pm 2 hrs (including interval) Patron advice: Suitable for 14+ years

With Joe Petruzzi, Olga Makeeva, Caroline Lee Director Bridget Balodis Composer & Sound Designer Ian Moorhead Dramaturg Gary Abrahams Set & Costume Designer Romanie Harper Lighting Designer Amelia Lever-Davidson Jurassica is a story of family, migration, language and growing old. It is a heart-warming tale, told with humour and pathos and spoken in both English and Italian. It’s also about dinosaurs – but not necessarily those from prehistoric times.

Ralph and Sara migrated from Tuscany in the 1950s to their concrete-front-yard house in suburban Moorabbin. Their son, Ichlis, never really forgave them for his misunderstood name, and grandson Luca is struggling to talk to his father and grandfather. Until one night Ralph is rushed to hospital and through an unlikely connection with Kaja, an interpreter, Luca learns to reconnect.

Jurassica weaves the past and present together, exploring what it is to migrate, to be displaced and to spend the rest of your life searching for home. Most of all, this is a play about the importance of family and about mending fences before you grow too old.

“At the heart of being a true Italian is undoubtedly family, and the exploration into this 21st century Italian family had me in fits of laughter because of how accurate the scenarios were....” Theatre Review

Whitehorse Centre presents The Little Red Company’s

FROM JOHNNY TO JACK THE JOHN FARNHAM STORY Friday 21 September 8pm Saturday 22 September 8pm 2 hrs (including interval)

An unmissable concert experience about the making of Australian icon John Farnham.

20 years before ‘Whispering Jack’ became the highest selling album in Australian history, a teenager named Johnny Farnham stormed onto the Australian music scene with the unconventional smash hit Sadie (The Cleaning Lady). From Johnny to Jack canvasses the incredible rollercoaster journey of a teen pop idol’s rise and fall, and the making of a rock and roll icon that would become known as ‘The Voice’.

Journey with Australian vocal superstar Luke Kennedy (The Voice, The Ten Tenors, Swing On This) and his world-class band on a musical odyssey featuring songs from Farnham’s sensational back catalogue including Playing To Win, One, Don’t You Know It’s Magic and Please Don’t Ask Me, as well as smash hits Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head, Sadie and You’re The Voice.

“...builds an incredible mood from start to finish and sings his heart out beautifully.” Sydney Morning Herald

Whitehorse Centre presents a Sydney Theatre Company production

THE WHARF REVUE 2018 WRIT TEN AND CREATED BY JONATHAN BIGGINS AND DREW FORSYTHE

Thursday 27 September 8pm Friday 28 September 8pm (post-show Q & A) Saturday 29 September 2pm & 8pm 1 hr 30 mins (no interval)

With Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsythe Designer Charles Davis Musical Director Andrew Worboys The punchlines keep rolling in.

Those indefatigable kings of comedy, sorcerers of satire and masters of mockery, Jonathan Biggins and Drew Forsythe are back in the saddle and gearing up for another glorious year of political satire – they are peddling at a faster speed than the NBN and will raise the roof with laughter.

So, politicians take cover and pundits stand back, because there will be songs, there will be dance, and there will be some very funny impressions. Join us as we sort the wets from the dries, the leaks from the fakes, and the factions from the fictions when this bigger, better and wharfier Revue cycles into town.

“It truly is a must see.” Sydney Arts Guide “What’s so brilliant… is how the material constantly falls between sharp, incisive satire and deliriously cheap gags.”

Daily Review

Whitehorse Centre presents

COLE Tuesday 13 November 8pm 2 hrs (including interval)

With Michael Griffiths Writer Anna Goldsworthy Musical Director Michael Griffiths A life of hedonism, grave misfortune, enduring love and a legacy that sparkles with wit and wisdom is the extraordinary life of Cole Porter, beautifully explored in this tour de force performance.

Helpmann award winner Michael Griffiths explores the colourful life and timeless songs of Cole Porter including You’re The Top, It’s De-Lovely, Let’s Do It and Night And Day. Cole premiered at the 2015 Adelaide Cabaret Festival by invitation of Barry Humphries and was the top rated cabaret show Edinburgh Fringe 2016.

Step back in time for a night of glorious cabaret.

“Griffiths’ skill as an actor is undeniable...perhaps the closest thing one could get to experience an audience with Cole Porter.” Broadway Baby (UK) “Heartbreak is always bubbling under the surface as the beautifully melancholic tunes, such as Night and Day, transport the musical mind to another era full of glamour and tragedy... You will leave on a little cloud of cabaret heaven; it’s simply De-Lovely.” Herald Scotland

Whitehorse Centre presents Company 13’s

MACDETH Tuesday 10 April 10.30am 1 hr (no interval) Suitable for children 8–12 years Written by Company 13 With Fiona Roake, Christian Bagin, John Forman, Aurora Kurth Director James Pratt A funny, fake-bloody tale of greed and power.

Macdeth is a Shakespearian treat performed in an immediate and accessible style. Get set for a funny, cautionary tale that combines Shakespeare’s rich language and everyday English with a healthy dose of invention and idiocy.

This side-splitting tale pulls no punches! Watch out for all the murder and foul play; all the injustice and cruelty; all the horror of one man’s ambition gone horribly wrong... but in a very funny way. Experience Shakespeare unplugged and re-wired, performed with stupidity and skill! Macdeth is the perfect show for audiences who love the classics with a twist.

“This show is totally worth catching, really educational but fun.” Stage Whispers

Whitehorse Centre presents Dislocate’s

3 SPEED CRUNCH BOX REBOOTED Tuesday 10 July 10.30am 45 mins (no interval) Suitable for children 4–12 years With Kate Fryer, Geoff Dunstan, Luke Taylor Laugh out loud stupidity and side-splitting slapstick. Nail biting circus tricks and a phenomenal finish!

The world-touring, crazy stunt people from Dislocate ignite with their brand new show, 3 Speed Crunch Box Rebooted. In this hilarious story of a family of outlandish stunt people, expect impressive aerobatics, spectacular circus tricks and – you won’t believe it – even more stupid characters in this absurd, side-splitting slapstick comedy.

“The kids were absolutely mesmerised with eyes not even blinking. They laughed, clapped and cheered throughout.”

MeeToo

Whitehorse Centre in association with JWR Productions Australia & Michael Sieders Presents

THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR SHOW Tuesday 25 September 10am & 12pm 50 mins (no interval) Suitable for children 3–7 years Based on Eric Carle’s books Created by Jonathan Rockefeller 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.

This Australian made show will excite, educate and entertain new readers, first-time theatre-goers and those who grew up with these books.

This is a delightful and timeless classic for all generations.

“★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Beautiful, rhythmic and faithful to the author’s works, The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a triumph for first time theatregoers.” Time Out

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WILD REASONS TO SUBSCRIBE

It’s Great Value Become a subscriber and save. The more shows you see in the season the more money you save. Go Wild!

Choice of Seats ots of our shows sell out. By subscribing you have the best L available seats to all of the hottest shows in town. Jump the queue with a priority booking period until 4 January.

Pay in Instalments delayed debit program means you only pay when you see the A show. That’s right, no up-front payment and no messy paperwork.

We also understand that your plans can change and if you need to swap performances it’s at no cost to you.

A Good Night Out Plan a regular date with friends, grab a drink at our bar and make a night of it. Happy times are to be shared!

And a Little Bit More... s a Gold Subscriber you receive a special treat – a complimentary A drink or ice cream at each theatre and variety program performance.

You also receive an additional discount off ticket prices to our Variety Program.

PLAN YOUR VISIT 379–397 Whitehorse Road Nunawading VIC 3131

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LOCATION The Whitehorse Centre is located behind the Whitehorse Civic Centre and Library at 397 Whitehorse Road Nunawading.

P UBLIC TRANSPORT The 901 Smart Bus stops in front of the Civic Centre and the Nunawading train station is a comfortable 10 minute walk.

PARKING There is free parking within the Council precinct and adjacent to the centre at Walker Park. There is additional free parking behind the Civic Centre after 6pm weekdays and on weekends.

CYCLING There are bike bays available in front of the Centre and near the Library.

whitehorsecentre.com.au

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BOOKING INFORMATION Box Office: Monday – Friday 10am – 4:30pm Telephone: 9262 6555 whitehorsecentre.com.au SUBSCRIPTION PACKAGES Choose a minimum of just four theatre shows to create a package and enjoy the benefits of priority booking until 4 January 2018. Take advantage of the delayed debit payment plan, reduced prices on the variety program and free ticket exchange. Choose seven theatre shows to create a gold package and receive a complimentary drink or ice cream at each performance.

DELAYED DEBIT PAYMENT Choose any package and have the option to pay in instalments each time you see a performance. Please note the following terms and conditions: • You must be a current subscriber.

• You are committed to paying the full amount of your package and at no time can your package be cancelled.

• If your credit card (MasterCard or Visa) expires during the year please contact us with your new expiry date.

• Delayed debit payments will appear on your credit card statement as ‘City of Whitehorse’.

ADDITIONAL TICKETS FOR SUBSCRIBERS Package buyers have the option to purchase additional tickets to all shows for friends and family. Even if they are not subscribers, you can add their tickets to your booking form and all be seated together. (Non-subscribers using separate booking forms will have their booking processed when individual tickets go on sale on 5 January 2018.)

INDIVIDUAL TICKETS Individual tickets to all shows go on sale 5 January 2018 and can be purchased via the internet, in person, by phone or by mail using the booking form in this brochure. Please note: phone bookings incur a $4.00 handling fee and internet bookings incur a $3.00 handling fee. $25 YOUTH TICKETS (U25) If you are under the age of 25 then take advantage of this great offer of $25 tickets as part of the Professional Season. Proof of age may be required.

TICKET EXCHANGES You may exchange your ticket to a show for another performance of the same show (where available), provided the ticket is received by the box office prior to the first performance of that show. This service is free for subscribers. Sorry, refunds are not available at any time.

ACCESS AND ACCESSIBILITY •M elway map 48 G9.

• The Whitehorse Centre is accessible for patrons in wheelchairs or with limited mobility.

If you require a wheelchair space in the theatre, please request this when booking tickets.

• Free and accessible parking is available at the Whitehorse Centre.

• A wireless lightwave system using headphones or a neck loop is available and can be requested when booking tickets. An audio loop for patrons wearing a hearing aid with a T switch is also available in selected seats.

• Patrons with a hearing or speech impairment can call us via the National Relay Service on 133 677 then quote 9262 6333.

Whitehorse Centre is a member of the Victorian Association of Performing Arts Centres.

GO WILD!

The Whitehorse Centre is owned and operated by Whitehorse City Council who proudly presents the 2018 Professional Season, one of the major features of its arts program.

whitehorsecentre.com.au