Gardens Theatre
SEASON 2014
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PROGRAM
PROFESSIONAL THEATRE When Dad Married Fury ............................. 4 7 – 8 Mar
An Evening With Groucho .......................... 10 1 – 2 Jul
Long Gone Lonesome Cowgirls .................. 6 9 – 10 May
Managing Carmen .................. 12 18 – 19 Jul
Love Letters .............................. 8 24 – 25 Jun
Bombshells ............................. 14 8 – 9 Sept Why Subscribe? ...................... 15 Subscribe now ........................ 16
PROGRAM
PLUS ONE The Long Way Home .............. 18 27 Feb – 1 Mar
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BOOKINGS AND VENUE Eat, Drink, See & Do ............... 26 Giving to QUT ......................... 28
QUT SHOWCASE Acting ...................................... 20
Maps and Parking .................. 29 Bookings ................................. 30
A Chorus of Disapproval ........ 22 Dance ...................................... 24
QUT Dance students in Essentially Dance 2013, QUT Showcase. Photo by FenLan Chuang. See QUT Showcases for free with a Gardens Theatre subscription.
CHRISTINE HARRIS & HIT PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS
DAVID WILLIAMSON'S
WHEN DAD MARRIED FURY
PROFESSIONAL THEATRE
Watch out, because here comes the bride… Performance Dates Friday 7 March, 7.30pm Saturday 8 March, 2.00pm Saturday 8 March, 7.30pm
Sparring brothers Ian and Ben are in for some big surprises at their father’s birthday party. The ‘Old Man’ is worth $100 million. He’s married an American beauty queen half his age named Fury. And there is no pre-nup… With his trademark wit and skilful blending of contemporary culture, Australia’s leading playwright David Williamson delivers another sharp tale of people behaving badly. Is there more to the beautiful Fury than meets the eye? One thing is for certain: everything changed when Dad married Fury.
4 Tickets General $42 Concession $34 Pensioner $28 Full-time student $28 Schools $20
Starring Denis Moore Annie Last David James Nell Feeney Drew Tingwell Tanya Burne Jan Friedl Author David Williamson Director Denis Moore
“Humorous one-liners and comic scenes of greedy people battling for their inheritance.” Stage Milk “A scintillating play full of wicked barbs that raises some thought-provoking issues.” artsHub Warnings Strong language and adult themes Presented by Christine Harris & HIT Productions
ELLIS PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS
PROFESSIONAL THEATRE
Time only adds to the flame Performance Dates Friday 9 May, 7.30pm Saturday 10 May, 2.00pm Saturday 10 May, 7.30pm
Set in far outback Queensland in the ‘60s, an unlikely friendship forms between two women of wildly different temperaments. Vicki is a submissive housewife and conforming Catholic, forever awaiting the arrival of her itinerant bulldozer-driving husband. Into her small-town existence comes Rae, a brash, lusty and hardliving barmaid, abandoned on the roadside by her rodeo-riding husband of five weeks.
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Tickets General $42 Concession $34 Pensioner $28 Full-time student $28 Schools $20
Starring Fiona Harris Laura Burzacott Author Philip Dean Director Helen Ellis
Together they grope their way through the confusions of the not-so-swinging sixties towards independence, dreams and the songs of Hank Williams and Patsy Cline. “…rings truer than any Thelma and Louise school of feminism.” Brisbane Review “A script to rival some of the greatest landmark Australian movies of the last 20 years.” The Stage
Presented by Ellis Productions Image: Trent Chadwick
CHRISTINE HARRIS & HIT PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS
PROFESSIONAL THEATRE
Straight from the heart Performance Dates Tuesday 24 June, 7.30pm Wednesday 25 June, 7.30pm
Melissa Gardner and Andy Ladd are childhood friends. Both born into wealthy New York families, they begin writing to each other with tentative holiday postcards, birthday invitations and thank you letters. As life moves on they stay in touch through a series of letters. Through fifty years of laughter, pain, unions and estrangements, the bond between Andy and Melissa remains unbreakable.
8 Tickets General $42 Concession $34 Pensioner $28 Full-time student $28 Schools $20
Starring Huw Higginson Hannah Waterman Author A.R Gurney Director Denny Lawrence
A finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Love Letters has enveloped audiences with its unique format and its story of an enduring bittersweet affair... “Exhilarating, funny and moving.” The Wall Street Journal “One of the best American plays of the decade.” Time Magazine
Presented by Christine Harris & HIT Productions
JALLY ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS
PROFESSIONAL THEATRE
Humour is reason gone mad Performance Dates Tuesday 1 July, 7.30pm Wednesday 2 July, 7.30pm
Award-winning actor, director and playwright Frank Ferrante recreates his acclaimed portrayal of legendary comedian Groucho Marx in this fast-paced 90 minutes of hilarity.
10 Tickets General $42 Concession $34 Pensioner $28 Full-time student $28 Schools $20
Writer Frank Ferrante Director Dreya Weber
Ferrante portrays the young Groucho of stage and film in an astonishing tribute, reacquainting us with the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Greta Garbo, Margaret Dumont and Louis B. Mayer and his brothers Harpo, Chico and Gummo. Featuring the best Groucho one-liners, anecdotes and songs. Become part of the show in grand Groucho style as Ferrante ad-libs his way throughout the performance accompanied by an onstage pianist. “Artful...Mr. Ferrante’s timing is digital sharp...” New York Times “An affectionate, funny and unsentimental portrait...a truly delightful show...” Hollywood Reporter “Ferrante’s Groucho is a tour de force…” Los Angeles Daily News Suitable for all ages Presented by Jally Entertainment
CHRISTINE HARRIS & HIT PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS
DAVID WILLIAMSON'S
MANAGING CARMEN
PROFESSIONAL THEATRE
AFL star. Brownlow medallist. Cross-dresser. Performance Dates Friday 18 July, 7.30pm Saturday 19 July, 2.00pm Saturday 19 July, 7.30pm
Brent Lyall is at the top of his game and should be on top of the world: captain of the most powerful football club in Australia, he has two medals and a beautiful girlfriend on his arm; but something is holding him back from being the charismatic hero everyone expects. Off the field, Brent hides a secret obsession…a penchant for designer dresses and a preference for stilettos. Brent’s alter ego ‘Carmen’ is about to go public. With millions at stake from endorsement deals, Brent’s ruthless manager will do anything to keep his private fetish under wraps.
12 Tickets General $42 Concession $34 Pensioner $28 Full-time student $28 Schools $20
Starring Jamieson Caldwell Brandon Burke Hannah Norris Annie Last Author David Williamson Director Denis Moore
“Managing Carmen proves once again why David Williamson is one of ‘Australia’s Living National Treasures’”. Stage Whispers “…all the wit of Williamson’s 1978 hit The Club, with a twist.” The Australian Warnings Strong language and adult themes Presented by Christine Harris & HIT Productions
CHRISTINE HARRIS & HIT PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS
by Joanna Murray-Smith
PROFESSIONAL THEATRE
Breakdown or break through Performance Dates Monday 8 September, 7.30pm Tuesday 9 September, 7.30pm
Meet Meryl, mother of three, desperately trying to find her sanity, the baby’s socks, and time for a coffee. Then there’s Theresa, blushing brideto-be, walking down the aisle with the love of her life. Or so she thought. And of course Zoe Struthers, siren of the stage, making her illustrious comeback, aided with the help of a little tipple...
14 Tickets General $42 Concession $34 Pensioner $28 Full-time student $28 Schools $20
Starring Christen O’Leary Author Joanna Murray-Smith
Multi-award winning Australian playwright Joanna Murray-Smith’s highly acclaimed show is a journey from crisis to hilarity via the secret thoughts of six women linked by more than just their proximity to the edge. “A funny, witty insight into everyday Australian women.” Australian Stage “…a judicious blend of hilarious one-liners and exquisitely lyrical and moving passages…” artsHub “It’s an entertainment knockout.” Stage Whispers Warnings Strong language and adult themes Presented by Christine Harris & HIT Productions
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SUBSCRIPTIONS
WHY SUBSCRIBE? Experience your 2014 theatre season with VIP treatment. Gardens Theatre subscribers receive a range of exclusive benefits and offers: • Cheaper tickets – enjoy discounted ticket prices with no booking fees • Exclusive booking period and priority seating – choose the best seats in the house • Bonus complimentary shows – receive invitations for you and a friend to all QUT acting and dance student showcase productions
• Benefits card – discounts and special offers at QUT food and retail outlets • Discounted parking adjacent to the Theatre • Switch performances in your package – flexibility to swap dates within a show
PACKAGES AND PRICES
Adult
Concession & Seniors Cardholders
6 Shows
Evening
$210
$162
5 Shows
Evening
$185
$145
$120
4 Shows
Evening
$156
$124
$104
-
$108
$84
$69
$228
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Show Packages
Matinee 3 Pack
6 Pik
Full-time Student & Pensioners $132
6 Pik allows total flexibility to use 6 tickets as you wish at a discounted price, for yourself and/or your friends. You can spread them over the season, bring a group of friends to one show, or even see a show you like twice. Ring the box office to reserve your seats. (Conditions: Tickets based on availability. 6 Pik on sale to 10.07.14. Tickets expire end Season 2014. No refunds).
Concession available for seniors cardholders, QUT staff and groups of 10 or more. Further discounts for full-time students and pensioners.
SUBSCRIPTIONS
SUBSCRIBE NOW 1. Online Simply go to gardenstheatre.qut.edu.au and follow the prompts to subscribe. Choose your shows and pay securely online with your credit card. 2. Mail / fax Complete the subscription form (download from gardenstheatre.qut.edu.au or ask the Box Office to post it to you). Be sure to select the exact performance dates and times for each show. By post 2014 Subscriptions Gardens Theatre, QUT 2 George Street, Brisbane QLD 4000 By fax
07 3138 4462 (credit card bookings only)
3. In person / phone GardensTix Box Office is open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm. In person Gardens Theatre, QUT 2 George St, Brisbane (next to the City Botanic Gardens) Phone
07 3138 4455
Payment Please return payment with your completed booking form. Visa and MasterCard and cheques are accepted. For overthe-counter transactions we also accept EFTPOS and cash. No refund on purchased tickets. All tickets are inclusive of GST.
For terms and conditions see gardenstheatre.qut.edu.au
ccasionally we need to contact you if there’s a last O minute change to a performance. If purchasing multiple subscriptions, please list names and contact details of all subscribers. A subscriber benefit card is issued to each subscriber.
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SYDNEY THEATRE COMPANY AND THE AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE PRESENT
BY DANIEL KEENE
PLUS ONE
We shall overcome Performance Dates Thursday 27 February, 7.30pm Friday 28 February, 7.30pm Saturday 1 March, 2.00pm Saturday 1 March, 7.30pm
18 Tickets General $42 Concession $34 Pensioner $28 Full-time student $28 Schools $20
PLUS ONE Discounted price for subscribers $25
Created from first-hand accounts, The Long Way Home illuminates the challenges faced by Australian Defence Force servicemen and women on their return to everyday life after operations around the world. In a powerful and unique piece of theatre, Sydney Theatre Company has embarked upon an historic endeavour with the Australian Defence Force to present this major new work, taking the words and experiences of servicemen and women to create a unique, inspiring and unforgettable event.
Director Stephen Rayne Designer Renée Mulder Lighting Designer Damien Cooper Sound Designer Steve Francis
“So I signed up to do my part. Gave body and soul, I gave my heart. For the people I love and the people that care. To do my duty and pay my share.”
Excerpt from Changed Man by Corporal James Bromley
Presented by Sydney Theatre Company and the Australian Defence Force
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QUT SHOWCASE
Dianne Eden Head, Acting Studio
STARS OF TOMORROW As a Gardens Theatre subscriber you’re invited to see all five of the QUT Acting student showcase productions. Our 2012 graduates are doing well – all signed up by management agents. I saw the lovely Isabella Tannock in Titus Andronicus in Sydney, and Alec Snow was snapped up into a regular role on Home and Away. When graduates work on those soapies, we love it: they get the script the night before and have to learn it overnight. They turn into professional actors very quickly. Our season must be planned to offer students a chance to learn and grow. The first production needs a deep psychological narrative to embed the acting process we teach. Splendor in the Grass by William Inge is just the kind of play our director Leonard Meenach likes
best: a fast driving emotional plot and an epic American story line. The second play, Mnemonic, is the unsettling, risky and challenging one for the year, chosen to encourage extremes of creativity in the ensemble and offer the audience a compelling experience. It’s about the discovery of an Ice Age man and the director is Adam Cook, former Artistic Director of the South Australian Theatre Company. Finally, Terence Clarke (a vastly experienced director from Sydney) will direct Alan Ayckbourn’s A Chorus of Disapproval. The learning here is about playing a proper, well-made play where timing, gags and comedy depend on the skills of individual actors. It is heartbreakingly funny. The second-year productions offer you Chekhov’s The Cherry
QUT SHOWCASE
Orchard, directed by Michael Futcher and Romeo and Juliet, directed by Jennifer Flowers and again designed by the wonderful Bill Haycock. Please come to these productions. There’s something for everyone and, at heart, it’s all about actor training. I absolutely adore it when you engage with us and I love your
emails. Watch the actors grow, be critical about their work, praise them for meeting a challenge well (if they do!), meet them in the foyer at opening nights and let them practise their social skills with you. Worry about them a little and of course, learn to have your favourites. Our heartfelt thanks and respect to you, our audience.
ACTING PROGRAM Splendor in the Grass By William Inge Directed by Leonard Meenach Featuring final-year students Gardens Theatre 25 – 29 March The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekhov Directed by Michael Futcher Featuring second-year students The Loft, Kelvin Grove 23 April – 3 May Mnemonic by Theatre de Complicite Directed by Adam Cook Featuring final-year students The Loft, Kelvin Grove 5 – 14 June A Chorus of Disapproval by Alan Ayckbourn Directed by Terence Clarke AM Featuring final-year students Gardens Theatre 11 – 16 August
Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare Directed by Jennifer Flowers Featuring second-year students Gardens Theatre 7 – 11 October Gardens Theatre Shows Tickets from $15 – $25 The Loft Shows Tickets from $12 – $20
COMPLIMENTARY BONUS TICKETS FOR SUBSCRIBERS Subscribe to the 2014 Season and receive complimentary tickets to QUT Showcase performances
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BY ALAN AYCKBOURN
QUT SHOWCASE
“…a serious comic masterpiece: hilarious, and hard as nails.” The Sunday Times Performances 11 – 16 August Gardens Theatre
22 Tickets General $25 Concession $20 Pensioner $15 Full-time student $15 Schools $15 COMPLIMENTARY BONUS TICKETS FOR SUBSCRIBERS
Bereft after the death of his wife, mild-mannered Guy Jones joins the local amateur opera society to seek a diversion. An instant hit with the company’s energetic director, the inexperienced Guy quickly progresses through the ranks to become a lead in their ambitious production of The Beggar’s Opera. As rehearsals take place, real life increasingly imitates art as Guy’s agreeable nature finds him entangled in other people’s aspirations and disappointments and susceptible to wine, women and song.
Featuring Final-year QUT Acting students Author Alan Ayckbourn Director Terence Clarke AM Designer Bill Haycock
Hilariously entertaining, A Chorus of Disapproval holds a mirror up to everyday people whose ordinary lives are revealed to be unexpectedly eventful. Presented by QUT Precincts for the Creative Industries Faculty
FE ATURING DANCE PER F OR MA N CE STU D EN TS
QUT SHOWCASE
Essentially Dance & Dance 14 Performance Dates Essentially Dance: 3 – 7 June Dance 14: 4 – 8 November
24 Tickets General $25 Concession $20 Pensioner $15 Full-time student $15 Schools $15 COMPLIMENTARY BONUS TICKETS FOR SUBSCRIBERS
Essentially Dance Essentially Dance showcases the best of QUT’s Bachelor of Fine Arts Dance Performance students in a range of original works by both established and emerging choreographers. Dance 14 Dance 14 features final-year Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance Performance) students in their graduating performances. Exploring creative works from national and international choreographers, this showcase highlights students on the cusp of their transition into professional careers. With a program full of diverse and challenging repertoire, students across all year levels join together in the celebration of their journey at QUT Dance and beyond.
Presented by QUT Precincts for the Creative Industries Faculty Image: Fiona Cullen
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EAT AND DRINK
EAT AND DRINK Whether you’re after a light bite or a post-show tipple, the new look Gardens Point Precinct now caters to all your needs with a range of exciting, easy-to-find outlets, including cafes, a bar, food court and coffee shops. Our Foyer Bar is perfect for a quiet pre- or post-show drink with friends, and often the chance to meet and greet the stars of the show.
SEE AND DO
SEE AND DO There’s plenty to see and do at Gardens Point Precinct, so plan your visit to include some of the other activities on offer, all for free. Explore The Cube (pictured), the world’s largest multi-media touchscreen learning display; Old Government House, Queensland’s most significant historical building and home to the William Robinson Gallery; or the QUT Art Museum, a favourite destination for contemporary art devotees. The new precinct also includes a book and gift store, travel agent, gym and pool, and hassle-free 24/7 secure underground parking for easy access to all Gardens Point Precinct has to offer.
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GIVING TO QUT
GIVING TO QUT As Australia’s leading university Cultural Precinct, we’ve made a very real and passionate commitment to enriching the lives of our community by working with its young people. QUT Precincts makes it possible for the wider public to engage with the University’s cultural facilities, which include Gardens Theatre, Old Government House, the William Robinson Gallery, and QUT Art Museum at Gardens Point campus, and the Creative Industries Precinct at Kelvin Grove. We know theatre broadens the mind and enlivens the heart. We know the visual arts encourage critical debate and appreciation, and that history and public programs deepen our understanding of ourselves and society. We invite you to continue your involvement in our vibrant cultural precinct by making a gift to an area of your choice. Your support will ensure that we can continue to provide an engaging and dynamic arts program for our community. Ways to be involved: • Old Government House • QUT Art Collection • QUT Precincts Public Programs We understand that many of our patrons are willing to help and we hope these programs will appeal to you. We can promise that your gift, big or small, won’t go unnoticed. To support QUT Precincts • Donate securely online at www.giving.qut.edu.au • Phone (07) 3138 9097 (9.00am – 4.00pm weekdays)
Image from the exhibition Little Masters, a partnership program between QUT Art Museum and Gardens Point Crèche
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MAPS AND PARKING
TAXI DROP OFF
CITY GEORGE ST
CITY BOTANIC GARDENS
GARDENS THEATRE
PEDESTRIAN ACCESS ONLY ART MUSEUM
ALICE ST
PARLIAMENT HOUSE
OLD GOVT HOUSE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING CENTRE
WILLIAM ST
SEC PARKING (Park-and Pay Station)
QUT GATEHOUSE
PARKING
SHORT TE
CITYCAT TERMINAL
RM CAR PARK (Pay-and-Di splay)
GOODWILL BRIDGE SOUTH EA
Note: pedestrian access may vary during road works
ST FREEWA Y
GETTING TO GARDENS THEATRE Car Park and Pay station in Science and Engineering Centre, adjacent to Gardens Theatre. Affordable rates. Train From the northern suburbs, exit at Roma Street Station (25 mins walk to Gardens Theatre). From the southern suburbs, exit at the South Bank Station (10 mins walk across the Goodwill Bridge). Gardens Theatre is a 5 minute walk from the QUT CityCat terminal. To find out more about transport options go to the journey planner on TransLink’s website www.translink.com.au or call TransInfo 13 12 30.
Bus From the northern suburbs, exit at the Queen Street bus terminal (15 – 20 mins walk to Gardens Theatre). From the southern suburbs, exit at the Mater Hill or South Bank Busway stations (10 mins walk across the Goodwill Bridge). Foot Gardens Theatre is a 15 – 20 minute walk from the city down George Street, or from South Bank Parklands, across the Goodwill Bridge.
BOOKINGS
BOOKINGS
Online www.gardenstheatre.qut.edu.au Phone GardensTix 07 3138 4455 Open Monday to Friday 10.00am – 4.00pm (booking fees apply) In person Gardens Theatre QUT Gardens Point 2 George St, Brisbane Open Monday to Friday 10.00am – 4.00pm Email gardenstix@qut.edu.au Follow Us facebook.com/QUTgardenstheatre twitter.com/gardenstheatre Subscribe to our fortnightly eNews
Full Bar Facilities Catch up with friends and enjoy a drink at our relaxed foyer bar before and after a show, and during interval (if applicable). Access and Special Seating Gardens Theatre has wheelchair access to both the foyer and auditorium. Please advise when booking of any special requirements. Concession available for seniors cardholders, groups of 10 or more and QUT staff. Extra discounts for full-time students and pensioners. Proof of concession status required. Gardens Theatre accepts companion cards. Show details correct at time of printing. Subject to change without notice.
QUT 2013 second-year students in Julius Caesar, QUT Showcase. Photo by Fiona Cullen. See QUT Showcases for free with a Gardens Theatre subscription.
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gardenstheatre.qut.edu.au