SEASON 18
WELCOME In 2000 the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre was refurbished. Hundreds of thousands of people have since come to shows and enjoyed the space. At the beginning of 2018 it is time to do it again. The seats that have served us so well will be replaced with comfortable new ones, backstage will be made accessible and the foyers will be refurbished. It will make going to the theatre an even better experience and keep us going for many more years. We will reopen in late March 2018 and launch straight into the new season. One of the things I really like about theatre is how it reflects the times in which we live. This year is all about politics. This is reflected in the pompous politician in A Prudent Man, the story of Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton in Letters to Lindy and the greatest political play of all time, Julius Caesar, and there is only one antidote to all this politics – The STC’s Wharf Revue. It is also a year when we celebrate young Australian talent starting with the Flying Fruit Fly Circus performance of Junk, followed by a comic cabaret about cancer and Lance Armstrong, The Orchid and The Crow. There is new music from Kate Miller-Heidke and James Morrison returns with Australia’s best up and coming jazz musicians plus Opera Australia’s Madame Butterfly will feature a chorus of local young singers. To round out the year we have the world class CIRCA with Humans and a lot of laughs from the team who brought you The 39 Steps with Around the World in 80 Days. Also look out for The Hall Committee written by Damian Callinan which we will be developing this year. I look forward to seeing you at the new, refreshed Civic Theatre in 2018.
Carissa Campbell Manager, Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre
C O U N C IL’S C I V I C TH E ATR E I S TH E H O M E O F TH E P E R F O R MIN G A RTS IN WA G G A WA G G A . IT ATTR A CTS V I S ITO R S F R O M A R O U N D TH E R E G I O N A N D P R O V ID E S A S PA C E F O R TH E C O M M U NITY TO P E R F O R M . THI S YE A R’S S E A S O N P R O MI S E S D R A M A , C O M E DY, M U S I C A N D C IR C U S F R O M S O M E O F A U STR A L I A’S G R E AT C O M PA NIE S A N D S O M E O F ITS F UTU R E STA R S . F O R M O R E TH A N 5 0 YE A R S P E O P L E H AV E L O V E D C O MIN G TO TH E WA G G A WA G G A C I V I C TH E ATR E . I N 2 0 18 IT W IL L B E R E F U R B I S H E D , R E F R E S H E D A N D R E A DY F O R 5 0 M O R E . S E E YO U AT TH E TH E ATR E ! M AY OR OF T HE C I T Y OF WA G G A WA G G A COUNCILLOR, GREG CONKEY OAM
BENEFITS OF SUBSCRIBING
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50/50 SP L IT Another payment option in 2018 is to pay half the total cost of your tickets at the time of booking and the remaining half in the first week of May. This only incurs a small $5 processing fee added to the May payment. This option will incur a small $2 fee for each transaction.
P OST SHOW SUP P E R Catch up with friends with a drink before the show and enjoy post-show supper on opening nights. Share the experience of the theatre with family and friends over delicious antipasto, meet and greet the cast and crew and ignite conversation and debate.
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E XCH A NGE Fill your diary at the start of the year with theatre dates, knowing that if something comes up, you can exchange your tickets for a different night, or completely different subscription show up to two business days before the performance.
OUR PACKAGES THE P E R FE CT PA CK A GE
A GR ITTY EDGE
A Prudent Man Junk – Flying Fruit Fly Circus Kate Miller-Heidke The Orchid & The Crow Letters to Lindy Humans – Circa Madame Butterfly James Morrison’s Academy Jazz Orchestra Around the World in 80 Days Bell Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar The Wharf Revue
A Prudent Man The Orchid & The Crow Letters to Lindy Bell Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar
UPL IFT YOUR SPIR ITS Junk – Flying Fruit Fly Circus Kate Miller-Heidke The Orchid and the Crow Humans – Circa
A N E CL E CTIC MI X Madame Butterfly James Morrison’s Academy Jazz Orchestra Around the World in 80 Days The Wharf Revue
P OL ITIC A L A Prudent Man Letters to Lindy Bell Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar The Wharf Revue
Photo: Pier Carthew
A PRUDENT M A N A LAB KELPIE PRODUCTION
A well-groomed, confident-looking man enters the room and sits on a comfortable and expensive-looking leather chair. A bright light shines on him. There’s water and a glass on a table, but that’s all. Perhaps this is an investigation. What has he done wrong? What makes the Trumps, the Abbotts and the Hansons of this world tick? What would happen if their world started to shift ever so slightly? Embodying their slogans, mannerisms and headlines, A Prudent Man is an amalgamation of recent history’s conservative politicians. This award-winning darkly comedic political thriller asks what it means to be right...in more ways than one. Performer Lyall Brooks has appeared in the Helpmann Award nominated North by Northwest (Arts Centre Melbourne), The Heretic (MTC) and Sunday in the Park with George (Victorian Opera). He has received three Green Room award nominations for Patricia Cornelius’ Savages, The Pride
Writer Katy Warner Director Katy Warner Performer Lyall Brooks Producer Adam Fawcett
W E D N E S D AY 7 M A R C H TH U R S D AY 8 M A R C H F R ID AY 9 M A R C H S ATU R D AY 1 0 M A R C H 2P M &
7. 3 0 P M 7. 3 0 P M 7. 3 0 P M 7. 3 0 P M
Profound and gripping viewing for all. T HE AT R E PE OPL E
for Red Stitch and The Thing About Men (Magnormos). Recent TV appearances include Neighbours and the final season of HBO’s The Leftovers. Winner: 2016 Melbourne Fringe Festival – People’s Choice Award Winner: 2016 Melbourne Fringe Festival – WA Tour Ready Award Nominated: 2016 Green Room Award – Writing Nominated: 2016 Melbourne Fringe Festival – Best Performance Nominated: 2017 Fringe World Perth Festival – Theatre Award Official Selection: 2017 New York United Solo Festival
VENUE Historic Council Chambers, Museum of the Riverina
TICKET PRICES Adult $45.00 Concession $40.00 Group 4+ $40.00 Youth U25 $35.00 Adult Subscriber $40.00 Concession Subscriber $35.00 Youth U25 Subscriber $30.00
A G E R E C O M M E ND E D Recommended for ages 16+ Contains strong language and adult themes
R U NNIN G T IM E 50 minutes (no interval)
JUNK
F R ID AY 13 A P R IL 7. 3 0 P M S ATU R D AY 14 A P R IL 10 . 3 0 A M
FLYING FRUIT FLY CIRCUS
The highly acclaimed Flying Fruit Fly Circus return with their latest smash-hit show set amongst a 1940’s rural junkyard. Transforming trash into magical landscapes, JUNK takes you on a journey back to a time when the neighbourhood street was a playground full of adventure and makebelieve.
"A vibrant and imaginative acrobatic showcase…JUNK is absolutely wondrous. Grab a child, go.” ELISSA BL AKE, SYDNEY MORNING HER ALD
“To invent, all you need is a pile of junk and a good imagination” – Thomas Edison Exploring the question 'in this day and age, do we over protect our kids?’ JUNK tells the story of a modern-day boy finding himself in an abandoned junkyard inhabited by the spirits of children from the 1940s. They teach him to play, trust, invent and take risks. Inspired by childhood stories recorded with elderly residents of regional Australia, the young artists of JUNK will take your breath away with jaw-dropping acrobatics, magical shadow puppetry and world class circus skills.
Director Jodie Farrugia Executive Director/Producer Richard Hull Master Trainer Loic Marques Technical Manager Scott Stoddart Sound Designer Bec Matthews Lighting Designer Tom Willis Set Designer Joey Ruigrok Costume Designer Lyn Shields Rigging Designer Simon Yates Dramaturge & Puppet Direction Sarah Kriegler (Lemony S Puppet Theatre) Circus Associate Ben Lewis, Chelsea McGuffin, Simon McLure, Shane Witt Stage Manager Jordan Hiles Tour Manager Madge Fletcher Featuring 17 young artists from the Flying Fruit Fly Circus
TICKET PRICES Adult $50.00 Concession $45.00 Group 4+ $45.00 Youth U25 $35.00 Child U15 $20.00 Family (2 adult / 2 children) $120.00 Adult Subscriber $45.00 Concession Subscriber $40.00 Youth U25 Subscriber $30.00
A G E R E C O M M E ND E D Recommended for ages 6+
R U NNIN G T IM E 55 minutes (no interval)
Photo: Jo Duck
K ATE MIL L ERHEIDK E
S ATU R D AY 21 A P R IL 7. 3 0 P M
Kate Miller-Heidke is bringing her classicallytrained vocals and alternative pop sounds to venues around the country in early 2018, armed with an incredible set of brand new arrangements and backed by a string quartet.
“Indie-pop for adults … smart, challenging and mature pop music.”
Kate is an award-winning singer-songwriter whose style crosses contemporary pop, folk and opera. She has released four studio albums in Australia, including the top 5 albums O Vertigo!, Nightflight, and Curiouser, which spawned the multi-platinum hits ‘The Last Day On Earth’ and ‘Caught In The Crowd’. Her songs are stamped with witty humour and poignant insight – always touching. Beyond her recorded music career, Kate Miller-Heidke has recently made forays into the world of music theatre, composing an opera The Rabbits in 2015. She has recently finished work with her collaborator Keir Nuttall on composing the music and lyrics for Muriel’s Wedding: The Musical, premiering at the Sydney Theatre Company in November 2017.
ROLLING STONE
In 2016-17 Kate performed a suite of her songs with symphony orchestras around the country to huge acclaim, winning the Helpmann Award for Best Australian Contemporary Concert, and seeing her performance with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra released as a new album, the ARIA-nominated Live At The Sydney Opera House. Now Kate is hitting the road to perform a brand new set of arrangements that combine her unique vocals and alternative pop sounds – and the guitar shredding of Keir Nuttall – with a string quartet. There will be adaptations of well-loved orchestral pieces, as well as some surprises from her back catalogue. Audiences can also expect to get a sneak peak of some new material, as Kate road-tests songs for her next album.
TICKET PRICES Adult $60.00 Concession $55.00 Group 4+ $55.00 Adult Subscriber $55.00 Concession Subscriber $50.00
R U NNIN G T IM E 2.5 hour show (including support act and interval)
THE ORCHID & THE CROW
F R ID AY 4 M AY 7. 3 0 P M S ATU R D AY 5 M AY 2P M A ND 7. 3 0 P M
CRITICAL STAGES
The Orchid and the Crow is a comedy about an atheist surviving cancer by finding God in Lance Armstrong - with songs! Daniel Tobias grew up in a Jewish-atheist household. In 2004 he found out he had stage-four testicular cancer and went searching for God. Any God. Enter Lance Armstrong, seven-time winner of the Tour de France and legendary cancer survivor. Lance Armstrong’s story gave Daniel solace and hope when he needed it. Now of course, Armstrong is a fallen angel and after Daniel’s full recovery, he wonders – how many times will he be cheated by a God? This is a story about being let down by your heroes and those who you worship time and time and time again. Daniel effortlessly draws us into the inspiring tale of his near-death experience in this funny, uplifting story of faith, family and survival. Part story-telling, part theatre featuring original songs from the awardwinning writers of Otto & Astrid this is an original, accessible, brilliantly clever and ultimately moving story that audiences
Creator and performer Daniel Tobias Composer Daniel Tobias and Clare Bartholomew with John Thorn, Casey Bennetto and Jherek Bischoff Director Christian Leavesley Lighting Design Lisa Mibus Script Consultant David Quirk Producer Critical Stages & Salvador Dinosaur
‘Daniel Tobias has condensed his entire life into a smart and scintillating 75-minute variety show – The Orchid and the Crow is wise, generous, and blackly funny and it’s constantly in the rim of appalling taste. If we gave stars – this would have a fistful.” THE AUSTR ALIAN
have described as ‘life-changing’. The play deals with rarely discussed themes in an entertaining, theatrical, accessible and comical form. Winner: Green Room Award - Best Writing, Cabaret 2016. Winner: Outstanding Solo Performance – Ottawa Fringe 2015 (Canada) Winner: Outstanding Individual Performance – London Free Press 2015 (Canada)
VENUE E3 Artspace, Wagga Wagga Art Gallery
TICKET PRICES Adult $45.00 Concession $40.00 Group 4+ $40.00 Youth U25 $35.00 Adult Subscriber $40.00 Concession Subscriber $35.00 Youth U25 Subscriber $30.00
A G E R E C O M M E ND E D Recommended for ages 15+ Occasional coarse language and adult themes
R U NNIN G T IM E 70 minutes (no interval)
Photo: AP via AAP
L ETTERS TO L INDY
TH U R S D AY 19 J U LY 7. 3 0 P M
BY A L A N A VA L E NTINE
A MERRIGONG THEATRE COMPANY PRODUCTION IN ASSOCIATION WITH CANBERRA THEATRE CENTRE A mother’s loss. A nation’s obsession. Filled with humour and heartbreak, this stunning work by award-winning playwright Alana Valentine (Parramatta Girls, Head Full of Love) explores the public’s relationship with one of 20th Century Australia’s most iconic figures. The story captivated a nation. A mother accused of murdering her child, her claim – that the baby was taken by a dingo – denied and discredited by zealous police and a flawed legal system. The media circus, the rumours, the mob mentality, and a nation’s prejudices laid bare. Over three decades, from baby Azaria’s death to the final coroner’s report, the public wrote more than 20,000 letters to Lindy Chamberlain. From sympathy to abuse, letters from children and letters from those who have lost a child, these letters traverse the gamut of human response to Lindy’s story.
“Exquisitely touching… Detail upon detail is woven into a finely stitched masterpiece.” A US T R A L I A N S TA GE
Letters to Lindy draws on this correspondence, as well as extensive interviews with Lindy ChamberlainCreighton herself, to create an enthralling, moving, and long overdue dialogue between Lindy and the nation. Directed by Darren Yap and featuring the critically acclaimed performance from Jeanette Cronin as Lindy ChamberlainCreighton, Letters to Lindy provides a deep insight into one of the most compelling legal and human dramas of our times.
TICKET PRICES
Director Darren Yap Designer James Browne Co-Composer / Co-Sound Designer Max Lambert and Roger Lock Lighting Designer Toby Knyvett Cast Includes Jeanette Cronin
Adult $50.00 Concession $45.00 Group 4+ $45.00 Youth U25 $35.00 Child U15 $15.00 Adult Subscriber $45.00 Concession Subscriber $40.00 Youth U25 Subscriber $30.00
A G E R E C O M M E ND E D Recommended for ages 13+. Contains strong language and adult themes
R U NNIN G T IM E Approx 2 hrs 10 mins (including interval) This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.
Photo: Sarah Walker
HUM A NS
S ATU R D AY 11 A U G U ST 7. 3 0 P M
BY CIRC A
CREATED BY YARON LIFSCHITZ AND THE CIRCA ENSEMBLE Ten acrobats take us on a stirring journey of what it means to be human, and of how our bodies, our connections, and our aspirations all form part of who we are. Exploring the physical limits of their bodies as they are pushed to the extreme they question how much we can take as humans. How much weight can we carry? Who can we trust to support our load? They lead us to reflect on our lives, our loved ones, the burdens we carry and the physical and emotional strength it takes to overcome them. Created by Yaron Lifschitz, the stage is stripped bare as the vulnerability of a team of highly skilled acrobats is exposed. With incredible strength and integrity they connect each moment seamlessly with the next in a thrilling and heart-stopping performance. Glimpse their humanity as
Director Yaron Lifschitz Technical Director Jason Organ Costume Design Libby McDonnell
“Stunning athleticism and heartstopping acrobatics in this innovative circus work of the highest calibre.” ARTSHUB
they find redemptive power in strength and celebrate what it means to be fiercely human. Circa might just be the most in-demand Australian arts company in the world right now with a touring schedule that would send most heads spinning, it’s not hard to see why. Circa’s reputation for fearless, boundarypushing new circus is borne out in every one of their shows, which combine physical virtuosity with an expressive humanism.
TICKET PRICES Adult $55.00 Concession $50.00 Group 4+ $50.00 Youth U25 $40.00 Child U15 $15.00 Adult Subscriber $50.00 Concession Subscriber $45.00 Youth U25 Subscriber $35.00
A G E R E C O M M E ND E D Suitable for all ages
R U NNIN G T IM E 70 minutes (no interval)
Humans is commissioned by MA scène nationale - Pays de Montbéliard Circa acknowledges the assistance of the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body and the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
Photo: Georges Antoni
PUCCINI’S
M A DA ME BUTTER FLY
TH U R S D AY 3 0 A U G U ST 7. 3 0 P M
OPERA AUSTRALIA
A man enchanted by the beauty of the East. A woman in love with the promise of the West. Separated by a vast ocean and many years, what will become of their love? Madame Butterfly is a love story that reaches across cultures, across oceans, across time. U.S. Naval officer B.F. Pinkerton is ashore in Japan, and enchanted with its beauty and freedoms. He decides to take a wife, and when the gorgeous geisha Butterfly arrives, he is transfixed by her charms. She falls hopelessly in love, and a passionate marriage begins. Years later, Pinkerton has returned home. Abandoned by her family, Butterfly waits faithfully for her husband to return. Dawn breaks on a ship in the harbour. What will become of her great hope? Puccini’s popular opera inspired the musical
Conductor Warwick Stengards Director John Bell Set & Costume Designer Jennie Tate Set & Costumes Realised By Julie Lynch Lighting Designer Matt Scott Choreographer Sachiko Tange
“As dramatic and full-blooded account of Puccini’s masterpiece as you could wish for” THE WEST AUSTR ALIAN
Miss Saigon. It is filled with gorgeous music, from the lovers’ first rapturous embrace to the intense finale. It features the famous aria ‘One Fine Day’ and the Humming Chorus, along with Japanese and American musical themes. One of Australia’s greatest theatrical minds, John Bell, directs this English-language production, complete with beautiful costumes and sets. Hear Opera Australia’s wonderful singers perform with a chamber orchestra, along with a children’s chorus, drawn from the local community.
TICKET PRICES Adult $70.00 Adult Subscriber $65.00 Child U15 $40.00
A G E R E C O M M E ND E D Suitable for ages 8+
R U NNIN G T IM E 2 hours and 25 minutes (including interval) Performed in English
B A CK BY P OP UL A R DE M A ND
THE JA MES MOR R ISON A C A DEMY JA Z Z ORCHESTR A The James Morrison Academy Jazz Orchestra (JMAJO) was a feature of the 2017 Civic Theatre Season. This show sold out and was rapturously received. James had such a great time in Wagga Wagga that he was very keen to return. The JMAJO is the premier performing ensemble of the internationally acclaimed James Morrison Academy program. James Morrison himself directs the Jazz Orchestra ably assisted by Director of Studies and Australian Jazz Hall of Fame inductee Graeme Lyall and Grammy Award winning Senior Teaching Fellow Jeff Clayton. The
JMAJO, a 20 piece jazz big band, is noted for exceptional individual musicianship and tight ensemble performance. JMAJO Concerts feature standards made famous by international jazz greats, original compositions and arrangements by Australian artists and the wealth of new work written by current and former JMA students. Although only founded in 2015, the JMAJO tours Australia every year visiting major venues in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Adelaide. Outreach is a large part of the JMAJO touring schedule and the group enjoys workshopping and performing
S ATU R D AY 8 S E PTE M B E R 7. 3 0 P M
with primary and secondary schools all around Australia. To date, the JMAJO has performed alongside Grammy Award Winner Wycliffe Gordon, Grammy Award Nominees The One O’Clock Lab Band, Aria Award Winner Kate Ceberano, and Australian Jazz Award Winner Olivia Chindamo. In 2016, the JMAJO performed in Melbourne’s Hamer Hall for a live ABC Classics and Jazz recording alongside acclaimed Australian vocalists Sarah McKenzie and Anthony Callea.
"In essence, this is a school not where on learns about music – but where one learns to make music". JAMES MORRISON
R U NNIN G T IM E 60 minutes (no interval)
TICKET PRICE Adult $70.00 Adult Subscriber $60.00 Child U15 $40.00
A ROUND THE WOR L D IN 80 DAYS
ADAPTED FROM THE CLASSIC NOVEL BY JULES VERNE
The play Around the World in 80 Days is an epic, funny, madcap adaptation of the classic novel by Jules Verne. The story opens on Tuesday October 1st. 1872...at 11.57pm...and 30 seconds...with a sinister robbery taking place...Big Ben chimes midnight and within minutes the central London bank is 40,000 pounds poorer. We never see the face of the robber. But they are fanatical about time and have a slight cough. Perhaps it is a complete coincidence our hero, honest-looking, wellturned out with good teeth, Phileas Fogg has a slight cough and is constantly checking his watch! Perhaps it is also a coincidence he unexpectedly places a wager of 20,000 pounds with fellow members of a London
S ATU R D AY 22 S E PTE M B E R 7. 3 0 P M
“It’s such a healthy dose of Monty Python nonsense that keeps the adults tickled while the slapstick is laid on thick for the children and... it’s a merrily entertaining trip for all on board.” METRO, UK
gentleman’s club that he can travel the world in a mere 80 days, and he suddenly leaves the country! He goes forth on his adventure accompanied by his newly acquired valet, Mr Passepartout. Pursued by Scotland Yard through Europe, Africa, Australia, it is a race to stay ahead of the law, stay on schedule and to race to a climactic ending that...well you’ll have to see the show to see what happens then!
TICKET PRICES Adult $50.00 Concession $45.00 Group 4+ $45.00 Youth U25 $35.00 Child U15 $15.00 Adult Subscriber $45.00 Concession Subscriber $40.00 Youth U25 Subscriber $30.00
A G E R E C O M M E ND E D Suitable for all ages
R U NNIN G T IM E 2 hours 20 minutes (including interval)
Photo: Pierre Toussaint
BELL SHAKESPEARE’S
JUL IUS C A ES A R Brutus is suspicious. Cassius is conspiring. Caesar’s days are numbered. Loved by the people, Caesar’s power is growing – which is dangerous if you live in a world driven by ego and idealism.
TU E S D AY 2 O CTO B E R 7. 3 0 P M W E D N E S D AY 3 O CTO B E R 7. 3 0 P M
"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
Those that rise too fast must be dealt with. For the good of the country. For the good of those who wish to be rulers themselves. Julius Caesar is Shakespeare’s political thriller, a masterpiece of intrigue and treachery. Stand witness to the assassination that leads to a life and death struggle for power in the Republic. Citizens mutiny, Mark Antony schemes, and the fate of Rome hangs in the balance. Bell Shakespeare’s Associate Director, James Evans, will direct a production that’s seething with rage, leaving audiences breathless at how quickly violence reveals the fragility of democracy.
"Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war" ACT 3, SCENE 1
featuring an ensemble cast including Ivan Donato (Richard 3), Emily Havea, Louisa Mignone, Nick Simpson-Deeks and Russell Smith, this production will tour to 28 venues around Australia. Experience the tension between aspiration and ambition, the triumphal entrances and brutal exits, as it is all laid on the line for Rome.
Starring Kenneth Ransom (Gods of Egypt, Belvoir’s Prize Fighter) as Caesar, and
TICKET PRICES
By William Shakespeare
Adult $55.00 Concession $50.00 Group 4+ $50.00 Youth U25 $40.00 Child U15 $15.00 Adult Subscriber $50.00 Concession Subscriber $45.00 Youth U25 Subscriber $35.00
Director James Evans with Kenneth Ransom Ivan Donato Emily Havea Louisa Mignone Nick Simpson-Deeks
A G E R E C O M M E ND E D Recommended for ages 13+
R U NNIN G T IM E 2 hours and 30 minutes (including interval)
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.
Bell Shakespeare is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW.
Photo: Rene Vaile
A SYDNEY THEATRE COMPANY PRODUCTION
THE WH A R F R EVUE 2018
TU E S D AY 6 N O V E M B E R 7. 3 0 P M
WRITTEN AND CREATED BY JONATHAN BIGGINS AND DREW FORSYTHE 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 – the stage will be bigger and so will the laughs. We like to think of it as continuity with change.
“Lots of laughs, excruciating jokes and acidic satire… It’s frequently dark, sophisticated and, as well as being awfully clever, is also totally idiotic and hilarious.” S TA GE NOISE
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 in this bigger, better and wharfier Revue than ever before.
Designer Charles Davis Musical Director Andrew Worboys With Jonathan Biggins Drew Forsythe
TICKET PRICES Adult $55.00 Concession $50.00 Group 4+ $50.00 Youth U25 $40.00 Child U15 $15.00 Adult Subscriber $50.00 Concession Subscriber $45.00 Youth U25 Subscriber $35.00
R U NNIN G T IM E 1 hour and 30 minutes (no interval)
Illustration: Quentin Blake
KIDS SEASON
A SHAKE & STIR THEATRE CO AND QPAC PRODUCTION
RO A L D DA HL’S GEORGE’S M A RVEL L OUS MEDICINE
TU E S D AY 8 M AY 10 A M & 1P M W E D N E S D AY 9 M AY 10 A M & 1P M
“A world-class performance with fantastic acting and wonderfully choreographed lighting and set design.” SCENESTR
ADAPTED FOR THE STAGE BY SHAKE & STIR THEATRE CO
What starts as just another boring day for George quickly turns into a marvellous experiment of epic proportions! Cleverly adapted from the much-loved book by Roald Dahl, George's Marvellous Medicine bounds off the page in a spectacular live show for the whole family. On a good day, George can't stand his Grandma. She complains all the time, she's mean and she smells funny. On this particular day, Grandma is much more annoying than usual and George has had enough. "George – make me a cup of tea! George – rub my feet! George – stop growing!" Ugh. Wanting to put an end to her constant nagging, George creates a special medicine, greater than any
Director Ross Balbuziente Designer Josh McIntosh Sound Designer Guy Webster Lighting Designer Jason Glenwright
medicine in the history of the world. What he doesn't expect is that this medicine may actually work – just not in the way he thinks... The award-winning team behind the multiHelpmann Award nominated Australian production of Roald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes & Dirty Beasts brings you this brand-new stage adaptation from the wacky mind of the World's No. 1 Storyteller. Direct from a sold-out season at the Sydney Opera House, George's Marvellous Medicine is packed to the rafters with mischief, music, magic and mammoth laughs. Just remember – do not try this at home!
TICKET PRICES One price $19.00 Groups 4+ $16.00 Subscriber $16.00 School group $14.00
A G E R E C O M M E ND E D Recommended for 6 - 106 (Grandparents beware)
R U NNIN G T IM E 55 minutes (no interval)
shake&s ir theatrecot This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body. Tour supported by arTour an initiative of the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, part of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet
KIDS SEASON
Illustration: Black Squid Design
KIDS SEASON
BY PATCH THEATRE
YO DIDDL E DIDDL E
BASED ON THE BOOK THE COW TRIPPED OVER THE MOON WRITTEN BY TONY WILSON ILLUSTRATED BY LAURA WOOD
What if your dream was one jump away? The Story… What if your dream was only one jump away? Cat tells us the story of Cow and her dream to jump the moon, and the night the famous nursery rhyme was created. Cow tries and tries again, encouraged by the wise and resourceful Cat, and musical
Collaboratively created by: Naomi Edwards, Ben Flett, Ashton Malcolm, Nic Mollison, Ailsa Paterson, Jo Stone, DJ TR!P & Prof Martin Westwell Director: Naomi Edwards Set & Costume Designer: Ailsa Paterson Lighting & Projection Designer: Nic Mollison Composer: DJ TR!P Additional Text: Tony Wilson Scientist in Residence: Professor Martin Westwell Based on the book THE COW TRIPPED OVER THE MOON Written by Tony Wilson, illustrated by Laura Wood.
TU E S D AY 5 J U N E 10 A M & 1P M
“... a sheer delight for little ones, retelling the story of the famous cow who jumped over the Moon...” A DEL A IDE T HE AT R E GUIDE , NIK K I G A E T NER
and inventive Houston. Her friends band together to help Cow to keep trying while Cow discovers what it takes to achieve your dreams. Exploring the theme of resilience, Yo Diddle Diddle is the first work by Patch Theatre’s new Artistic Director Naomi Edwards.
TICKET PRICES One price $19.00 Groups 4+ $16.00 Subscriber $16.00 School group $14.00
A G E R E C O M M E ND E D Perfect for 4 – 8 year olds
R U NNIN G T IM E 45 minutes (no interval)
Text copyright © Tony Wilson 2015 Illustrations copyright © Laura Wood 2015 First published by Scholastic Press a division of Scholastic Australia PTY Limited in 2015. This Production produced under licence from Curtis Brown (Aust) Pty Ltd. This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body.
KIDS SEASON
A CDP KIDS PRODUCTION
THE 78-STOR EY TR EEHOUSE A PLAY BY RICHARD TULLOCH ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK BY ANDY GRIFFITHS & TERRY DENTON
Andy and Terry’s treehouse just keeps on growing. With yet another 13 levels, it’s now got a Scribbletorium, a high-security potato chip storage facility (guarded by one very angry duck!) and even an open-air movie theatre. Speaking of movies, our friends are going to be famous! The legendary Mr Big Shot has arrived to make a Hollywood blockbuster! But when his first step is to fire Andy and replace him with a monkey – well, a gibbon
TU E S D AY 24 J U LY 1P M & 6P M W E D N E S D AY 25 J U LY 10 A M & 1P M
“Compulsory viewing for parents and their entertainment-hungry youngsters” THE HER ALD SUN ON THE 52-STORE Y TREEHOUSE
named Mel Gibbon – the battle is on. Will the Treehouse Blockbuster ever get made? Who will win the battle of Andy and Terry? And why are those mysterious spy cows turning up everywhere? The team behind The 13-, 26- and 52-Storey Treehouses Live on Stage return with the newest, biggest, brightest blockbuster in the series… but watch out for those cows!
TICKET PRICES One price $19.00 Groups 4+ $16.00 Subscriber $16.00 School group $14.00
A G E R E C O M M E ND E D 6-12yrs and their adults A small amount of theatrical haze
R U NNIN G T IM E Approximately 60 mins (no interval)
KIDS SEASON
KIDS SEASON
Photo: James Green for Sydney Theatre Company
KIDS SEASON
A SYDNEY THEATRE COMPANY PRODUCTION
THE TR A GEDY OF H A ML ET: PR INCE OF SK IDM A R K
A B A D A PTATION OF THE B A R D BY THE LISTIES An hour-long blast of comedy, Shakespeare and ninjas. Plus zombies! The Listies, maestros of children’s entertainment, have pulled apart Shakespeare’s classic and glued it back together with hilarious costumes, loads of silliness and plenty of interactivity. Hamlet is already full of things kids love in a good story: ghosts, castles, sword fights, bodily fluids and spooky stuff. Add to the mix some super-sonic gags and expertly timed stage magic unlike anything kids have seen before and you have a brilliantly disguised Shakespearean tragedy for everyone aged five and over.
Co-Created by Declan Greene, Richard Higgins & Matt Kelly Director Declan Greene Designer Renée Mulder Lighting Designer Verity Hampson Composer & Sound Designer Jed Palmer With Richard Higgins Matt Kelly
TU E S D AY 7 A U G U ST 6 . 3 0 P M
"If you want your kids to have fun at the theatre and fall for all its magic, get them to a Listies show as soon as possible... Nobody else makes Shakespeare this fun." D A I LY R E V I E W
And that’s not all… expect bonus pillow fights, pirates, ninjas, ninja pirates, aliens, ninja pirate aliens, zombies and a bunch of other hilarious stuff as The Listies take kids and their adults on a fun-filled hour of theatre. The only thing we can be sure of is that everyone dies at the end – including the audience!
TICKET PRICES One price $19.00 Groups 4+ $16.00 Subscriber $16.00 School group $14.00
A G E R E C O M M E ND E D Audiences aged 5+
R U NNIN G T IM E 60 minutes (no interval)
KIDS SEASON
KIDS SEASON
Image: ©Bruce Whatley 2006, from Josephine Wants to Dance by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley. Published by Harper Collins Australia.
A MONKEY BAA THEATRE COMPANY PRODUCTION
JOSEPHINE WA NTS TO DA NCE
TH U R S D AY 2 0 S E PTE M B E R 1P M F R ID AY 21 S E PTE M B E R 10 A M & 1P M
"Monkey Baa isn't just about putting good books on stage. They show kids how ideas and characters can be translated from one artform to another. They take them on an adventure of the mind and spirit".
BASED ON THE BOOK BY JACKIE FRENCH AND BRUCE WHATLEY
JACKIE FRENCH
A story about dreams, believing in yourself ... and a dancing kangaroo. Josephine Wants to Dance is a brand new Australian musical based on the hugely popular picture book by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley. Perfect for young audiences from 4 to 9 years and their families, and brought to you by the team that created the award-winning
Pete the Sheep, this hilarious new work by Monkey Baa brings to life a tale about a bush Kangaroo you’ll never forget! Written for the stage by Eva Di Cesare, Sandra Eldridge and Tim McGarry. Directed by Jonathan Biggins with original music composed by Philip Scott and choreographed by Australian Ballet choreographer Tim Harbour.
Adapted by Eva Di Cesare, Sandra Eldridge and Tim McGarry Director Jonathan Biggins Composer Philip Scott Choreographer Tim Harbour (courtesy of the Australian Ballet) Designer James Browne Lighting designer Emma Lockhart-Wilson
TICKET PRICES One price $19.00 Groups 4+ $16.00 Subscriber $16.00 School group $14.00
PLEASE NOTE The 10am performance of Josephine Wants to Dance will be a relaxed performance
A G E R E C O M M E ND E D School and family audiences aged 4+
R U NNIN G T IM E 45 minutes (no interval) Contains fog & smoke effects
shake&s ir theatrecot Monkey Baa Theatre Company is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW.
KIDS SEASON
KIDS SEASON
WINDMILL THEATRE CO
F R ID AY 2 N O V E M B E R 10 A M & 1P M
BIG B A D WOL F He’s the most misunderstood character in fairytale history. Put simply he has no friends. But then he does have incredibly sharp teeth, yellow eyes and his own ideas about personal hygiene, and he is the infamous Big Bad Wolf after all. No one likes him. Luckily one girl is brave enough to double check this wolf’s bad press and an unlikely friendship is born.
"A clever, warmhearted parable that... lights up the imaginations of its target audience. It’s an ideal introduction to theatre." THE AGE
This hilarious, table-turning tale will have you wondering why you were so scared in the first place.
Writer Matthew Whittet Director Rosemary Myers Designer Jonathon Oxlade Sound Designer Harry Covill Lighting Designer Chris Petridis Movement Carol Wellman Kelly Cast Patrick Graham, Emma J Hawkins
TICKET PRICES One price $19.00 Groups 4+ $16.00 Subscriber $16.00 School group $14.00
A G E R E C O M M E ND E D School and family audiences aged 5+
R U NNIN G T IM E 50 minutes (no interval)
KIDS SEASON
IF I RUL ED THE WOR L D DR JONATHON WELCH AM
W E D NE S D AY 4 A P R IL 11 A M + T H U R S D AY 5 A P R IL 7. 3 0 P M | M O R NIN G T E A F R O M 10 A M Jonathon Welch AM is marking his forty year anniversary of being a performer with a very special concert celebrating the beauty of the tenor voice. If I Ruled The World showcases the music and life of Sir Harry Secombe CBE. Harry Secombe was one of the most popular Welsh tenors and star of the iconic British radio comedy program The Goon Show. Renowned Australian tenor Dr Jonathon Welch AM, is a local favourite after the work he did with local choirs and the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre in 2016. His skills, and the voices of local massed choir One Voice Community Choir resulted in two magical performances at the Botanic Gardens Music Bowl. Jonathon is best known for founding the award winning Choir of Hard Knocks, he is an ARIA, Logie and Helpmann award winning singer, conductor and recording artist. Regarded as one of the finest tenors of his generation, Jonathon will thrill you with his renditions of Secombe’s greatest hits including Love, This is My Song, Vienna City of My Dreams, Bless this House, Love SILVER CIRCLE
is a Many Splendored Thing, I Believe and his most popular signature song, If I Ruled the World. "I'm thrilled to be returning to Wagga Wagga to perform my new show in celebration of my 40th anniversary year as a performer. It was such an honour to work with all the wonderful local community choirs in 2016 and I can't wait to share my joy of singing with you all again.� D R J O N AT H O N W E L C H A M TICKET PRICE All tickets $22
RUNNING TIME 75 minutes (no interval) Evening show will have a longer running time.
EVENING PERFORMANCE The 7.30pm performance will have a different format to the morning show. More information will be announced closer to the performance. The ticket price is the same for both shows.
THE WOMEN OF THE 60’S
GINA HOGAN
T U E S D AY 31 J U LY 11 A M | M O R NIN G T E A F R O M 10 A M This high class show will take you back in time to the fabulous music of the 60’s, featuring songs by artists such as Dusty Springfield, Dionne Warwick, Shirley Bassey, Cilla Black and more, and will have you laughing, clapping and unable to stop from singing along with the fabulous hits of the 60’s. The show features the amazingly versatile talents of Gina Hogan who has a string of music theatre credits to her name, including Cats, Mamma Mia! and Beauty and the Beast to name but a few. So come along and enjoy being taken back in time as Gina captures the essence of this exciting era, one of the most memorable decades of our time.
An immensely talented and versatile singer with an obvious passion for performing. GIPPSLAND REGIONAL ARTS, SALE
One of our most popular visiting artists. C A R D I N I A C U LT U R A L CENTRE
TICKET PRICE All tickets $22
RUNNING TIME 75mins (no interval)
SILVER CIRCLE
Photo: Belinda Strodder
JUST A COUPL E OF SONG A ND DA NCE MEN PRESENTED BY JTM PRODUCTIONS
T U E S D AY 9 O C T O B E R 11 A M | M O R NIN G T E A F R O M 10 A M Let’s turn back the clock and celebrate the wonderful era of the Hollywood movie musicals and the song and dance men that made it so magical. In this sensational new show, Just a Couple of Song and Dance Men brings together the exciting dance routines and fabulous songs of legendary performers like Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Bing Crosby, Donald O’Connor, Frank Sinatra and many more in one glorious stage production. Take a trip down memory lane with some of the most memorable music ever written including: The Way You Look Tonight, Pennies From Heaven, Be A Clown, Who Wants to be a Millionaire, Blue Skies, Well Did You Evah, That’s Entertainment, You’re the Top, Make Em Laugh and many more. With plenty of toe-tapping tunes and great show-stopping dancing, Just a Couple of Song and Dance Men gives you a sneak SILVER CIRCLE
peek into the lives, the songs and the dance routines of the best song and dance men of all time, leaving you with a smile on your face, a spring in your step and humming a little tune. ‘Another wonderful production brought to you by the team behind the blockbuster show A Fine Romance: The Magic of Fred Astaire.’ Joe Meldrum is a force to be reckoned with. With a flawless voice, a neat handle on the fancy footwork and a beaming smile, he makes his job look easy. TICKET PRICE All tickets $22
RUNNING TIME 85mins (no interval)
LUCKY STARR AND ROLAND STORM
L ET THE GOOD TIMES ROL L T H U R S D AY 15 N O V E M B E R 11 A M | F R E E M O R NIN G T E A 10 A M The golden boys of Aussie Rock ‘n’ Roll, Lucky Starr and Roland Storm, promise there will be no sad songs in their show Let the Good Times Roll. Lucky Starr is a true pioneer of Australian Rock ‘n Roll and has toured extensively overseas: he was so popular in Las Vegas he was offer a USA residency. During Johnny O’Keefe’s absence, Lucky took over as compere of 6 O’Clock Rock and became a regular on Bandstand and Sing! Sing! Sing!. His gigantic record I’ve been Everywhere is one of the greatest Australian records of all time.
TICKET PRICE All tickets $22
RUNNING TIME 60mins (no interval)
Roland Storm has performed in twenty five countries, been nominated five times for a Mo Award and like Lucky was a Johnny O’Keefe discovery. 6 O’Clock Rock was Roland’s first television show at the age of 15 and since then he’s appeared many times on Australian television. On the recording front, Roland is known internationally for his recordings, Mule Skinner Blues, Hello Josephine, Birds & Bees, Who put the Bomp? and his Gold Record, Rolling with the Flow.
SILVER CIRCLE
MUSIC AT MIDDAY A ND MUSIC IN THE EVENING The Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre will re-open after a period of refurbishment with a sizzling Variety Concert presented by Australian Army Band Kapooka. Conducted by Major Lindsay Mee this concert will be the first in the 2018 Season of Music at Midday and Music in the Evening. Tickets are available three weeks before each concert both online or by contacting the Civic Theatre. Prior notification of group booking will be accepted. All unoccupied seats will be reallocated 10 minutes prior to the concert start time.
W E D NE S D AY 28 M A R C H 6P M – VA R IE T Y C O N C E R T W E D NE S D AY 4 J U LY 12N O O N + 6P M A M E R I C A N T HE M E W E D NE S D AY 12 S E P T E M B E R 12N O O N + 6P M – A R O U ND T HE W O R L D IN 8 0 MIN U T E S W E D NE S D AY 21 N O V E M B E R 12 N O O N + 6P M F R E E CO M M U N I T Y E V E N T
For group bookings: Civic Theatre Booking Office 6926 9688 or boxoffice@civictheatre.com.au
2 018 C AL EN DAR MARCH
JUNE
SEPTEMBER
WEDNESDAY 7 – SATURDAY 10 MARCH A Prudent Man
TUESDAY 5 JUNE Yo Diddle Diddle
SATURDAY 8 SEPTEMBER James Morrison Academy Jazz Orchestra
FRIDAY 16 MARCH Class Clowns Heat WEDNESDAY 28 MARCH Variety Concert with Australian Army Band Kapooka
APRIL WEDNESDAY 4 – THURSDAY 5 APRIL If I Ruled The World – Jonathon Welch FRIDAY 13 APRIL Junk – Flying Fruit Fly Circus SATURDAY 21 APRIL Kate Miller-Heidke SATURDAY 28 APRIL The Epic
THURSDAY 14 – SATURDAY 16 JUNE Wagga Comedy Fest
JULY WEDNESDAY 4 JULY Music at Midday + Music in the Evening
WEDNESDAY 12 SEPTEMBER Music at Midday + Music in the Evening THURSDAY 20 – FRIDAY 21 SEPTEMBER Josephine Wants to Dance SATURDAY 22 SEPTEMBER Around the World in 80 Days
THURSDAY 19 JULY Letters to Lindy TUESDAY 24 – WEDNESDAY 25 JULY The 78-Storey Treehouse TUESDAY 31 JULY The Women of the 60s
AUGUST
OCTOBER TUESDAY 2 – WEDNESDAY 3 OCTOBER Bell Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar TUESDAY 9 OCTOBER Just a Couple of Song and Dance Men
TUESDAY 7 AUGUST Hamlet: Prince of Skidmark
MAY FRIDAY 4 SATURDAY 5 MAY The Orchid & The Crow TUESDAY 8 – WEDNESDAY 9 MAY Roald Dahl’s George’s Marvellous Medicine
SATURDAY 11 AUGUST Humans – Circa THURSDAY 30 AUGUST Opera Australia’s Madame Butterfly
NOVEMBER FRIDAY 2 NOVEMBER Big Bad Wolf TUESDAY 6 NOVEMBER The Wharf Revue 2018 THURSDAY 15 NOVEMBER Aussie Boys of Rock and Roll WEDNESDAY 21 NOVEMBER Music at Midday + Music in the Evening
WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING IN 2018? CLASS CLOWNS
WAGGA COMEDY FEST
FRIDAY 16 MARCH Melbourne International Comedy Festival's development program engages and inspires young funny people to hone their potential.
13-17 JUNE The laughs are loaded for another festival of funniness.
THE EPIC SATURDAY 28 APRIL A re-telling of the most bad-ass stories from around the world. (Co-presented with Wagga Wagga City Library.)
HALL-A-DAY ADVENTURES JULY SCHOOL HOLIDAYS A high quality production will once again head out to five local village halls.
THE HALL COMMITTEE MID YEAR A new play by Damian Callinan.
A TOP TIP FROM THE CIVIC THEATRE TEAM Keep an eye open for special events and workshops: make sure that you’re on our email list and follow us on Facebook.
Riverina Playhouse
ET TRE SS S CRO
Wollundry Lagoon
Car Park AY SW RN BU
Entrance foyer Victory Memorial Gardens
Museum of the Riverina
Car Park
Visitor Information Centre
EET STR
ET TRE WS O RR MO Y ST EILL O’R
BAYLIS STREET
Civic Centre
Thea tre
TTA CU TAR
Civic
ACC E SS I N F O R M ATIO N 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.
CRY H AVOC A ND L ET SL IP THE DOGS OF WA R ACT 3, SCENE 1 JULIUS CAESAR
C I V I C T H E AT R E . C O M . A U
WA G G A WA G G A C I V I C T H E AT R E I S A FA C I L I T Y O F T H E C O U N C I L O F T H E C I T Y O F WA G G A WA G G A