‘‘Wagga Wagga is a thriving, innovative and connected regional centre, where culture and creativity engage and involve the whole communit y.’’ MAYOR OF THE CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA COUNCILLOR ROD KENDALL
This year is full of shows that I am excited to share with you. In 2016 we welcome back some of Australia's great companies, The Australian Ballet, The Australian Chamber Orchestra, The Queensland Theatre Company, Bell Shakespeare, the Flying Fruit Fly Circus and Opera Australia. We also have some small to medium companies who create challenging new works, such as Force Majeure with Never Did Me Any Harm, created with the Sydney Theatre Company and based on The Slap; Critical Stages' presentation of the winner of best Amercian play in 2013, 4000 Miles; and the new Australian play from Griffin Theatre The Dapto Chaser, written by CSU theatre graduate Mary Rachel Brown, who will return to Wagga with the play to work with current CSU theatre students. We have the return of some great classics with a new production of Educating Rita and Tom Burlinson recreating the legendary Sinatra at the Sands concert. This year for the first time we have a comedy direct from Ireland, Swing, that was the hit of the Edinburgh Festival and has received rave reviews from around the world. We finish the year with a community choir event conducted by Dr Jonathon Welch AM at the Wagga Music Bowl where everyone who has always wanted to sing is invited to take part. This really is a season that is local, national and international. Thank you for being a part of it. See you at the theatre.
CarissaCampbell
Manager Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre
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4000 Miles by Amy Herzog
4000 MILES WAS ORIGINALLY PRODUCED BY LINCOLN CENTER THEATRE IN 2011, NEW YORK CITY
A CRITICAL STAGES, CATNIP AND MOPHEAD PRODUCTION
Finalist for the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Winner of the 2012 Obie Award for Best New American Play Named Time Magazine 's #1 Play or Musical of 2012
21-year-old Leo rocks up unannounced at the Manhattan apartment of his 91-year-old Jewish grandmother Vera. Having broken up with his girlfriend and cycled across the country, he needs a place to crash for the night, no questions asked. But Vera – prickly, stubborn and sharp as a tack – isn’t about to let him off that easily. As an overnight couch-surf turns
into an extended stay, 4000 Miles unearths a surprising parallel between these two generations in this emotionally compelling drama. With disarming frankness and surprising candour, the two negotiate social potholes and trace emotional fault lines that link them to a painful family history. From one of America’s brightest playwrights, this compassionate and unsentimental play explores the funny, frustrating, and ultimately life-changing relationship between a grandson learning to face his life, and a grandmother who is starting to forget hers.
Saturday 7.30pm 27 February 2016 Cast Ailleen Huynh, Diana McLean, Stephen Multari and Eloise Snape Director Anthony Skuse
Set and Costume Designer Hugh O’Connor
Lighting Designer Sara Swersky
Composer / Sound Designer Marty Jamieson Voice and Dialect Coach Linda Nichols-Gidley Producer Cat Dibley
Recommended for ages 14+ Running time: One hour 30 minutes (no interval)
Tickets
Adult $42.00 | Concession $37.00 | Youth under 25 $31.00 | Child under 15 $15.00 Adult Subscriber $35.00 | Concession Subscriber $30.00 Youth under 25 Subscriber $28.00
“If your heart is sick or just needs warming, go and see this play. If you are a baby boomer who doesn't understand your grandchildren or are from Gen Y and, like, really weirded out by your grandparents, go and see this play. If you simply love theatre, go and see this play.” JOHN SHAND, SYDNEY MORNING HERALD
Tom Burlinson performs
Sinatra At The Sands WITH ALL STAR BIG BAND
The original 1966 album Sinatra at the Sands has been described as ‘brilliant’, ‘incredibly exciting’, ‘the definitive portrait of Sinatra in the ‘60's’, ‘essential’, ‘a priceless document’ and ‘simply the best’. Accompanied by his All Star Big Band Tom will sing all the wonderful songs from this sensational recording of Sinatra in his prime. Come Fly with Me, I’ve Got You Under My Skin, One for my Baby, You Make Me Feel So Young, Fly Me to the Moon, It was a Very Good Year, My Kind of Town and many more! Tom will also perform a bonus set
of more of Sinatra’s greatest hits, including Strangers in the Night, That’s Life, My Way and, of course, New York, New York. Tom is famous for his starring roles in the classic Australian movies The Man from Snowy River and Phar Lap, as well as his numerous TV appearances over the years. He is renowned for his smooth style and astonishing performance skills. Don’t miss this wonderful new show as Tom will once again do justice to the marvellous musical legacy of the Chairman of the Board, Frank Sinatra.
Saturday 7.30pm 12 March 2016 Musical Director Ralph Pyl Featuring All Star Big Band
Running time: 1 hour 55 minutes, including interval
Tickets
Adult $65.00 | Adult Subscriber $60.00 | Child under 15 $40.00
“The next best thing to Sinatra.”
THE COURIER MAIL
The Dapto Chaser
AN APOCALYPSE THEATRE COMPANY & CRITICAL STAGES PRODUCTION
Dogs, beer, chicken schnitzel, gambling and family tradition. Welcome to the dish-licker sub-culture. This Australian comedy gets its hands dirty with the underbelly of Greyhound racing.
Playwright Mary Rachel Brown wrote The Dapto Chaser perched in the bleachers track-side, while director Glynn Nicholas will be going on an allschnitzel diet to get it over the line.
For the Sinclair family, dog racing is more than a sport. It’s a way of life. And their beloved dog is more than a greyhound; it’s their heart and soul on four legs. The Sinclairs are a family trapped in the pressure cooker of gambling addiction and when things don’t go to plan, they are forced to gamble the most important commodity of all – their relationship to each other.
Warning: This production contains dogs, bitches, mongrels, drugs, cheating, lying, winning, losing and a mother-load of family dysfunction.
The Dapto Chaser is a warts-and-all Australian dramatic comedy with all the adrenaline, sweat and guts of the controversial dog racing sub-culture.
“Like a canine on cocaine, The Dapto Chaser is a get up and go show. Run to see it.” AUSTRALIAN STAGE
Photo: Robert Catto
Wednesday 7.30pm 23 March 2016
Cast Richard Sydenham, Jamie Oxenbould, Noel Hodda Director Glynn Nicholas
Designer Georgia Hopkins
Lighting Designer Toby Knyvett Sound Designer Daryl Wallis
Original Producer Dino Dimitriades
THE RIVERINA PLAYHOUSE (TBC) Suitable for audiences 15 and over. Occasional coarse language and some drug references. Running time: One hour 30 minutes (no interval)
Tickets
Adult $42.00 | Concession $37.00 | Youth under 25 $31.00 Adult Subscriber $35.00 | Concession Subscriber $30.00 Youth under 25 Subscriber $28.00
The Dapto Chaser was commissioned and originally produced by Merrigong Theatre Company. This production first presented as part of Griffin Independent.
Photo: Daniel Boud
FLYING FRUIT FLY CIRCUS CircusUnder my Bed Ordinary kids doing extraordinary things. The Flying Fruit Fly Circus is back in town! Their highly acclaimed Circus Under My Bed is a magical show for anyone with a love of circus, dance and physical theatre. Circus Under My Bed will draw you into the imagination of a young girl spending a final night in her bedroom before moving away. What follows is an enthralling mix of old-world circus, vaudeville and classic story-telling for young people and families. As the lights go out she dreams up a circus world of whimsical characters who
help her face her fears and turn packing-up into an adventure you won’t want to end. If you have ever dreamed of running away to a circus, this is the show your dreams are made of, unlike anything else you will see on the Australian stage.
nominated for a Helpmann Award as Best Visual or Physical Theatre Production and a Sydney Theatre Award for Best Production for Children.
The young performers of the ‘Fruities’ – Australia’s worldfamous national youth circus – are aged from just 9 to 19. Their daring feats and skillful trickery will enchant and inspire young and old alike. Circus
Under
My
Bed
“A rich theatrical experience for children. This is family circus at its very best. Highly recommended.” SYDNEY MORNING HERALD
was
Saturday 7.30pm 9 April 2016 Director Jodie Farrugia
Costume Designer Lyn Shields
Writer Sebastien Pasche
Technical Director Scott Stoddart
Sound Designer Steph O’Hara
Lighting Designer Sian James-Holland
Circus Director Scott Grayland
Cast 17 young artists of the Flying Fruit Fly Circus
Executive Director Richard Hull
Recommended for ages 4 to 104. Running time: 55 minutes (no interval)
Tickets
This project is assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body
Adult $50.00 | Concession $45.00 | Youth under 25 $35.00 | Child under 15 $15.00 Adult Subscriber $45.00 | Concession Subscriber $38.00 Youth under 25 Subscriber $30.00 | Family (2 adults + 2 children $100)
Arts NSW is pleased to support and create opportunities for growth to foster the future of arts and culture in NSW.
S
Photo: Pat Redmond
Swing
WAGGA WAGGA CIVIC THEATRE IN ASSOCIATION WITH MERRIGONG THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS A PRODUCTION BY FISHAMBLE: THE NEW PLAY COMPANY
BY STEVE BLOUNT, PETER DALY, GAVIN KOSTICK & JANET MORAN
A toe-tapping, heart-warming Irish gem of a show. This delightful hit production from Ireland comes fresh from success in New York, Paris, Edinburgh and New Zealand. Swing is a heartwarming romantic comedy about being brave, trying your best and thinking outside the box. Joe is a divorced father seeking a new job after losing his business during Ireland’s recession. May is a graphic artist who is looking to fill in time while her boyfriend is away. They meet at an evening dance
class, and begin to fumble their way through the dance steps, romantic dilemmas, career problems and life choices. The brilliant Irish cast portray a colourful array of characters, both hilariously funny and heartbreakingly real. With its rousing finale, Swing is all about living as well as you can and ‘giving it a lash’...with rock and roll music. Swing is supported by Culture Ireland as part of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme.
“Funny, warm, and well produced, with a rousing finale that’s enough to make you kick up your own heels.” IRISH THEATRE MAGAZINE
Thursday 7.30pm 2 June 2016 Swing is part of Wagga Comedy Fest 2016 Writers Steve Blount, Peter Daly, Gavin Kostick and Janet Moran Director Peter Daly
Lighting Designer Mark Galione Sound Designer Ivan Birthistle
Recommended for ages 12+ Running time: 60 minutes (no interval)
Tickets
Adult $42.00 | Concession $37.00 | Youth under 25 $31.00 | Child under 15 $15.00 Adult Subscriber $35.00 | Concession Subscriber $30.00 Youth under 25 Subscriber $28.00
Australian tour produced by Merrigong Theatre Company.
Photo: Aaron Tait
Country Song
QUEENSLAND THEATRE COMPANY
A FICTIONALISED STORY INSPIRED BY THE LIFE OF JIMMY LITTLE BY REG CRIBB ORIGINAL CONCEPT BY MICHAEL TUAHINE
Country Song is a fictionalised story inspired by the life of Jimmy Little -a witty, warm journey back into Australia’s recent past. It’s a rollicking celebration featuring music from some of Australia’s renowned Indigenous entertainers and pure entertainment, revelling in the healing power of music. It’s the ’70s, and Jimmy takes a nostalgic trip through his past from talented teen to honey-voiced guitar-slinger to respected leader. Indigenous icons weave in and out of his life, as they chalk up a list of
firsts for their people as Australia goes through a turbulent change. Michael Tuahine leads a cast of six actor/musicians in this yarn drawing on the life of the gentleman balladeer, peppered with old-time hits from Johnny Cash and Marty Robbins to Jimmy’s own No.1 Royal Telephone and his covers of ‘80s hits Under the Milky Way and Blackfella/Whitefella.
“... they laughed and cheered and had a wonderful time... a standing ovation...” CRIKEY
You’ll laugh, cry, dance and maybe even sing along with this inspiring tale.
Tuesday 7.30pm 12 July 2016 Writer Reg Cribb
Cast Bradley McCaw, Megan Sarmardin, Michael Tuahine, Tibian Wyles Director Wesley Enoch
Associate Director Jason Klarwein Designer Josh McIntosh
Musical Director Jamie Clark
Dramaturg Louise Gough
Projection Designers optikal bloc
Lighting Designer Jason Glenwright
Adult concepts, this show deals with race and discrimination Running time: Two hours 5 minutes including interval. This show has an 8 minute lock out.
Tickets
Adult $50.00 | Concession $45.00 | Youth under 25 $35.00 | Child under 15 $15.00 Adult Subscriber $45.00 | Concession Subscriber $35.00 Youth under 25 Subscriber $30.00 | School price $20.00
QTC’s Country Song 2016 Tour has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body. And is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
The Marriage of Figaro A new production from Opera Australia. Mozart's brilliant opera The Marriage of Figaro follows the adventures of a household over one crazy day. Masters are lusting over their servants, servants are outwitting their masters - Figaro is the Downton Abbey of opera, but a whole lot more fun!
Award-winning creative duo Michael Gow and Robert Kemp have created a brand new production, featuring stunning period costumes and a clever set. A talented chamber orchestra and chorus of local children will accompany some of Opera Australia's finest singers
performing music.
Mozart’s
In a wealthy household in Seville, Figaro is marrying Susanna, but the Count wants to seduce her first. Marcellina wants Figaro and the Countess just wants her husband back. But Susanna is smarter than all of them. After a crazy day of disguise and duplicity, will she get her happily ever after? Find out when Mozart's comic masterpiece comes to Wagga Wagga. It's a delightful night out, suitable for the whole family. Sung in English, performed with chamber orchestra
Saturday 7.30pm 30 July 2016 Conductor Paul Fitzsimon Director Michael Gow Adaptation Michael Gow
Set & Costume Designer Robert Kemp
Lighting Designer Matt Scott
Recommended for ages 8+ Running time: Two hours 30 minutes including interval
Tickets
Adult $65.00 | Adult Subscriber $60.00 Child under 15 $40.00
beautiful
OPERA AUSTRALIA
“The wonderful music in this fine production will pull at your heart strings.” LYNDON TERRACINI AM, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, OPERA AUSTRALIA
Never Did Me Any Harm Never before have parents been under such pressure when it comes to raising children. Is the pressure to get it right overwhelming us? And what is ‘good parenting’ anyway? Are children today given too much choice? Too few boundaries? Less chance to take risks?
FORCE MAJEURE AND SYDNEY THEATRE COMPANY
Never Did Me Any Harm is a captivating work that has attracted rave reviews with its power, poignancy and distinctively Australian humour.
Drawing inspiration from real‐life interviews, award- winning director and choreographer Kate Champion explores contemporary attitudes to raising children in this provocative dance theatre work. Using a distinctive language of dance, images and text, Force Majeure and Sydney Theatre Company create an emotional, humorous and insightful work that cannot fail to resonate with all who were once children.
“…Never Did Me Any Harm makes you laugh, cringe and possibly even cry.”
JILL SYKES, SYDNEY MORNING HERALD
Photo: Jamie Williams
Wednesday 7.30pm 24 August 2016
Director Kate Champion
Set and Lighting Designer Geoff Cobham
Composer and Sound Designer Max Lyandvert
Audio Visual and Lighting Associate Chris Petridis Choreography The Company
Dramaturg Andrew Upton
Contains some strong language Running time: One hour 5 minutes (no interval)
Tickets
Adult $50.00 | Concession $45.00 Youth under 25 $35.00 | Child under 15 $15.00 Adult Subscriber $45.00 | Concession Subscriber $38.00 Youth under 25 Subscriber $30.00
This project is assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body
Beethoven & Mendelssohn
PRESENTED BY AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
STARRING ACO COLLECTIVE AND DIRECTED BY META4 PRESENTING PARTNER VIRGIN AUSTRALIA The Australian Chamber Orchestra presents Beethoven & Mendelssohn performed by ACO Collective and directed by one of Finland’s most internationally successful string quartets, Meta4. ACO Collective is the ACO’s critically acclaimed 17-piece string ensemble which delivers the ACO's regional touring and education programs Australiawide. In 2016, internationally acclaimed Finnish violinist Pekka Kuusisto takes up the inaugural position as ACO Collective Artistic Director. In keeping with his adventurous programming, Kuusisto has invited Meta4 to lead ACO Collective on its third tour of the year. The Beethoven & Mendelssohn program features works by Webern, Jaakko Kuusisto, Mendelssohn, Sculthorpe and Beethoven’s last complete work, String Quartet in F major, Op.135.
“If you’re looking for the finest young string players in this country and, most probably, well beyond, this is where you’ll find them.” AUSTRALIAN STAGE ONLINE
Photo: Jack Saltmiras
Saturday 7.30pm 3 September 2016
Program WEBERN Langsamer Satz JAAKKO KUUSISTO Wiima, Op.27 MENDELSSOHN String Symphony No.6 in E-flat major SCULTHORPE Djilile BEETHOVEN (arr. strings) String Quartet in F major, Op.135
Artists Meta4 Direction ACO Collective
PRINCIPAL PARTNER: ACO COLLECTIVE
Running time: Two hours including 20 minute interval PRINCIPAL PARTNER: ACO
Tickets
Adult $55.00 | Concession $50.00 | Youth under 25 $35.00 Child under 15 $15.00 | Adult Subscriber $50.00 Concession Subscriber $40.00 | Youth under 25 Subscriber $30.00
GOVERNMENT PARTNERS
Othello BELL SHAKESPEARE’S
A violent exploration of the thin line that separates love and jealousy, Othello is a relentless journey of vicious passion. A warrior on the fields of war, felled by the sharpness of whispered words, Othello is a man swept up in desire, quickly turned to murderous rage when he is betrayed by his military brotherin-arms, the cynically destructive Iago. One of William Shakespeare’s most famous and passionate tragedies, Othello will be directed by Bell Shakespeare’s Artistic Director Peter Evans, in a gripping production that will
touch audiences to their core, as envy is a weapon wielded with brazen savagery, and the complex contradictory nature of humanity is tested.
Starring Ray Chong Nee (Bell Shakespeare’s The Dream and MTC’s I Call My Brothers) as Othello and Yalin Ozucelik (Bell Shakespeare’s Henry IV and STC’s Cyrano de Bergerac) as Iago in one of Shakespeare’s most captivating and devastating pairings, this astonishing epic tragedy will rage with jealousy on stages across Australia in Bell Shakespeare’s 2016 National Tour.
“Bell Shakespeare’s latest offering is sure to be the crowd pleaser that audiences have come to expect from the trail blazing theatre company.”
Tuesday 7.30pm 20 September 2016 By William Shakespeare Director Peter Evans
Designer Michael Hankin
Lighting Designer Paul Jackson
Assistant Director & Fight Director Nigel Poulton
With Ray Chong Nee, Joanna Downing, Alice Keohavong, James Lugton, Huw McKinnon, Elizabeth Nabben, Yalin Ozucelik, Michael Wahr.
Recommended 14+ Running time Two hours 40 minutes including interval.
Tickets
Adult $55.00 | Concession $50.00 | Youth under 25 $35.00 Child under 15 $15.00 | Adult Subscriber $50.00 Concession Subscriber $40.00 | Youth under 25 Subscriber $30.00
ARTS HUB
Giselle THE AUSTRALIAN BALLET
PRESENTS THE DANCERS COMPANY 2016 IN
Love conquers all in the ultimate romantic ballet.
Experience one of the world’s most-loved ballet classics live on stage with The Dancers Company, The Australian Ballet’s regional touring program. Starring guest artists from The Australian Ballet, and graduating students from The Australian Ballet School, don’t miss this special staged production when it sweeps audiences away next October.
Since its premiere in 1841, Giselle has captured the imagination and torn at the heart. This transcendent love story follows an innocent village girl transformed into a tender spirit after dying of a broken heart. With its hauntingly beautiful ensemble of white tutus, classical technique and heartbreaking story of boymeets-girl, see why Giselle is the perfect must-see ballet.
“A marvel of precision and ethereal beauty … Giselle is really the perfect ballet” AUSTRALIAN STAGE
Photo: Jeff Busby
Friday 7.30pm 14 October 2016 Saturday 7.30pm 15 October 2016
Original choreography Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot, staged by The Australian Ballet
Set and costume design Peter Farmer Lighting design Francis Croese
Running time: Two hours including interval
Tickets
Adult $58.00 | Concession $50.00 | Youth under 25 $40.00 Child under 15 $30.00 | Groups of 10 or more $52.00 Adult Subscriber $55.00 | Concession Subscriber $46.00 Youth under 25 Subscriber $37.00
Educating Rita
HIT PRODUCTIONS
BY WILLY RUSSELL
Frank is a cynical, burnt-out English professor, who drinks far too much whiskey. Rita is a hairdresser and a bit naive. She has, however, a wonderful and indeed desperate thirst for knowledge and she chooses Frank of all people to introduce her to culture. Frank soon discovers that Rita has a lot more common sense than the so-called educated class within which he moves. He begins to fall in love with Rita for her zest for life, her almost childlike qualities and her simple, natural intelligence. But Rita’s life soon changes in this new environment. Two very different worlds then collide, merging to produce a charming human comedy and a
wonderfully entertaining modern day Pygmalion. Educating Rita was written by Willy Russell (the playwright of the ever popular Shirley Valentine) and premiered in 1980. The stage play and popular film version have gone to entertain audiences around the world becoming a comedy classic. Having successfully produced the play in 2007, HIT Productions are delighted to be producing this brand new production directed by AFI Award winning director Denny Lawrence. Francesca Bianchi (TV movie The Colour of Eden and major roles in feature films Burns Point (2015) and Drive Hard (2014), ABC’s
It’s A Date and Nine Network’s House Husbands) will be playing Rita alongside Helpmann Award winning actor Colin Moody (STC , Belvoir Street Theatre, Bell Shakespeare and ABC’s Something in the Air) as Frank.
“Simply a marvellous play, painfully funny and passionately serious: a hilarious social documentary; a fairy tale with a quizzical, half happy ending.” THE SUNDAY TIMES
Saturday 7.30pm 22 October 2016 Writer Willy Russell
Director Denny Lawrence
Set & Lighting Designer Jacob Battista
Recommended 15+. Contains some strong language. Running time: Two hours 15 minutes including interval
Tickets
Adult $50.00 | Concession $45.00 | Youth under 25 $35.00 Child under 15 $15.00 | Adult Subscriber $45.00 Concession Subscriber $38.00 | Youth under 25 Subscriber $30.00
Educating Rita is supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria
Community Choir WITH DR JONATHON WELCH AM
Something huge is happening in the Music Bowl in November 2016. To celebrate Social Inclusion Week, and the Australian summer, the Civic Theatre will partner with local choirs, and individuals who love to sing, to create a community choir that will raise the roof of the Botanic Gardens Music Bowl. Social Inclusion Week aims to help ensure all Australians feel included and valued, giving everyone the opportunity to participate fully in society. It’s about connecting local communities, workmates, family and friends in order to build and strengthen relationships and networks, addressing isolation and exclusion by supporting people who may be unable to help themselves. Dr Jonathon Welch AM will be the choral conductor for this event. Jonathon is a multi-award winning singer, conductor, teacher, songwriter and recording artist. He is the Artistic Director of the Choir of Hard
Knocks, has won ARIA, Logie and Helpmann awards, was the Australian of the Year Local Hero in 2008, ANZAC of the year in 2009. and is the creator of Social Inclusion Week. This massed choir will showcase a blistering repertoire of your favourite Australian songs and will feature appearances from special guests. The opportunity to participate will be widely promoted and there will be several rehearsals. Or you can just sing along on the night. Bring a picnic supper or purchase dinner from the food vendors on the night.
CARISSA CAMPBELL, MANAGER WAGGA WAGGA CIVIC THEATRE
Friday 7.30pm 18 November 2016 Saturday 7.30pm 19 November 2016 Choral Conductor Dr Jonathon Welch AM
Musical Director Major Lindsay Mee Australian Army Band Kapooka Running time: Two hours including interval
A Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre community production.
BOTANIC GARDENS MUSIC BOWL
Tickets
Show only Adult $15 | Child under 15 $10
“Everyone loves to sing.”
Our Packages
THE PERFECT PACK AGE
4000 Miles Tom Burlinson performs Sinatra at the Sands The Dapto Chaser The Flying Fruit Fly Circus: Circus Under My Bed Swing Country Song The Marriage of Figaro Never Did Me Any Harm Beethoven & Mendelssohn with ACO and Meta4 Bell Shakepeare’s Othello Giselle Educating Rita Community Choir with Dr Jonathon Welch AM
THE CLASSIC PACK AGE
The Marriage of Figaro Beethoven & Mendelssohn starring ACO Collective Bell Shakepeare’s Othello Giselle Educating Rita
THE CONTEMPOR ARY PACK AGE
4000 Miles The Dapto Chaser The Flying Fruit Fly Circus: Circus Under My Bed Swing Never Did Me Any Harm
THE SWEET SOUNDS PACK AGE
Tom Burlinson performs Sinatra at the Sands Country Song The Marriage of Figaro Beethoven & Mendelssohn starring ACO Collective Community Choir with Dr Jonathon Welch AM
First week of June 2016
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Photo: Louis Dillon-Savage
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show Thursday 10am, 12.30pm, 3pm 21 April 2016
“and - pop! - out of the egg came a tiny and very hungry caterpillar.”
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.
Based on Eric Carle's books Creator Jonathan Worsley Director Naomi Edwards Producer Michael Sieders
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.
Set Designer James Browne
Puppets Puppet Kitchen
Costume Designer Andrea Espinoza Lighting Designer Nicholas Rayment
Tickets
Composer / Sound Designer Nate Edmondson Composer Steven Baker
With Gavin James Clarke, Dannielle Jackson, Justine Warner and Drew Wilson
One price $25.00 | Groups 4+ $20.00 | Childcare groups $15.00 THIS IS A SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITY Recommendation: Ages 0-7 Running time: 50 minutes
KID’S SEASON
“For first time theatregoers, this is a triumph of faithful storytelling and pattern recognition.” TIME OUT
The 52Storey Treehouse A CDP PRODUCTION
Tuesday 10.30am, 12.30pm and 6pm 3 May 2016 They’re back! Andy and Terry’s Treehouse is now 52 storeys high, but there’s no time to play! Mr Big Nose has mysteriously disappeared, Jill has fallen into a deep sleep and Andy and Terry just can’t wake her up. Can they solve the mysteries and survive the dangers that test even their ingenuity? A play by Richard Tulloch Adapted from the best-selling book by Andy Griffiths & Terry Denton
Andy Griffiths’ and Terry Denton’s latest bestseller comes to life on the stage as the team behind the hit adaptations of The 13-Storey Treehouse and The 26-Storey Treehouse return with this imaginative and engaging play. What are you waiting for? Come on up!
Artistic Director Julian Louis Director Liesel Badorrek
Set / Costume Designer Mark Thompson
“Lively, colourful and very funny… A cool, clever show that all youngsters will love.” DAILY TELEGRAPH
Lighting Designer Nicholas Higgins Sound Designer Ross Johnston
Tickets
One price $18.50 | Groups 4+ $15.50 | Subscriber $15.50 | School group $14.00 Recommendation: Ages 6-12 Running time: One hour
KID’S SEASON
Photo: Zan Wimberley
Sugar land
BY AUSTRALIAN THEATRE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE (ATYP)
Tuesday 11am 14 June 2016 Nina is 16 years old, good at school, has a job at the cinema and one of the best singing voices around. But none of that is important. She needs a place to live. Living with her Aunty in an overcrowded house, things aren't going well, and it’s getting complicated.
Erica is 16 and the new girl in town. Her Dad’s in the RAAF and the family’s just moved to Katherine. She’s lived all over Australia and every time she
makes somewhere home, she moves again. She’s so used to being an outsider, she's stopped trying to fit in. The only thing they have in common is the music they listen to. Sometimes that's enough. Sugarland provides a glimpse into a teenage Australia that feels like a foreign country. This exceptional new play will make you laugh and cry, and will stay with you long after you leave the theatre.
“Amongst the politics and racism and bureaucracy, the five young people in Sugarland navigate their way through this uncertain terrain with love, grace, humour, resilience and a desire to keep going…” ARTSHUB
Tickets
One price $18.50 | Groups 4+ $15.50 Subscriber $15.50 | School group $14.00 Recommendation: Ages 14+ Coarse language, drug use and simulated self-harm Running time: One hour 20 minutes (no interval)
KID’S SEASON
Sugarland is toured by Performing Lines for Blak Lines, and was commissioned and developed by Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP). The original production was co-directed by Fraser Corfield and David Page. Sugarland is supported by the NSW Government through Arts NSW, and the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body.
Photo: Tony Lewis
The Moon's a Balloon BY PATCH THEATRE COMPANY
Wednesday 6pm 22 June, Thursday 10am & 1pm 23 June 2016 Is the Moon a Balloon? It can be. A balloon can be whatever you want it to be... The Moon’s a Balloon is a moving and eloquent story that explores childhood play, invention, friendship and connection in a highly visual performance that is beautifully complemented by magical lighting, digital imagery and a stunning soundscape.
A balloon can be a friend to play with or a maker of friendships. It can hold its breath for days and disappear in an instant. It can make your hair stand on end and fill you with laughter. A balloon can be something loved or something lost; something shared or something broken. All sorts of possibilities reside in the simplest of things.
“Visually stunning, great sound, beautifully moved, gorgeous, clever, slick, happy show.”
SUSANNAH SWEENEY, ADELAIDE FESTIVAL CENTRE
Tickets
One price $18.50 | Groups 4+ $15.50 | Subscriber $15.50 | School group $14.00 Recommendation: Ages 3+ Running time: 45 minutes
This project is assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body
KID’S SEASON
Illustrations by Anne Spudvilas
The Peasant Prince
A MONKEY BAA THEATRE COMPANY PRODUCTION
BASED ON THE BOOK BY LI CUNXIN ADAPTED BY EVA DI CESARE, SANDRA ELDRIDGE AND TIM MCGARRY
Thursday 6pm 25 August 2016 Friday 10am and 12.30pm 26 August 2016
Li Cunxin’s iconic autobiography Mao’s Last Dancer was first published as a children’s picture book, The Peasant Prince. Monkey Baa is honoured to be adapting this story onto the stage.
Li, a 10-year old peasant boy, is plucked from his village in rural China and sent to a ballet academy in the big city. He leaves everything and everyone he knows, including his beloved parents. Over years of gruelling training and Director Tim McGarry
Designer Michael Hankin
Lighting Designer Sian James-Holland
Tickets
Composer Daryl Wallis
determination, this boy transforms from an impoverished peasant to a giant of the international dance scene. Li’s courage, resilience and unwavering hope for a better life make The Peasant Prince a story to ignite our own aspirations to be the best person we can be. Audiences will be captivated by this inspiring story. Definitely not to be missed!
Movement Director Danielle Micich (Force Majeure)
Dramaturg Camilla Ah Kin
Script Consultant Li Cunxin
One price $18.50 | Groups 4+ $15.50 | Subscriber $15.50 | School group $14.00 Recommendation: Ages 6-12 Running time: 50 minutes
KID’S SEASON
“You have your secret dreams. Follow them. Make them come true.” THE PEASANT PRINCE
r e v l Sciircle 2016
Quality Entertainment Durin g theDay A LL TICK ETS $22 | A LL SHOWS 11A M FR EE MOR N I NG TE A FROM 10A M
Rhonda Burchmore Tuesday 11am 5 April 2016 | Morning tea from 10am Highlights of Rhonda Burchmore's 30 year career are performing on London's West End in a number of musicals, including Sugar Babies, featuring Mickey Rooney and Ann Miller; Stop The World I Want To Get Off, with Anthony Newly; and starring opposite David Atkins in the original Hot Shoe Shuffle. Other productions include lead roles in Annie Get Your Gun, Easter Parade, They're Playing Our Song, Mame, The Boy Friend, Song & Dance, Guys & Dolls, Respect- A Musical Journey of Women, Little Orphan Trashley, Eurobeat, Calendar Girls, Into The Woods, Urinetown, Tomfoolery, La Cage Aux Folles, Jerry’s Girls,
All tickets $22.00 Running time: One hour (no interval) SILVER CIRCLE
The Drowsy Chaperone co-starring Geoffrey Rush and as Tanya in the original Australian production of Mama Mia! Rhonda has recorded five albums, including Cry Me A River- The World of Julie London and in 2011 released her auto-biography, Legs 11. In 2002 and 2012 Rhonda won Female Vocal Performer of The Year at the MO Awards and ACE Awards. In 2014 Rhonda was awarded the OAM for her service to the performing arts and community and also won the Cabaret Icon Award at the International Adelaide Cabaret Festival.
“Rhonda Burchmore took the stage with more sparkles than a galaxy spilling over with stars…. her numbers were explosively delivered.”
THE COURIER MAIL
Me 'N Me Mates AUSTRALIAN SONGS, STORIES & YARNS
Thursday 11am 16 June 2016 | Morning tea from 10am Me ‘N Me Mates is an entertainment of Australian songs and stories in the style of an old style concert in the local hall, wool shed or pub; or even better, singing and yarning around a campfire. Songs, stories, poems and yarns are presented by the performers authentically with dry, laconic humour and language in a relaxed way that is always respectful of our forebears and history. The works of Australia’s classic writers such as Henry Lawson, Banjo Paterson and Slim Dusty lend themselves
perfectly to live performance – the descriptions of characters and settings and the quality of the language flow over the audience in an intimate and engaging way. Each poem, song and yarn is carefully chosen, adapted, rehearsed and presented for your enjoyment. Good old bush songs about shearing, the weather, drinking, dogs and wandering, plus some original songs, are presented with simplicity and gusto accompanied by acoustic guitar, banjo, percussion, lager phone, mouth organ and spoons.
“Well written, cleverly devised performed with energy and verve to ensure an impact and wide popular appeal. Innovative in its own way - accessible, entertaining, thought-provoking.” THE ADELAIDE ADVERTISER
Splash Theatre Company Performers: Chris John, Ezra Juanta, Lachy Bruce
All tickets $22.00 Running time: One hour (no interval) SILVER CIRCLE
Jade Hurley A MAN & HIS PIANO
Thursday 11am 18 August 2016 | Morning tea from 10am Jade Hurley OAM was given the title “Australia’s King of Country Rock” by the late, great Johnny O’Keefe and has certainly lived up to that prestigious title. In America, Jade was billed as a cross between Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, and Liberace: Jerry Lee, because of his energetic piano antics, like jumping all over his piano and kicking the keys with his feet; Little Richard, because just like Richard, Jade Hurley always makes a great
All tickets $22.00 Running time: One hour (no interval)
SILVER CIRCLE
and controversial headline; and Liberace, because of his flamboyant and glittery sequinned stage outfits. Every album this unique “piano pumping/country rocker” has recorded has achieved gold, platinum, or double platinum status. You’ll hear the music of Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny O’Keefe, Elvis Presley, Jim Reeves and more.
“Jade Hurley is the greatest country rock performer Australia has ever produced.” JOHNNY CASH
PELVIS - The Man who would be Kin g
PETER COX PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS
Wednesday 11am 14 December 2016 | Morning tea from 10am There are hundreds and thousands of Elvis Presley impersonators but there is only one PELVIS. PELVIS – ‘the man who would be king’, is a one-man comic musical of how a mild mannered nerdy geek, Aaron Tupelo, goes through the strange process of transforming into one of the greatest Elvis impersonators ever. Featuring the amazing vocal and comic skills of Jamie Way,
PELVIS is a musical treat bringing audiences 15 of the most popular Elvis Presley songs ever. From his early beginnings of “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Love Me Tender’, to his movie collection of “Jailhouse Rock” and” Viva Las Vega” the Elvis songs rarely stop for breath. Elvis’s love ballads, “Are You Lonesome Tonight” and “I Can’t Help Falling In Love” show the tender side of this musical legend, but ‘Burning Love” “That’s Alright
Mama” will bring the house down. These are just a few of what PELVIS has to offer! Written and Directed by Peter Cox, PELVIS looks to be one of the hottest one-hour shows to hit the Civic Theatre in 2016!
All tickets $22.00 Running time: One hour (no interval)
SILVER CIRCLE
Music at Midday and Music in the Evening Wednesday 12noon and 6pm 11 May 2016
Wednesday 12noon and 6pm 20 July 2016
Wednesday 12noon and 6pm 7 September 2016 The Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre proudly presents the 2016 Season of Music at Midday featuring Australian Army Band Kapooka. Conducted by Major Lindsay Mee.
Tickets are three weeks before each concert both on-line or by contacting the Civic Theatre. Prior notification of group bookings will be accepted.
Free community event FOR GROUP BOOKINGS: Civic Theatre Booking Office 6926 9688 or boxoffice@civictheatre.com.au
All unoccupied seats at 10 minutes prior to the concert start time will be reallocated.
2016 calendar January
MONDAY 29 JANUARY Single tickets on sale
February
FRIDAY 5 FEBRUARY Twilight by the Lagoon – Groove by the Lagoon SATURDAY 27 FEBRUARY 4000 Miles
March
FRIDAY 4 MARCH Twilight by the Lagoon – Finale with Ben Mingay and the Australian Army Band Kapooka SATURDAY 12 MARCH Tom Burlinson – Sinatra at the Sands WEDNESDAY 23 MARCH The Dapto Chaser
April
May
TUESDAY 5 APRIL Rhonda Burchmore
TUESDAY 3 MAY The 52-Storey Treehouse
SATURDAY 9 APRIL Flying Fruit Fly Circus – Circus Under My Bed
WEDNESDAY 11 MAY Music at Midday and Music in the Evening
THURSDAY 21 APRIL The Very Hungry Caterpillar
June
Wagga Comedy Fest 2016 THURSDAY 2 JUNE Swing TUESDAY 14 JUNE Sugarland THURSDAY 16 JUNE Me ‘N Me Mates WEDNESDAY 22 & THURSDAY 23 JUNE The Moon’s a Balloon
July
August
September
TUESDAY 12 JULY Country Song
THURSDAY 18 AUGUST Jade Hurley
SATURDAY 3 SEPTEMBER Australian Chamber Orchestra
WEDNESDAY 20 JULY Music at Midday and Music in the Evening
WEDNESDAY 24 AUGUST Never Did Me Any Harm
WEDNESDAY 7 SEPTEMBER Music at Midday and Music in the Evening
SATURDAY 30 JULY The Marriage of Figaro
THURSDAY 25 & FRIDAY 26 AUGUST The Peasant Prince
October
November
FRIDAY 14 & SATURDAY 15 OCTOBER Giselle SATURDAY 22 OCTOBER Educating Rita
FRIDAY 18 & SATURDAY 19 NOVEMBER Community Choir
TUESDAY 20 SEPTEMBER Bell Shakespeare’s Othello
December
WEDNESDAY 14 DECEMBER PELVIS - The Man who would be King
SS CRO
Wollundry Lagoon
Riverina Playhouse
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Car Park AY SW RN BU
Entrance foyer Victory Memorial Gardens
Car Park
Visitor Information Centre
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ET TRE WS O RR MO Y ST EILL O’R
BAYLIS STREET
Civic Centre
Thea tre
TTA CU TAR
Civic
Museum of the Riverina
access information 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.
In response to the question, ‘Suggest how you might resolve the staging difficulties inherent in a production of Peer Gynt’, you have written, quote, ‘Do it on the radio’, unquote. EDUCATING RITA
www.civictheatre.com.au