The Joan 2015 Season Brochure

Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith

SEASON

25th An n ive rsa

ry

Stars

OF STAGE & SCREEN HOT FUNK, ROCK & TAP SIDESPLITTING COMEDY

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WORLD PREMIERE THEATRE SPELLBINDING STORIES, GOLDEN GIRLS, MONKEY MAGIC ore! &m

Welcome

H

aving been personally involved in the Centre at Board level for almost 20 years, I look back with great pride on what has been achieved – across two stages of construction and through the establishment and merger of changing corporate structures.

Most of all, however, I look forward to another great year, a year in which we also look ahead to the next quarter of a century.

HON. PETER ANDERSON AM CHAIRMAN

I look forward to joining you in enjoying a marvellous season of entertainment at The Joan, as we continue to present world quality performing arts for the people of western Sydney while at the same time supporting local productions, providing top class venues for both professional and community performers and creating wonderful learning opportunities for the performers of tomorrow.

Come join us at The Joan!

A

HANIA RAVDAN CEO

cross its 25 years The Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, here in the heart of Penrith, continues to evolve – but remains the creative heart of this passionate and proud community. At The Joan we support emerging artists, make new work, offer training for musicians and actors of all ages and are the proud home of numerous annual community performance events as well as the venue of choice for touring professionals.

We welcome you as both audience and participant to our sites: The Joan and the Penrith Regional Gallery & The Lewers Bequest. Here there is always something to see, to do, to learn – or simply to catch up with friends.

This year’s subscription offers you a regular artistic outing– here in your local venue – with easy access and parking, and great prices. It’s the beginning of our 2015 offer to our community as we roll out our other seasons and special events in coming months... stay tuned and step into 2015 and make The Joan your home from home this year!

O JAMES FISCHER

DIRECTOR, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

n the day of writing, The Joan is alive with activity – 20 people with a disability and their carers are doing our studioQ training in Orch 1, 33 of our PCoM students are having individual lessons in our music studios, hundreds of children from local schools are preparing to perform to a packed house in the Concert Hall for the Blue Mountains Nepean Dance Festival, and our tech team are rigging the Q Theatre for another big season of The Wharf Revue whenever the cast and crew for the Q’s next production ‘Twinkle’, take a break from their rehearsals!

In 2015, as we celebrate 25 years of such activities, we’ve invited an exceptional array of leading Australian and international artists to the party, to join with the thousands of people from our local community who are regularly engaged here as makers, learners, contributors and audience members. We’d love you to be involved one way or another as well – as we set our sights on the next 25 years of performing arts in Penrith.

Cover: Dame Joan Sutherland in Delibes’ Lakme, New York. Based on an original photograph taken in 1967 by Barry Glass.

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$160 $225 $280 $325 $360

$140 $195 $240 $275 $300

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Save between $10-$65 Save between $35-$90 Save between $70-$125 Save between $135-$170 Save $215

WHY SUBSCRIBE?

Our subscribers are the loyal heart of The Joan community. Their support enables us to keep programming bold and brilliant work year after year. For some, having a finger on the pulse of something special is at the core of subscribing. For others, there are plenty more good reasons to sign on with The Joan. Here are just a few:

MASSIVE SAVINGS The more shows you pack in, the more you save.

You’ll save between $65 and $215 on a full year of theatre, and will spend between $140 and $360 tops .

GUARANTEED SEATS Hottest ticket in town? No need to worry about missing out when it’s already in your hand.

BEST SEATS First in, best dressed. Subscribers are seated in premium seats.

IT’S OK TO CHANGE Sometimes plans shift as the year unfolds. If you’re a subscriber we offer free ticket exchanges so you can reschedule to suit.

DO IT ONCE AND ENJOY IT ALL YEAR Give yourself the gift that keeps on giving.

Sign up now and as the months roll around you’ll have plenty of special treats on the calendar to look forward to.

Featuring

n iversary An h t 5 2

SEASON In 2015, The Joan’s 25th anniversary year, we are thrilled to present 12 of the best music, theatre, dance and comedy performances for your entertainment. Join us throughout 2015 for a great show and a great time.

SMASH HITS HALLELUJAH & WICKED GAME

THE PARTING GLASSJanuary Starring

RACHAEL BECK & DAVID HOBSON

MY BABY JUST CARES FOR ME February AUTHENTICITY, WARMTH & POWER

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CHRISTINE ANU & ARCHIEMarch ROACH

WORLD PREMIERE THEATRE PERFORMING ARTS MEETS MARTIAL ARTS

‘IT’S A HEARTSTARTER!’

MONKEY… JOURNEY TO July THE WEST October

BPM BEATS PER MINUTE May

ALL MY LOVE

SIDESPLITTING FUN

Starring

MICF ROADSHOW May

LADIES IN THANK YOU FOR LAVENDER A FRIEND August BEINGOctober

‘AN EXTRAORDINARY PIECE OF THEATRE’

‘SONG, DANCE AND SOME VERY SILLY WIGS’

HEAD FULL OF LOVE June

PENNY COOK

THE ULTIMATE GOLDEN GIRLS EXPERIENCE

‘UNRIVALLED VIRTUOSITY’

AUSTRALIAN THE WHARF CHAMBER REVUE September ORCHESTRA November

January

Starring

DAMIEN LEITH After its rousing success at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, Damien Leith brings his one man cabaret play to The Joan to open our 25th Anniversary Season in song.

The musical play which takes place in an Irish pub, sees Damien take on the role of both a father and a son as they get to the bottom of a deep secret that has haunted them both.

Filled with humour, emotion and great Irish music, The Parting Glass showcases Damien Leith not only as a singer, but as a fine actor.

Featuring worldwide smash hits Hallelujah and Wicked Game, as well as the iconic Danny Boy, sung by one of Australia’s favourite Irishmen, accompanied by the stirring Irish Times Band.

“Leith has clearly adopted Australia and from the crowd’s ecstatic reaction the feeling is mutual.”

MATT BYRNE, SUNDAY MAIL (SA)

“The rousing renditions of traditional Irish songs were a highlight…”

ANNA VLACH, THE ADELAIDE ADVERTISER

Tickets

SINGLE TICKETS $45 ADULT / $40 CONCESSION, OR PUT THIS IN YOUR SUBSCRIPTION PACK TO SAVE BETWEEN $5-$15 PER TICKET! ONE SHOW ONLY Saturday 17 January 8pm

THE PARTING GLASS

RACHAEL BECK DAVID HOBSON

&

An intimate evening with Rachael Beck and David Hobson on Valentine’s Day at The Joan. One night only — and a perfect night out.

MY BABY JUST CARES FOR ME

February

Starring

Two of Australia’s most popular performers come together to perform a unique blend of classical, musical theatre and popular songs in their show My Baby Just Cares For Me. Rachael Beck is a leading musical theatre and concert performer and is also widely known for her television roles on such shows as Home and Away, Hey Dad, It Takes Two, and Carols by Candlelight.

David Hobson is regarded as a renowned operatic performer and recording artist and also recognised for his television appearances on Dancing with the Stars, It Takes Two, Spicks and Specks and Carols

by Candlelight.

My Baby Just Cares For Me will explore the romance, fun and charm of musical theatre – featuring songs from Les Miserables, My Fair Lady, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Sound of Music, West Side Story and Oliver, the power and beauty of classical opera, and the emotion of contemporary pop and Celtic music.

Tickets

SINGLE TICKETS $55 ADULT / $50 CONCESSION, OR PUT THIS IN YOUR SUBSCRIPTION PACK TO SAVE BETWEEN $15-$25 PER TICKET! ONE SHOW ONLY Saturday 14 February 8pm

March

For the very first time two of Australia’s most well-known, loved and respected Indigenous artists come together on stage, headlining The Joan’s 25th Anniversary community celebration day.

Since the release of her debut single Lost Train back in 1993, Christine Anu has become one of this country’s most heralded and admired artists.

Christine’s illustrious career spans two decades and ranges across music, theatre, dance, film and television, with credits including Moulin Rouge, The Matrix Reloaded, Play School, Rent and The Sapphires as well as ARIA Awards for her smash hit single My Island Home and her landmark album Stylin’ Up. As a member of the stolen generations and with a career spanning three decades, Archie Roach has become a powerful voice for indigenous Australians.

Along the way Archie has released 10 albums and has shared the stage with some of the world’s most iconic artists including Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Tracy Chapman, Patti Smith and Paul Simon. Despite the loss of his longtime partner and soulmate Ruby Hunter in 2010, as well as suffering both stroke and lung cancer in recent years, Archie continues to draw strength and healing from his music, inspiring the incredible performances he delivers.

“Christine’s gift is authenticity…

One gets the feeling she’s plumbing the very depths of her soul. And ours.”

AUSTRALIAN STAGE

“Archie Roach generates extraordinary warmth.

At the end, the audience leaps up for a standing ovation...”

THE GUARDIAN

Tickets

SINGLE TICKETS $55 ADULT / $50 CONCESSION OR PUT THIS IN YOUR SUBSCRIPTION PACK TO SAVE BETWEEN $5-$15 PER TICKET! ONE SHOW ONLY Saturday 28 March 2pm

CHRISTINE ANU & ARCHIE ROACH

May

The show that has been hailed as the ‘next big thing to hit the stage’, BPM beatsperminute intertwines tap, vocals, bass, guitar and drums, layering live rhythms to invent a new interpretation of the art of tap.

With an original score of percussive jazz through to funk, rock and rap, the performance features a unique full body style of smooth, sophisticated tap. Performing in and around the audience in the intimacy of The Joan’s Q Theatre, BPM beatsperminute makes audience interaction impossible to resist.

Original music by BRETT CANNING & GLYN GRAY Created by NATHAN SHEENS & GLYN GRAY Musical Director BRETT CANNING Directed by NATHAN SHEENS Choreographed by NATHAN SHEENS & GLYN GRAY

BPM BEATS PER MINUTE

“Music and dance are tightly interwoven to an invigorating whole... captivated an audience of subteens to grandmas.”

JILL SYKES, SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

“BPM, it’s a heart-starter.”

KATE HERBERT, HERALD SUN

“A breath of fresh, very cool, air... could easily work in New York or London” CATHERINE LAMBERT, SUNDAY HERALD

Tickets

SINGLE TICKETS $45 ADULT / $40 CONCESSION OR PUT THIS IN YOUR SUBSCRIPTION PACK TO SAVE BETWEEN $5-$15 PER TICKET! Friday 8 May 8pm Saturday 9 May 2pm Saturday 9 May 8pm

May

A colossal night of hilarity. Be prepared for laughs a plenty as we let loose our most loved comedians for the Melbourne Comedy Festival Roadshow.

Featuring some of the best home-grown local talent and international superstars from the 2015 festival, the Roadshow will be heading to over 75 destinations across Australia – all packaged up and delivered to your door for an unforgettable night of untamed hilarity.

Be part of the adventure and experience Melbourne Comedy Festival Roadshow in all its glory.

In 2015 the Melbourne Comedy Festival Roadshow will entertain crowds from Hobart to Hong Kong, Swan Hill to Singapore, Coffs Harbour to Kuala Lumpur and Margaret River to Marysville before taking things further afield with an international tour across East Asia and India.

Previous Roadshow line-ups have featured stellar talent including Cal Wilson, Felicity Ward, Tom Ballard, Hannah Gadsby and Greg Fleet and 2015 promises more comedic brilliance.

“Side-splitting fun, razorsharp, high velocity wit.”

DAILY EXAMINER, GRAFTON (NSW)

“…inspired a steady roar of laughter from an appreciative crowd of locals, long term expats and plenty of Australians.”

HKELD, HONG KONG

Tickets

SINGLE TICKETS $35 ADULT / $30 CONCESSION OR BUNDLE THIS WITH OTHER COMEDY SHOWS LIKE THE WHARF REVUE, MONKEY AND THANK YOU FOR BEING A FRIEND AND SAVE AT LEAST $25 ON A GREAT YEAR OF COMEDY! RUNNING TIME: APPROXIMATELY 2¼ HRS INCLUDING 20 MINUTE INTERVAL. ONE SHOW ONLY Tuesday 26 May 8pm Warning: Performances may contain coarse language, sexual references and material that can offend. It is recommended for people aged 15 years or older.

MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL ROADSHOW

“…Head Full of Love will make you think, make you laugh and make you cry. And really, isn’t that what theatre is all about?”

ARTSHUB

ALANA VALENTINE WESLEY ENOCH Directed by

June

HEAD FULL OF LOVE

By

The Annual Alice Springs Beanie Festival is fast approaching and Tilly Napuljari is running out of time to finish her new creation and enter it for judging. Nessa Tavistock, a Sydneysider, has run away to the Red Centre to escape her own problems back in the big smoke.

With time and talk, they realise that despite their differences in language, surroundings and upbringing, they are not so different after all. In making their beanie together, Tilly and Nessa’s stories become entwined and made into a thing of beauty – row by row, colour by colour, yarn by yarn.

Head Full of Love is the story of these two remarkable women and the unlikely but inspiring friendship which forms between them. It invites you to look differently at the possibilities of the humble beanie: a much-loved everyday item, and an extension of ourselves and the everyday lives we wear.

Wesley Enoch directs this intricate, warm and wisely told tale by Australian playwright Alana Valentine (Run Rabbit Run, Parramatta Girls).

Composer BRETT COLLERY Set Designer SIMONE ROMANIUK Lighting Designer BEN HUGHES Producer QUEENSLAND THEATRE COMPANY Head Full of Love was originally co-commissioned by Darwin Festival, 32° Browns Mart Producing Hub and Red Dust Theatre. Tour produced by Performing Lines for Blak Lines, with the support of the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.

Tickets

SINGLE TICKETS $45 ADULT / $40 CONCESSION OR PUT THIS IN YOUR SUBSCRIPTION PACK TO SAVE BETWEEN $5-$15 PER TICKET!

Saturday 13 June 2pm Saturday 13 June 8pm

July

By

ANNE BROOKSBANK Their lives could have been written so differently: the story of Henry Lawson and Mary Gilmore’s lost love makes its world premiere at The Joan in July 2015.

Still revered across Australia, Henry Lawson is one of the nation’s favourite writers and poets. His contemporary, Mary Gilmore, was a literary icon and radical socialist. Both had enormous influence over each other. Both were heroes of literature. Both were later the face of Australia’s currency.

Both were secretly betrothed to each other.

At the end of the 19th Century, Mary Gilmore was introduced to the young Henry Lawson. As their friendship developed, Mary found herself caught in the midst of an intense relationship between Henry and his formidable mother, the suffragette Louise Lawson.

What followed was the beginning of a love affair, soon thwarted by a devastating deception.

After researching Mary Gilmore’s memoirs, writer Anne Brooksbank first uncovered the tale of loving promises between two of Australia’s most famous writers. Taken from excerpts from the couple’s surviving letters, this is the first time Henry and Mary’s forbidden relationship has been brought to the professional stage.

Tickets

SINGLE TICKETS $45 ADULT / $40 CONCESSION OR PUT THIS IN YOUR SUBSCRIPTION PACK TO SAVE BETWEEN $5-$15 PER TICKET! Friday 17 July 8pm Saturday 18 July 2pm Saturday 18 July 8pm

ALL MY LOVE

SHAUN MCKENNA PENNY COOK Starring

Adapted from the screenplay of the Judi Dench and Maggie Smith film,

by Charles Dance.

August

LADIES IN LAVENDER

By

For two sisters living in a remote village on the Cornish coast, an exciting day means hot cocoa in bed.

Then, as if from a fairy tale, a mysterious young man washes up on the shore. As Ursula and Janet nurse him back to health, the handsome stranger’s presence stirs up long dormant emotions of love lost … and love never found. Set in the long shadow of World War I, this tender tale blooms like a late summer rose. Coming direct to The Joan from the Ensemble Theatre.

Directed by NICOLE BUFFONI

“A thumping good play.

Beautifully measured, touching and often very funny.”

BATH CHRONICLE

“Tender, beautiful and emotionally moving.”

BRITISH THEATRE GUIDE

Tickets

SINGLE TICKETS $55 ADULT / $50 CONCESSION, OR PUT THIS IN YOUR SUBSCRIPTION PACK TO SAVE BETWEEN $15-$25 PER TICKET!

Friday 21 August 8pm Saturday 22 August 2pm Saturday 22 August 8pm

September

“The Revue is an equal opportunity satire – no political party is left unstoned, nor cultural shibboleth unmauled.”

STAGENOISE

THE WHARF REVUE 2015 A SYDNEY THEATRE COMPANY PRODUCTION

Written and Created by

JONATHAN BIGGINS DREW FORSYTHE PHILLIP SCOTT ,

Photo: James Green

There ain’t no party like a Wharf Revue party.

In 2015, The Wharf Revue turns 15. Or is it 16? Everyone is getting too old to care about birthdays, but we do care about satire. So, once more unto the political breach step Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsythe and Phillip Scott with their signature style of seriously side-splitting satirical silliness and musical mayhem.

As ever, there will be up-to-the-second sketches on whichever cultural malaise or governmental gaffe is news of the day. But no birthday party is complete without a dose of nostalgia, so you can also count on a parade of past indignitaries – a who’s who of 21st century embarrassments, from the politicians to the celebrities. Who will make the cut? Who has the numbers in the caucus room? It’s anyone’s guess.

Rest assured, that whomsoever should return, there will be song, there will be dance and there will be some very silly wigs.

&

Musical Director PHILLIP SCOTT Lighting Designer MATTHEW MARSHALL With JONATHAN BIGGINS, DREW FORSYTHE & PHILLIP SCOTT Tickets

SINGLE TICKETS $60 ADULT / $55 CONCESSION, OR PUT THIS IN YOUR SUBSCRIPTION PACK TO SAVE BETWEEN $20-$30 PER TICKET! RUNNING TIME: 1HR 30MINS (NO INTERVAL)

Thursday 3 September 8pm Friday 4 September 8pm Saturday 5 September 2pm Saturday 5 September 8pm

KIM CARPENTER’S THEATRE OF IMAGE Live on-stage, in a large-scale production, Monkey... Journey to the West is based on China’s popular classic story of The Monkey King and remembered by generations of Australians from the 70s cult TV show Monkey Magic.

October

MONKEY...

JOURNEY TO THE WEST

Produced by

Join our iconic hero characters Pigsy, Sandy, Tripitaka and the immortal Monkey in their adventures to return the sacred scriptures – and peace and harmony – to China.

In a highly physical production that combines actors in comedy, music, song and spectacular martial arts from team9lives, Monkey’s journey is the creation of Theatre of Image and acclaimed director John Bell (Bell Shakespeare). Come on the adventure with Monkey and his friends and live the magic!

Creator/Designer/Co-Director KIM CARPENTER Co-Director JOHN BELL* Writer DONNA ABELA Composer/Musician PETER KENNARD Movement Director SCOTT WITT Lighting Designer SIAN JAMES-HOLLAND Performers ALJIN ABELLA, DARREN GILSHENAN, AILEEN HUNYH, JUSTIN SMITH ANTHONY TAUFA, LIA REUTENS, TROY HONEYSETT, JOSHUA TIEU, TIM FARLEY & JAIR CORONADO By arrangement with Bell Shakespeare.

WARNING Haze and smoke effects. *

Tickets

SINGLE TICKETS $45 ADULT / $40 CONCESSION, OR PUT THIS IN YOUR SUBSCRIPTION PACK TO SAVE BETWEEN $5-$15 PER TICKET! RUNNING TIME: 125 MINUTES, INCLUDING INTERVAL

This project has been assisted by the Australian Government’s Major Festival Initiative, managed by the Australia Council its arts funding and advisory body, in association with the Confederation of Australian International Arts Festivals Inc. Brisbane Festival, Melbourne Festival, Riverside Theatres Parramatta, Theatre of Image and Sydney Opera House and Canberra Theatre Centre.

Photo: Branco Gaica

Friday 9 October 7.30pm Saturday 10 October 2pm Saturday 10 October 7.30pm

October

Prepare for an evening of laughter, spectacular put-downs and familiar friends as Miami’s four favourite Golden Girls – Dorothy, Sophia, Rose and Blanche – reunite in puppet-form for this lovingly hilarious live tribute show.

Thank You For Being A Friend is the ultimate Golden Girls experience, delivering all the classic dialogue, razor sharp gags and taboo-breaking stories you’d expect. As a wonderful introduction to the joy of the hit television series for first timers, it’ll have the uninitiated rolling in the aisles, while die-hard fans fondly remember the brilliance of The Golden Girls.

Produced by MATTHEW MANAGEMENT & NEIL GOODING PRODUCTIONS Conceived and written by THOMAS DUNCAN-WATT & JONATHAN WORSLEY Directed by NEIL GOODING & LUKE JOSLIN Production Design by DAVID HORNE

THANK YOU FOR BEING A FRIEND

Tickets

SINGLE TICKETS $45 ADULT / $40 CONCESSION, OR PUT THIS IN YOUR SUBSCRIPTION PACK TO SAVE BETWEEN $5-$15 PER TICKET! Friday 30 October 8pm Saturday 31 October 2pm Saturday 31 October 8pm NEIL GOODING PRODUCTIONS

November

One of the world’s most lauded chamber ensembles, the Australian Chamber Orchestra performs in The Joan’s Richard Bonynge Concert Hall for the first time since 1992.

Renowned for its inspired programming and unrivalled virtuosity, energy and individuality, the ACO performs one of the all-time most popular concertos Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, featuring the internationally renowned Joseph Tawardros on Oud and Percussion, conducted by ACO’s brilliant Artistic Director Richard Tognetti.

Vivaldi’s Four Seasons has undergone many reincarnations since it was first played by the talented orphans of the Ospedale della Pietà in 18th-century Venice. Now, Richard Tognetti and Joseph Tawadros bring their own blend of musical alchemy to this program, reminding us that Venice is barely a day’s sail from Cairo. Almost 300 years after Vivaldi penned the Four Seasons, Joseph Tawadros brings the sounds of the near east to Australia with a selection of original works.

ACO Principal Partner

Tickets

SINGLE TICKETS $55 ADULT / $50 CONCESSION OR PUT THIS IN YOUR SUBSCRIPTION PACK TO SAVE BETWEEN $15-$25 PER TICKET! ONE SHOW ONLY Saturday 28 November 8pm

Photo: Paul Henderson-Kelly

AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER ORCHESTRA – THE FOUR SEASONS

ARTISTS Director and Violin RICHARD TOGNETTI Oud JOSEPH TAWADROS Percussion JAMES TAWADROS AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

Special Events Mirroring the two major opening celebrations in 1990 join us in March 2015 for The Joan’s Community Celebration Day and in August for the 25th Anniversary Commemorative Concert.

JOAN COMMUNITY CELEBRATION DAY In March 1990, hundreds of people from the local community were joined by parachutists, marching bands, dancers and local arts companies to celebrate the building’s public opening.

Join us – 25 years on – for a mega day of performing arts when for the first time ever the extended Joan building opens its studios, workshop rooms and stages to people young and old (and everything in between), to celebrate a quarter century since the doors first opened.

Here’s your chance to walk on the stages, see a performance or two, have a go yourself, peek behind the scenes, soak up the history and contribute creatively to the future of this great building.

To help us celebrate, we’ll be joined by Australian singing sensations Christine Anu and Archie Roach, one of the world’s best theatre companies for children – Scotland’s Catherine Wheels Theatre Company, as well as a feast of local performing arts talent from Penrith Conservatorium of Music, studioQ, Penrith Symphony Orchestra, Penrith Musical Comedy Company, Emu Heights Theatre Company and Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School.

Activities all day for all ages. Some free events as well as performances on sale.

Complimentary sausage sizzle and drink with any ticket purchase.

SATURDAY 28 MARCH 9AM-3PM

25TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT At The Joan’s official opening in 1990 Joan Sutherland performed her last ever concert recital, accompanied by husband Richard Bonynge, to a packed house in the Concert Hall. 25 years later join us for this gala tribute to the one and only ‘La Stupenda’.

The 25th Anniversary Concert will feature some of Australia’s most exquisite classical musicians including stunning vocal group The Song Company; one of Australia’s most acclaimed and recognised pianists Tamara Cislowska; and fittingly on a night honouring Dame Joan, the singer ‘touted as the next superstar of Opera’ Amelia Farrugia.

Joined on stage by the sublime strings of the Acacia Quartet and one of Australia’s principal harpists, and featuring a world premiere by Australia’s greatest living composer Elena Kats-Chernin, the 25th Anniversary Concert will be both a joyous concert of commemoration and an extraordinary night to remember.

SATURDAY 29 AUGUST 8PM

FOR A FULL PROGRAM

Special Events PROUDLY PRESENTED BY PENRITH PERFORMING & VISUAL ARTS AND PENRITH CITY COUNCIL

Keep an eye on www.jspac.com.au for regular updates and details.

A CENTRE FOR YOU ALSO AT THE JOAN IN 2015 The Joan is alive with activity all year round. As well as our 25th Anniversary Season we have a huge range of other programs on offer.

For further information on these contact us at www.jspac.com.au for regular updates or phone our Administration Team on 02 4723 7611.

From toddlers to centenarians, from fanciers of the fine to lovers of the strange; in 2015 The Joan offers a variety of performance series for almost everyone – we’d love you to join us.

MORNING MELODIES Hundreds of seniors head for The Joan on the 4th Wednesday of each month, to enjoy scones, coffee, tea, each other’s company and a memorable music concert featuring some of Australia’s most loved entertainers.

KIDS AT THE JOAN Everything from the much adored Gruffalo to the best of international theatre for children, each school holidays The Joan presents an engaging and enjoyable performance for 3-12 year olds and their families.

SCHOOLS AT THE JOAN Throughout the school year The Joan offers local schools the opportunity to see high quality, professionally produced performances that relate to particular areas of the curriculum, from some of Australia’s leading theatre, music and dance companies.

BNW (Best New Works) If the mainstream’s not your stream check out BNW in 2015 – we’ve selected some of the latest, most intriguing and intense performance experiences, from near and far, for people just like you.

SUNDAYS AT THE JOAN Following the huge success of our 2014 Sunday Winter Series, in 2015 you’ll have even more opportunities to spend a relaxing Sunday afternoon at The Joan with a glass of wine and cheese, fabulous world music, first-rate theatre and fellow arts lovers.

RICHARD BONYNGE FINE MUSIC SERIES Some of Australia’s top musicians still rate The Joan’s Bosendorfer as one of their favourite pianos to play and the Concert Hall as acoustically stupendous. Come and see why in 2015 as virtuosos of all persuasions grace the stage and leave you asking for one more encore.

A CENTRE FOR ARTISTS Amongst the lights, and curtains, and tickets, and tales, The Joan plays home to the Q. Following 50+ years of theatre making, the Q continues to develop artists, projects and creative places in 2015.

Q LAB Four times a year The Joan plays host to artists or groups of artists as they develop new ideas, projects and forms. Open to emerging and mid-career artists, working across the spectrum of live art, Q Lab provides an exciting potential pathway for artists to have their work developed, produced and presented here in Penrith. Q Lab encourages artistic exploration and critical review of new work within a professional and supportive environment. 2015 Q Lab applications close in late November with successful applicants announced in December.

MADE BY THE Q Over 50 years ago, Doreen Warburton and co. performed their first lunch time play in the AMP building at Circular Quay, to launch the Q Theatre Company. Moving to Penrith in 1977 was the beginning of an incredible new era of theatre production here in Penrith, and although the performances themselves have occurred in many different buildings, the Q continues to produce theatre for audiences both in Penrith and beyond. In 2014 Twinkle, a new work for children was made by the Q, and enjoyed performance seasons in western NSW, metro Sydney and at The Joan in the Q Theatre.

In 2015 a number of new professional theatre projects begin development.

ARTISTS’ PATHWAYS The Q is committed to providing long term artistic training, development and performance pathways. From ages 5 to 18 young people are able to undertake performance training through studioQ. Then from 2015 onwards young emerging artists aged between 18 and 25 will be able to work with the Q to create a new theatre work and access our artist’s spaces through HQ, with the potential to then feed into Q Lab and Made by the Q.

STAY TUNED In and around the hallways, foyers, studios, nooks and even the crannies things are happening, moving, making and shaking artistically here at The Joan.

Keep an eye on www.jspac.com.au for regular updates and details.

A CENTRE FOR LEARNING Education is the reason Joan Sutherland generously lent her name to Penrith’s new performing arts facility back in 1990 and providing outstanding creative learning opportunities continues to be at the core of The Joan’s activities.

PENRITH CONSERVATORIUM OF MUSIC The Joan is the only performing arts centre in Australia that has a significant music teaching facility as one of its prime functions. Pre-dating The Joan and boasting some of Australia’s finest music teachers, Penrith Conservatorium of Music (PCoM), offers a full range of instrumental, vocal and ensemble studies for all people, regardless of age or ability, whether for pure enjoyment or professional development.

Performance opportunities are also readily available, to complement the teaching program. PCoM offers professional tuition for students, from beginners to concert standard, in most musical instruments including voice, theory, musicianship and composition. PCoM also offers music education for the very youngest through its popular Music for Toddlers and Krotchet Kids programs, as well as a holiday workshop program each school holidays.

STUDIOQ studioQ is The Joan’s theatre training program for young people aged 5-18, occurring on Saturdays during school terms. The program is taught by our stellar team of professional performing artists who love teaching young people and also actively perform themselves. studioQ also offers performing arts training for people of all ages with a disability and their carers, which takes place during the week. All studioQ participants have regular performance opportunities culminating in an end of year showcase in the Q Theatre. studioQ operates with the belief that all people with professional guidance and training can make theatre which is as relevant and engaging for audiences as any theatre. studioQ welcomes newcomers for the first few weeks of each term, and also offers workshop programs each school holidays for those who would like to try it out.

SCHOOLS AT THE JOAN As well as performances suitable for schools’ audiences, The Joan also offers a flexible workshop program for all ages and stages all year round, taught by our experienced and energetic team of performing arts tutors, as well as Backstage Tours, Work Experience and VET placements. The Joan also produces the muchloved Flannofest annually, a theatre festival for the region’s secondary schools, linking professional artists with local drama classes to create new work, as well as various performance and training projects with local primary schools.

LOCALS AT THE JOAN In 2015, as well as presenting the 25th Anniversary Season, and the smorgasbord of other programs on the preceding pages, The Joan will again provide support and play host to many community groups who stage their own performances here – local people of all ages and abilities who put in many late evenings and weekends practising, rehearsing and performing because they love it!

Our What’s On webpage will be regularly updated with details of our Locals at The Joan program, but here’s a quick look at four of our much loved regulars.

EMU HEIGHTS THEATRE COMPANY Emu Heights Theatre Company’s vision is to engage, inspire and entertain Western Sydney through the production of exceptional quality theatre in Penrith. EHTC has championed independent theatre since its creation in 2010 by a group of passionate artists, teachers and local business people. Six celebrated productions have been staged at The Joan, including Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’ and ‘The Merchant of Venice’, Miller’s ‘The Crucible’ and Misto’s ‘The Shoe-Horn Sonata’.

EHTC branched out in 2013 to take Shakespeare Seminars directly into schools around Western Sydney. EHTC’s mission is to develop artists, provide students with local access to theatre and share the experience and vitality of live performance with the wider community. Contact: info@emuheightstheatre.com.au

PENRITH MUSICAL COMEDY COMPANY Penrith Musical Comedy Company has produced over 60 musicals since 1978, and continues to provide quality, affordable entertainment to the Penrith area.

In 2015, PMCC will stage the Sydney Premiere of Tony Award winning IN THE HEIGHTS. The show centres on a variety of characters living in the neighbourhood of Washington Heights, on the northern tip of Manhattan. At the centre of the show is Usnavi, a bodega owner who looks after the aging Cuban lady next door, pines for the gorgeous girl working in the neighbouring beauty salon and dreams of winning the lottery and escaping to the shores of his native Dominican Republic. Ultimately, Usnavi and the residents of the close-knit neighbourhood get a dose of what it means to be home. Contact Penrith Musical Comedy Company by emailing penrithmusical@gmail.com to find out more about how to get involved.

PENRITH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Penrith Symphony Orchestra, western Sydney’s only symphony orchestra, has presented an annual concert season at The Joan since 1990. In the centre’s 25th anniversary year, this longstanding relationship is recognised by PSO’s appointment as Orchestra-inResidence at The Joan. Comprising professionals, tertiary music students and gifted amateur players, the orchestra is recognised as one of Australia's leading pro-am orchestras. Under the artistic leadership of Paul Terracini, it provides local audiences with accessible, high-quality performances of wide-ranging orchestral, oratorio and operatic repertoire, collaborating with leading soloists, emerging artists and composers, and local choirs. The orchestra also presents annual children’s concerts and is developing a new youth music program.

To find out more or get involved visit www.pso.org.au or email president@pso.org.au

NTT PRODUCTIONS NTT Productions is a local theatre company that specialises in comedies, delving into both the musical and non-musical realms. NTT (Nonsensical Thespian Troupe) commenced in 1997 to showcase the talents of experienced local actors, singers and musicians, and has presented classics including ‘Allo, ‘Allo, Noises Off, Blackadder, No Clue – the interactive comedy whodunnit, Secret Bridesmaids’ Business and The Taming of the Shrew. Audiences return again and again to enjoy what NTT is really great at – delivering a terrific fun, laughterfilled night of theatre. NTT is proud to have Michael Caton and John Paul Young as their patrons. Find out more at www.nttproductions.com

2015

n ivers 25th An ary

SEASON

After 25 years of presenting the best performing arts from our local community to that from around the world, and providing pathways to the musical future of thousands of students, The Joan turns 25 and presents its 25th Anniversary season!

2005 2004 2000 1993 1990 2005 – The NSW Premier, Morris Iemma, opens the refurbished Centre and soon thereafter Dame Joan and Richard Bonynge visit to view the upgraded facilities.

Construction begins on an extension.

Designed by Suters Architects, this extension includes a new Q Theatre as well as extended conservatorium facilities and a large atrium foyer.

The Centre celebrates again – ten years old! Dame Joan Sutherland and Richard Bonynge attend the festivities, which include a Gala concert featuring the stars of the Australian Opera.

The Conservatorium is at capacity, and a proposal for an extension and refurbishment is added to the agenda for the future.

In August an official opening ceremony, with a Gala Concert performance

by Dame Joan Sutherland accompanied by Richard Bonynge takes place – the Recital of the Century.

In March a community launch of The Joan takes place.

Roads around the centre are closed and local groups and organisations join a celebratory parade. The day includes parachutists, performances, children’s entertainment and formalities.

2015

1990 ROLL CALL

Sir Bob Geldof Dame Kiri Te Kanawa Victoria de los Angeles Larry Adler Tina Arena Jimeoin John Williamson Kamahl Kate Miller-Heidke

Missy Higgins Christine Anu Katie Noonan Sarah Blasko Death of a Salesman The Taming of the Shrew As You Like It Keating!

Madame Butterfly

The Maids Silent Disco The Gruffalo Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow The 13 Storey Treehouse Circus Oz The Australian Ballet Bell Shakespeare

Sydney Symphony Orchestra Force Majeure Sydney Theatre Company Australian Chamber Orchestra Belvoir The Tokyo Shock Boys Belarus Free Theatre

1988 1986 Conservatorium enrolments are taken for Term One, and students commence the academic year despite finishing touches still being put on the building’s basic infrastructure.

The Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre is complete. At the beginning of the year a hard hat concert takes place to test out the acoustics.

A dedication ceremony for the new Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre (under construction) takes place, with Dame Joan and Richard Bonynge attending.

Virtuoso pianist Roger Woodward performs two sold out concerts on the Bosendorfer piano, newly purchased for the Centre, temporarily housed at the Penrith Regional Gallery.

1984 The Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre designs are produced

by Phillip Cox Architects.

Construction begins.

Image (above): Sutherland/Bonynge private collection. Image (above): ©News Ltd.

The seeds are sown by Penrith City Council, proposing a new performing arts space incorporating a conservatorium of music for western Sydney, as a Bicentennial project.

YOUR CENTRE, YOUR VISIT Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith

BOX OFFICE

DONATIONS

Our Box Office is open between 9.00am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday, and one hour before each performance.

Phone (02) 4723 7600 Fax (02) 4731 3701 Email boxoffice@jspac.com.au

The price of your ticket covers only a percentage of the costs involved in bringing you a show. The gift of giving is priceless and we gratefully welcome your support. For more information and to make a tax deductible donation securely online visit www.jspac.com.au

INTERNET BOOKINGS Booking online is easy! Simply go to our website www.jspac.com.au, browse our program and click through to book. You can also subscribe online. Online bookings incur a $4 transaction fee.

PAYMENT Credit Card (Visa or MasterCard) or Cheque made out to Penrith Performing & Visual Arts Ltd, Cash (please do not post). Phone, internet and credit card bookings incur a $4 transaction fee.

CONCESSIONS Concession pricing is available for any type of pensioners, Australian Government Health Care Card holders, as well as full time tertiary, TAFE and school students only. We do not accept Seniors Cards as a concession.

ACCESS INFORMATION The Joan is committed to ensuring access for all people. Our Box Office and Front-of-House staff will be happy to assist with any needs.

• Wheelchair spaces • Accessible seating • Companion card accepted • Hearing loops in the Q Theatre • Audio-described performances • Lifts from ground floor

LOCATION The Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre is at 597 High Street, Penrith and is situated opposite the Council Chambers and Penrith Plaza. The Box Office is located on the ground floor near the bar and lift.

GETTING TO THE JOAN The Joan is easy to reach, either by train or car. We are a five minute walk from Penrith station, through Penrith Plaza. If you’re coming by car, you’ll find us located just off Mulgoa Road, on High Street.

There are several parking options nearby.

For full details and information about getting to The Joan, parking, ticket collection, exchanging tickets and seating visit the website www.jspac.com.au Details are correct at time of printing. We reserve the right to alter without notice program, performers, dates, times and/or prices as may become necessary.

Subscribe & Save WHO WE ARE

CHECKLIST

Penrith Performing & Visual Arts (PP&VA) was established in 2007, and is an internationally unique (and ambitious) amalgam of the visual arts, performing arts and arts education.

Before sending please check the following: CONTACT DETAILS. Please ensure these are clearly written and that you have included your mobile phone and email address as these are the easiest ways for us to contact you.

CHOOSE YOUR SHOWS. Make sure you have selected the package you want (4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 shows) and the performances you want to see, with all the relevant boxes ticked or filled in.

SEATING REQUIREMENTS. Please make sure you’ve let us know if you have special needs.

CONCESSION CARDS. If claiming a concession, include a photocopy of your concession card.

TOTALS. Please make sure that you’ve completed your adding up and payment details.

If you need help with your subscription please call 4723 7600 or check our website for more hints www.jspac.com.au

PP&VA produces and presents dynamic cultural and arts education programs for the people of Penrith, western Sydney and beyond, and comprises: JOAN SUTHERLAND PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE A superb venue presenting the best in music, theatre and dance, The Joan is also home to the Penrith Conservatorium of Music, which provides quality music education for students of all ages and abilities; and the Q, which provides theatre training to young people aged 5-18, and people with a disability, as well as making innovative and community-focused performances, building on the substantial legacy of the Q Theatre Company.

PENRITH REGIONAL GALLERY & THE LEWERS BEQUEST One of Australia’s most beautiful regional galleries, the gallery presents world class exhibitions in a stunning historic setting on the western banks of the Nepean River. The gallery is the former home and property of sculptor Gerald Lewers and painter Margo Lewers. The heritage property features heritage gardens and a cafe serving seasonal menus.

EASY WAYS TO SUBMIT ONLINE. Subscriptions are available at our website www.jspac.com.au MAIL. You can put your completed form in the mail and Australia Post will deliver it to our door.

2015 Subscriptions, Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre PO Box 2, Penrith NSW 2751 IN PERSON. Come in and say hello to our friendly Box Office staff. Drop your completed form off at The Joan. 597 High Street, Penrith.

Please be aware that during peak times it may not be possible for your subscription to be processed on the spot. Your tickets can be emailed or posted to you.

THE FINE PRINT For more detailed subscriber information including ticketing terms and conditions, ticket exchanges and our privacy statement please visit our website www.jspac.com.au

Subscribe & Save CHOOSE YOUR PACK AND TICKET TYPE

YOUR DETAILS

4 Pack Save between $10-$65 Adult $160 6 Pack Save between $35-$90 Adult $225 8 Pack Save between $70-$125 Adult $280 10 Pack Save between $135-$170 Adult $325 12 Pack Save $215 Adult $360

Title First Name Last Name Address

Suburb Postcode Email

Ph (Home) Ph (Work) Ph (Mobile)

✔

✔

Concession $140

✔

✔

Concession $195

✔

Concession $240

✔

Concession $275

✔

Concession $300

✔

$

TOTAL SUBSCRIPTION

Carry total to Total Subscription box over the page.

CHOOSE YOUR SHOWS AND DATES AND ADD ANY GUEST TICKETS

Would you like to be added to our emailing list for updates and offers?

Please email me my subscription tickets Please post me my tickets

Please complete the form over the page.

Want to bring a guest or a group of friends? No problem.

If your guest or group of friends are subscribing as well simply submit your forms together. If they aren’t subscribing and you are purchasing tickets for them to attend with you, please fill in ‘additional guest tickets’ over the page, tally them for each show, and include the total additional amount in the grand total (your subscription + your guest tickets).

Please indicate your concession type (attach a photocopy if mailing) Pensioner Student (full time tertiary, TAFE and school)

SPECIFIC SEATING REQUIREMENTS Wheelchair position

Aisle seat

Accessible seat

PAYMENT METHOD 1. Cheque (Payable to Penrith Performing & Visual Arts Ltd) 2. Cash (Payable at The Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre Box Office) 3. Credit Card Please debit my

MasterCard

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From the Grand Total box over the page.

Visa

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Last 3 digits on back: Signature:

CHOOSE YOUR SHOWS AND DATES AND ADD ANY GUEST TICKETS Show

Month Date

Additional guest tickets Adult Concession Total guest ticket (number in box) (number in box) amount per show $ $45 $40

The Parting Glass

Jan

Saturday 17 January, 8pm

My Baby Just Cares For Me

Feb

Saturday, 14 February, 8pm

$55

$50

$

Christine Anu & Archie Roach

Mar

Saturday, 28 March, 2pm

$55

$50

$

Beats Per Minute

May

Friday, 8 May, 8pm

$45

$40

$

Beats Per Minute

May

Saturday, 9 May, 2pm

$45

$40

$

Beats Per Minute

May

Saturday, 9 May, 8pm

$45

$40

$

MICF Roadshow

May

Tuesday, 26 May, 8pm

$35

$30

$

Head Full Of Love

Jun

Saturday, 13 June, 2pm

$45

$40

$

Head Full Of Love

Jun

Saturday, 13 June, 8pm

$45

$40

$

All My Love

Jul

Friday, 17 July, 8pm

$45

$40

$

All My Love

Jul

Saturday 18 July, 2pm

$45

$40

$

All My Love

Jul

Saturday 18 July, 8pm

$45

$40

$

Ladies in Lavender

Aug

Friday, 21 August, 8pm

$45

$40

$

Ladies in Lavender

Aug

Saturday, 22 August, 2pm

$45

$40

$

Ladies in Lavender

Aug

Saturday, 22 August, 8pm

$45

$40

$

The Wharf Revue

Sep

Thursday, 3 September, 8pm

$60

$55

$

The Wharf Revue

Sep

Friday, 4 September, 8pm

$60

$55

$

The Wharf Revue

Sep

Saturday, 5 September, 2pm

$60

$55

$

The Wharf Revue

Sep

Saturday, 5 September, 8pm

$60

$55

$

Monkey…Journey To The West Oct

Friday, 9 October, 7.30pm

$45

$40

$

Monkey…Journey To The West Oct

Saturday, 10 October, 2pm

$45

$40

$

Monkey…Journey To The West Oct

Saturday, 10 October, 7.30pm

$45

$40

$

Thank You For Being A Friend

Oct

Friday, 30 October, 8pm

$45

$40

$

Thank You For Being A Friend

Oct

Saturday, 31 October, 2pm

$45

$40

$

Thank You For Being A Friend

Oct

Saturday, 31 October, 8pm

$45

$40

$

Australian Chamber Orchestra

Nov

Saturday, 28 November, 8pm

$55

$50

$

TOTAL GUEST TICKET $ (from Subscriptions Options over the page) TOTAL SUBSCRIPTION $

Don’t forget there’s a checklist to help.

PROCESSING FEE $ Carry over to ‘Grand Total’ on payment form over the page.

GRAND TOTAL

$

4.00

W www.jspac.com.au

JoanSutherlandPerformingArtsCentre

@_the_joan

Designed by Rachel Anning, RAcreate

PENRITH PERFORMING & VISUAL ARTS LTD Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre PO Box 2 Penrith NSW 2751 597 High Street Penrith Box Office 02 4723 7600 or jspac.com.au Administration 02 4723 7611 Fax 02 4731 3701 Penrith Regional Gallery & The Lewers Bequest 86 River Road Emu Plains NSW 2750 Administration 02 4735 1100 Fax 02 4735 8334 penrithregionalgallery.org