HAPPY SEASON 2016
HAPPINESS IS IN BLOOM
Whitehorse Centre presents a Harbour Agency production
Melinda Does Doris Friday 26 February 8pm Saturday 27 February 8pm 2 hrs (including interval)
With Melinda Schneider After forging a dazzling country music career that has won her six Golden Guitars, and stunning audiences on Dancing with the Stars, Melinda Schneider steps back in time to pay homage to one of her musical heroes, Doris Day. Melinda’s love affair with Doris began in childhood when she laid eyes on Calamity Jane in the 1953 film and was smitten by all she saw. “Doris was such a huge talent, a triple threat as they say – she could sing, dance and act. I thought then she was the best of everything a woman can be and when I grew up I wanted to be just like her” says Schneider. This celebration includes timeless hits such as Sentimental Journey, Que Sera, Sera, Everybody Loves A Lover, Secret Love and a whole slew of hits from Calamity Jane, Love Me Or Leave Me and The Pajama Game. The City of Whitehorse is proud to welcome Melinda Schneider in this musical showcase of Doris Day to open the 2016 Season.
“Doris, what a woman – she’s a beautiful, strong, talented, resilient survivor! She’s survived her car being hit by a train, three divorces, domestic violence, bankruptcy, Charles Manson, she’s outlived all of her husbands, has just turned 91 years old and has done it all with her head held high. I admire her. She’s very strong, as most women are.” Melinda Schneider
Whitehorse Centre presents a Critical Stages, Catnip and MopHead Production
4000 Miles By Amy Herzog
Friday 11 March 8pm (post-show Q & A) Saturday 12 March 2pm & 8pm 1 hr 30 mins (no interval) Patron advice: contains coarse language (14+ years)
Director Anthony Skuse With Aileen Huynh, Diana McLean, Stephen Multari, Eloise Snape Set & Costume Designer Hugh O’Connor Lighting Designer Sara Swersky Composer & Sound Designer Marty Jamieson Voice & Dialect Coach Linda Nicholls-Gidley Producer Cat Dibley 21-year-old Leo rocks up unannounced at the Manhattan apartment of his 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 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.
“A gentle, compassionate play about an emotionally fragile young man and his feisty elderly grandmother. The two lead performances in 4000 Miles are beautifully understated.” Sunday Telegraph
4000 Miles was originally produced by Lincoln Center Theatre in 2011, New York City
Whitehorse Centre presents Promac Productions Australia’s
The Mikado Saturday 19 March 2pm & 8pm 1 hr 50 mins (including interval)
By Gilbert and Sullivan With Brian Hannan, Alison Rae Jones, Caroline Vercoe, Phillip Wheeldon, Chris McKenna After 21 years of touring Australia to critical acclaim, Promac Productions Australia are now saying goodbye to their Gilbert & Sullivan productions with a farewell tour of their most successful show, The Mikado. Starring the hilarious talents of comic baritone Brian Hannan as Ko Ko, the superb voice of Alison Rae Jones as Yum Yum, the formidable acting of mezzo soprano Caroline Vercoe as Katisha, the commanding Phillip Wheeldon as Pooh Bah and the seasoned professional Chris McKenna as Nanki Poo. Fully staged and with superb costumes this unconventional version of The Mikado is full of surprises and fun for all ages.
“In Brian Hannan the company has a comic genius...Superb....” The Age
Whitehorse Centre presents a Working Management production
Bobby Fox in
Four Seasons In One Night Friday 8 April 8pm Saturday 9 April 8pm 1 hr 45 mins (including interval)
Four Seasons In One Night is a celebration of the incredible music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons and Bobby Fox’s firsthand insight into the world of this legendary man and his band. Handpicked for the Australian production of Jersey Boys by Frankie Valli himself and after three years and over 850 performances as Frankie Valli, Bobby returns to the stage to take you on his personal journey of the hit stage musical. Bobby will share with you behind the scenes experiences of his unique journey from his first audition to the final curtain call. Enjoy all the favourite songs including Oh What A Night!, Sherry, Walk Like A Man, Grease, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You and many more.
“With Fox’s charismatic personality and entertaining anecdotes, this show was elevated to a wonderful night at the theatre.” Aussie Theatre “Jersey Boys tells the story of Franki Valli and the Four Seasons. Even if you don’t know Valli you will know his music and it was that voice that I wanted to hear. But if I came for the music I stayed for Bobby Fox.” Australian Stage
Photo: Aaron Tait
Whitehorse Centre presents a Queensland Theatre Company production
Country Song Tuesday 19 April 8pm (post-show Q & A) Wednesday 20 April 1pm & 8pm 2 hrs 5 mins (including interval) Patron advice: contains adult concepts
A fictionalised story inspired by the life of Jimmy Little by Reg Cribb with original concept by Michael Tuahine Director Wesley Enoch Associate Director Jason Klarwein Designer Josh McIntosh Musical Director Jamie Clark Lighting Designer Jason Glenwright Dramaturg Louise Gough 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 is 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 number one hit Royal Telephone and his covers of ‘80s hits Under The Milky Way and Blackfella/Whitefella. Penned by Reg Cribb, author of Bran Nu Dae and brought to life by Wesley Enoch, director of The Sapphires stage play, Country Song had standing ovations throughout its world premiere season in 2015. You’ll laugh, cry, dance and maybe even sing along with this inspiring tale.
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.
Photo: Sarah Walker
Whitehorse Centre presents a Larrikin Ensemble Theatre production
Boy Out Of The Country Friday 17 June 8pm (post-show Q & A) Saturday 18 June 2pm & 8pm 1 hr 35 mins (no interval) Patron advice: frequent coarse language
Writer & Director Felix Nobis With Martin Blum, Christopher Bunworth, Jane Clifton, Matt Dyktynski, Amanda LaBonte, Bang Mango Cools Lighting & Set Designer Rob Sowinski Tour Manager Wolf Heidecker There’s more to life than real-estate. There’s more to family than DNA! Jane Clifton leads a stellar cast in a play about family, loyalty and property prices in regional Australia. Boy out of the Country is an Australian story that is both timeless and as immediate as the stories we read in our daily papers: stories about family disputes, love, real-estate; stories about urban sprawl, lost traditions and people making a quick buck. It asks how we as a society can balance the values of tradition with the value of development. Written with wit and in a crackling Australian idiom Boy out of the Country is a fast paced, funny and highly satisfying piece of theatre about life beyond the big city.
“Touching, funny, raw, bittersweet, the play is at once uniquely Australian and thematically universal.” Australian Book Review
Whitehorse Centre presents a Sydney Theatre Company production
The Wharf Revue CELEBRATING 15 YEARS Written & created by Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsythe and Phillip Scott Friday 24 June 8pm (post-show Q & A) Saturday 25 June 2pm & 8pm 1 hr 30 mins (no interval)
With Jonathan Biggins, Amanda Bishop, Drew Forsythe, Phillip Scott Musical Director Phillip Scott Lighting Designer Matthew Marshall There ain’t no party like a Wharf Revue party. Over 15 years and 21 shows, they’ve mercilessly mocked all the usual suspects. We’ve watched Howard Tampa with refugees, Rudd give pennies from Kevin, Gillard refuse to be lectured by “that man”, “that man” scrap the carbon tax, stop the boats and – um – get the budget back into surplus… But no one has been able to outplay, outwit or outlast The Wharf Revue. So, we’re throwing a party and everyone’s invited. This year, The Wharf Revue will be a parade of past and present indignitaries – a who’s who of 21st century embarrassments, from the politicians to the celebrities – all skewered on the stake of seriously side-splitting satirical silliness and musical mayhem. Who will make the cut? Who has the numbers in the caucus room? It’s anyone’s guess.
“It truly is a must see.” Sydney Arts Guide “It’s like catching up with an old friend for a well-earned laugh.” Aussie Theatre
[INSERT PRESENTING COMPANY] PRESENTS A SYDNEY THEATRE COMPANY PRODUCTION
CELEBRATING 15 YEARS
Whitehorse Centre presents HIT Productions
Educating Rita
By Willy Russell
Friday 8 July 8pm (post-show Q & A) Saturday 9 July 2pm & 8pm 2 hrs 15 mins (including interval) Patron advice: contains some strong language (15+ years)
With Colin Moody, Francesca Bianchi Director Denny Lawrence Set & Lighting Designer Jacob Battista Rita is a straight-talking hairdresser searching for a better life. Frank is an English professor looking for a way to support his drinking habit. When Rita enters his musty office wanting to know ‘everything’, she breathes new life into Frank and the literature he thinks he knows so well. So begins the tale of two very different worlds colliding and producing a charming human comedy of a wonderfully entertaining modern day Pygmalion. This beloved story of lives half-lived, the potential to awaken another’s soul and the power of choice has been entertaining audiences for over 30 years. See it sparkle in a whole new light.
“Beautifully crafted…a modern masterpiece.” Lichfield Live “Warm, funny and entertaining.” Herald Sun
Educating Rita is supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria
Whitehorse Centre presents a RAZ Music production
Love Songs Thursday 14 July 8pm Friday 15 July 8pm 1 hr 40 mins (including interval)
With Kate Ceberano and Paul Grabowsky Welcome to an intimate evening with the high priestess of Australian pop, Kate Ceberano and musical partner, ARIA and Helpmann Award-winning Paul Grabowsky. In this very personal journey by two of Australia’s most respected musicians we see reinterpretations of some of the great love songs of the past 50 years. These songs were selected because of their ability to connect on a deep emotional level and more importantly, because they have influenced both artists at some point in their lives. The effect on audiences is palpable as Kate and Paul present stripped back renditions of love songs such as John Lennon’s Imagine, Nina Simone’s Lilac Wine, Fleetwood Mac’s Songbird and Leonard Cohen’s Suzanne. Love Songs also features Grabowsky originals along with hits and memories reinterpreted from the Ceberano songbook.
“It is a match made in musical heaven. Her ravishing voice paired with his keyboard mastery.” Herald Sun “… But three encores later, the audience was on its feet and pleading for more.” Herald Sun
Whitehorse Centre presents a Victorian Opera production
Opera Electric Friday 5 August 8pm 2 hrs (including interval)
Following their sell-out performance of Heroes and Villains, the critically acclaimed Victorian Opera returns to the Whitehorse Centre with another unforgettable concert experience. Opera Electric is a performance inspired by some of the most electrifying works of opera. In this two hour event, much loved operatic stories and colourful characters are brought to life by Victorian Opera’s stars of the future. In the intimate surrounds of the Whitehorse Centre, this exciting group of young artists take the audience on an exhilarating journey of love, desire, jealousy and revenge all the elements that make opera electric. Victorian Opera sees opera as the moment when theatre, music, poetry and beautiful singing come together to reflect the human condition in the most moving, thrilling and unforgettable way. This concert will be a most memorable night out with family and friends.
Whitehorse Centre presents a Downunder Promotions production
Frank A Life In Song Wednesday 10 August 8pm Thursday 11 August 8pm 2 hrs (including interval)
With Tom Burlinson
Start spreading the news! Tom Burlinson’s internationally acclaimed Frank - A Life In Song will be a swinging, joyous celebration of the music and career of the late, great Ol’ Blue Eyes. Critics around the world agree Tom has the knack of reproducing the unmistakable timbre and gestures that were trademarks of the Sinatra style. Tom says that Sinatra may not have had all the individual elements some of the other singers of the era had, but when Sinatra sang a song, it got sung. In this two hour show, Tom croons his way through around 30 of the most popular classics of the past 60 years including Come Fly With Me, I’ve Got You Under My Skin, The Lady Is A Tramp, Fly Me To The Moon, Mack The Knife, My Way, That’s Life and New York, New York. Come fly away with an evening of timeless music, biographical detail, a seven piece band featuring some of Australia’s finest jazz musicians and the master storyteller and vocalist, Tom Burlinson. “… every moment Burlinson is on stage, Frank Sinatra lives.” The Courier Mail
Whitehorse Centre presents The Australian Shakespeare Company in association with HIT Productions
A Guy And A Gal In Concert
Friday 9 September 8pm Saturday 10 September 8pm 2 hrs (including interval)
With John Wood and Michele Forbes Showbiz legend John Wood and singing sensation Michele Forbes perform classic hits from the great Jazz and American Songbooks. Unforgettable songs such as Too Darn Hot, Baby It’s Cold Outside and Steppin’ Out With My Baby feature when John and Michele share the stage with a live three-piece band and dancers. This will be an evening of exceptional entertainment by one of Australia’s favourite TV stars and his leading lady. John and Michele welcome the audience with a high energy rendition of Peggy Lee’s I Love Being Here With You followed by a hilarious but hair raising story about how A Guy and A Gal was born on the side of a precarious mountain in a three-tonne truck. One of the show’s many highlights is how Michele coaxes a reluctant John Wood to dance as she enlists the help of her dancers who ‘seduce’ him into ‘steppin’ out’ with his leading lady. A Guy and a Gal is a lively and at times poignant concert showcasing the extraordinary singing talents of one of Australia’s legendary actors and his glamorous and talented co-star.
Whitehorse Centre in association with Ellis Productions & Aleksandar Vass present
Around The World In 80 Days Friday 23 September 8pm (post-show Q & A) Saturday 24 September 2pm & 8pm 1 hr 50 mins (including interval)
By Jules Verne With Ian Stenlake Director Terence O’Connell Adapted for the stage by Toby Hulse In the comedic style of The 39 Steps and starring Ian Stenlake like you have never seen him before, buckle up as Around The World In 80 Days takes you on a high speed, madcap, transcontinental race against the clock! This is a joyfully frenetic whirlwind of a show, full of Victorian invention and daring deeds. Three actors portray a cast of thousands in this adaptation of Jules Verne’s globetrotting classic, bringing to life sea storms, police chases and elephant rides! The story begins with a bank robbery by a mysterious figure. Then we are introduced to Phileas Fogg, honest-looking, well-turned out and with good teeth who proclaims before his fellow members of a London gentleman’s club that he can circumnavigate the globe in a mere 80 days. He goes forth on his adventure accompanied by his newly-acquired valet, Mr. Passepartout. Hot in their pursuit is detective Fix of Scotland Yard, who thinks that Fogg is the man who robbed the bank. This madcap adventure quickly moves along on a succession of locomotives, steamers and hilarity. With a style that incorporates elements of The 39 Steps; classic farce, theatrical storytelling and madcap silliness, combined with the great age of industrial invention, this show produces a piece of theatre that will have you crying with laughter as you travel the world.
Whitehorse Centre presents a Transit Dance Company production
Yours Truly Tuesday 8 November 8pm 1 hr 50 mins (including interval)
Director & Choreographer Paul Malek & Kimberley Adam Producer Chris Curran With Jayden Hicks, Lauree Malek, Lucy Doherty, Kurt Dwyer-Williams, Danika Sayce, Lachlan Hall Music Antony and the Johnsons ACT 1: Duets Delving into the moments that bring two people together, the wonders they share and the heartache that life can bring during our journey to find eternal love. Duets is a selection of Paul Malek’s most memorable and moving routines from his choreographic work on So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing With The Stars and numerous acclaimed theatrical productions. “Beautiful, beautiful choreography.” Paula Abdul ACT 2: Yours Truly (Feature Presentation) Set against the backdrop of 1940s rural Australia, Yours Truly explores the heartbreaking stories of three women and three men separated by war. It is a powerful dance narrative and inspired by love letters in a time of war. Yours Truly received standing ovations and critical acclaim at its 2013 premiere season. Poignant choreography and beautiful music; remembering not just the fallen, but those that were left behind. An exceptionally produced show that will never be forgotten. “Thrilling. Powerful. Outstanding.” The Age
Whitehorse Centre presents a Jens Altheimer production
Loose Ends Thursday 7 April 11am (post show Q & A) 1 hr (no interval) | Suitable for children 6+ years Director Jens Altheimer After the success of Jens’ show Squaring The Wheel in 2013, he returns in this new show sure to delight the young and the young at heart. Makers, creators, story-lovers: dive into a theatrical adventure that feels like the magic box of a bygone trickster! An eccentric place where gadgets are poetic, puppets naughty, machines untamed and circus surprisingly pops up; where music appears from lemons, carrots and bunny bums, monsters go crazy and birthday parties are ferociously celebrated. An adventure about a man who thinks he can organise all his life in boxes...… well, he’ll need to learn a big thing about real friendship to get out of trouble! This breathtaking show is highly visual, emotional and unpredictable. It makes inventions and machines fun for everyone and adds a few quirky edges to puppetry: ever wondered what Elmo would look like without his fur?
Whitehorse Centre presents a Garry Ginivan Attractions production in association with Shows for Schools
HIPPO! HIPPO! A BIG NEW Musical Adventure! Thursday 7 July 10am 50 mins (no interval) | Suitable for children 3 - 8 years Based on the books written by Hazel Edwards and illustrated by Deborah Niland Adapted and designed for the stage by Garry Ginivan Original Score by Mark Jones HIPPO! HIPPO! A BIG NEW Musical Adventure! is based on the phenomenally successful children’s classic There’s a Hippopotamus on Our Roof Eating Cake. Hippo is the imaginary friend of Girl, a young child. Girl believes that Hippo lives on the roof and can seemingly do anything he wants, when he wants, how he wants - particularly the things that Girl is unable or not allowed to do. Through Hippo, Girl is able to allay her fears and gain confidence in her early childhood years. Joyful and brimming with childhood wonder, HIPPO! HIPPO! A BIG NEW Musical Adventure! will make you laugh and is guaranteed to lift your spirits in a BIG and UNBEATABLE way.
This adaptation is produced under exclusive license from Penguin Books Australia.
Whitehorse Centre presents a CDP production
Snugglepot & Cuddlepie Tuesday 27 September 1pm & 3pm 55 mins (no interval) | Suitable for children 5 - 10 years In association with Monkey Baa Theatre Company Adapted by Eva Di Cesare, Sandra Eldridge & Tim McGarry from a series of books by May Gibbs By arrangement with The Northcott Society and Cerebral Palsy Alliance This exquisite new stage adaptation will spark the imagination and sense of adventure in children and their families as they experience the timeless charm of Snugglepot & Cuddlepie. The Gumnut babies are on a mission to see a human – but only in the distance! On their journey to the big city they meet friends and foes including Professor Kookaburra, Mrs Fantail, Mr Lizard, Mr Frog, Mrs Snake, Mr Possum and, of course, Little Ragged Blossom. Can Snugglepot lead the way? Can Cuddlepie hold his nerve? Can they avoid falling victim to the Big Bad Banksia Man? These much loved characters come to life on stage as this funny and charming new production introduces today’s children to the wonderful world of May Gibbs. This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body.
LET’S GET HAPPY
Five excellent reasons to subscribe
Always happy to catch-up with friends
Plan a regular date with friends, grab a drink at our bar and make a night of it. Happy times are to be shared!
So happy!
Become a subscriber and save. The more shows you see in the season the more money you save.
Happy with my seats
ots of our shows sell out. By subscribing you have the best available seats to L all of the hottest shows in town. Jump the queue with a priority booking period until 6 January.
A simple life makes me happy
delayed debit program means you only pay when you see the show. That’s right, A no up-front payment and no messy paperwork. We also understand that your plans can change and if you need to swap performances it’s at no cost to you.
Going gold
s a Gold Subscriber you receive a special treat - a complimentary drink or ice A cream at each theatre and variety program performance. You also receive an additional discount off ticket prices to our Variety Program. Going gold has a lot to offer and is your ticket to happiness!
PLAN YOUR VISIT 379-397 Whitehorse Road Nunawading VIC 3131
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LOCATION The Whitehorse Centre is located behind the Whitehorse Civic Centre and Library at 397 Whitehorse Road Nunawading. PARKING There is free parking within the Council precinct and adjacent to the Centre at Walker Park. There is additional parking behind the Civic Centre after 6pm weekdays and on weekends.
whitehorsecentre.com.au
P UBLIC TRANSPORT The 901 Smart Bus stops in front of the Civic Centre and the Nunawading train station is a comfortable 10 minute walk. CYCLING There are bike bays available in front of the Centre and near the library.
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BOOKING INFORMATION Box Office: Monday – Friday 10am – 4:30pm Telephone: 9262 6555 whitehorsecentre.com.au SUBSCRIPTION PACKAGES Choose a minimum of just four theatre shows to create a package and enjoy the benefits of priority booking until 6 January 2016. Take advantage of the delayed debit payment plan, reduced prices on the variety program and free ticket exchange. Choose six theatre shows to create a gold package and receive a complimentary drink or ice cream at each performance. DELAYED DEBIT PAYMENT Choose any package and have the option to pay in instalments each time you see a performance. Please note the following terms and conditions: • You must be a current subscriber. • You are committed to paying the full amount of your package and at no time can your package be cancelled. • If your credit card (MasterCard or Visa) expires during the year please contact us with your new expiry date. • Delayed debit payments will appear on your credit card statement as ‘City of Whitehorse’. ADDITIONAL TICKETS FOR SUBSCRIBERS Package buyers have the option to purchase additional tickets to all shows for friends and family. Even if they are not subscribers, you can add their tickets to your booking form and all be seated together. (Non-subscribers using separate booking forms will have their booking processed when individual tickets go on sale on 7 January 2016.) INDIVIDUAL TICKETS Individual tickets to all shows go on sale 7 January 2016 and can be purchased via the internet, in person, by phone or by mail using the booking form in this brochure. Please note: phone bookings incur a $3.75 handling fee and internet bookings incur a $3.00 handling fee. $25 YOUTH TICKETS (U25) If you are under the age of 25 then take advantage of this great offer of $25 tickets as part of the Professional Season. Proof of age may be required. TICKET EXCHANGES You may exchange your ticket to a show for another performance of the same show (where available), provided the ticket is received by the box office prior to the first performance of that show. This service is free for subscribers. Sorry, refunds are not available at any time. ACCESS AND ACCESSIBILITY •M elway map 48 G9. • The Whitehorse Centre is accessible for patrons in wheelchairs or with limited mobility. If you require a wheelchair space in the theatre, please request this when booking tickets. • Free and accessible parking is available at the Whitehorse Centre. • N unawading train station (Belgrave and Lilydale lines) is a 10 minute walk from the centre. • A wireless lightwave system using headphones or a neck loop is available and can be requested when booking tickets. An audio loop for patrons wearing a hearing aid with a T switch is also available in selected seats. • Patrons with a hearing or speech impairment can call us via the National Relay Service on 133 677 then quote 9262 6333.
Whitehorse Centre is a service of the City of Whitehorse and is a member of the Victorian Association of Performing Arts Centres.
IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS IN LIFE THAT CAN MAKE YOU HAPPY
SEE YOU AT THE THEATRE
The Whitehorse Centre is owned and operated by Whitehorse City Council. Council proudly supports the 2016 Professional Season, one of the major features of its arts program.
whitehorsecentre.com.au