SEASON 2017
SIMPLY DIVINE
Whitehorse Centre presents
AN EVENING WITH MARINA PRIOR Friday 24 February 8pm Saturday 25 February 8pm 1 hr 50 mins (including interval)
Marina Prior rose to stardom when she played Christine in The Phantom of the Opera. She is now regarded as Australia’s leading lady of musical theatre, having performed over twenty leading roles in her career. This award-winning performer is honoured with being named one of Australia’s 100 Entertainers of the Century. See Marina as you have never seen her before – in an intimate performance, singing her favourite songs and sharing stories from her career. Marina’s vast repertoire includes musical theatre, Celtic, contemporary and light opera. She will captivate you with a stunning selection of her favourite songs from such shows as The Phantom of the Opera, Cats and Les Misérables. Marina will be accompanied by the multi-talented David Cameron on piano. The City of Whitehorse welcomes Marina Prior to open Season 2017 in what promises to be a magical night in the theatre.
“On stage she brings this effortless charm with her and within five minutes, she had every last member of the sold out house in the palm of her hand… She’s warm and accessible – and downright hilarious!” Aussie Theatre
Whitehorse Centre in association with Gasworks Arts Park presents
HELLO, BEAUTIFUL! Friday 17 March 8pm Saturday 18 March 2pm & 8pm 1 hr 10 mins (no interval) Post-show Q & A at all performances Patron advice: contains coarse language
Written and performed by Hannie Rayson Hello, Beautiful! is a funny, big-hearted, one-woman show performed by Hannie Rayson, one of Australia’s best loved playwrights. Based on her best-selling memoir, this is a sublime comic storytelling – true stories from an adventurous life, spiced with wit, tenderness, social observation and intimacy. Hannie takes you from the East Brighton of her childhood to the treacheries of Hollywood, from share-houses in Fitzroy to the beauties of rural Australia. Rayson’s life and writing has always been driven by her deep curiosity about contemporary Australian life - how we live and what matters to us – the political and ethical challenges we face. Here you’ll be struck with many “OMG that happened to me” moments and feel as if you’ve been listening to stories told by your new best friend.
“As nourishing and delicious as homemade soup.” Noni Hazlehurst “So beautifully written, so funny, so insightful and so obviously written by a warm and appealing human being.” David Williamson “Hannie Rayson is a queen. I don’t think I’ve ever fallen so quickly in love. I can’t tell whether she’d be better as a mum or a drinking buddy.” Olivia Satchwell
This tour is supported by Gasworks Arts Park
Whitehorse Centre presents
CLARE BOWDITCH IN CONCERT Friday 24 March 8pm 1 hr 50 mins (including interval)
Clare Bowditch is an ARIA award-winning songwriter, sometimes actor (Offspring), speaker, writer, creative-business mentor and afternoon host on 774 ABC Melbourne. She’s had Top Ten albums and has been named Rolling Stone Woman of the Year. Experience an evening of inspiration as Clare plays her beautiful folk inspired songs such as You Make Me Happy, older songs from her ARIA award-winning album What Was Left and new songs from her unreleased eighth studio album. Expect to walk out feeling taller and bolder.
“Clare Bowditch is an illustrious woman and one of Australia’s finest and most respected female singers.” Music Feeds
Whitehorse Centre presents
TAXITHI
AN AUSTRALIAN ODYSSEY Friday 7 April 8pm Saturday 8 April 8pm 1 hr 20 mins (no interval)
By Helen Yotis Patterson With Helen Yotis Patterson, Maria Mercedes, Artemis Ioannides Director Petra Kalive Music Director Andrew Patterson Bouzouki Soloist Jacob Papadopoulos Taxithi – An Australian Odyssey are the collected stories of women who migrated from Greece to Australia in the 1950s and ‘60s. Filled with the poignant memories and passionate music of their homeland, these true stories capture the strength of the women who made new lives, creating an indelible impression on a faraway country. These are the women whose stories have often been untold, even to their children, about leaving their homeland for a strange country they knew nothing about. They are Australian stories; they are a part of the fabric of the nation, they are precious, and as with most good stories, there are lessons to be learned with their telling. Taxithi seamlessly integrates these stories with the beautiful music from home that illuminates every emotion these women experienced. From the first spine tingling notes you will be transported to another time.
“A magnificent and joyous celebration.” Stage Whispers “A moving tribute to the courage and resilience of migrants, and an open road into the Greek soul.” The Sydney Morning Herald
Photo: Tyson Mowarin
Whitehorse Centre presents an ILBIJERRI Theatre Company and Belvoir production
CORANDERRK Friday 21 April 8pm (post-show Q & A) Saturday 22 April 8pm 1 hr 10 mins (no interval) Patron advice: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander audiences are warned that this production contains images of deceased persons
With Trevor Jamieson By Andrea James & Giordano Nanni Director Eva Grace Mullaley At a Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry in 1881, the men and women of the Coranderrk Aboriginal Reserve went head-to-head with the Aboriginal Protection Board. Their goal was both simple and revolutionary: to be allowed to continue the brilliant experiment in self-determination they had pioneered for themselves on the scrap of country left to them. Coranderrk recreates the Inquiry. This is both great theatre and great history. It revives the voices of all those, black and white, who fought for a better pact between the country’s oldest and newest inhabitants. This special production pays tribute to the resilience and adaptability of a people who rose to the challenge despite the odds, appropriating the power of the written word to make their own voices ring loud and clear. Coranderrk is about what might have been.
“It is honest, open, raw, emotional, poignant; true. There is a strong spirit in Coranderrk. And to sit in a crowded, darkened theatre and witness it, is a truly humbling experience.” The Spell of Waking Hours
Photo: Dylan Evans
Whitehorse Centre presents The Little Red Company in association with HIT Productions
RUMOUR HAS IT STARRING NAOMI PRICE AS ADELE Friday 5 May 8pm Saturday 6 May 8pm 2 hrs (including interval) Patron advice: contains frequent coarse language and adult themes
By Adam Brunes & Naomi Price Original Arrangements Naomi Price, Jason McGregor & Michael Manikus Vocal Arrangements Naomi Price & Luke Kennedy Lighting Design Jason Glenwright Sound Design Jamie Taylor Costumes Leigh Buchanan & Nathalie Ryner Featuring stage and television star Naomi Price (The Voice Australia) in her award-winning portrayal of international superstar Adele, Rumour Has It charts the incredible rise of the blockbuster soul sensation of the modern age live in story and song. Hear Adele’s deliciously frank life story come alive in the words of this world-class performer backed by an electrifying six-piece band. Experience the greatest hits from a mega-platinum catalogue, including Rolling in the Deep, Someone Like You, Turning Tables, Set Fire to the Rain and the Oscar-winning Skyfall. Following standing ovations across the country including acclaimed seasons at the Sydney Opera House, Hamer Hall and the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, Australia’s smash hit stage spectacular Rumour Has It returns bigger and bolder than ever.
“Naomi Price is the voice of a generation.” Australian Stage “Both poignant and pithy… Fabulously entertaining!” The Courier-Mail
Originally produced in association with Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts
Whitehorse Centre presents HIT Productions
ALWAYS… PATSY CLINE
CREATED AND ORIGINALLY DIRECTED BY TED SWINDLEY – BASED ON A TRUE STORY Friday 23 June 8pm (post-show Q & A) Saturday 24 June 2pm & 8pm 2 hrs 20 mins (including interval)
With Courtney Conway & Mandi Lodge Director Denny Lawrence Music Director Ross Sermons Set Designer Jacob Battista Lighting Designer Clare Springett Celebrate the life and music of one of the greatest female vocalists of all time with one of America’s most loved musicals! Always…Patsy Cline is more than a tribute to the legendary country singer; it is a true story based on Cline’s friendship with a fan from Houston Texas named Louise Seger. This friendship began in a Texas honky-tonk in 1961 and continued via correspondence until Cline’s tragic death in 1963. This wonderful musical, complete with down home country humour, true emotion and even some audience participation, includes 27 of Patsy’s unforgettable hits such as Crazy, I Fall to Pieces, Sweet Dreams and Walking After Midnight. The show’s title was inspired by Cline’s letters to Seger, which were consistently signed off “Love ALWAYS… Patsy Cline.”
“Go to see Always…Patsy Cline to hear the memorable songs and you’ll discover a heartfelt story that will lift your spirits.” Chicago Critic “Delightful, heart-warming – pure entertainment!” Stage Whispers
Whitehorse Centre presents Promac Productions Australia
YOU AND I Friday 30 June 8pm Saturday 1 July 8pm 2 hrs (including interval)
With Michael Cormick, Rachael Beck Pianist David Cameron Returning from London’s West End, award winning musical theatre star Michael Cormick reunites with his leading lady Rachael Beck, in what will be a powerhouse evening for all musical theatre lovers. The original stars of Beauty and the Beast, Michael and Rachael reunite for the first time in 15 years, bringing their wit, charm and stage presence to the Whitehorse Centre stage. Singing hits and highlights from musicals such as Chess, The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, Blood Brothers and Chicago, Michael and Rachael will be accompanied by David Cameron on piano. This will be an unforgettable musical experience.
“Michael Cormick surely has one of the finest voices in Australia.” Broadway World “Their connection and charisma is enthralling.” Herald Sun “Rachael Beck is a Star…” The Australian
Photo: Lachlan Woods
Whitehorse Centre presents Dirty Pretty Theatre & Critical Stages
THÉRÈSE RAQUIN Friday 14 July 8pm (post-show Q & A) Saturday 15 July 2pm & 8pm 2 hrs 15 mins (including interval) Patron advice: occasional coarse language & mature themes (16+ years)
Adapted from the Émile Zola novel by Gary Abrahams With Marta Kaczmarek Director Gary Abrahams Set Designer Jacob Battista Costume Designer Chloe Greaves Lighting Designer Katie Sfetkidis Original Music Christopher De Groot Thérèse Raquin is a superb examination of corrupted morals, set in the notoriously dingy backstreets of Paris in the late 19th century. Thérèse lives a life of servitude and is married off to her sickly cousin in a loveless, arranged marriage. But her life is suddenly turned around when her husband’s friend Laurent arrives, and they begin a passionate, feverish affair. What follows in this masterpiece of French literature makes for a gripping, corseted thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat.
“Beautifully paced and engaging theatre...an imaginative and immersive adaptation, directed with skill and style.” The Age “It is in fact a beautiful adaptation, with all the colour and energy of the novel, but re-imagined as pure drama.” Daily Review
Whitehorse Centre presents
EXPOSING EDITH Friday 21 July 8pm 1 hr 30 mins (no interval)
Created and performed by Michaela Burger, Greg Wain Winner of Best Cabaret Adelaide Fringe 2016 and nominated for a Helpmann award, Exposing Edith charts the tragic life of arguably the greatest French singer of all time, Edith Piaf. Experience her life, loves and losses through the songs that shot her to stardom. Exposing Edith is a stunning mix of authentic French chanson and contemporary sounds. Having explored the undertones of Piaf’s vocals and lyrics, Michaela Burger and Greg Wain have created their own unique interpretations of Piaf’s work, using voice and acoustic guitar and the subtle use of loop, delay and effect pedals. Songs are punctuated with a collection of extraordinary stories of Piaf’s life that are recounted by Burger who also takes on a multitude of key characters, from Edith’s half-sister Momone, to several of her lovers and of course, Edith Piaf herself.
“Exposing Edith can be summed up in one word sensational. Fully deserved the standing ovation! ★ ★ ★ ★ ★” Southside Advertiser “Absolutely stunning, possibly the closest you’ll get to Piaf in this day and age.” RipitUp
Photo: Gina Milicia
Whitehorse Centre presents Tasmanian Theatre Company and Straightjacket Productions
BAKERSFIELD MIST BY STEPHEN SACHS
Friday 1 September 8pm (post-show Q & A) Saturday 2 September 2pm & 8pm 1 hr 25 mins (no interval) Patron advice: strong language
With John Wood, Julie Nihill Director Lucy Freeman Set Designer Jill Munro Lighting Designer Scott Allan Sound Designer Heath Brown Is the true value of art in the eyes of the beholder? Maude, an unemployed bartender, has bought a painting for a few bucks from an op shop. Despite almost trashing it, she now thinks it’s a Jackson Pollock and worth millions. In fact she’s certain it is. But when world-class art expert, Lionel Percy, flies over from New York and arrives at her trailer park home in Bakersfield to authenticate the painting, he really has no idea what he’s about to discover. Based on a true story Bakersfield Mist is a cracking comedy!
★★★★
The Telegraph
★★★★
Daily Mail
★★★★
People Magazine
Produced in association with the Karralyka Centre
Whitehorse Centre presents Star Billing's
MIRUSIA FROM THE HEART ANDRÉ RIEU’S ANGEL OF AUSTRALIA Friday 15 September 8pm Saturday 16 September 8pm 2 hrs (including interval)
Australian soprano Mirusia will present her new concert From The Heart. Let the ‘Angel of Australia’ touch your heart with her songs about the heart – be it those full of love, those still looking for love or hearts broken by love. At a young age Mirusia was discovered by André Rieu and has performed around the world with him for ten years. While touring with André she has had her own successful solo career and has toured internationally with her own chamber orchestra. The most beautiful music from celebrated musicals and classical melodies are the common thread in Mirusia's repertoire. With her rendition of famous songs and her own compositions she captures many hearts. Mirusia will delight her audiences with her charming personality and beautiful soprano voice when she presents songs including Botany Bay, Colours of the Wind, Dvorak’s Song to the Moon and Chopin’s In mir klingt ein Lied. This promises to be a truly magical evening.
“Like listening to pure perfection...one of Australia’s greatest and best kept secrets.” The Culture Concept
Whitehorse Centre presents a Sydney Theatre Company production
THE WHARF REVUE WRITTEN AND CREATED BY JONATHAN BIGGINS, DREW FORSYTHE AND PHILLIP SCOTT Thursday 19 October 8pm (post-show Q & A) Friday 20 October 8pm Saturday 21 October 2pm & 8pm 1 hr 30 mins (no interval)
With Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsythe, Phillip Scott Musical Director Phillip Scott Lighting Designer Matthew Marshall Holding the balance of laughter. Australians all let us rejoice for the return of The Wharf Revue. The unstoppable comedic minds of Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsythe and Phillip Scott have been keeping the nation’s political and cultural leaders on their metaphorical toes since before Sydney hosted the Olympics. In 2017, they return with an all-new, up-to-the-minute, fibre-to-the-node dose of side-splitting sketches and rib-tickling songs. (BYO hyphens.) From the highs to the lows, from the good to the bad to the ugly, this will be a parade of the year’s most memorable characters and the moments they’d prefer to forget. So, whether you want to calm your nerves or double your disillusion, we all need a fresh serve of laughter, dance and foolishness. With The Wharf Revue on its way into town, there truly has never been a more exciting time to be alive.
“Has no equivalent anywhere else in the country.” Daily Review “The Revue is an equal opportunity satire – no political party is left unstoned, nor cultural shibboleth unmauled.” Stagenoise
Whitehorse Centre presents Melbourne Chamber Orchestra
LETTERS FROM TCHAIKOVSKY Tuesday 14 November 8pm 2 hrs (including interval)
Violin Shane Chen Artistic Director William Hennessy Virtuosic and intimate, passionate and lyrical, the music of Tchaikovsky is pure Romanticism. This program is a wonderful opportunity to hear the extraordinary talents of Melbourne Chamber Orchestra’s string musicians at their best—with Tchaikovsky’s breathtaking showpiece for string orchestra, the Serenade for Strings, the charming Album for the Young and Souvenir d’un lieu cher, imaginative variations by Arensky and witty dances by Shostakovich.
“A celebration of string power.” The Age “Excellent music-making you wished could have lasted longer.” The Age
Whitehorse Centre presents a CDP Kids production
MR STINK Tuesday 11 April 12pm & 2pm 1 hr (no interval) Suitable for children 6+ years Patron advice: a small amount of theatrical smoke
“Boisterous fun…the young audience… thoroughly enjoy[ed] this quality production.” The Daily Telegraph
A play by Maryam Master Based on the book by David Walliams Directed by Jonathan Biggins It all starts when Chloe, just about the loneliest girl in the world, makes friends with Mr Stink, the local tramp. Sure he smells a bit, but he’s the only person who’s ever been nice to her. So, when Mr Stink needs a place to stay, Chloe decides to hide him in the garden shed. Now Chloe’s got to make sure no one finds out her secret, but she’s about to learn that some secrets have a way of leading to disaster. And speaking of secrets, there just might be more to Mr Stink than meets the eye… or the nose…
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.
Whitehorse Centre presents Garry Ginivan Attractions (Aust) in association with KW & NB Ltd (UK)
WE’RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT Adapted from the picture book written by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury Tuesday 11 July 10am & 12pm 55 mins (no interval) Suitable for children 2 – 8 years
“Charming and fun........perfect for kids 8 years and under. ” Melbourne Age
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt is the wonderful story of a family out for a walk and on the lookout for a growling bear. They have to march through long swishy grass, wade through thick gloopy mud and even battle a snow storm before entering a big dark cave where maybe they will finally spot the glinty wet eyes of a slobbering, gigantic bear winking at them through the blackness. This mini-musical captures the fun and frolics of a father who is clearly still a child at heart. Meet his three children including a tiny intrepid bear hunter in the making, the family dog and of course....a BIG BROWN CUDDLY BEAR!
© Leigh Hobbs
Whitehorse Centre presents a CDP Kids production
HORRIBLE HARRIET Monday 25 September 12pm & 2pm 1 hr (no interval) Suitable for children 4+ years A play by Maryam Master Adapted from the books by Leigh Hobbs Director Liesel Badorrek Designer Mark Thompson Sound Designer Ross Johnston Lighting & AV Designer Nicholas Higgins Look out! Here comes Horrible Harriet. She’s wicked, wild and wonderful! Horrible Harriet lives in the roof of her school and keeps teachers chained in the cellar to do her homework. Harriet and the other children don’t see eye to eye - but all Harriet really wants is a friend. When Athol Egghead lands in his hot air balloon, Harriet finally meets someone who understands her. Then Mr. Chicken arrives to disrupt the whole show! Fortunately Horrible Harriet knows how to handle him... or does she? Join Harriet’s search for identity and friendship, with songs, laughs, mischievous fun - and not least Mr. Chicken himself!
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.
IT'S SIMPLY DIVINE
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EXCELLENT REASONS TO SUBSCRIBE
Great value Become a subscriber and save. The more shows you see in the season the more money you save.
Excellent Seats ots of our shows sell out. By subscribing you have the best L available seats to all of the hottest shows in town. Jump the queue with a priority booking period until 5 January.
Pay in instalments delayed debit program means you only pay when you see the A show. That’s right, 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.
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Go gold s a Gold Subscriber you receive a special treat - a complimentary A drink or ice cream at each theatre and variety program performance. You also receive an additional discount off ticket prices to our Variety Program.
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.
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.
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.
CYCLING There are bike bays available in front of the Centre and near the library.
whitehorsecentre.com.au
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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 5 January 2017. 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 6 January 2017.) INDIVIDUAL TICKETS Individual tickets to all shows go on sale 6 January 2017 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 $4.00 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 member of the Victorian Association of Performing Arts Centres.
A DIVINE YEAR FOR THEATRE AND MUSIC LOVERS...
The Whitehorse Centre is owned and operated by Whitehorse City Council. Council proudly supports the 2017 Professional Season, one of the major features of its arts program.
whitehorsecentre.com.au