Glen Street Theatre is excited to announce an eclectic mix of comedy, drama, dance, musical and political satire guaranteed to keep you entertained and inspired throughout 2018. From magical children’s theatre to gripping tragedy, there’s something for everyone.
Flexible three to eight play packages are available at a discount, plus when you subscribe by Thursday 12 October you can save a further five per cent. Step inside and immerse yourself in a diverse, accessible and thoroughly entertaining Glen Street season.
THEATRE SEASON
A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
By Arthur Miller
30 January – 4 February
Italian-American immigrant life colours this searing drama of love and revenge set in 1950s Brooklyn. Eddie Carbone is devoted to his wife Beatrice and his niece Catherine. Then Beatrice’s cousins Marco and Rudolpho, having fled the poverty of Sicily, enter the US illegally, desperate to find work. As Rudolpho and Catherine fall in love, Eddie’s devotion to his niece is no longer touching, but terrifying.
THOMAS MURRAY AND THE UPSIDE DOWN RIVER
By Reg Cribb
20 – 25 February
The Murray family have been farming the land along the Darling River for five generations. For Tom Murray, it’s all he’s ever known. When his childhood friends Lucy and Billy reappear, deep friendships are tested and secrets, long buried, are finally awakened. Tom must make the long journey down-stream to reconcile past wrongs and fight for his wife.
From the multi-award winning screenwriter of Last Cab to Darwin comes a thrilling new Australian drama, brought to you by the producers and creative team behind Stones in his Pockets and starring Grant Cartwright in the title role (Barracuda).
PROOF
By David Auburn
20 – 25 March
Catherine has spent years caring for her brilliant but unstable father. When he dies she is left alone to pick up the pieces of her life without him. She may have inherited at least a part of her father’s genius — and perhaps some of his instability as well. When Hal discovers a groundbreaking mathematical proof among the 103 notebooks Catherine’s father left behind, Catherine is forced to question how much she can actually trust those closest to her.
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, the Tony Award for Best Play and the New York Drama Critics Circle Award, David Auburn’s Proof is a passionate and intelligent story about the uncompromising nature of genius and a family’s struggle to cope with the ongoing burden of mental illness.
TAIKOZ LIVE! AT THE GLEN
13 – 15 April
After 20 years of drumming up a storm, Taikoz bring their trademark high energy performance once again to Glen Street Theatre. Featuring all the unique drama, vibrancy and musicality that Taikoz is famous for, Taikoz Live! delves deeply into the roots of the taiko drum, but with a contemporary twist.
Taikoz, who celebrated their 20th anniversary year in 2017 and recently toured Australia and India to critical acclaim, are thrilled to return in 2018 with a brand new program.
From the roar of the grand odaiko drum and the soulful melodies of the bamboo flute, to the players’ dynamic movement to their joyful rhythm, this is a show that will surprise and delight audiences of all ages. Hear, feel and see Taikoz plus their top students as they form one mega-taiko group. Experience the dynamism, energy and passion up close and personal.
QUIET FAITH
By David Williams
6 – 10 June
From award-winning documentary theatre maker David Williams (The Table of Knowledge), comes a surprising journey into the world of the quietly, progressively faithful.
The place of Christian faith in Australian politics is often linked to conservatism and intolerance. Many members of the current Australian parliament profess deep Christian beliefs and groups such as the Australian Christian Lobby participate in public policy debates.
Yet new faith-based social movements such as Love Makes A Way actively campaign against government policies. The spectacle of religious leaders undertaking non-violent acts of civil disobedience, including prayer vigils in the offices of Christian politicians, has captured the imaginations of many.
Quiet Faith has been generated from hours of interviews with Christian Australians. Beautiful, immersive, full of musicality and heart, it is an antidote to despair about religion and politics, offering a portrait of the very different ways that faith can underpin civic life.
LETTERS TO LINDY
By Alana Valentine
29 August – 2 September
Letters to Lindy provides a deep insight into one of the most compelling legal and human dramas of our times.
Filled with warmth, humour and heartbreak, this new work by award-winning playwright Alana Valentine explores our fascination with Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton, one of 20th century Australia’s most controversial figures.
The story captivated a nation. A mother accused of murdering her child, her claim – that the baby was taken by a dingo – denied and discredited by zealous police and a flawed legal system. The media circus, the rumours, the mob mentality, and a nation’s prejudices.
HUMANS
By Circa Contemporary Circus
4 – 9 September
Ten acrobats take us on a stirring journey of what it means to be human and how our bodies, our connections and our aspirations all form part of who we are.
Exploring the physical limits of their bodies as they are pushed to the extreme, they question how much we can take as humans. How much weight can we carry? Who can we trust to support our load? They lead us to reflect on our lives, our loved ones, the burdens we carry and the physical and emotional strength it takes to overcome them.
Created by Yaron Lifschitz, the stage is stripped bare as the vulnerability of a team of highly skilled acrobats is exposed. With incredible strength and integrity, they connect each moment seamlessly with the next in a thrilling and heart-stopping performance. Glimpse their humanity as they find redemptive power in strength and celebrate what it means to be fiercely human.
THE WHARF REVUE
Written and created by Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsythe and Phillip Scott
3 – 13 October
Those indefatigable kings of comedy, sorcerers of satire and masters of mockery, Jonathan Biggins and Drew Forsythe are back in the saddle and gearing up for another glorious year of political satire. We like to think of it as continuity with change.
So, politicians take cover and pundits stand back, because there will be songs, there will be dance, and there will be some very funny impressions.
Join us as we sort the wets from the dries, the leaks from the fakes, and the factions from the fictions in this bigger, better and wharfier Revue than ever before.
MUSIC AT THE GLEN SEASON
THIS GIRL
Starring Rachael Beck
Tuesday 13 February
Join Rachael on an intimate journey of song, story and laughs as she dissects her career and life, and performs songs from her stunning new album, This Girl.
Through songs from shows such as Cabaret, Les Misérables and A Little Night Music, to rock anthems penned by artists such as Kate Bush, Bob Dylan and KD Lang, Rachael will leave you with your heart on your sleeve.
CLASS ACT
Starring Dale Burridge
Tuesday 13 March
Original star of the Premier Australian Production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera, Dale Burridge will take you on a journey with Class Act!
From Puccini to Lloyd Webber, soaring vocals, stunning gowns and spectacular spine tingling moments combine in this audience interactive concert that will leave you begging for more!
SIMPLE DREAMS: THE SONGS OF LINDA RONSTADT
Starring Angela Ayers & The Stoned Brumbies Band
Tuesday 17 April
One of Australia and New Zealand’s finest talents from theatre and cabaret, Angela stages a tribute to an artist long admired, Linda Ronstadt.
Angela weaves her way through Linda’s many famous songs, linking humorous stories and events with hits such as Silver Threads and Golden Needles, Different Drum, Desperado and the beautiful ballads of the Gershwin great, Someone to Watch Over Me, and the Grammy award-winning song, Somewhere Out There. Her backing band, The Stoned Brumbies, are some of Sydney’s finest musicians.
STRICTLY SONG AND DANCE
Stephen Fisher-King, Leigh Archer & Darcy Fisher-King
Tuesday 15 May
Strictly Song and Dance is a colourful, fun and high-energy show, featuring music from the greatest musical theatre productions of all time.
There are timeless hits from Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, The Wizard of Oz and Chicago, popular favourites from Cabaret, and songs from contemporary productions such as Strictly Ballroom.
The show stars multi Mo and ACE award-winner Stephen Fisher-King sharing the stage with musical theatre performer and show-stopping entertainer Leigh Archer and theatre dynamo Darcy Fisher-King.
Together, they’ll bring you all the excitement of Broadway’s greatest hits in authentic musical theatre style!
BEYOND THE DANUBE
Vov Dylan & The Palace Orchestra
Tuesday 5 June
Join Vov Dylan and the musicians from The Palace Orchestra in a spectacular show that will delight fans of classical music and popular music of all ages.
The impressive, delightful and versatile repertoire includes the ever-popular The Blue Danube Waltz, the edge of your seat excitement of the William Tell Overture, Highlights from Carmen, Gypsy thrills with Czardas, a surprisingly completely unique rendition of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody, plus some fabulous interpretations of Zorba, Unchained Melody, Swan Lake and the Radetzky March to name a few.
CELEBRATING THE 70s!
Starring Annie Frances
Tuesday 31 July
Annie returns to Glen Street Theatre with a celebration of some of the most memorable Number One songs of the 1970s, honouring many artists and their hits that made it to the very top spot of the charts in this colourful era such as Three Dog Night, The Jackson 5, The Carpenters, Sammy Davis Jr, John Denver, Barbra Streisand, Linda Ronstadt, Carole King, Credence Clearwater Revival, Shirley Bassey, ABBA, and Little River Band just to name a few!
In her usual vocally dynamic, energetic and vivacious performance style, with a voice that can truly match the diversity of this amazing decade of music, Annie will certainly have you celebrating the 70s once again!
OF BING I SING!
Starring Rob Palmer & Glenn Amer Written & directed by Melvyn Morrow
Tuesday 14 August
There’s only one Bing, the legendary 20th century American crooner, Bing Crosby. Bing recorded more than 1700 songs and sold over half a billion records.
Featuring the inimitable Glenn Amer and new-to-the catalogue TV star, Rob Palmer (Australia’s favourite chippie on Better Homes and Gardens and winner of 2010’s Dancing with the Stars), the pair go on a voyage of discovery with a swagful of nostalgic classics from Alexander’s Ragtime Band to Bing hits such as White Christmas, You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby and Red Sails in the Sunset.
A CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Featuring Lonnie Lee
Tuesday 4 December
Lonnie Lee is Rockabilly’s finest, offering a show unlike any other. It’s Lee’s natural knack of transforming relatively staid songs into something spectacularly sexy, with throats-a-rumblin’ and sharp shoulders twitchin’ to the rhythm that will see your body bop and boogie. It’s a gloriously comprehensive set, nodding to both the obvious staples and plenty of more obscure tracks, and comes packaged in Lee’s latest tour: Solid Gold.
Considered to be the ‘Last Man Standing’ of his era, sit back and cruise along with Lonnie Lee & The Leemen.
KIDSPLAY SEASON
JOSEPHINE WANTS TO DANCE
Based on the book by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley
2 – 5 May
A story about dreams, believing in yourself... and a dancing kangaroo.
Josephine Wants to Dance is a brand new Australian musical based on the hugely popular picture book by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley.
Perfect for young audiences from 4 to 9 years and their families, and bought to you by the team that created the award-winning Pete the Sheep, this hilarious new work by Monkey Baa brings to life a tale about a bush kangaroo you’ll never forget!
Ideal for 4 years +
ROALD DAHL’S GEORGE’S MARVELLOUS MEDICINE
Adapted for the stage by shake & stir theatre co
25 – 28 July
What starts as just another boring day for George quickly turns into a marvellous experiment of epic proportions! Cleverly adapted from the much-loved book by Roald Dahl, George’s Marvellous Medicine bounds off the page in a spectacular live show for the whole family.
Direct from a sold-out season at the Sydney Opera House, George’s Marvellous Medicine is packed to the rafters with mischief, music, magic and giant laughs. Just
remember - do not try this at home!
Ideal for 6 years +
THE TRAGEDY OF HAMLET: PRINCE OF SKIDMARK
A BADAPTATION OF THE BARD
By the Listies
15 – 18 August
The Listies, maestros of children’s entertainment, have pulled apart Shakespeare’s classic and glued it back together with hilarious costumes, loads of silliness and plenty of interactivity – made especially for children.
Hamlet is already full of things kids love in a good story: ghosts, castles, sword fights, bodily fluids and spooky stuff. Add to the mix some supersonic gags and expertly timed stage magic unlike anything kids have seen before and you have a brilliantly disguised Shakespearean tragedy.
Ideal for 5 years +
THE MAGIC PUDDING
By Norman Lindsay
17 – 20 October
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of this classic piece of Australian children’s literature being published, Michael Sieders presents an all new exclusive production of Norman Lindsay’s The Magic Pudding.
This colourful, lively production will feature an all puppet cast that will look like they’ve just jumped off a Norman Lindsay canvas. With an adventure and a friendship to capture children’s imagination, these iconic Australian characters will come to life once more for a new generation of puddin’ fans.
Ideal for 3 years +
SPECIAL EVENTS
HOLLYWOOD PALACE SERIES
Starring Vov Dylan & The Palace Orchestra
Sunday 1 July
Vov Dylan and members of The Palace Orchestra return to Glen Street Theatre with a show in celebration of the music from the Titanic era. Vov will bring on stage a recreation of the band on the Titanic with two violins, cello, piano and double bass and will perform the popular music from the late 19th and early 20th centuries from Europe and America including waltzes, two steps, popular songs and more.
This special event includes a 60th anniversary screening of A Night To Remember, the most critically-acclaimed and accurate film portrayal of the sinking of the Titanic.
FALLING IN LOVE AGAIN
Starring Jennifer Ward-Lealand
9 – 12 August
New Zealand’s first lady of stage and screen, Jennifer Ward-Lealand pays tribute to the iconic actress and singer Marlene Dietrich, in Falling in Love Again.
This acclaimed show was devised in collaboration with musical director and pianist Grant Winterburn. Singing highlights from Miss Dietrich’s films, concerts and recordings, Jennifer performs songs by Cole Porter, Edith Piaf, Frederic Hollander and Pete Seeger. Jennifer and Grant are joined by bass player Aaron Coddel.
Beautifully lit by lighting designer Andrew Malmo and featuring an exquisite recreation of one of Dietrich’s famous gowns, this stunning show vividly captures a timeless style and glamour.
2018 GLEN STREET SEASON
Venue Glen Street Theatre. Corner of Glen Street and Blackbutts Road, Belrose
Subscriptions Flexible 3 – 8 Play Packages and Music at the Glen Subscriptions available now
Single Tickets Theatre: $65 - $31. On sale Monday 4 December 2017
Music at the Glen: $28 - $25
KidsPlay tickets: $22 each, Family Pass (5 tickets) $85
Special Music Events: $55 - $20
Transaction fees may apply.
Bookings: www.glenstreet.com.au or 9975 1455