Community Theatre

Evita Sells Out

Lead image: "Requiem for Evita"

Superstar Productions and The Darwin Chorale have rightfully celebrated a sell-out 2023 season of their production of Evita at the Darwin Entertainment Centre. Days before the first of only two performances, social media was abuzz with punters desperately trying to secure a spot in the 1,000 seat Playhouse Theatre – with no luck. The producers kindly offered to share a selection of Reuben Gore’s evocative photography of the performances with Stage Whispers.

 

New Zealand’s Theatre Comeback

Musical Theatre companies in New Zealand are slowly returning to their pre-Covid level of production, although some are still wounded following cancellations.

Barry Hill OAM

Stage Whispers readers outside South Australia will mainly know Barry Hill as a reviewer, occasionally also reviewed for his direction, or for his stage performances. A stalwart of Adelaide theatre, we congratulate Barry, who was honoured with the Order of Australia Medal on Australia Day, thanking him for his lengthy, passionate ‘service to the Performing Arts’. We asked Barry to share some of his theatrical highlights.

Celebrating Sixty Years of Theatre at Cronulla

As Arts Theatre Cronulla turns 60 in 2023, Publicity Officer Michele Potter shares the theatre company’s history.

Arts Theatre Cronulla is thrilled to be celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2023. Through a formula of good plays, high production values and talented performers, ATC enjoys continuing success as a community theatre group after six decades, with a wealth of productions and experiences enjoyed by cast, crew and audiences alike.

Community Theatre Seasons 2023

Image: Chicago - CLOC Musical Theatre 2022. Photographer: Ben Fon.

 

Kiss Me, Kate at GSOV

Tony Award-winning 1940s musical comedy Kiss Me, Kate, from music genius Cole Porter (Anything Goes, Fifty Million Frenchmen) with a score of witty, hummable hits paired with a script from from Broadway legends Sam and Bella Spewack (Leave It To Me!, My Three Angels) is being presented by Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria from 2-5 May 2024 at the Alexander Theatre, Clayton.

The Intrigue of Mary Stuart at Henry Lawson Theatre

Two incredibly powerful women, one sits on the throne, and the other is locked in a cell.

Following an uprising, Mary (Rebecca Fletcher) fled Scotland only to be imprisoned in England. Elizabeth (Nicole Smith) feels threatened – Mary is younger, more beloved, and has a claim to the throne.

At a different time, the cousins could have been allies. Friends. But history took them down another path, and it is a world where deceitful men rule, plot and fight to maintain their power. 

Catch the show (if you can!) at Miranda

All the thrills, twists and triumphs in the life of Frank Abagnale Jr will on stage in live and living colour at The Pavilion Performing Arts Centre.

Community theatre production company Miranda Musical Theatre Company (formerly Miranda Musical Society) proudly brings the musical Catch Me If You Can to the Sutherland Shire this April 10-14, 2024.

Aussie Comedy Caravan at Castle Hill

Castle Hill Players are presenting Donald McDonald’s quintessential Australian comedy Caravan at the Pavilion Theatre from April 5 – 27, directed by Bernard Teuben.

Hell is other people. Stuck in a caravan.

From actor and playwright Donald Macdonald comes a quintessential Australian comedy that takes a light-hearted look at relationships, aging ... and the holidays that should never be taken.

A Shortcut to Happiness for Therry Theatre

Love story A Shortcut to Happiness is a new comedy from New Zealand's best loved playwright Roger Hall.

A Russian immigrant Natasha can’t work as a teacher because her English is limited, so she tries to improve her income, and language skills, by running dance classes.

Ned's life is just tickety-boo. Sure, he's adjusting to retirement and life on his own, but he's very comfortable with his lot, thank you very much. All that changes with his offer to sort out the financial woes of Natasha.

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