Sunday Arts Magazine

Many of Australia’s favourite musical theatre stars including Lucy Durack (Wicked, Legally Blonde, Shrek), Verity Hunt-Ballard (Mary Poppins, Sweet Charity), Thomas McGuane (Frozen, Jersey Boys), Matt Lee (Mary Poppins, Frozen) and Kristie Nguy will lead the new musical production of MIDNIGHT, which is premiering in Melbourne in June 2023 at the Comedy Theatre.

With music/lyrics by John Foreman (Aussie Pops Orchestra, Carols By Candlelight) and Anthony Costanzo (Life’s A Circus, Cross Roads) and featuring an additional song by Kate Miller-Heidke (Muriel’s Wedding), MIDNIGHT is a magical romantic comedy that will delight audiences young and old.

Debuting just in time for the holiday season and loosely inspired by the Cinderella story, this enchanting new tale features Ella, a feisty, funny and passionate young heroine who doesn’t want or need a so-called Prince Charming. The Prince, enchanted by this alluring stranger, suddenly finds himself in uncharted territory and quickly learns that Ella is like no other. Can he prove his worth? Can she ignite his desire for change? Can all be achieved before the magical stroke of MIDNIGHT?The creative team for this reimagined enchanting tale includes Direction/Book by Dean Murphy (Charlie & Boots, The Divorce) and Pip Mushin (Resident: Book of Mormon, Fiddler on the Roof) with Choreography by Kelly Aykers (So You Think You Can Dance, The Wizard of Oz, Barnum) rounding out this magical offering.

“This is a major new large-scale musical and we are thrilled to be launching this production at the Comedy Theatre in Melbourne.  After six years of development, we can’t wait to see what audiences make of this feisty and original take on the classic tale and to bring the story to a whole new generation in a fresh and exciting way,” said Producer Spencer McLaren.

“Whilst we still have some of the beloved fairytale characters there are many new surprises that we know will delight audiences. MIDNIGHT has many Broadway-style showstoppers that people will be singing for years to come and a world-class cast including Lucy Durack as Ms Madrina, Verity Hunt-Ballard as Madame Bellington, Thomas McGuane as the Prince and Matt Lee as his trusted aide Andre. The coveted role of Ella is still being cast with a nation-wide search underway,” he added.

“The inspiration for MIDNIGHT is borne of the desire to create a fully formed, funny, complex heroine for a new generation and to create the definitive musical version of this magical, evergreen tale,” explained Co-Director Dean Murphy.

“The Cinderella story has been retold for hundreds of years with the most widely known version being written in 1950 and reflecting the sensibilities of that era. So, a number of our team with young children felt it was time the world of Cinderella was freshly revisited to explore how this intriguing girl became an icon, but told through a new, empowering story that sees this force-of-nature fight for great change whilst still embracing the love, support and magic from those around her,” he added.

MIDNIGHT is produced by Spencer McLaren (Dive Club, Puffs the Play, Mother & Son), Dean Murphy (Charlie & Boots,The Divorce, Strange Bedfellows) and Craig Donnell (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Grease – The Musical, The Sound of Music). 

The Victorian Pride Centre is excited to announce the opening of photographic exhibitions ‘Ad Homonem’ by David Thai, and ‘Different flowers from the same field’ by Lisa Ray – both on display from November 8, 2022, to January 17, 2023.

These two distinct but complementary exhibitions depict organic forms in evocative, profound, and contrasting ways:

‘Ad Homonem’ is a surrealist depiction of experiences navigating the gay dating scene as a person of colour. Using still-life imagery loaded with symbolism and pop-culture references, David Thaiexplores and pokes fun at the quirks, intricacies and struggles of dating while bringing to light the toxicity pervasive within the queer community. Each image expresses an internal dialogue in which Thai questions these cultural norms while pondering his own identity.

‘Different flowers from the same field’ by Lisa Ray is about the relationship between artist and flora, and recognising that people and plants have individual ‘energetic signatures’. Ray’s images combine to create more than just a feast for the eyes – they provide warmth for the soul. They serve as a reminder that we each have our own unique beauty, expression, and energy, yet prompt us to remember that we are all different flowers from the same field.

Exhibitions at the Victorian Pride Centre are programmed by our Visual Arts Working Group, which is composed of artists and other arts professionals who work collaboratively to curate a year-round calendar of artists and works that reflect the rich diversity of LGBTIQ+ communities in Victoria.

Wheels N Decks is the 3rd iteration of Aperture; a moving image program co-curated by #RenewFitzroyStreet Project Manager Mish Eisen & Richard Sowada, Director of St Kilda Film Festival

‘Aperture’ is a moving image program co-curated by #RenewFitzroyStreet Project Manager Mish Eisen & Richard Sowada, Director of St Kilda Film Fest.

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For a truly unique theatre experience this summer, Melbourne Shakespeare Company will be performing their brand new musical production of The Merry Wives of Windsor in the Rose Garden at the St Kilda Botanical Gardens. “There is nothing more idyllic than getting your summer Shakespeare fix whilst sitting amongst the roses at the St Kilda Botanical Gardens.” explained Artistic Director Jennifer Sarah Dean (Moulin Rouge! The Musical). “By setting the Merry Wives of Windsor in the Rose Garden we are allowing audiences to be completely immersed in the world of the play whilst celebrating the natural beauty all around us. It’s a one of a kind experience!!”

If the beautiful setting was not enough, audiences should expect to be blown away by the exceptional quality of the work produced by this young company. Since bursting onto the independent theatre scene in 2016, Melbourne Shakespeare Company have had a string of sell-out smash hit shows including most recently their hilarious contemporary interpretation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Central Park.

Directed by Emma Austin (Telling Tales) and Kate Weston (Heathers) and featuring some of Australia’s finest actors including Elle Sejean-Allen (The Mikado), Ellis Dolan (School of Rock), and Chris Broadstock (Hamlet), The Merry Wives of Windsor is guaranteed to entertain audiences young and old with its laugh out loud comedy, beautiful choreography and musical medleys.

Melbourne Shakespeare Company are known for being industry leaders in sustainable theatre using environmentally conscious designs in all of their productions. Audiences will be amazed by how costumer Emily Busch (Les Miserables), and set designer Hayley James (King Lear) can transform trash into treasure by using only reused, recycled and reclaimed materials to bring their beautiful designs to life.

The Merry Wives of Windsor also addresses some of Shakespeare’s more challenging ideas about gender by using a predominantly female cast often in non-traditional roles and proudly featuring a queer affirmative interpretation of the star-crossed lovers Anne Page (Lucy May Knight) and Fenton (Sarah Clarke).

The Merry Wives of Windsor is suitable for audiences of all ages and guests are encouraged to pack a picnic to enjoy in the sunshine. Seating is provided at the venue and protective sun wear is recommended for matinee performances.

2CELLOS is the eclectic, international sensation comprised of two classically trained cellists who reached video viral fame on YouTube from their 2011 rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal.” The pair, Luka Šulić and HAUSER, have since created a name for themselves with their electric and dynamic playing style. Together, 2CELLOS have amassed a staggering 1.3 billion YouTube views, 5.5 million YouTube subscribers, 1 billion streams, and have sold 1 million tickets. 2CELLOS have taken the cello to unimagined heights as their signature style breaks down the boundaries between genres of music, from classical and film music, to pop and rock. Known for their electric live performances, 2CELLOS have sold out shows across the globe at historic venues including New York City’s Radio City Music Hall, London’s Royal Albert Hall and the Sydney Opera House. The duo has performed alongside musical greats Steven Tyler, Andrea Bocelli, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Queens of the Stone Age and George Michael, to name a few, and was hand-picked by Sir Elton John to perform both as an opener as well as part of the iconic singer’s live band. 2CELLOS are celebrating their 10th anniversary this year and are working hard to continue reaching new stratospheres.

A festive favourite that premiered 280 years ago, Handel’s Messiah remains one of the Baroque

composer’s most enduring works featuring the exultant and inspirational Hallelujah chorus.

This December, the MSO and MSO Chorus will perform Handel’s original work in Frankston and

Ballarat, and the acclaimed reorchestration by Sir Andrew Davis in two exclusive concerts at

Hamer Hall.

Well known to MSO audiences, Sir Andrew Davis is an internationally acclaimed composer and

former Chief Conductor of the MSO from 2013-2019. In a career spanning more than 40 years he

has conducted virtually all the world’s major orchestras and opera companies, led performances at

many of the world’s most important opera houses and at the major festivals.

He returns to Hamer Hall as the MSO’s Conductor Laureate to lead his orchestration of Messiah

for only its second performance in Australia.

Sir Andrew has a long and distinguished connection with the work having sung Handel’s Messiah

as a boy soprano. His reorchestration was a labour of love, in which he aimed to “clothe the work

with all the colours available from a modern orchestra.” As a result, Sir Andrew’s Messiah makes

use of larger on-stage forces and incorporates such instruments as alto flute, oboe d’amore, harp

and marimba.

A few years after its premiere in 1742, Messiah became an Easter time fixture, performed to raise

funds for the Foundling Hospital in London. The oratorio has never fallen out of favour and is now

more commonly performed around Christmas.

Rather than follow a specific biblical narrative, the text of Messiah is taken from various passages

in the Old and New Testament. The vibrant arias and recitatives bring colour and urgency to the

subject matter, with Handel utilising visceral word-painting throughout.

Under the baton of MSO Conductor Laureate Sir Andrew Davis, the Hamer Hall concerts will

feature the extraordinary vocal talents of soprano Jacqueline Porter, mezzo-soprano Catherine

Carby, tenor Andrew Goodwin, and bass-baritone Christopher Richardson with the full voice of

the MSO Chorus under Director Warren Trevelyan-Jones.

Following the Hamer Hall concerts, the MSO and Principal Conductor in Residence Benjamin

Northey will lead the Orchestra in his hometown of Ballarat, before a sold-out performance in

Frankston for two stirring performances of Handel’s Messiah featuring the mighty MSO Chorus.

The choral line up will also feature soprano Kathryn Radcliffe, mezzo-soprano Dimity Shepherd,

tenor Louis Hurley and bass Christopher Tonkin.

Sir Andrew’s Messiah

Saturday 10 Dec, 7:00pm and Sunday 11 Dec, 5:00 pm, Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne

Handel’s Messiah Ballarat

Wednesday 14 December, 7:00pm, Ballarat Civic Hall

The Messiah DraftV3.docx

Handel’s Messiah Frankston

Thursday 15 December, 7:00pm, Frankston Arts Centre

Sir Andrew Davis

One of today’s most recognised and acclaimed conductors, Sir Andrew Davis’ career spans over

forty-five years in which he has been the artistic leader at several of the world’s most distinguished

opera and symphonic institutions, including Lyric Opera of Chicago (Music Director and Principal

Conductor, 2000-2021), the BBC Symphony Orchestra (Conductor Laureate and Chief Conductor

from 1991-2004), Glyndebourne Festival Opera (Music Director 1988-2000), Melbourne Symphony

Orchestra (Conductor Laureate and Chief Conductor from 2013-2019), and the Toronto Symphony

Orchestra (Conductor Laureate and Principal Conductor from 1975-1988), where he also served

as Interim Artistic Director through 2020. In addition, he holds the honorary title of Conductor

Emeritus from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

What do you get when Michael Bublé, Harry Connick Jnr and Robbie

Williams meet Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jnr and Dean Martin….

Capturing the style, class and humour of the original RAT PACK, this fabulous show stars

three of the entertainment industry’s most accomplished and charismatic leading men

who have starred in music theatre, television and film right across the globe.

RAT PACK RELOADED is ready to swing at two fabulous venues! The best of BUBLE,

SINATRA & Legends of Las Vegas. Sammy Davis Jnr & Dean Martin. Starring leading men

of London’s West End, the fabulous MARTIN CREWES, ZOY FRANGOS & SMA productions

chairman of the board DAVID MALEK, with their live swinging band… Come along and

have a martini or two and join the boys as they pay homage in this incredible show which

recreates the Big Band era in a dazzling show, featuring iconic hits from the 50’s and 60s

through to today. Songs such as New York, New York, My Way, Feeling Good, Sway,

That’s Amore, and Fly Me to the Moon and many many more.

Victorian Theatre Company takes on a brutal Daniel Keene love story.

A dark Bonnie and Clyde tale set in the streets of Melbourne.

Following their acclaimed debut season (The Darkening Sky) in March, Victorian Theatre

Company return to Theatre Works with LOW – a gripping thriller from iconic playwright

Daniel Keene. After a cancelled season in May due to Covid, this keenly anticipated pro-

duction is finally about to open.

Emma and Jay are lovers, isolated and outcast from society. Money is scarce and Mel-

bourne!s streets are dark and unforgiving. Desperate to prove themselves and change

their fortunes, they take the law into their own hands. Written in 1990, LOW travels through

time and grabs us by the heart.

Rising stars Matthew Connell (Variations Or Exit Music, The Darkening Sky) and Veronica

Thomas (When The Light Leaves, Thigh Gap) are cast as the two star crossed lovers with

one of Melbourne!s most sought after directors Jennifer Sarah Dean (Moulin Rouge!) at

the helm of this compelling new production.

“It!s a story that comes from and belongs to our streets! Dean explains. “The play is firmly

set in 1991 Melbourne – a hard period in Australian history with recession gripping the

country.’

LOW will be scored by composer and sound designer Thomas Kunz (Hamlet), anchoring

the piece to the time period and bringing out the heightened poetry that Keene!s best

known for. Chelsea Neate!s inspired set and costume design bring Melbourne!s dark al-

leyways to life in the perfect venue: Theatre Works! new warehouse space The Explosives

Factory in St Kilda. Kris Chainey!s lighting design evokes noir punk and neon cityscape to

submerse the audience.

Victorian Theatre Company is fast becoming Melbourne!s most watched new theatre com-

pany; A Romp of artists making new works of theatre, radio play, documentary & film with a

focus on Melbourne-made stories.

From the West End to Australia, the ground-breaking triple Olivier Award-winning stage show EMILIA makes its Australian debut at Arts Centre Melbourne from 10 – 27 November.

Inspired by 17th century poet and revolutionist Emilia Bassano – the supposed ‘Dark Lady’ of Shakespeare’s sonnets – this highly lauded show, written by British playwright Morgan Lloyd Malcolm, features a team entirely made up of women and non-binary creatives from diverse cultural backgrounds.

It’s 1609. Emilia Bassano is a writer, wife, lover, mother and muse. All she wanted was her voice to be heard. Could she have been the ‘Dark Lady’ of Shakespeare’s sonnets? What about her own poems? Why was her story erased from history?

Over 400 years later, women are still faced with sexism, inequality and harassment. In recent times where the #MeToo movement and Roe vs Wade have been most prevalent, it seems that we are not evolving fast enough. This theatre piece shows that we are Emilia, that we must stand up alongside her and be counted.

Fierce and provocative, EMILIA is the perfect mix of comedy and fury; a rollicking ride that takes audiences on an exuberant and moving journey though love, loss, identity, ambition, power, rebellion and what it is to be a woman in a man’s world.

ACMI proudly presents the premiere of Tully Arnot’s latest work Epiphytes, a multi-sensory virtual reality (VR) project exploring the sentience of plants, in the final instalment of the $80,000 Mordant Family VR Commission series.

Set within an abstract representation of Tully’s childhood backyard, Epiphytes consists of an environment featuring a diffuse, shifting, magenta palette. Reliance on sight is de-escalated in favour of sound and scent to influence the user’s bodily responses within the virtual space. The work honours alternative forms of plant communication and consciousness, inviting the user to question their own perception.

Developed during the Australian bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic in response to the ongoing climate crisis, Epiphytes uses implied forms of nature such as shadows from an unseen canopy and mobile, amorphous shapes to elicit feelings of solastalgia – emotional distress over a loss of natural environments. Simultaneously the work encourages a more symbiotic and interconnected way of being in the world, drawing on the premise of the artwork’s botanical namesake: the epiphyte – an organism that feeds on the air, water and natural refuse of its environment to give back to its ecosystem.

Epiphytes features interviews with evolutionary ecologist Monica Gagliano, acoustic archaeologist Umashankar Manthravadi and echolocation teacher/blind researcher and activist Thomas Tajo. Arranging these sonic elements within the VR environment, Tully invokes curiosity and exploration by the user, while generating a conversational dialogue between these three diverse theorists.

Field recordings of local birds and other ecological sounds complement the recorded conversations of the theorists, along with sounds representing water and nutrients flowing through trees, suggesting a natural environment that is either fabricated or fading. The audio is spatially controlled, using virtual reality as a powerful acoustic tool to represent sounds that cannot be created in reality.

Artist Tully Arnot said: “With the support of ACMI and the Mordant Family VR Commission, I’ve had the opportunity to use VR to imagine the perception of plants and explore multi-sensory ways of being in the world. Through de-centring the human experience, I hope the project encourages audiences to reflect on more caring and interconnected relationships that we can have with each other and our ecosystems.”