Whatson Notices

Bare-Elements Productions 25-Mar-2010 to 17-Apr-2010 Click to Enlarge

Vincent Lyce's Final Curtain Author: Simon J. Robinson Director: Leone White Theatre: Queens Loft 133, Queensbridge Street Southbank Performances: 7.30-10.30pm Prices: $65pp including 3 course dinner. In additions tickets for opening night only on 25 March include complimentary drinks and canapes Bookings: 03 9698 8011 Company Email: simon@bare-elements.com.au Company Website: http://bare-elements.com.au/ Synopsis: Vincent Lyce’s Final Curtain is a mix of comedy, music and murder served with a delicious dinner. Recently described as “Rocky Horror meets Carry-On”. Ex-wives, illegitimate sons and fans alike will gather to celebrate the illustrious career of Vincent Lyce. Forty years as the star of horror movies as forgettable as “Dump of Death” and “When Death Knocks Don’t Answer”. For the night you will be allocated a small character to play as much or as little as you choose. You might be a former co-star, a member of the press or maybe a movie star’s agent or a fan. How involved you choose to become is entirely upto you. Other Information: For more information or to book please go to www.vincentlyce.com

Bare-Elements Productions 27-Mar-2010 to 10-Apr-2010 Click to Enlarge

A Dinner to Die For Author: Simon J. Robinson Director: Leone White Theatre: The Retreat Hotel 226 Nicholson Street Abbotsford VIC Performances: 7.30-10.30pm Prices: $80pp including 3 course dinner In addition tickets purchased for opening night on 27 March only will receive complimentary drink and canapes Bookings: 03 9417 2693 Company Email: simon@bare-elements.com.au Company Website: http://bare-elements.com.au/ Synopsis: Not molecular gastronomy, but a wickedly funny Musical, Murder Mystery Dinner. Set in 1928, Lord Quinten Daventry hosts his party bash. Rumour in social circles is that he will announce his engagement to Miss Fanny. Agatha Christie in spirit – all cut glass accents, pearls, flapper dresses, army outfits and monocles – with lashings of sexual innuendo and double entendres. The core cast include the delightfully flighty Miss Fanny, besotted and oblivious to the designs on her fortune. Uncle Bernie, former army colonel, a blustering, big-bellied chauvinist. The pièce de résistance has to be Nanny Maude, Quinten’s childhood Nanny. Scottish down to her brown boots, this is one of the best drag acts since Mrs Doubtfire. Dinner guests are allocated a role and encouraged to indulge their inner artiste by dressing and behaving in character. Mingling over a three-course dinner, subplots emerge and the evening begins to gather pace and spices up into a hilarious romp peppered with music, murder, mayhem, disembodied limbs and suitably hysterical screams. Interactive entertainment at its best! Other Information: For more information or to book please go to www.adinnertodiefor.com

Kyneton Theatre Co. Inc. 09-Apr-2010 to 24-Apr-2010 Click to Enlarge

84 Charing Cross Road Agent: Dominie Author: James Roose, based on the novel by Helene Hanff Director: Bette Sartore Theatre: Blue Stone Theatre, Hutton Street Kyneton Performances: 8pm Friday & Saturday 2pm Sunday 18th April (Matinee) Prices: $20 Adults $15 Concession $25 Gala Night (24th April) Bookings: IntrAmental (03) 5422 1083 Synopsis: This popular play, directed by Bette Sartore, is based on a real-life, 20-year, written correspondence between Helene Hanff, an impoverished New York writer, and Frank Doel, the chief buyer for Marks and Co., Antiquarian Booksellers, at Charing Cross Road, in London. Helene, in her search for her \\\"peculiar taste in books\\\", first contacted the shop in 1949, and it became Frank Doel\\\'s responsibility and eventual joy, to find the rare books she requested. A long-distance friendship gradually evolves between the two and with the other staff in the shop. Helene creates a link with England and plans a pilgrimage to the bookshop and London. Does she make it to the bookshop? Will she meet her friends?

Torquay Theatre Troupe 15-Apr-2010 to 24-Apr-2010

The Scottish Play Agent: Dominie P/L Author: Graham Holliday Director: Maryanne Doolan Theatre: Senior Citizens' Hall Price St Torquay Melways Reference: Map 237 G6 Performances: April 15,16,17,22,23,24 at 8:00 pm April 24 Matinee 2:00 pm Prices: Adult $17 Concession $13 Bookings: Marie 5261 9035 Synopsis: This comedy drama takes a heart warming look at the ambition of a small theatre group attempting to stage one of literature's great tragedies. But tragedy does not necessarily have to be of Shakespearian proportions.

Gemco Players Community Theatre Inc. 16-Apr-2010 to 24-Apr-2010 Click to Enlarge

Bouncers & Shakers Author: John Godber and Jane Thornton Director: Tanya Barnes Theatre: The Gem Community Arts Centre 19 Kilvington Drive Emerald Performances: 8pm & 2pm Bookings: 0411 723 530 Company Website: http://www.gemcoplayers.org Synopsis: Bouncers & Shakers Gemco style is a hilarious and hardcore look at gender politics in clubs and bars today. Topical, entertaining and outrageous... Its not to be missed Featuring Tim O'Leary, Kate McManus, Daniel Jackson, Kym Davies, Ed Paulsen, Jenn Bush, Matt Phillips & Kylie Storer..

Geelong Repertory Theatre Co. 16-Apr-2010 to 01-May-2010 Click to Enlarge

The Cripple of Inishmaan Author: Martin Mcdonagh Director: Jon Pedler Performances: 8.00 PM, matinee Sun 25th 2 PM. Bookings: Geelong Performing Arts Centre (GPAC) by credit card on (03) 52 251200 Company Email: info@geelongrep.com.au Company Website: http://www.geelongrep.com.au Synopsis: A dark comedy set on the small Aran Islands community of Inishmaan off the Western Coast of Ireland, circa 1934. The inhabitants are excited to learn of a Hollywood film crew's arrival in neighbouring Inishmore to make a documentary about life on the islands. "Cripple" Billy Claven, eager to escape the gossip, poverty and boredom of Inishmaan, vies for a part in the film. To everyone's surprise, the orphan and outcast gets his chance at stardom.

Eltham Little Theatre Inc. 22-Apr-2010 to 08-May-2010

Quartet Agent: Dominie Drama Pty Ltd Author: Ronald Harwood Director: Gareth Wilding-Forbes Theatre: Performing Arts Centre 1602 Main Rd, Research Melways Reference: 22 H1 Performances: Thursdays - Saturdays at 8.00pm Matinee - Sunday 2nd May at 2.00pm Prices: Adults $20 Concession $16 (student/pensioner/healthcare card) Bookings: 9437 1574 Company Email: webmistress@elthamlittletheatre.org.au Company Website: http://www.elthamlittletheatre.org.au Synopsis: Cecily, Reggie and Wilfred are in a home for retired opera singers when Jean, who was once married to Reggie, arrives. Jean is still very much the diva, but refuses to sing. The annual concert to celebrate Verdi's birthday is approaching, and somehow the show must go on…. Is this a comedy or a drama?

Heidelberg Theatre Co. 22-Apr-2010 to 08-May-2010 Click to Enlarge

Glengarry Glen Ross Author: David Marnet Director: Paul King Theatre: 36 Turnham Ave Rosanna Melways Reference: 32 A1 Performances: Thursday to Saturday evenings at 8pm Sunday Matinees at 2pm Prices: $20 Adult $17 Concession $16 Groups of 10 or more Bookings: 94574117 Company Email: htc@htc.org.au Company Website: http://www.htc.org.au Synopsis: This Pulitzer prize winning play deals with two days in the lives of four desperate Chicago real estate agents. In order to sell undesirable real estate to unwilling prospective buyers, they are prepared to engage in any number of unethical and illegal acts, lies, flattery, bribery, threats and intimidation. Glengarry Glen Ross has been described as a "brilliant study of the human piranha pool" where the Darwinian law operates - "swallow or be swallowed". Other Information: This play has an all male cast of seven. It contains adult themes and very strong language

Williamstown Little Theatre Inc. 22-Apr-2010 to 08-May-2010

Skylight Author: David Hare Director: Bernadette Wheatley Theatre: 2-4 Albert Street Williamstown Bookings: David Dare, on 9885-9678 Company Website: http://www.wlt.org.au/ Synopsis: Kyra is a young teacher working and living in a less attractive part of London. Tom's wife has recently died of cancer: he is a wealthy entrepreneur and Kyra's former lover. On a cold winter night, Tom's teenage son, Edwards, calls on the young teacher to beg her to be reconciled with his father. David Hare's masterly play is about emotions and ideas - private business and public idealism, personal guilt and atonement, 'possession' of and respect for people. It is a sharp, satisfying, impassioned head-on collision of values and confused desires.

Encore Theatre Inc. 23-Apr-2010 to 24-Apr-2010

Gallipoli Revisited Director: Norma Guthrie Theatre: Clayton Community Centre Theatrette, Cooke Street,Clayton Melways Reference: 79 C3 Performances: 2.15 and 8.00 pm Prices: $10.00 Bookings: 1300 739 099 Company Website: http://www.encoretheatre.com.au/ Synopsis: A rehearsed reading from an original Diary written in the trenches by Captain Harry Green AAMC. Remembering France and the Western Front in Music.

Frankston Theatre Group Inc. 23-Apr-2010 to 02-May-2010

ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST Agent: Dominie Author: by Dale Wasserman from the novel by Ken Kesey Director: Dave Wearne Theatre: George Jenkins Theatre, Monash University Peninsula Campus McMahons Road, Frankston, Vic. 3199 Melways Reference: Melways: 102 F4 Map 476 Building A Performances: Friday April 23 @ 8pm Saturday April 24 @ 8pm Friday April 30 @ 8pm Saturday May 1 @ 8pm Sunday May 2 - 2pm Matinee Prices: Adults $26.50, PSSU $24.50, Groups 10+ $24.50 Bookings: Bookings: 03 9905 1111 Company Email: secretary@frankstontheatregroup.org.au Company Website: http://www.frankstontheatregroup.org.au Synopsis: The story revolves around an asylum for the insane which accommodates many people, all of them different, living in their complex little worlds. A large Indian chief narrates the story, telling us about the conflicts between the inmates themselves; a stern head nurse named Ratched, and the new arrival McMurphy. The chief feigns deafness to fight against the system and in time opens up to McMurphy, who in turn befriends the suffering Indian. A confronting story with just enough humour to soften the tragic finale.

Malvern Theatre Company Inc. 23-Apr-2010 to 08-May-2010 Click to Enlarge

HEROES Agent: Dominie Pty Ltd Author: Gerald Sibleyras Director: Richard Burman Theatre: 29a Burke Road, East Malvern 3145 Performances: Evenings 8.15 pm - Matinees 2.00 pm Saturday Matinee 24th April Sunday Matinee 2nd May Gala Night 1st May Prices: $20.00 (Concession $18.00). Groups (10 or more): $17.00 per person. Gala Night: $25.00 (Concession $23.00). Bookings: 1300 131 552 Company Email: home@malverntheatre.com.au Company Website: http://www.malverntheatre.com.au Synopsis: Henri, Philippe and Gustave pass their monotonous-filled days musing on the conditions in their veteran’s hospital, grumbling about the staff, engaging in verbal battles of long-forgotten military campaigns and reflections on their lives. They all dream of freedom, but their camaraderie becomes strained when Gustave conjures up a plan for them to escape to Indochina – or at least as far as the poplars at the top of the hill. With Henri’s gammy legs, Philippe’s shrapnel in the skull and Gustave’s agoraphobia, these cantankerous comrades may not get very far but their journey is whimsical and touching.

Mordialloc Theatre Co. Inc. 23-Apr-2010 to 08-May-2010

CHAIM'S LOVE SONG Author: Marvin Chernoff Director: MARTIN GIBBS Theatre: 64 Parkers Road, Parkdale Melways Reference: 87C9 Performances: 8.15pm nightly 2.30pm Sunday Matinee 2nd. May. Prices: $20.00 $18.00 concessions $16.00 groups of 20 or more. Bookings: 9587.5141 Company Website: http://www.mordialloctheatre.com Synopsis: Chaim's story is a love song for life. It is one of innocence, humanity, tragedy and ultimately triumph. Through his conversations with a young woman he meets in a Brooklyn park, we learn about the people and events that have influenced and shaped Chaim's life. Beautifully written and full of rich ethnic humour, this is a wonderful and heartfelt comedy that is both moving and philosophical.

Croydon Parish Players 30-Apr-2010 to 08-May-2010 Click to Enlarge

Hat Trick 3 One Act Plays, 1.Too Close For comfort, 2.Three Chairs, 3.Daily Perspectives Agent: Publicity manager Brenda McMinn Author: 1. Chris Hodson 2. Roger Gimblett 3. Nick Walter and cast Director: 1.Colin Noble 2.Phil Crompton 3.Nick Walter Theatre: Croydon Uniting Church Tallent Street Uniting Church Hall Tallent Street Croydon 3136 Melways Reference: 50K2 Performances: 8pm. Matinee May 8th 2pm. Prices: $18, concession $16 children $13 Family 2 adults and up to three children $55 Bookings: Sheila 9725 5903 Company Email: info@croydonparishplayers.com Company Website: http://www.croydonparishplayers.com/ Synopsis: Three light comedies with a similar theme of families, friends and relationships. Too close for comfort: Susan who has been trecking in South America brings'the man of her dreams' home to meet her parents hoping that her fathers strange sense of humour won't put him off. Three Chairs: Newly married couple Tom and Patty are admiring the purchase of their new chairs when a series of unexpected visitors arrive;Tom's mother returning from a snorkeling trip, the neighbour Mrs Attenborough searching for her pet mouse and Patty's father who is experiencing a personal crisis. Daily perspectives: is a lighthearted look at a day in the life of a mixture of characters of all ages, particularly examining the differing perspectives they have on given situations.

Peridot Theatre Inc. 30-Apr-2010 to 15-May-2010 Click to Enlarge

The Dixie Swim Club Agent: Hal Leonard Australia Author: Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten Director: Richard Keown Theatre: Unicorn Theatre, Lechte Road, Mt. Waverley Melways Reference: Map 61, F11 Performances: April 30- May 15 at 8.15pm May 2 and 8 at 2.15pm Prices: $23/$20 Concession Bookings: 1300 138 645 (toll free), or 9898 9090 (if uising mobiles) Company Email: peridotboxoffice@yahoo.com.au Company Website: http://www.peridot.com.au Synopsis: Spread over a period of thirty-three years, in this lovely new comedy we follow the lives and loves, the ups and downs of five women, who met many years ago on their college swim team. Other Information: This production is an Australian Premiere.

The Mount Players 30-Apr-2010 to 29-May-2010 Click to Enlarge

Sweeney Todd Agent: Hal Leonard Aust. P/L exclusive agent for Music Theatre International (NY) Author: Book by Hugh Wheeler Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim From the adaption by Christopher Bond Director: Director:Leo Vandervalk Musical Director: Peter Weerts Theatre: The Mountview Theatre 56 Smith Street Macedon Performances: Evening Performances 8pm Matinee 2pm Prices: Gala Opening Night $30.00 (no concession) Tickets $25.00 Concession $22.00 Bookings: 1300 463 224 or 5428 1557 Company Email: secmountplayers@hotmail.com Company Website: http://www.themountplayers.com Synopsis: The musical thriller tells the story of Benjamin Barker, alias Sweeney Todd, who returns to London after 15 years transportation on false charges. When he learns from his former landlady, Mrs Lovett, that his wife poisoned herself after being raped by the judge who wrongly transported him, he vows revenge. Sweeney Todd is a stunning piece of 'gruisical' musical theatre embracing elements of melodrama, obsession, comedy and love with a collage of characters with whom we can all identify.