About The Production – Centre Stage: A Variety Spectacular

Feature-Centre Stage: A Variety Spectacular

Today, we had a delightful chat with the electrifying host and performer of Centre Stage: A Variety Spectacular. This production promises to spotlight the incredible talents of Queensland’s emerging young performers.

About Centre Stage: A Variety Spectacular

What is this Production about?

Centre Stage: A Variety Spectacular is a celebration of young Queensland talent, showcasing the next generation of performers in one high-energy show. It’s a mix of circus, dance, vocals, magic, acro, and comedy, all created and performed by emerging artists produced by emerging artists. The goal was to build a platform where youth performers could collaborate across art forms and experience what it’s like to be part of a fully produced, professional-style theatre event.

What character are you playing, and what can you share with us about them?

I’ll be hosting the production and performing as a variety artist, blending juggling, magic, and comedy throughout the show. My role is to connect the different acts, keep the energy flowing, and bring the audience along for the ride. It’s fun because I get to be the link between all these amazing young performers and help set the tone for each act.

What’s challenging about bringing this script to life?

The biggest challenge has been weaving together so many different performance styles into one cohesive show, while still giving each performer their own moment to shine. It’s also a huge team effort behind the scenes, with young artists learning how to work in a professional production setting. Balancing creativity, timing, and stage logistics has been a learning curve, but it’s also what makes the show so exciting and rewarding.

Why did you want to be involved in this production?

Well i came up with the idea in early 2025 since I wanted to create a space where young performers could experience what it’s like to be part of a professional production, something that gives them real stage experience, collaboration, and confidence. I’ve been performing since I was five years old, and I know how important it is to have opportunities early on. From that one idea grew many.. many.. many different show types and names but we ended up with Centre Stage.

What sort of person is going to love this show?

Anyone who loves variety, creativity, and seeing pure talent in action! It’s perfect for families, theatre lovers, and anyone who enjoys music, dance, circus, acro, and magic all in one show. There’s something for everyone from high-energy dance numbers to heartfelt vocal performances and jaw-dropping circus acts. It’s fast-paced, funny, and full of heart.

William Piper

What will the audience be thinking about in the car as they drive home after this show?

I think they’ll be smiling and talking about how much talent and passion they just saw on stage. Hopefully, they’ll feel inspired, reminded that creativity and performing arts are alive and thriving in young people. It’s the kind of show that leaves you feeling uplifted and proud of what the next generation can do.

What’s going to surprise people about this show?

Audiences will be amazed by the sheer variety and talent on stage. The way these diverse acts flow seamlessly together in a high-energy, family-friendly spectacle is something people won’t expect. It’s a true celebration of creativity and collaboration that surprises and delights at every turn.

How is this production bringing something new to this story?

This production is breaking new ground by being an Australian-first youth collaboration that brings together Queensland’s brightest emerging performers across circus, music, dance, acro, and magic. It’s not just a show it’s a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the next generation of live entertainment in a high-energy, family-friendly format. Audiences will see fresh, original performances that you won’t find anywhere else.

Who has the best costume?

The show features a dazzling variety of costumes across circus, dance, and magic acts, but one standout is Macca Cloke’s costume, whose vibrant blue, intricately bedazzled costume perfectly matches the energy/brightness of the show and creativity of their performance.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

This show is a one-of-a-kind celebration of youth talent. It’s full of surprises, laughter, and incredible performances, and it’s a must-see for anyone who loves creativity, energy, and supporting local arts.

Where can patrons purchase tickets to this production?

To book tickets to Centre Stage: A Variety Spectacular, please visit https://www.trybooking.com/DFGLN.

Thank you for sharing the magic and excitement behind Centre Stage: A Variety Spectacular! Best wishes for your upcoming show; it sounds like its going to be an unforgettable show that will leave audiences buzzing. Break a leg.

Other production interviews can be viewed in our About The Production Series.

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

About The Production – Dear Son

Feature-Dear Son

Today, we had the pleasure of speaking with the talented team behind Dear Son, a deeply moving stage adaptation directed by Isaac Drandic. Prepare to be captivated by a blend of courageous storytelling and emotional depth as these letters flow beautifully on stage.

About Dear Son

What is this Production about?

The show Dear Son, is based on the book called Dear Son by Thomas Mayo. It’s a show that’s been adapted into a stage play written by John Harvey and Isaac Drandic, and directed by Isaac Drandic. Thomas Mayo invited 13 Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander men, including himself, to write a letter to their sons and fathers.

In the show, we have 5 men, actors on stage and we bring these letters to life.

What’s challenging about bringing this script to life?

One of the challenges was making sure we honour all the letters in a theatrical structure of storytelling. They are so personal and powerful that we worked really hard to take care of and share the bravery of these courageous men and us creatives in production as fathers and sons. And through the whole process it’s been an honour to be a apart of and healing personally as a father and son.

Why did you want to be involved in this production?

I’ve been apart of the first workshop and read the book and always wanted to work with Isaac as a director. We’ve worked together on Romeo & Juliet many moons ago hahaha, I think it was 2008 STC production as actors, but it was well overdue. And also, as an indigenous storyteller, I feel it’s my responsibility to be apart of this production when it was offered.

 

What will the audience be thinking about in the car as they drive home after this show?

They will be thinking about all the men in their lives.

What’s going to surprise people about this show?

How much they are connected to these stories.

How is this production bringing something new to this story?

You will see 5 men on stage on a beautiful set having a yarn, and when I say yarn, I mean deep yarn. With the letters flowing through us.

Where can patrons purchase tickets to this production?

To book tickets to Dear Son, please visit https://belvoir.com.au/productions/dear-son/.

Thank you so much for sharing your insights and passion with us. Wishing you all the best as you bring the heartfelt stories of Dear Son to the stage, and may your performance move audiences far and wide. Break a leg!

Other production interviews can be viewed in our About The Production Series.

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

About The Production – Adrift in New York – A Melodrama!

Feature-Adrift in New York - A Melodrama!

Today, we shared a delightful conversation with Rose Vallen, the visionary director behind Adrift in New York, an endearing melodrama set to grace the Arts Theatre Adelaide. With its timeless narrative of family, resilience, and justice, this production is destined to be filled with vibrant performances, evocative tunes, and authentic 1890s charm. Join us to cheer, boo, and be utterly captivated as this classic story unfolds on stage!

About Adrift in New York – A Melodrama!

What is this Production about?

Adrift in New York is a classic late-19th-century melodrama that tells a story of lost family, moral tests, and redemption amid the perils of the big city. It includes Gay 1890’s music hall numbers and opportunities for the audience to Boo the villain, Cheer the hero and sigh for the Heroine.

What’s challenging about bringing this script to life?

The challenge for me and the actors is to balance sincerity and irony. To play the truth of the story without descending into parody. The performances must be emotionally honest, even when the situations are heightened. Keeping the lid on some of the Actors has been hilarious and challenging.

Why did you want to be involved in this production?

I love Melodrama, I have performed in several over the years and they are always so much fun for the actors as well as the audience.

What sort of person is going to love this show?

If you love big-hearted, old-fashioned storytelling — where good triumphs over evil, emotions run high, and every twist leads to a gasp or a tear, performed by vibrant and eclectic bunch of actors who incite you to join in the action, sing-along to old time music hall numbers and have a lot of fun, this show is for you.

What will the audience be thinking about in the car as they drive home after this show?

Hopefully the audience will be still humming the music and chatting about their favourite character – was it the Villain, the Hero or the Heroine?  But above all, they’ll leave with a sense of warmth — the pleasure of seeing virtue rewarded, love restored, and evil conquered by compassion.

What’s going to surprise people about this show?

It swings from tears to thrills to moral redemption in minutes — a mix that feels both over-the-top and genuinely moving. The sheer earnestness of its melodrama can be startling (and even charming) to contemporary viewers used to irony.

Who has the best costume?

Definitely all of the ladies have fabulous costumes, think authentic 1890’s gorgeous frocks.  Thank you so much Sandy Whitelaw for lending us these fabulous outfits.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Melodrama Returns to the Stage: Adrift in New York Opens at Arts Theatre Adelaide. The Rep is proud to present Adrift in New York, a classic melodrama written by Addison Aulger, directed by the acclaimed Rose Vallen.

Synopsis
This heart-wrenching tale of fate, family, and resilience promises to captivate audiences with its timeless themes and fun theatrical flair. Set against the bustling backdrop of the Gay Nineties in New York and the deep south, Adrift in New York follows the journey of a young girl cast into the unforgiving streets, navigating hardship and hope in search of her lost family.

With villains to boo, heroes to cheer, and a story that tugs at the heartstrings, this production revives the golden age of melodrama with a fresh, local twist. And a good Melodrama often includes Music Hall-style acts to enhance the audience’s enjoyment and create a more exciting theatrical experience.

In this production, there will be well known songs and the amazing, hilarious spectacle of the famous Balloon Dance featuring the incomparable Lindy Le Cornu, who has made this artform her own!
Join us for an unforgettable night of fun, laughs, drama, emotion, and theatrical tradition. Adrift in New York is a must-see, feel-good production.

Where can patrons purchase tickets to this production?

To book tickets to Adrift in New York – A Melodrama!, please visit https://adelaiderep.com/season-2025/adrift-in-new-york.

Thank you so much for sharing your insights and passion with us. Best of luck with Adrift in New York; may the cheers be thunderous, the boos be hearty, and the audience leave with hearts full of joy and melodies in their heads!

Other production interviews can be viewed in our About The Production Series.

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

About The Musical – Monopoly: The Unauthorised Musical

Feature-Monopoly: The Unauthorised Musical

Today, we’re diving into the whimsical world of Monopoly: The Unauthorised Musical with its creator, Jasper Cruden. Described as a fantastical adventure with a touch of 80’s and 90’s nostalgia, this original musical promises a delightful journey with characters that leap straight out of your favourite games. So, grab your tokens and get ready for a tour through a reimagined board game universe that’s sure to captivate and entertain.

About Monopoly: The Unauthorised Musical

What is this Production about?

The journey of Monopoly: The Unauthorised Musical began in late 2021 when final year WAAPA composition student Jasper Cruden started thinking of clever ways to structure his graduating recital. In typical chaotic fashion, he crafted a simple but entertaining story about some of the player tokens from the classic game ‘Monopoly’ (Boot, Iron, Car, and Scottish Terrier) attempting to bring an explosive end to the rule of a tyrannical queen

Immediately following the success of that performance, Jasper and drummer Ian Tassicker began discussing ideas to further develop the project, with Ian taking on the bulk of the responsibility of re-working the existing story. The story was reshaped to expand the world and bring in characters from classic games such as Chess and Charades, and the human character Scott was added to give audiences a window into this fantastical world.

Join Scott on his unexpected adventure through a fantastical world inspired by ‘Alice in Wonderland’, and 80’s/90’s live action fantasy (‘The Princess Bride’, ‘Labyrinth’) as he meets the likes of the fierce but kindly Lady Luck, dramatic Sir Knight, verbose Miss Wordsmith, awkward Baron von Strategy, unpredictable Admiral Cannonblast, and the ruthless Mayfair.

What character are you playing, and what can you share with us about them?

I’m not playing one of the characters. I created them! I am playing drums in the band though.

Our characters include:

Scott – An uptight lawyer who is known in his town for being no fun at all. He goes on an unexpected journey in a very ‘Alice in Wonderland’ fashion and comes out the other side changed.

Lady Luck – A very hot/cold personality who switches between foul-mouthed aggression and sweet kindness. The leader of the group of heroes and the only one able to protect them from Mayfair. Avatar of cards and dice.

Miss Wordsmith – An overly verbose nerd who struggles to get the other characters to understand her. Avatar of word spelling games.

Sir Knight – A courageous but often overly dramatic warrior. Is compelled to deliver a soliloquy on death every time he sees a skull. Only walks in ‘L’ shapes. Avatar of Chess.

Baron von Strategy – A somewhat cowardly, awkward chap who suffers from the curse of no one ever having heard of his game: ’99 Gnomes That Know How to Knit’.

Admiral Cannonblast: A rambunctious pirate who acts as an agent of chaos among the group. Drinks homemade booze made from sea slugs. Avatar of games where you blindly guess where the opponents boats are and attempt to sink them via a grid reference.

Mayfair – The evil tyrant and antagonist of our story. Forces our heroes to play games for her amusement, and drags the losers away to be trapped forever as she attempts to cement her monopoly on power.

What’s challenging about bringing this script to life?

Bringing an entirely original idea into the world is always difficult, but especially so when it’s a full length musical! This project has been in development for 2 years, and it’s been countless hours of drafting, reading, then re-drafting scripts and music. We’re also learning how to function as producers and marketers as we go!

I’ve never been this busy, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything at this point.

Why did you want to be involved in this production?

Creating an original work that means something to people is something I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve also come away from every show I’ve ever played as a musician going ‘I think that script could have worked better if XYZ were changed’, and this is my chance to prove myself right.

What sort of person is going to love this show?

Anyone who is young at heart and finds joy in playing games! There’s something in this show for all ages, and we’ve got such a wide range of characters that everyone should find someone to root for.

 

What will the audience be thinking about in the car as they drive home after this show?

Personally, I hope they go home thinking about finally getting around to organising that games night they keep putting off!

What’s going to surprise people about this show?

Probably how professional it all looks and sounds! I think most people hear the words ‘Original Musical’ or ‘Debut Show’ and it sets off alarm bells about lower production values or aspects of the show being a bit under-cooked.

Our team is comprised entirely of people who are either in the professional space already or actively working towards entering it, so we’re executing at a high level.

How is this production bringing something new to this story?

The entire story is new, so I’ll answer instead by saying that we’re aiming to bring something new to the theatre scene in Perth, and ideally, the world.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Only that ticket sales are going pretty well, and we’re expecting a full house on opening night. Don’t miss your opportunity to be there for the premiere of something special!

Where can patrons purchase tickets to this production?

To book tickets to Monopoly: The Unauthorised Musical, please visit https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1464504.

Thank you for sharing the captivating journey of Monopoly: The Unauthorised Musical with us. Best wishes for a jam-packed opening night and a fantastical run! May the adventures of Scott and the other beloved characters bring joy and smiles to every corner of the theatre.

Other production interviews can be viewed in our About The Production Series.

Spread the word on your favourite platform!