musical

Cast Of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Announced For Hayes Theatre Co

Feature-Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Producer Redfern Lane Productions is thrilled to announce the outrageously talented cast for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, the devilishly cheeky, fun-filled Broadway musical opening at Hayes Theatre Co this May. In a glittering new production that’s all charm, chaos, and con artistry at its most delicious, this cast brings star power, impeccable comic timing, and just enough respectability to make the scams feel almost classy. Tickets are on sale now from www.hayestheatre.com.au

Music theatre star and Hayes Theatre Co favourite, Blake Erickson leads the cast as Lawrence Jamieson, a suave conman who believes in tricking corrupt, rich people out of their money to finance his lavish lifestyle. Currently on stage in the national tour of Cluedo, Blake most recently wowed audiences with his hilarious performance as Roger de Bris in The Producers and will later be seen on stage in My Fair Lady.

The cocky small-time American hustler Freddy Benson will be played by star of screen and stage, Rowan Witt who will make his welcome return to the Hayes. Rowan has starred in blockbuster productions Hamilton and Book of Mormon and played the leading role of Georg Nowak in She Loves Me at the Hayes. Currently, he can be seen in television series Ghosts Australia and Totally Completely Fine.

Christine Colgate, the naive and wealthy American heiress who is the target for Lawrence and Freddy’s con, will be played by Kristina McNamara (Ned Kelly, CHICAGO), and Jordan Shea (The Producers) plays police chief Andre Thibault. Two of the women conned by the pair, Muriel Eubanks and Jolene Oakes, are played by up-and-coming musical theatre stars Aurélie Roque (Pippin) and Scarlet Lindsay (Guys and Dolls). Rounding out the cast in the ensemble Oliver Clisdell, Emma Feliciano, Brendan Godwin, Madelene Kirkwood and Christopher Tendai.

Blake Erickson, Rowan Witt DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS (c) John McRae.jpg

This all-new Australian production of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is directed by Rebecca McNamee (Abigail Williams), musically directed by Dylan Pollard (Woman on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown) and making his choreography debut is Cameron Boxall.

Director Rebecca McNamee said “From seasoned professionals to talented graduates, the cast of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is an exciting mix of diverse, worldly experiences! It is such an honour to work with talent who jump feet first into joy, nonsense and complex storytelling. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is a big show and we have found the skill and energy to match! There is a reason that performers from some of Australia’s most successful productions want to be part of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels – because all their talents will be in full display. I can’t wait for you to join us in the Riviera.”

Based on the hit 1988 film starring Michael Caine and Steve Martin, this Tony-nominated musical comedy follows two cunning conmen — the elegant, ruthless Lawrence Jamieson and the wildly unpredictable Freddy Benson — as they go head-to-head on the French Riviera in a winner-takes-all game of deception. Their target? A sweet, unsuspecting American heiress. But in a world built on lies and reinvention, nothing — and no-one — is quite what they seem.

With a razor-sharp book by Jeffrey Lane and an irresistibly cheeky score by David Yazbek (The Band’s Visit, Tootsie, The Full Monty), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is a riot of farcical foolishness, toe-tapping tunes, and whip-smart satire. Expect bold physical comedy, razor-edged elegance, and performances as dazzling as a Riviera sunset.

DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS
Director Rebecca McNamee
Music Director Dylan Pollard
Choreographer Cameron Boxall
Set Designer Soham Apte
Costume Designer Angelina Daniel
Producer Ebony Tucker
Associate Choreographer Carla Venezia
Assistant Choreographer Lauren Mitchell
Lighting Designer James Wallis

SEASON DETAILS
Venue: Hayes Theatre Co, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point
Season: 22 May – 21 June
Times: Tues 6.30pm, Wed-Sat 7.30pm, Thurs 1pm, Sat 2pm & Sunday 1pm
Price: Tickets from $79 Adult, $69 Concession/Group, $60 Under 35, Previews from $69
Bookings: www.hayestheatre.com.au

 

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Hit Hayes Theatre Co Musical, The Pirates Of Penzance, Sails Into The Foundry Theatre

Feature-The Pirates of Penzance

For the first time ever, Hayes Theatre Co brings one of its landmark productions to the Foundry Theatre stage. After a sold-out extended season at Hayes in 2025, plus visits to Wyong, Wollongong and Canberra, Hayes Theatre Co-Artistic Directors Richard Carroll and Victoria Falconer will raise the Jolly Roger once again as they revive their acclaimed version of The Pirates of Penzance. Madcap, hilarious and bursting with invention, Carroll’s sparkling new adaptation harnesses the irreverent, genre-busting spirit of Gilbert & Sullivan’s sprawling satirical masterwork and launches it into the 21st century with raucous new life. And the wildest part? Just five actors play every role.

Original cast members Jay Laga’aia (The Pirate King and others), Brittanie Shipway (Ruth and Mabel) and Maxwell Simon (Frederic) return to the motley pirate crew once again, joined by new recruits Sarah Murr and Tana Laga’aia. Together, this fearless ensemble conjures a world of pirates, lovers, sisters, major-generals, and many, many more. Transforming in an instant as costumes, voices and characters fly past at breakneck speed, it’s a breathtaking theatrical feat, with no safety net and truly “all hands on deck”. A “riotous example” of Carroll and Falconer’s famous “What if?” approach to theatre-making, the production was hailed by The Sydney Morning Herald as “a stroke of hilarious genius.”

“Hayes shows thrive on being inventive, nimble and always entertaining, which aligns perfectly with the vision behind the Foundry Theatre. We’ve been looking for the right moment to bring a show to this space, and our rollicking, rowdy Gilbert & Sullivan reimagining is the ultimate way to kick off this exciting new partnership,” said Richard Carroll.

Brittanie Shipway, Jay Laga'aia in The Pirates of Penzance PHOTO John McCrae (2).jpg
Maxwell Simon, Brittanie Shipway in The Pirates of Penzance PHOTO John McCrae (4).jpg

“There is a specific magic built into the DNA of every Hayes production – an intimacy that we know will translate beautifully to an innovative space like the Foundry Theatre. Expanding our reach to new spaces, creative partnerships and bigger audiences isn’t just a growth milestone, it paves an ambitious pathway that will directly fuel the creativity and scope of future Hayes productions,” said Victoria Falconer.

This is Gilbert & Sullivan like you’ve never seen it before; a full throttle tour-de-force, as five wildly outnumbered actors (swash) buckle up for an epic voyage.

★★★★★ “A practically perfect Pirates experience… Beautifully ridiculous charm” – Time Out
★★★★ “A hugely sophisticated show” – Sydney Morning Herald
★★★★ “A delight!” – Stagenoise
★★★★ “Keeps the laughs bubbling up” – Cultural Binge
★★★★☆ “Such a treat to watch” – What’s the Show

Batten down the hatches and jig along to the Foundry Theatre for The Pirates of Penzance or The Slave of Duty. Five Actors. Every Role. The original mega-musical – re-wired, re-booted, re-duced!

SEASON DETAILS
Venue: Foundry Theatre, inside the Sydney Lyric, Pirrama Road, Pyrmont
Season: 12 May – 7 June
Performance Times: Tues 6:30pm, Wed-Sat 7pm, matinees Wed or Thurs 1pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm or 3pm (performances vary weekly)
Prices: From $59.90 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: ticketmaster.com.au or 136 100

 

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Rehearsals Have Begun For Hit Broadway Musical Gutenberg! The Musical!

Feature-Gutenberg! The Musical!

Rehearsals have commenced for the hilarious hit Broadway musical Gutenberg! The Musical! which opens at the Hayes Theatre on April 10. Directed by Richard Carroll (Pirates of Penzance, Murder for Two) this joyously funny and stupidly clever musical from the book writers of Beetlejuice gets its first Australian production since it broke Broadway records in 2024. Tickets are selling fast at hayestheatre.com.au

Starring as best friends Doug and Bud are Sydney Theatre Award winners Stephen Anderson (Titanique) and Ryan González (In The Heights). Anderson is a NIDA graduate who most recently played Donny in Sydney Theatre Company’s world premiere adaptation of The Shiralee. Prior to this, he played Ruth Dewitt Bukater in Titanique, which earned him a Sydney Theatre Award for Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical. Stephen played Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and was an original cast member of the Australian production of Matilda the Musical playing Sergei, as well as understudying Miss Trunchbull and Mr Wormwood.

Ryan González is a dynamic triple-threat performer with a career spanning cabaret, film and theatre. They are most known for their Sydney Theatre Award-winning role as Usnavi in In The Heights across Australia. Ryan recently performed in Calamity Jane at the Sydney Opera House and is the Choreographer and Assistant Director of Head Over Heels, currently playing at the Hayes. Later this year, Ryan will also appear the upcoming World Premiere production of Mackenzie for Bell Shakespeare. Standby Bud/Doug is Daniel Raso (Beetlejuice, Jesus Christ Superstar).

Ryan González and Stephen Anderson - Gutenberg PHOTO John McCrae.jpg

Director Richard Caroll said “This show is so brilliantly written – it’s a gift to any director or performer who loves comedy, and Stephen and Ryan have been making me tear up with laughter since they first walked into rehearsals. I just marvel at the way they work so hard, and yet make it look so easy. That’s the key to great comedy, and I think we all need some of that at the moment. These two are going to be a double-act for the ages.”

Fresh off its hit Broadway success, Gutenberg! The Musical! is an outrageously clever and frequently absurd comedy that affectionately spoofs the world of musical theatre. Written by Tony and Emmy Award nominees Scott Brown and Anthony King, this love letter to friendship and wild ambition is told through the lens of two aspiring writers, Bud and Doug, earnestly pitching their highly inaccurate musical about the invention of the printing press, blending infectious enthusiasm, witty songs, and mind-boggling ‘historical’ twists”. Guttenberg! The Musical! is an irresistibly irreverent celebration of creativity, resilience, and the sheer joy of putting on a show – even when no one asked you to.

First look at rehearsal images can be found here
First look at rehearsal footage can be found here and on You Tube

GUTENBERG! THE MUSICAL!
Starring Stephen Anderson and Ryan Gonzalez
Director Richard Carroll
Music Director Zara Stanton
Choreographer Shannon Burns
Set Designer Lochie Odgers
Costume Designer Lily Mateljan
Lighting Designer Véronique Benett
Sound Designer Liam Roche
Assistant Director Jeremi Campese
Production Manager Abbey Pace
Stage Manager Sherydan Simson
Assistant Stage Manager Georgia Sealey

SEASON DETAILS
Venue: Hayes Theatre Co, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point
Season: 10 April – 10 May
Times: Tues 6.30pm, Wed-Sat 7.30pm, Thurs 1pm, Sat 2pm, Sunday 5pm
Price: Tickets from $79 Adult, $69 Concession/Group, $60 Under 35, Previews from $69
Bookings: www.hayestheatre.com.au | (02) 8065 7337

 

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The Heartbreak Choir

The Heartbreak Choir

The Heartbreak Choir Rating

★★★★★

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7

Pymble Players’ production of The Heartbreak Choir’, by Aidan Fennessy, at Zenith Theatre in Chatswood, is brilliant. The Zenith Theatre is one of Sydney’s gems. There’s something magical about a community theatre group performing a play based on a community choir. Choirs foster connections and the audience certainly connected with this production.

When a tragedy rocks a township, it dramatically affects relationships. The local choir splits into two groups. Through this upheaval, ‘The Heartbreak Choir’, emerges. A group of people with a range of ages and backgrounds, come together. These individuals are in search of their own voice and in doing so, support each other. The choir rehearses several iconic Australian pop songs in acapella-style. If you are fan of Paul Kelly, Natalie Imbruglia, Hunters and Collectors, you are in for a treat. All the performers can sing beautifully and their harmonising is spot-on. Many people in the audience were joyfully humming along.

Being an Aidan Fennessy play, the dialogue is witty, poignant and impactful. The Gospel feeling of the songs helps the characters traverse all their emotions. Barbara (psychologist and choir leader), is joined by Mack (an outspoken herb farmer), Aseni ( a heavily pregnant African doctor), Totty (a fluro-vest wearing entrepreneur), Savannah ( an anxious young woman, who whispers rather than talks, yet has a powerful singing voice), Peter (a local policeman with some interesting dance moves) and Beau (Peter’s son who forms a bond with Savannah). These characters prove that what unites us is greater than what divides us.

 

The Heartbreak Choir
The Heartbreak Choir
The Heartbreak Choir

 

The life-affirming powers of music are celebrated in this show. When tragedy occurs, it’s often an involvement in music that will enact the healing process and soothe the soul. Playwright, Aidan Fennessy, was dying upon completing this play. Fennessy’s own sense of mortality adds an enormous amount of gravitas to the work. There’s a real urgent plea for people to overcome and collaborate.

The finale, ‘Lanterns’, (Birds of Tokyo song), is sung with such anthem-like passion, that everyone around me joined in. It’s lovely to see members of the Pymble Players on-stage with their lanterns, to add to the spectacle.

Heather Pitt has directed ‘The Heartbreak Choir’, with obvious enthusiasm, as she also plays the choir lead role, of Barbara. Kristin Kok, Chantal Harrison, Gina Willison, Aja Elshaikh, Trent Gardiner and Will Evans, perform their roles with aplomb. Mark Pigot, Musical Director, could be snapped up by The Voice or Australian Idol, as the singing was top-class. Wayne Chee and Nicholas Pang, did a great job with the lighting and sound. Heather Pitt also worked with Daniel Ferris to create a charming set. I had previously seen the MTC and Ensemble Theatre productions of ‘The Heartbreak Choir’. Pymble Players certainly have the heart and soul to match them.

To book tickets to The Heartbreak Choir, please visit https://pymbleplayers.com.au/the-heartbreak-choir.

Photographer: David Allsopp

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