Alice In Wonderland Pantomime Takes Centre Stage In Melbourne’s South East

Alice In Wonderland

Tickets are on sale now as Mount Eliza’s beloved community pantomime returns for a spectacular new production across the weekend of 5 – 7 June

South East Melbourne audiences are in for a June long weekend of hilarity, fairytale characters, and plenty of joy, when the much-loved Mount Eliza community pantomime presents its latest production of “Alice in Wonderland.” As a cast and crew of more than 30 locals head into final rehearsals, excitement is building for what promises to be one of the group’s most entertaining shows yet. Now a firm annual tradition in its 6th year, the Mount Eliza pantomime regularly sells out, drawing audiences of all ages to its signature mix of comedy, music and interactive fun.

For those new to the tradition, pantomime is a playful style of originally British theatre filled with humour, familiar songs and plenty of audience participation – expect cheers, boos and “look behind you!” moments along the way.

This year’s production puts a fresh twist on the classic tale. While audiences might think they know Alice’s adventures in Wonderland, this version is anything but ordinary…

When Alice (Colette Cordes) follows a thieving White Rabbit (Paris Biggs) and Gardener Jack (Max Stockton) into a topsy-turvy Wonderland, she quickly discovers things aren’t quite as whimsical as they seem. With a fiery Queen of Hearts (Mandy Mannion) barking “Off with their heads!” and a world where nonsense rules, Alice must rely on her wits to retrieve her stolen belongings. Along the way, she meets the mischievous Cheshire Cat (Gemma Vowles), the unpredictable Mad Hatter (Archie Vaughn) and a host of delightfully peculiar personalities.

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With her loyal friends not far behind, whether they help or hinder is another matter, Alice’s journey becomes a whirlwind of chaos, comedy and surprises. Will she escape Wonderland in one piece, or will everything descend into complete and utter madness?

Director Robyn Walker said the production is a true celebration of community spirit both on and off the stage:

“This show is all about bringing people together for the love of theatre. Our cast includes performers of all ages and experience levels, from first-timers to seasoned performers, and that mix creates such a special energy.”

“Everything you see on stage has been created by our local community, from the props and set design to the costumes and live music performed by a full local band. It’s a real team effort, and that sense of camaraderie shines through in every moment.”

“We can’t wait to share the show with audiences and hope they have as much fun watching it as we’ve had creating it.”

Perfect for the whole family, this is one very important date you won’t want to be late for.

Tickets are on sale now HERE or find out more at the Mt Eliza Community Pantomime Facebook page HERE.

PERFORMANCE DATES
Friday 5 June: 7.30pm
Saturday 6 June: 2.00pm & 7.30pm
Sunday 7 June: 1.00pm & 4.00pm

LOCATION
Mount Eliza Community Hall
90–100 Canadian Bay Road, Mount Eliza

 

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Where Is The Green Sheep? Comes To The West!!

Feature-Where is the Green Sheep?

Monkey Baa’s hit stage adaptation of the much-loved book comes to Western Sydney and the spectacular Coliseum in Rooty Hill in the July school holidays.

Monkey Baa Theatre Company has toured the show all over Australia with sell out performances wherever it has gone.
Now they are bringing Where is the Green Sheep? to families in Sydney’s West on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 July.

Where is the Green Sheep? is an immersive visual theatre experience based on the beloved book by Mem Fox & Judy Horacek, adapted for the stage and directed by Eva Di Cesare.

Audiences meet Blue Sheep who loves blue flowers and Red Sheep who cartwheels in the fields, Bath Sheep who loves bubbles and Bed Sheep who loves to bounce.

But where is that Green Sheep???

Directed and adapted by Monkey Baa’s Artistic Director Eva Di Cesare, and blending puppetry and animation, the production invites young audiences to join three farmers on a playful and surprising quest to find the elusive green sheep.

Co-created with students from Bankstown West Public School, the show integrates their voices as narrators so the world they know is reflected on stage.
As families think more about time online, many parents are seeking real-life moments that help young people feel present and connected. This production creates that space.
Young people sit with their families, watch characters appear in front of them, listen to real voices and respond in the moment. It offers an experience that cannot be replicated on a screen and creates shared memories that last.

And it’s coming to the West!

Judy Horacek, co-creator of the original book and member of the creative team, says:
“From the first tiny green sheep I drew years ago, to making the book with Mem with its beloved flock of quirky sheep, to me being part of the team bringing the book to the stage, has been an incredible experience. We’ve created a play that is very true to the book, but at the same time full of wonderful new surprises – it’s impossible not to adore it!”

Mem Fox, co-creator of the original book, says:
“Where is the Green Sheep? It’s travelling around Australia! This play is the crowning glory of its long and glorious career. It’s been loved by millions of children for over twenty years, but now I love it even more!”

Eva Di Cesare, writer, director and Artistic Director of Monkey Baa, says:
“So many young people know this book by heart. Seeing it come alive on stage lets families share a special moment together. It’s playful, full of big feelings and discovery – in the spirit of the original story.”

Richard Errington, CEO, West HQ, said:
“We’re delighted to welcome Where is the Green Sheep? to the Coliseum Theatre in partnership with Monkey Baa. This much-loved Australian story is a wonderful experience for young audiences and families in Western Sydney and we’re proud to present it on our stage.”

Where is the Green Sheep?
Friday 17 July at 10am and 12.30pm | Saturday 18 July at 11am
Coliseum Theatre, 33 Railway Street, Rooty Hill
Bookings and info: www.monkeybaa.com.au/shows/where-is-the-green-sheep

 

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Cast Announced For The Addams Family At Hayes Theatre

Feature-The Addams Family

Joshua Robson Productions and their team behind the sell-out success of The Producers returns to conjure up another deliciously dark delight, bringing the Tony Award®-nominated global smash The Addams Family to Hayes Theatre Co from 11 July. Tickets are on sale now via www.hayestheatre.com.au.

At the heart of this gloriously gothic household stands Morticia Addams, embodied by double Helpmann Award–nominated triple threat Erika Heynatz (Legally Blonde, Menopause the Musical), whose elegance is as sharp as her wit. Opposite her, the ardently devoted Gomez Addams finds his match in acclaimed Filipino-Australian performer Marcus Rivera (Miss Saigon, City of Angels), promising a romance that burns as brightly as it does bizarrely. Emerging from the shadows, Wednesday Addams—the ultimate princess of darkness—will be brought chillingly to life by recent NIDA graduate Jenny Guigayoma (Nine, Peter Pan). Meanwhile, her delightfully devious younger brother Pugsley takes mischievous form in Georgia Oom (Werkaholics, Footloose), whose penchant for chaos keeps the household on edge. Hovering somewhere between the strange and the sublime, Uncle Fester will be ignited by the electrifying Evan Lever (The Normal Heart, Muriel’s Wedding), guiding the story with peculiar charm. Adding fuel to the family fire, Deborah Galanos (The Boomkak Panto, Stop Girl) unleashes her comic prowess as the unapologetically anarchic Grandmama. Towering—both in stature and presence—Elliot Aitken makes his professional debut as the ever-loyal, ever-lurking Lurch.

In a delicious twist of fate, Teagan Wouters (Bonnie & Clyde, The Wedding Singer), who originated the role of Wednesday in the original Australian production, returns to the Addams universe as Alice Beineke—a woman on the brink of polite society collapse. Her tightly wound husband Mal Beineke will be played by Rory O’Keeffe (HMS Pinafore, Playing Beatie Bow), while their seemingly “normal” son Lucas—harbouring a secret of his own—comes to life through First Nations performer Alexander Tye (Once on This Island, Footloose The Musical). Completing this cryptic clan are the Addams ancestors, rising from beyond in the forms of Mae Li Cowell, Nathan Fernandez, Jayden Prelc and Paloma Renouf, with Kayla Ingle-Olson and Joey Phyland lurking in the wings as swings.

When Wednesday Addams, the ultimate gothic outsider, falls for a perfectly “normal” boy, everything the Addams family holds dear is turned upside down. As the two families meet for one fateful evening, secrets are revealed, boundaries are tested, and chaos is delightfully unleashed. With an extraordinary original score and a story to die for, The Addams Family promises a wickedly entertaining night for audiences of all persuasions.

Directed by Julia Robertson (The Producers, Metropolis), with musical supervision by Zara Stanton (Dear Evan Hansen, In The Heights) and choreography by Shannon Burns (Gutenberg! The Musical, The Producers), this bold new production will push boundaries and breathe new (after)life into a beloved classic.

Director Julia Robertson said “Our version of The Addams Family will dive headfirst into why these characters have captivated us for decades, celebrating their boundless passion for life (and death), their wildly creative and expressive ways of communicating, and their fearless embrace of all things unique and darkly fascinating. We’re allowing the subconscious to take centre stage as emotion overrides logic and the ordinary transforms into something poetic, playful, and deeply human. The Addams don’t just live outside societal norms, they inhabit a reality entirely of their own making, shaped by ritual, instinct, and imagination. Inspired by the original artist, Charles Addams himself, our production will lean into striking composition; stylised, surprising, yet unmistakably Addams!”

“I am so excited to unveil this extraordinary cast; an honest, dark, deliciously funny, and fiercely talented ensemble of storytellers ready to revel in the weird and wonderful world of The Addams Family. Each performer brings a thrilling breadth of experience and a bold individuality to these iconic roles, infusing them with fresh energy, unexpected nuance, and their own wickedly delightful flair. Audiences are in for something truly special!”

The unsettlingly enchanting musical comedy from Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, writers of the multi award-winning hit musical Jersey Boys, with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, will haunt you in the most delightfully spooky way.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY
Producer Joshua Robson Productions (JRP)
Director Julia Robertson
Music Supervisor Zara Stanton
Choreographer Shannon Burns
Music Director Alexander Gaal
Assistant Director/Choreographer Grace Stamnas
Production Designer Dann Barber
Associate Production Designer Meg Anderson
Lighting Designer Jasmine Rizk
Sound Designer Chaii Ki Chapman

SEASON DETAILS
Venue: Hayes Theatre Co, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point
Season: 11 July – 9 August
Times: Tues 6.30pm, Wed-Sat 7.30pm, Thurs 1pm, Sat 2pm & Sunday 1pm
Price: Preview tickets from $85, In season prices Adult $95, Concession $89, Groups/Previews from $85
Bookings: www.hayestheatre.com.au | (02) 8065 7337

BIOGRAPHIES
Erika Heynatz (she/her) – Morticia Addams
Marcus Rivera (he/him) – Gomez Addams
Jenny Guigayoma (she/her) – Wednesday Addams
Georgia Oom (she/her) – Pugsley Addams
Evan Lever (he/him) – Uncle Fester
Deb Galanos (she/her) – Grandmama
Elliot Aitken (he/him) – Lurch/Ancestor
Alexander Tye (he/him) – Lucas Beineke
Teagan Wouters (she/her) – Alice Beineke
Rory O’Keeffe (he/him) – Mal Beineke

 

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First Look At The Australian Cast Of Tootsie In Costume

Feature-Tootsie

Rehearsals are well underway as the supremely talented cast of Tootsie, the smash-hit Broadway musical, prepare for the Australian Premiere at Teatro at the Italian Forum later this month. Wigs and sequins have been donned in preparation to bring this nostalgic classic to the stage at Sydney’s newest exciting venue. Tootsie opens on 26 May, with tickets on sale now at www.teatroitalianforum.com.au. Based on the beloved Oscar-winning hit film starring Dustin Hoffman, the Tony Award® winner for Best Book of a Musical promises’ laughs, heart, and a generous dose of nostalgia.

Leading the cast in the dual role of Michael Dorsey and his alter ego Dorothy Michaels, made famous on screen by two-time Oscar winner Dustin Hoffman, is Andrew Bevis (The Lord of the Rings, The Rocky Horror Show). The role of Julie Nichols will be played by Sydney Theatre Award winner Elenoa Rokobaro (Hadestown), while Alana Tranter (Beauty and the Beast) plays Sandy Lester. Brendan Irving (The Rocky Horror Show) plays Max Von Horn, Tyran Stig (Titanique) plays Jeff Slater, Donna Lee (Hairspray) is Rita Marshall, Chris Huntley-Turner (Friends: The Parody Musical) is Stan Fields, and Lachlan O’Brien (The Phantom of the Opera) plays Ron Carlisle.

The ensemble features Sam Austin, Lisa Callingham, Katie Green, Arthur Lees (swing), Maximillian Macdonald, Jessica Parris, Jamie Reisin, Julian Seguna, and Nicole Vella.

Described by The New York Post as “Broadway’s funniest new musical” and praised by Rolling Stone as “musical comedy heaven”, Tootsie is the laugh-out-loud story of a talented but difficult actor who struggles to find work until one bold, show-stopping act of desperation lands him the role of a lifetime.

Tootsie received 11 Tony Award nominations for its Broadway production, including Best Musical and Best Original Score. With music and lyrics by Tony Award and Grammy Award winner David Yazbek (The Band’s Visit, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) and a book by Tony Award winner Robert Horn (13 The Musical, Shucked), Tootsie has had audiences rolling in the aisles.

This all-new production of Tootsie is directed and choreographed by award-winning director and choreographer Cameron Mitchell (Putting It Together, Sweet Charity) with co- musical direction by Kevin Wang and Nicholas Till (Putting it Together) and costume design by Angela White.

Fast-paced and outrageously funny, Tootsie explores identity, ambition, and ego, all while keeping the laughs coming.

TOOTSIE
Season: From 26 May
Venue: Teatro at the Italian Forum, Norton Street, Leichhardt
Performance Times: Wed–Thurs 7pm, Fri–Sat 7.30pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm & 6pm
Prices: $75 for previews (26–28 May); from $85 for remaining dates (a handling fee of $6.95 per transaction applies)
Bookings: www.teatroitalianforum.com.au

 

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