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Annual Diaries |Annual Listings 1997 to Current Year |

Illawarra Theatre - Detailed Listing
June - August 2009


      Arabian Nights
      Backstage Hope Theatre, Building 40, University of Wollongong
      The Faculty of Creative Arts (3rd year) Director: ( Tim Maddock, Assistant Director -Mark Rogers )

      4th to 6th June (Thurs, Fri, Sat ) at 8:00pm
      Bookings 02 4221 4889 ---------- Ticket Prices: $15 full, $10 conc., $5 FCA students

      Technical:

      - Index

      Basic Training
      By Kahlil Ashanti
      IPAC
      Merrigong Theatre Co. Director: ( Kahlil Ashanti )

      2nd to 6th June (Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat ) at 8:00pm extra 2:00pm Sat . Tues 6:30pm only
      Bookings (02) 4226 3366 ---------- Ticket Prices: $35 to $49 Student rush : $19

      After conquering the Edinburgh, Montreal, Vancouver and Melbourne Fringe Festivals with sold out seasons, Kahlil Ashanti kick-starts his Australian tour right here in Wollongong!

      Ashanti’s acclaimed autobiographical one-man show, Basic Training, chronicles his time in the U.S. Air Force’s crack entertainment troupe, where he learned to serve his country using his talents as a stand-up comedian and breakdancer! The day before Ashanti leaves for boot camp his mother reveals a shocking family secret that forces Kahlil to question his reasons for leaving. Mayhem ensues as Ashanti’s adventures put him in several life-affirming and life-threatening situations all narrated by 23 of the most hilarious, larger-than-life characters imaginable. Along the way, Ashanti comes of age, discovers his roots, and learns what the real “Basic Training” of life is all about.

      Cast: Kahlil Ashanti

      Technical:

      See Also Basic Training

      - Index

      When The Bush Turns
      By Geoffrey Sykes
      Intimate Bush Chapel, 94 Parkes Street, Helensburgh
      Playscript Director: ( The ensemble )

      22nd May to 6th June (Fri, Sat ) at 8:00pm
      Bookings Bookings and queries can be made at 4294 1695 ---------- Ticket Prices: $18 (conc. $12 and family of 4, $40)

      Years after a major bushfire, three characters face change and the future. A play for our time, and a changing world, inspired by the Illawarra fires of 2001.

      Cast: Tim Allen, Karen Cobban, Susan Kennedy

      Technical:

      - Index

      Season's Greetings
      By Alan Ayckbourn
      C.W.A. Hall Stanwell Park
      Stanwell Park Arts Theatre Director: ( Jennifer Woolsey )

      5th to 13th June (Fri, Sat ) at 7:30pm
      Bookings SPAT booking line, 4294 4060 ---------- Ticket Prices: $15, Concession / Students $10 and family (2A & 3C) $45.

      Season’s Greetings is a black, though often farcical, comedy about a dysfunctional family Christmas, set over Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day in an average English suburban house. Themes running through the play include the loss of passion in marriage, and the tragedy inherent in the achievement of only mediocrity in life.

      Join us with a complimentary glass of gluevine before each show.

      The show is rated PG.

      Cast: Ken Edwards, Cameron Campbell, Andrew Bridgford, Rod Plant, Matt Dickson, Bernadette Le Mesurier, Lindy Sharp, Rebecca Barrow, Penelope Wood

      Technical:

      - Index

      Melbourne Comedy Festival Roadshow
      IPAC
      Merrigong Add-On Director: ( )

      18th to 20th June (Thur, Fri, Sat ) at 8:00pm Wed & Thur (6:30pm and 9:30pm Fri & Sat)
      Bookings (02) 4226 3366 ---------- Ticket Prices: $37 (conc. $32)

      You know it, you love it! The annual Melbourne Comedy Festival Roadshow returns with a new line up of Australian and overseas acts sure to amaze and delight! The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is one of the top comedy festivals in the world and the Roadshow is a fantastic chance to sample the best of the Fest! This event is always popular, so book your tickets early to ensure a seat.

      . WARNING: may contain strong language and adult themes.

      Cast: As of 23/3/09 - Axis of Awesome, Denise Scott, Dave Thornton and Justin Hamilton are confirmed.

      Technical:

      See Also Melbourne Comedy Festival Roadshow

      - Index

      Diary of Adrian Mole
      By Sue Townsend
      Harbour Theatre
      Roo Theatre's Youth Performance Group Director: ( Juliet Scrine )

      26th and 27th June (Fri, Sat ) at 7:30pm. Extra 2:30pm on Sat
      Bookings (02) 4297 2891 ---------- Ticket Prices:

      Adapted by the original author Sue Townsend, this comic play covers the first of the Adrian Mole diaries in which the Midlands adolescent and undiscovered poet and intellectual tries to deal with his parents' crumbling marriage, his spots, his school, his unrequited love for Pandora and the erratic behaviour of his dog.

      Technical:

      - Index

      The Taming of the Shrew
      By William Shakespeare
      IPAC
      Merrigong Theatre Co. Director: ( Marion Potts )

      23rd to 27th June (Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat ) at 8:00pm extra 2:00pm Sat . Tues 11:00am & 6:30pm only
      Bookings (02) 4226 3366 ---------- Ticket Prices: $40 to $54 Student rush : $19

      The ever popular Bell Shakespeare returns with the Bard’s famous romantic comedy The Taming Of The Shrew. A classic battle of the sexes, this production has one serious twist, bringing a whole new spin to this tale of sexual politics. Meet Lucentio and Petruchio, two men on a search for love. Lucentio fixes his gaze on the sweet and gentle Bianca while Petruchio hears of Bianca’s wanton and wild sister, Kate, and vows to tame her and teach her to be an agreeable wife. All will be married; all will be well... Or so it would seem. During Shakespeare’s time, male actors played all the roles in his plays regardless of gender. Now award-winning director Marion Potts turns the tables with an all-female cast. There have been many contemporary re-tellings of The Taming Of The Shrew (including Heath Ledger in 10 Things I Hate About You) but this new production transcends expectation, taking the politics of marriage to ludicrous new heights. Vibrant, energetic and packed with female punch, this is the perfect night out for anyone who has ever fallen in love and managed to survive it.

      Meet the Artists: Fri 26 Jun 8pm. Captioned Performance: Sat 27 Jun 2pm.

      Prices: Adult: $54; Adult Early Week Special: $49 Conc/Group(10+): $45; Conc/Group Early Week Special $40 Student Rush: $19

      Cast: including: Jeanette Cronin, Lotte St Clair

      Technical: Set & Costume Designer - Anna Tregloan, Lighting Designer - Paul Jackson, Sound Designer - Max Lyandvert

      See Also The Taming of the Shrew

      - Index

      A Slice of Saturday Night
      By The Heather Brothers
      The Arcadians' Miners Lamp Theatre
      Arcadians Theatre Group Director: Jennifer Bond, Musical Director - Adam Vujic, Choreograper - Pauline Young, Producer - Linda Corrin

      19h June to 4th July (Fri, Sat, Sun ) at 8:00pm Fri & Sat, Extra 2:00pm matinee Sat and Sun 28th
      Bookings 4284 8348 ---------- Ticket Prices: $20, conc. $17, Youth $12

      It's Saturday night at the provincial "Club A-Go-Go" and 6 the blokes and birds are on the pull. Seven teenagers dance, eye each other and flirt on a Saturday night at popular Club A-Go-Go in a town in the British provinces. Sue is attracted to Gary, but he flirts with Penny and the other girls. Sharon and Rick like each other but are too shy to tell each other. Eddie is interested in the aloof Bridget. The owner of the club, aging rocker Eric "Rubber-legs" De Vene, watches and lends an ear to the young people as they navigate the rituals of teenage fashion, music, sexual mores and relationships.

      Re-live the 60s in this dynamic mix of wit, wisdom and thirty original songs with melodies and styles borrowed from The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Cliff and the Shadows, The Animals and Bob Dylan via Sonny and Cher.

      Technical:

      Cast: NIck Higgins, Danny Priestly, Michael Bond, Tyson Armstrong, Devon Plumley, Hanna Gleeson-Jacques, Juliet McGowan, Kate Black

      Technical: S.M. - Linda Corrin, Set Design - Danny Priestly, Costume Design - Christine Corrin, Lighting Design - Chae Rogan, Sound Design - Lachlan O'Dea

      See Also Rehearsal Photos
      - Index

      Endgame
      By Samuel Beckett
      Wollongong Workshop Theatre
      Wollongong Workshop Theatre Director: ( Ivan J Sumelj )

      19th June – 4th July (Fri, Sat, Sun ) at 8:00pm (Sun 4:00pm only)
      Bookings (02) 4225 9407 ---------- Ticket Prices: $22 adults ($17 conc.) Sunday $12 ticket for seniors

      Hamm, an aged master who is blind and not able to stand up, and his servant Clov, who cannot sit down. They exist in a tiny house by the sea, although the dialogue suggests that there is nothing left outside—no sea, no sun, no clouds. The two characters, mutually dependent, have been fighting for years and continue to do so as the play progresses. Clov always wants to leave but never seems to be able.

      Also present are Hamm's legless parents Nagg and Nell, who live in rubbish bins upstage and initially request food or argue inanely.

      (From Wikipedia)

      Cast: Bruce Polonius, Karen Burdett, Lajos Hamer & Michael Connor

      Technical:

      See Also
      Rehearsal Photos
      - Index

      The Fastest Boy In The World
      IPAC
      Merrigong Kids Director: ( )

      22nd to 24th July (Wed, Thurs, Fri ) at 10:30am and 1:00pm
      Bookings (02) 4226 3366 ---------- Ticket Prices: $17

      Patch Theatre Company

      Henry Horatio Richard O’Dockerty wants to be the world’s fastest boy – hop on and take a wild ride into fantasy to see if he achieves his dream! Featuring a 4 piece pop/rock band, this funny, engaging show from Patch Theatre Company, one of Australia’s premier childrens’ theatre companies, will appeal to kids of all ages, but especially those aged 4 - 8.

      Technical:

      See Also The Fastest Boy In The World

      - Index

      Les Miserables School's Edition
      By Alain Boubil & Claude-Michel Schonberg based on the book by Victor Hugo
      Illawarra Grammar Centre off Powell street, West Wollongong
      The Illawarra Grammar School Director: ( Helen McLean, Conductor - Jacqui Hitchcock, Vocal Directors - Jo Sheather and Carolyn Brown. )

      25th to 27th June (Thurs, Fri, Sat ) at 7:30pm extra 2:00pm on Sat
      Bookings TIGS' reception on 42 200200. ---------- Ticket Prices: $10 and $20

      This is a full theatrical production which maintains all of the story telling elements of the original but streamlines the running time with some edits within individual songs. Some of the music has also been transposed to suit the voices of young performers.

      Technical:

      - Index

      PLAYMATES 2009
      City Diggers Club - Burelli Street Wollongong
      Illawarra Community Theatre Production Director: ( Luke Berman (Producer), Ian McColm (Creative Direction), Kim Hernandez (Timekeeper), Peter Bloem (Technical Director) )

      1st August only (Sat ) at 7:30 for 8:00pm
      Bookings 02 4225 9407 or playmatesillawarra@gmail.com ---------- Ticket Prices: $15 (Adults and Children). $40 Gold Class, includes dinner

      An Illawarra Community Theatre Production with Wollongong Workshop Theatre | Arcadians Theatre Group | Roo Theatre | Stanwell Park Arts Theatre | Wollongong University Creative Arts

      Gold Class $40
      Reservations
      playmatesillawarra@gmail.com or 0401 976 073 Includes Dinner and Desert from Zac's Cafe. Please be there by 7:30 for ordering.
      Book early.

      Illawarra's premier improvisation challenge returns bigger and better in 2009, with local theatre companies Roo Theatre; Stanwell Park Arts Theatre, University Creative Arts and Workshop Theatre battling to take the trophy off 2007 & 2008 winners Arcadians.

      Inspired by the television hit 'Whose Line Is It Anyway' each theatre company will be represented by actors who must impress local judges - Olav Lehmann, Kevin James, and Des Mangan - to take the Golden Gong trophy and claim local bragging rights!

      Playmates is the first production of its kind in the Illawarra with five key theatre communities banding together for a unified production and celebrate the diversity and calibre of arts in the region. Companies represent regions from Stanwell Park to Kiama. Proceeds going to Altogether Drama - a local theatre group for people with disabilities. Reserve your seat now as seats are expecting to sell quickly.

      A Wollongong Workshop Theatre initiative.

      Technical:

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      Play On
      By Rick Abbot
      Wollondilly Shire Hall
      Picton Theatre Group Director: ( Paul Channell, )

      18th July to 8th August (Sat ) at 8:00pm & extra 2:00pm 1st August. See below for dinner show package
      Bookings 4677 8313 ---------- Ticket Prices: $27 (or $17 concession). Two course dinner & show tickets are $45 (or $35 concession) Matinee $15 for all tickets

      When a theatre group is offered a royalty-free play "Murder Most Foul" from new playwright Phyllis Montague, the group welcome the chance to put the theatre back into the black for the first time in years.

      The group tries desperately to put on the play, amid all kinds of maddening interference from its authoress, who keeps revising the script until almost opening night. During the actual performance anything that can go wrong does.

      .

      All shows are BYO & the evening shows at 8pm also include the option of PTG’s now famous 2 course dinner show package commencing at 6.30pm.

      Group bookings of 20 or more will receive one free ticket.

      Technical:

      - Index

      RUFF!
      IPAC
      Merrigong Mix Director: ( )

      1st and 8th August (Sat ) at 8:15pm
      Bookings (02) 4226 3366 ---------- Ticket Prices: $15 ($10 conc) or $25 ($15 conc) for both shows

      Get ready for RUFF! 09. Launched last year, RUFF! is an initiative of Merrigong’s Theatre Development Program and showcases new works currently in development. On consecutive Saturday nights, see rehearsed readings (one each night) and afterwards stay and tell us what you thought in an informal feedback session with the artists.

      Warning: may contain strong language and adult themes.

      Technical:

      See Also RUFF!

      - Index

      Traces
      By Conceived by : Les 7 Doigts de la Main
      IPAC
      Merrigong Theatre Co. Director: ( & Choreographers: Shana Carroll and Gypsy Snider )

      5th to 9th August (Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun ) at 8:00pm extra 2:00pm Sat . 5:00pm Sun only
      Bookings (02) 4226 3366 ---------- Ticket Prices: $45 to $59 Student rush : $19

      Montreal’s Les 7 Doigts de la Main (The Seven Fingers) have taken the world by storm with their eccentric, intelligent, breath-taking contemporary circus-theatre. With deft humour these laid-back young circus artists somersault, contort, balance and catapult effortlessly around an urban backyard, then, with a touching and straightforward honesty, speak revealingly about their lives and relationships, exploring notions of memory and survival. Live drawings form a spontaneous animated backdrop, a ‘homemade’ grand piano is played by every character and skateboarding morphs into Hollywood musical.

      This magical, awe-inspiring work has played to huge acclaim across the globe. From the Edinburgh Festival to a sell-out London season, its wistful message touches all. Life passes, it suggests, and we will disappear without a trace, but while we are here we might as well fly and attempt the impossible!

      Cast: Antoine Carabinier -Lépine, Antoine Auger , Geneviève Morin, Jonathan Casaubon, Philip Rosenberg

      Technical: Coaching and acrobatic research : Sébastie n Soldevila

      See Also Traces

      - Index

      Thursdays Child
      IPAC
      Merrigong Kids Director: ( )

      12th August (Wed ) at 1:00pm
      Bookings (02) 4226 3366 ---------- Ticket Prices: $17

      Henry Horatio Richard O’Dockerty wants to be the world’s fastest boy – hop on and take a wild ride into fantasy to see if he achieves his dream!

      Featuring a 4 piece pop/rock band, this funny, engaging show from Patch Theatre Company, one of Australia’s premier childrens’ theatre companies, will appeal to kids of all ages, but especially those aged 4 - 8.

      Technical:

      See Also Thursdays Child

      - Index

      Bangarra's Fire
      IPAC
      Merrigong Moves Director: ( Artistic Director : Stephen Page )

      20th to 22nd August (Thurs, Fri, Sat ) at 8:00pm
      Bookings (02) 4226 3366 ---------- Ticket Prices: $45 to $54 Student rush : $19

      In 2009, Bangarra celebrates 20 years of bringing unique and exciting dance to Australia and the world.

      Fire is a retrospective, showcasing the most memorable pieces of the company’s repertoire over these years. Don’t miss this once-only chance to experience a kaleidoscope of works that takes you on a 20 year journey that encapsulates 40,000 years of indigenous culture and traces Bangarra’s evolution from modest beginnings to the most renowned stages of the world.

      Technical:

      See Also Bangarra's Fire

      - Index

      Urinetown
      By Music and lyrics by Mark Hollmann and book and lyrics by Greg Kotis
      Harbour Theatre
      Roo Theatre Co. Director: ( Adam Fisher )

      5th to 22nd August (Fri, Sat ) at 8:00pm
      Bookings (02) 4297 2891 ---------- Ticket Prices: $20 (conc.$15)

      An award-winning satirical comedy musical that pokes fun at capitalism, social irresponsibility, populism, bureaucracy, corporate mismanagement, and petty small town politics, as well as advocating environmentalism. Urinetown rejects musical theatre convention, parodying successful Broadway shows such as Les Misérables, Evita, Annie, West Side Story, Fiddler on the Roof, and even satirizes its own significance.

      Technical:

      - Index

      Pygmalion Now
      By Adaptation by Deb Mulhall
      Wollongong Workshop Theatre
      Wollongong Workshop Theatre Director: ( Deb Mulhall )

      14th - 29th August (Fri, Sat, Sun ) at 8:00pm (Sun 4:00pm only)
      Bookings (02) 4225 9407 ---------- Ticket Prices: $22 adults ($17 conc.) Sunday $12 ticket for seniors

      This fresh new play "Pygmalion Now" transports "Lizzie" (Eliza Doolittle) from Victorian era London to modern day Sydney with a hint of "laddette to lady". This innovative production keeps true to the essence of "Pygmalion", while mirroring its modern day appeal here on the shores of Australia.

      Technical:

      - Index

      Elling
      By Based on a Novel by Ingvar Ambjørnsen, Stage adaptation: Axel Helstenius and Petter Naess. Translated by Nicholas Norris
      IPAC
      Merrigong Theatre Co. Director: ( Pamela Rabe )

      2nd to 6th September (Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun ) at 8:00pm extra 2:00pm Sat . 5:00pm Sun only
      Bookings (02) 4226 3366 ---------- Ticket Prices: $40 to $54 Student rush : $19

      An Odd Couple for the Twenty-First Century, Elling is the hilarious West End comedy that started life as an Oscar nominated cult Norwegian film. And now Sydney Theatre Company brings us the Australian premiere production of this touching, charming play that will put a permanent smile on your face.

      After two years in a mental institution, Elling and Kjell are allowed out, back into society. It’s not that they’re dangerous, they’re just a little… well… hopeless. Elling is too smart. Too sensitive. Too… Elling! And Kjell? Well, Kjell has a plan, a dream, a great ambition. He wants to lose his virginity. Preferably today!

      Even the hardest heart will be touched by Elling and Kjell’s plight and the joy with which they discover the richness of life in the ‘real’ world. A brilliant cast, led by the irrepressible Darren Gilshenan, brings to life this funny, heart-warming celebration of the simple things in life: freedom and fellowship.

      Cast: Includes Darren Gilshenan, Frank Whitten, Lachy Hulme

      Technical:

      See Also Elling

      - Index

      Anything Goes
      By Music & Lyrics by Cole Porter Book by P G Wodehouse, Guy Bolton, Howard Lindsay & Russell Crouse
      The Arcadians' Miners Lamp Theatre
      Arcadians Theatre Group Director: ( Macolm White )

      28th August to 12th September (Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat ) at 8.00pm &2pm Sat
      Bookings 4284 8348 ---------- Ticket Prices: $20, conc. $17, Youth $12

      Book your passage on the S.S.America - departing New York for England Cole Porter's glorious songs are the highlight of Anything Goes. The show as it is now presented on stage is the 1962 adaptation that enjoyed a long and successful run in New York. The score features such rich Porter numbers as It's Delovely, Friendship, I Get A Kick Out Of You, Anything Goes, Let's Misbehave, Blow Gabriel Blow, All Through The Night and Take Me Back To Manhattan.

      Technical:

      - Index

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      Annual Diaries |Annual Listings 1997 to Current Year |