Hayes Theatre Co announce final 2017 program
Earlier this evening, Hayes Theatre Co unveiled the shows that will make up Act Two of their 2017 season at an intimate announcement event. Their July – December program is packed full of fun no matter what type of theatre you prefer, and we have all the details below!
Under the Covers
Following the previously announced Only Heaven Knows (closing 24 July), Olympic champion and cabaret star Matthew Mitcham will take to the Hayes stage with his latest show, titled Under the Covers.
“Mitcham returns with even more effervescence, charm and hilariously-brutal honesty as he delivers a few Public Service Announcements he’s learnt through trial and (mostly) error…plus a few new tricks stuffed up his bulging sleeves. Matthew has become renowned for his unique approach to story-telling that is both raw and compelling.
Accompanied by cross-dressing cabaret legend SPANKY (two times Best Cabaret Perth Fringe World winner), this brand new all singing, all dancing production will make audiences feel better about their own life choices in perfect three-part harmony.”
Under the Covers has a limited run of five performances only, so make sure to book your ticket soon!
Melba, A New Musical
Next up will be two shows produced by the Hayes Theatre Co, the first being the world premiere of Melba, A New Musical by Nicholas Christo and Johannes Luebbers. Starring stage favourite Emma Matthews and directed by Wayne Harrison, the show opens 11 August and follows the story of “Australia’s first superstar”, the famous operatic performer Dame Nellie Melba.
Melba will be the second work to take the stage following development through the New Musicals Australia program. Harrison has the following to say about the production:
“I’ve always been a Melba fan. As a kid I thought it was cool that you could have a dessert named after you. As a dramaturg I thought it was extra cool that one of her boyfriends was the first Australian playwright to have his work produced on Broadway. As a director I welcome the opportunity to discover Melba as a ‘New Woman’ and a mother, juggling both at the turn of a new century, just as Australia became a Federation and her son, raised by hand or by proxy, became a symbol of what this new nation might be. As a coda, the things that keep me in Melba’s orbit: she was a great singer, she always remained Australian, and she was a superstar, long before the word had been invented.”
Assassins
Sondheim’s Assassins will follow Melba, marking the Hayes’ first foray into the distinctly difficult and exciting world of Stephen Sondheim musicals.
Dean Bryant (whose previous productions of Sweet Charity and Little Shop of Horrors were critically and popularly acclaimed and went on to tour throughout Australia) will direct, with the role of musical director shared between Lucy Bermingham (Songs For a New World, Violet) and Andrew Worboys (Little Shop of Horrors, Rent, Sweet Charity). The cast will include the Hayes’ own David Campbell as John Wilkes Booth, with Hannah Fredericksen, Connor Crawford, Martin Crewes and Madeleine Jones also announced to star.
High Fidelity
The year will finish with the musical adaption of High Fidelity, a co-production between Neil Gooding Productions and Highway Run Productions. The show will star Toby Francis, currently touring as Charlie in Kinky Boots.
Hayes Creative
Also announced was the continuation of the innovative Hayes Creative series. A number of panel discussions will take place (further details still to be announced), including topics on producing for first timers, and how to empower female creatives in the theatre world.
Check out the Hayes Theatre Co website for all the details on upcoming shows, and scroll through their Facebook page for the live coverage of announcements and events! AussieTheatre would also like to thank David Campbell and the Hayes Theatre Co for ending their event by praising arts journalists in such a trying time for our profession, particularly our Fairfax colleagues.