Singing for a new season
JEANNE Pratt’s The Production Company will stage three classic musicals — Gypsy, Singin’ In The Rain and The Pirates of Penzance — this year in its 15th season.
Announcing the line-up at the season launch held at her home in Raheen, Pratt said her dream in 1999 when she established the company was to provide professional opportunities for local artists and to entertain Melbourne audiences.
“Our success has been beyond our wildest dreams.”
Caroline O’Connor stars in Gypsy, inspired by famous burlesque dancer Gypsy Rose Lee. Directed by Gale Edwards, it will be staged at the Arts Centre Melbourne from July 10-14.
Singin’ In The Rain is set in Hollywood in the last days of the silent screen era and stars Rohan Browne, his wife Christie Whelan-Browne, Matt Lee and Alinta Chidzey. The season at the Arts Centre Melbourne is from August 21-25.
A new Broadway version of The Pirates of Penzance will be staged at Hamer Hall from October 30 to November 3. Featuring many of Gilbert and Sullivan’s popular numbers, the cast includes Gareth Keegan, Adam Murphy, Virginia Gay and Wayne Scott Kermond.
Last year’s season of The Producers, Chess – The Musical and Promises, Promises have received 20 Green Room nominations, including 12 for Chess.
The awards, which honour Melbourne’s arts productions including theatre, opera, dance and ballet, will be announced on May 6.
Enquiries: www.theproductioncompany.com.au.
REPORT by Danny Gocs
PHOTO of Jeanne Pratt (centre, back) and The Production Company stars, from left, (back): Matt Lee, Alinta Chidzey, Christie Whelan-Browne, Kirby Burgess; (front) Gareth Keegan and Rohan Browne. Photo: Jim Lee
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