Welcome to the Season

I am delighted to extend the invitation to plan your Theatrical year in 2004 by choosing an exciting Her Majesty's Theatre Season package.

The 12th annual Her Majesty's 2004 Theatre Season promises to be a real theatrical adventure through a wonderful collection of quality and diverse performances.

The 16 Season productions include 5 locally produced shows - 42nd Street from the Arts Academy of the University of Ballarat, Jesus Christ Superstar presented by the Ballarat Light Opera Company, Chicago from Ballarat Lyric Theatre, and the Herald Sun Aria Semi-Final and the Royal South Street Competitions Showcase 2004.

Drama pieces will be Stolen, Wallflowering, Ruby Moon, The Underpants, A Midsummer Night's Dream and The Gin Game.

We'll swing to the music of Big Band Swing Returns and be thrilled by the fast, dynamic Dance Theatre of Virtually Richard3 by Queensland's Expressions Dance Company.

We'll experience the power and energy of the percussive rhythms of TaikOz, laugh over the antics of the Dads in It's A Dad Thing and be entertained by the vocal ability and fun of The 3 Divas.

In addition to the Theatre Season there is a 6 show Daytime Series, a special offer for the 2004 Comedy Festival Roadshow, plus a couple of School Holiday shows for the children. So, in all, that's 25 wonderful shows to see at Her Majesty's in 2004.

Enjoy choosing your package. Remember you need to purchase 8 shows in the Theatre Season to qualify for the Season package discount ticket prices, and 3 shows in the Daytime series.

I look forward to your company for a marvellous year of theatre at Her Majesty's in 2004. Janice Haynes Director, Her Majesty's Theatre

Janice Haynes
Director, Her Majesty's Theatre

Style Music

Big Band Swing Returns

Friday 20 February at 8pm

Come and enjoy the music they danced and romanced to in the 1940's and 50's. John Lidgerwood and Margaret Morrison join Ian Hellings and the famous Radio Rhythm Orchestra in a tribute to Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Dorsey Brothers, Duke Ellington and more. Join us for great swing and great songs.

Door Prices Adult $25 Conc $22 Child/Youth/Stud $16 Family $66
Season Prices Adult $21 Conc $19 Child/Youth/Stud $15.

Arts Academy
University of Ballarat

42nd Street

Her Majesty's Season Night: Wednesday 10 March at 8pm
Season Dates: Friday 5 March to Saturday 13 March

Lyrics by Al Dubin
Music by Harry Warren
Book by Mark Bramble and Michael Stewart
By arrangement with Tam-Witmark Music Library Inc

Director Kim Durban
Musical Director Vicki Jacobs
Choreography David Wynen
Designer Daryl Cordell

42nd Street! Built of the stuff of dreams, the street that leads to fame and fortune...especially if you are young, up-and-coming and bursting with talent and ideals.

The 1933 movie musical screened to packed houses of people whose dreams were swept away by the Great Depression. The 1980 stage musical inspired by the film took America and the workld by storm, becoming one of the most successful Broadway musicals ever.

42nd Street is the perennial Great American Musical, but it captures the imagination and hopes of all of us and transports us up the real 42nd Street in the company of one of the greatest dreamers of all, Peggy Sawyer from Allentown, USA - the girl-next-door who decides to take on Broadway.

Ccome and see the talented stars of tomorrow who brought you Kiss Me Kate in 2003, tap-dance, croon, stomp and yodel their way through unforgettable favourites like Lullaby of Broadway, We're in the Money and You're Getting to be a Habit with Me.

Door Prices Adult $26 Conc $21 Child/Youth/Stud $16 Family $68 Season Prices Adult $24 Conc $19 Child/Youth/Stud $14

Ilbijerri Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island Theatre Cooperative Ltd & Playbox Theatre

Stolen by Jane Harrison

Season Night: Wednesday 17 March at 8pm

another step on the long journey home.

Director Rachel Maza
Designer Daryl Cordell
Lighting Designer Michele Preshaw
Composer David Chesworth

Since its premiere at Playbox in 1998, the complex and controversial issues surrounding the Stolen Generation has touched the hearts of the nation and caught the interest of the world. We are proud to present the third Melbourne season of Jane Harrison's poignant, intimate and remarkable first play, an evocation of the human face behind the Bringing Them Home Report.

What happens to a child forced to live a life of dislocation between black and white cultures? Anne, Jimmy, Ruby, Shirley and Sandy are five Koori children struggling to survive in an alien world while they search for a sense of place and belonging. Can an understanding of their pain, and acknowledgment of their loss, help to heal past wounds? Stolen is a tender gift from Ilbijerri, the company that created Up the Road. This award-winning production by Wesley Enoch will touch the heart and soul in an affirmation of humanity's need for family, history and heritage.

Door Prices Adult $28 Conc $23 Child $18 Family $74
Season Prices Adult $26 Conc $21 Child/Stud $16

HIT Productions

Wallflowering by Peta Murray

Tuesday 23 March at 8pm

Director Bruce Myles
Lighting Designer Rachel Burke

Wallflowering is a funny and poignant play about the nature of marriage and the elusive pursuit of happiness. Peg and Cliff are an ordinary, suburban couple who were once prize-winning ballroom dancers. Cliff wanted to become a writer, but could never get any further than writing lists of clever book titles. Peg has always been happy to be a wife and mother, but now, urged on by friends, she begins to read and sees the possibility of exploring her own hideen talents.

The two start falling out of step, until the night of a fancy dress housewarming party...

As Peg and Cliff move through this crucial time of transition, a young couple dances on.

"There is both courage and beauty in the individual who dares to live his or her truth, no matter how 'ordinary' it might be. Wallflowering, it is my hope, honours the Cliff and Peg in all of us."
Peta Murray

"Wallflowering leaves us with the feeling that loving in an ordinary way may be quite an extraordinary gift after all."
The West Australian

"…a play with plenty to say and it does so with uncomplicated warmth and humour."
The Courier Mail

Door Prices Adult $32 Conc $27 Child/Youth/Stud $18 Family $82 Season Prices Adult $28 Conc $24 Child/Youth/Stud $17

Expressions Dance Company

Virtually Richard3
Inspired by William Shakespeare's Richard III

Tuesday 20 April at 8pm

Choreography Maggi Sietsma
Drama Consultant Jennifer Flowers
Soundtrack Devised by Abel Valls
Set Design and Video Montage Nahum Szumer
Costume Design Greg Clarke
Original Lighting Design Mark Truebridge

Myth and morality, politics and humanity, celebration and death.

Virtually Richard3 is inspired by one of Shakespeare's most famous works, King Richard III. A classic example of an attractive wicked rogue, Richard in this work has no need for love or pity - he is completely self-centred and cares for no one. He lusts after danger, excitement and personal power. Cruel and hypnotical, he chooses to be a villain and revels in his choice.

Virtually Richard3 is a treat for those who like their dance theatre fast and physical. From tiny, precise solos to whirling ensemble dances the work exploits powerful imagery to lay bare our deepest hopes and fears.

Expressions Dance Company received rave reviews for this production after two remarkable seasons in Brisbane, a successful tour to Germany in 2002 and a tour to Toowoomba and Sydney in 2003.

Innovation, originality and energy have been the trademarks of Expressions Dance Company since its debut in 1985. The Company has achieved national and international recognition through its extensive touring program and has performed at festivals throughout the world. Over the last few years Expressions has established a strong international profile.

"The structure of Virtually Richard3 can be compared to the slow, inexorable cycle of a wheel of fortune, where the central figure Richard, begins at the bottom of the wheel, swings up to the top as he increases in power through his own malicious machinations and then declines to the lowest point and death."
Maggi Sietsma, Choreographer

Door Prices Adult $35 Conc $30 Child/Youth/Stud $18 Family $88 Season Prices Adult $31 Conc $26 Child/Youth/Stud $17

Musica Viva

TaikOz

Monday 3 May at 8pm

Graham Hilgendorf
Masae Ikegawa
Kerryn Joyce
Kevin Man
Anton Lock
Riley Lee

Experience the power of the music and "the world of the Drum"

TaikOz is one of Australia's most energetic and exciting drumming groups. Combining the power of the traditional Japanese taiko with the ethereal tones of the bamboo shakuhachi, TaikOz seeks to explore a synthesis of East and West, old and new.

Drawing from ancient traditions while looking to the future, TaikOz performs such dynamic compositions as the traditional Yataibayashi, the wildly contemporary Monochrome as well as pieces from within the group. Using a vast array of beautiful handcrafted instruments, such as the 250kg Grand Drum and yokobue flute, TaikOz is an innovative voice in world music.

Formed in 1997 by taiko player Ian Cleworth and shakuhachi flute dai-shihan (grand master) Riley Lee. The training the group has undertaken with legendary Japanese musicians is reflected in their eclectic repertoire.

Past highlights include performances at Womadelaide, National Folk Festival, Brisbane Powerhouse, Melbourne International Festival, and Bangkok International Festival of Dance & Music; extended seasons at the Adelaide Fringe and Sydney Opera House with Sado-Ondekoza's Takumi Takano and at the Enmore Theatre (Sydney) with Eitetsu Hayashi.

Door Prices Adult $35 Conc $30 Child $18 Family $88
Season Prices Adult $31 Conc $26 Child/Youth/Student $17

Ballarat Light Opera Company Inc

Jesus Christ Superstar

Her Majesty's Season Night: Thursday 20 May at 8pm
Season Dates: Wednesday 19 May to Saturday 29 May

Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyrics by Tim Rice
Produced by arrangement with Two Knights Ltd
By arrangement with Warner/Chappell Music on behalf of the Really Useful Company

Director Peter Tulloch
Musical Director Ian Govan
Designer Damian Muller

When Jesus Christ Superstar hit Broadway in 1971, it changed the face of musical theatre. It tells the story of the last seven days in the life of Jesus, from his dramatic entry into Jerusalem, the unrest caused by his popularity and preaching, his betrayal by Judas through to his trial by Pontius Pilate and the crucifixion.

The team that responsible for Ballarat Light Opera Company's 2003 production is set to break new ground with dynamic sets, staging and orchestration of the most of the most popular and successful musicals ever.

Door Prices: Adult: $30 Conc: $20 Child: $15 Family $80
Season Prices: Adult: $28 Conc: $18 Child/Youth/Student: $13

Playbox Theatre & Neonheart Theatre

Ruby Moon by Matt Cameron
featuring Peter Houghton and Christen O'Leary

Tuesday 1 June at 8pm

Direction Aidan Fennessy
Design Christina Smith
Lighting Design Philip Lethlean
Original Music Andrew McNaughton

a fractured fairytale from the dark heart of suburbia

Matt Cameron's arresting new play begins like a fairytale - but ends somewhere else entirely. In Flaming Tree Grove, life appears to be picture perfect until the day when little Ruby sets off to visit her grandmother at the end of the cul-de-sac. She is never seen again.

Her parents' journey into suspicion and sorrow spirals in the search for answers to the haunting mystery. And then a strange and chilling parcel arrives on their doorstep…

Christen O'Leary and Peter Houghton bring to life the parade of eccentric characters who inhabit the neighbourhood in the surreal and disturbing world that playwright Matt Cameron (Man The Balloon, Tear From A Glass Eye) creates.

"How rewarding to rummage through Matt Cameron's mind. What a find. A true original."
The Age

Door Prices Adult: $32 Conc: $27 Child/Youth/Student: $18
Season Prices Adult: $28 Conc: $24 Child/Youth/Student: $17

Ballarat Lyric Theatre Inc

Chicago

Her Majesty's Season Night: Tuesday 29 June at 8pm
Season Dates: Thursday 24th June to Saturday 3 July, with matinees on Sat 26th, Sun 27th June and Sat 3 July.

Book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse
Music by John Kander Lyrics by Fred Ebb
Based on the play Chicago by Maurine Dallas Watkins
By special arrangement with Dominie Pty Ltd

Director Fred Fargher
Musical Director Andy McCalman

The razzle-dazzle roaring twenties production Chicago tells the story of Roxie Hart, who murders a lover, manages to get an acquittal at her trial, and then capitalises on her notoriety by becoming a performer on the variety stage.

This sharp-edged tale of murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation and treachery features an impressive musical score and pulse-racing choreography.

Door Prices Adult: $30 Conc: $25 Child: $20 Family: $80
Season Prices Adult: $28 Conc: $23 Child/Youth/Student: $18

Company B Belvoir

The Underpants
Adapted by Steve Martin from the original play by Carl Sternheim

Friday 9 July at 8pm

Design Stephen Curtis
Lighting Design Damien Cooper
Sound Design Paul Charlier
Music Alan John
Assistant Director Julian Louis

American comedian and playwright Steve Martin brings his comic genius to Carl Sternheim's classic 1911 satire, turning it into a modern day farce packed with sparkling wordplay and laugh-out-loud one-liners. This brilliantly funny production of The Underpants First staged by Director Neil Armfield and his acclaimed Company B in 2003takes to the road in 2003.

Louise is at a street parade for the Kaiser when her underpants fall off. She is pretty sure no-one noticed but within hours the rumours are all over Düsseldorf. Meanwhile her bullet-headed husband fears for his precious nine to five position as a tiny cog in the loud clanky machine of pre-war German bureaucracy. Forced to sub-divide his modest flat he is pleasantly surprised by the number of keen, male, would-be boarders lining up to apply. The cruelly neglected Louise is suddenly a star. Her buried desires are awakened. And then things rapidly start to get out of control.

The bizarre hotchpotch of characters is bought to life by a superb cast in a play where intelligence and stupidity go hand in hand. And as the New York Times proclaimed, the play reveals Steve Martin's uncanny knack to demonstrate to all of us the seriousness of silliness.

Director Neil Armfield said: "Six months ago, my friend David Crooks was working in New York on Baz Lurhman's La Boheme when he rang me to say he'd just seen this fantastic Steve Martin play, but he'd sat in the theatre thinking 'if only I was watching this at Belvoir with one of Neil Armfield's brilliant Company B casts'."

"A zany sex comedy crowded with clever word play. There's a crack team of comic actors at play here…The show zings"
The Sun-Herald

"Company B's production transports us to comic heaven"
The Daily Telegraph

Door Prices Adult $32 Conc $27 Child/Youth/Stud $18 Family $82 Season Prices Adult $28 Conc $24 Child/Youth/Stud $17

Bell Shakespeare Company

A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare
Directed by Anna Volska

Tuesday 13 July at 8pm

Love makes fools of us all

The eagerness of lovers and joy of comedy combine in this energetic production of one of Shakespeare's most popular comedies - A Midsummer Night's Dream. Directed by Bell Shakespeare Associate Artist Anna Volska and drawing together a youthful cast of great charm and physicality, audiences will delight in this lively and enchanting fairy kingdom.

On the night of the new moon all of Athens is abuzz with arrangements for a royal wedding as fairy and mortal worlds collide in the forest sending magic spells flying. The trials of two pairs of star-crossed lovers entwine with the marital discord of the King and Queen of the Fairies.

With love, magic and moonlight, Bell Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream will charm audiences of all ages.

Door Prices Adult $32 Conc $27 Child/Youth/Stud $18 Family $82
Season Prices Adult $28 Conc $24 Child/Youth/Stud $17

Her Majesty's in association with Tim Lawson & Aleksander Vass

It's A Dad Thing!

Season Night: Thursday 12 August at 8pm

From the moment the Dads explode onto the stage with all the macho sexual energy of their heroes, the Wiggles, we know we're in for a roller coaster ride of laughter, tears and songs. Mainly laughter.

They cover everything; the Pre-Natal Classes, where even the men practice pelvic floor exercises, the actual births themselves (six hours of Enya tapes - the horror...), attempt to Cross The Squeaky Floor without waking the kids, introduce them to sharp knives, alcohol and pizza (someone has to), meet Superdad (cape and everything), try to have sex (twice), nearly brain a child on an Oregon beam and have the 'Blokeline' consultant take us through the intricacies of damage control in a domestic argument.

And that's just the first half.

Then we meet Zombie Dad (the walking dead), still try to get across that bloody squeaky floor, try to have sex again, lose a child in Toy 'R Us, sing, dance and say farewell to the symbol of our youth - a '63 XL Falcon who's seen it all before. They have their last go at sex, show how you can use the same nappy twice, torture the Dad who's let the child go to sleep (a hanging offence), and finish with an upbeat number called, surprisingly enough, "It's a Dad Thing."

It's chaotic, it's fun, it's shocking and it's the truth. Pretty much like the parenthood itself, except it only runs for two hours and you get an interval.

Door Prices Adult $32 Conc $27 Child/Youth/Stud $18 Family $82 Season Prices Adult $28 Conc $24 Child/Youth/Stud $17

Christine Dunstan Productions

The 3 Divas

Thursday 19 August at 8pm

Judi Connelli, Suzanne Johnston and Rosemary Boyle, three of Australia's most exciting solo performers blend their unique talents in this light-hearted celebration of opera, popular song, musicals and cabaret. They will be joined in this very special concert by pianist Guy Noble.

An evening of musical excellence, selected from George Gershwin, Burt Bacharach, Stephen Sondheim, Cole Porter and Rodgers & Hammerstein as well as some favourite arias.

Door Prices Adult $32 Conc $27 Child $18 Family $82
Season Prices Adult $28 Conc $24 Child/Stud $17

Royal South Street Society

Herald Sun Aria Semi-Final

Thursday 16 September at 7.30pm

Her Majesty's is the venue for one of the higlights of the muscial year in Ballarat, as sixteen semi-finalists in the prestigious Herlad Sun Aria compete for a place in the final. This is an opportunity to hear some of Australia's finest young singers performing at their best.

Door Prices Adult $18 Conc $15 Child/Youth/Stud $8
Season Prices Adult $15 Conc $12 Child/Youth/Stud $8

Royal South Street Society

Showcase 2004

Sunday 31 October at 7pm

A fantastic evening of song, dance and drama, shwocasing the incredible variety and artistry presented throughout the Tattersall's 2004 Royal South Street Competitions.

Door Prices Adult $18 Conc $15 Child/Youth/Stud $8
Season Prices Adult $15 Conc $12 Child/Youth/Stud $8

HIT Productions

The Gin Game

Wednesday 3 May at 8pm

Julia Blake and Terry Norris star in the Pulitzer Prize winning play, The Gin Game by D.L.Coburn.

Set in a rather run-down state-run nursing home this scathingly funny battle of wits between two older people whose lives have gone from ordinary to downright dreadful. Weller, a resident for some time, prefers to spend his time in the sun-room playing solitaire or reading. He invites new-comer Fonsia, to join him in a game of gin and begins by teaching her the rules. She wins the first game --- and the second game... and the thirds... in fact, she wins every game.

As they seemingly become close companions, much is revealed about their respective regret-filled lives -- to the steady shuffling and playing of cards. Their mutual need for solace is momentarily satisfied, until Weller's pent-up rage, and Fonsia's subtle needling, build to a terrible confrontation.

Door Prices Adult $32 Conc $27 Child $18 Family $82
Season Prices Adult $28 Conc $24 Child/Youth/Student $17

Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow

Season Night: Friday 23 April at 8pm

The best of the Fest is on again. Catch some leading Australian and international comedians deliver comedy routines that might be slick, sick, dirty, sophisticated, irreverent, outrageous, endearing engaging, nauseating, surreal...or all of the above. One thing we do know - you'll have a shockingly good time.

Door Prices: Adult: $30 Conc: $25 Child: $18
Season Prices: Adult: $25 Conc: $20 Child/Youth/Student: $17

Promac Productions

Goldilocks and the Three Bears
featuring Peter Houghton and Christen O'Leary

Monday 5 April at 2pm

Written by Phillip Wheeldon

Director Hugh Halliday

This very funny new musical adaptation of the favourite fairy-tale story will feature the familiar characters, as well as some of surprise appearances - what are Elvis and barbie doing at the 3 Bears' House, and why are the bears dancing to ABBA? Directed by Hugh Halliday and featuring Michelle Fitzmaurice, David Gould, Brian Hannan and Amy Larson.

Door All ticketst: $12
Group (10+)
Season offer $10

Garry Ginivan Attractions

Possum Magic

Monday 5 July at 6pm

Based on the book by Mem Fox and illustrated by Julie Vivas.
Adapted for the stage by Garry Ginivan and John Watson
Original score by David Crocker

Join Hush and Grandma Poss in this classic and uniquely Australian musical featuring larger than life-sized puppets, lamingtons, pavlovas and vegemite sandwiches! Don't miss Australia's most successful children's musical.

Door Prices All tickets: $12
Groups (10+) $10
Season Offer $10