Glen Street Theatre Sets 2016 Season

Glen Street Theatre is excited to announce their 2016 season of entertainment at the beautiful Belrose venue. A diverse programme of drama, music, satire and comedy plus a series of kids shows promises something for everyone.

Glen Street's Director, Margot Woodward is delighted to announce the 2016 Theatre Season, which has an eclectic mix of programming. "There are many and varied works of different genres that promise to entertain, challenge and emote with the audience in different ways," said Woodward. "We look forward to welcoming back our regular supporters and trust the season will also appeal to lapsed subscribers and many new faces coming to enjoy what we are proud to offer from the nation's theatrical canon."

Glen Street is currently evolving into an exciting cultural hub on the Northern Beaches and this philosophy has strongly informed programming choices for 2016. Stage 2 of the Cultural Hub commences construction in February 2016 and will see a new state of the art library and enhanced food and beverage operations at the site. Woodward adds "Glen Street was built by the community and works for the community and the upgrades are in line with contemporary usage of the space. It really is exciting for everybody in the community - near and far!"

Subscriptions are now available for 3 to 8 play packages. Save up to 33% on your tickets and enjoy a range of exclusive subscriber benefits. By subscribing you'll also secure the best seats in the house before single tickets go on sale on Monday 23 November. Plus when you subscribe by Monday 9 November you'll save an additional 10% on your subscription.

2016 THEATRE PROGRAM

THE GOOD DOCTOR

Written by Neil Simon | Directed by Sandra Bates

19-24 January

If laughter is indeed the best medicine, The Good Doctor is the cure-all pill. In this collection of stories from master playwright Neil Simon (channelling Chekhov), we meet a cast of unforgettable characters from the tragically comic to the comically tragic. There's the clerk who blows a sneeze out of proportion, the player who gets played, and the dentist who's just a little too enthusiastic.

Enjoy a night out with this Broadway classic.

AUSTRALIA DAY

Written and Directed by Jonathan Biggins

16-21 February

The country town of Coriole is getting ready for Australia Day - a time to crack open a frothy, stick a snag on the barbie and celebrate what it means to be a true blue Aussie.

The Australia Day committee is gearing up to put on the town's biggest party - but they have a few issues of their own to sort out first. With everyone from the Greens to the local mayor to the CWS wanting a piece of the party pie, its proving hard yakka to work out what an Aussie celebration should look like. Nothing is sacred as the national identity is put through the wringer! Will the day be fair dinkum after all? Or are there too many roos loose in the community hall?

A thoroughly modern ripper of a comedy, by acclaimed satirist Jonathan Biggins.

ALL MY LOVE

Written by Anne Brooksbank | Directed by Denny Lawrence

1-6 March

Their lives could have been written so differently: the story of Henry Lawson and Mary Gilmore's lost love.

Still revered across Australia, Henry Lawson is one of the nation's favourite writers and poets. His contemporary, Mary Gilmore, was a literary icon and a radical socialist. Both were heroes of literature that had enormous influence over each other. Both were later the face of Australia's currency. Both were secretly betrothed to each other.

At the end of the 19th Century, Mary Gilmore was introduced to the young Henry Lawson. As their friendship developed, Mary found herself caught in the midst of an intense relationship between Henry and his formidable mother, the suffragette Louise Lawson. What followed was the beginning of a love affair soon thwarted by a devastating deception.

After researching Mary Gilmore's memoirs, writer Anne Brooksbank first uncovered the tale of loving promises between two of Australia's most famous writers. Taken from excerpts from the couple's surviving letters, this is the first time Henry and Mary's forbidden relationship has been brought to the professional stage.

MOTHERLAND

Written by Katherine Lyall-Watson | Directed by Caroline Dunphy

17-22 May

A thrilling contemporary work of love in a time of revolution, Motherland is a play about three remarkable real women based on the incredible true story of a Brisbane socialite who married Russia's deposed Prime Minister, Alexander Kerensky, and helped him escape from the Nazis during World War ll.

This is ground breaking, gripping contemporary theatre that weaves multiple stories of home, belonging, love and loss that spans decades, continents, revolutions and war.

THE HANSARD MONOLOGUES: AGE OF ENTITLEMENT

Written by Katie Pollock and Paul Daley

28-31 July

The Hansard Monologues: Age of Entitlement is the theatre at its most real - because it is real.

Fresh from the debates of this Federal parliament, The Hansard Monologues captures and distils the passions and the policies, the characters and the crises of the nation's discourse into a dramatic, amusing and at times sobering ride through the big issues of our time.

This is verbatim theatre of the moment: the themes of racism, climate change, travel rorts, budget repair, lifestyle choices, asylum seekers and national security are all ready to feature in the final script, which continues to be written right up to performance.

First produced in 2013 as an analysis of Australia under the Labor government, The Hansard Monologues: Age of Entitlement now, in a completely new version, turns its focus to Australian life under the Coalition.

This is a very special theatre experience. In fact, it is as important as its subject matter: us.

NEVER DID ME ANY HARM

Co-produced by Force Majeure and Sydney Theatre Company | Directed by Kate Champion

17-20 August

Never before have parents been under such pressure when it comes to raising children. Is the pressure to get it right overwhelming us? And what is 'good parenting' anyway? Are children today given too much choice? Too few boundaries? Less chance to take risks?

Drawing inspiration from real-life interviews, award-winning director and choreographer Kate Champion explores contemporary attitudes to raising children in this provocative dance theatre work.

Using a distinctive language of dance, images and text, Force Majeure and Sydney Theatre Company create an emotional, humorous and insightful work that cannot fail to resonate with all who were once children.

THE SONGS THAT GOT AWAY

Written and Performed by Johanna Allen

8-11 September

Stormy Weather, The Man That Got Away, Blues in the Night, Get Happy, One for My Baby, Paper Moon and Somewhere Over the Rainbow... enjoy hit after hit by Harold Arlen. His timeless music seeped into our consciousness and has remained part of popular music ever since. Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne and Judy Garland all became famous singing the songs of Harold Arlen. But despite international success, Arlen himself remained an enigma.

Acclaimed singer and actress Johanna Allen takes you back to the Cotton Club of 1930s Manhattan, where Ethel Waters, Lena Horne, Peggy Lee, Judy Garland and Arlen himself come to life against a backdrop of segregated America and patriarchal Hollywood.

These are 'the songs that got away'. Explore the survivor stories of Arlen's muses and the volatile uncertainty of success.

THE WHARF REVUE

Written and created by Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsythe and Phillip Scott

5-15 October

They sing, they dance, they wear funny hats.

Paul Keating once said that politicians come in three varieties: straight men, fixers and maddies. Well, you can be sure all of them will be knocked down a peg or two when the Wharf Revue comes rolling back into town.

From the inimitable minds of Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsyth and Phillip Scott comes another instalment of what has become a true Sydney institution. From the movers to the shakers, from the winners to the losers, the stage will be filled with a year's worth of foolishness.

And if there's one thing that a federal election year brings, it's a smorgasbord of satirical goodies. There'll be minor party pies, red meat, blue cheese and don't forget your greens. But most of all, there'll be laughter. And lots of it.

2016 MUSIC AT THE GLEN PROGRAM

AZNAVOUR... FROM TODAY - 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY TOUR

Starring Milko Foucault-Larche and The Sydney Cosmopolitan Orchestra

Tuesday 9 February at 11am

Be whisked away by the romance of French music as Milko Foucault-Larche presents a unique show celebrating the music of the legendary Charles Aznavour.

This musical journey will take you through more than half a century of Aznavour's most memorable music. Enjoy She, The Old Fashioned Way, Yesterday When I Was Young, La Boheme, Et Pourtant, Je M'voyais Deja / It Will Be My Day, Que C'est Triste Venise and more.

A TRIBUTE TO THE GREAT SHIRLEY BASSEY

Starring Brunie Riley

Tuesday 8 March at 11am

Brunie Riley's interpretation of Bassey and her music is second only to the great lady herself and her show is described as a knockout by audiences all over Australia.

Enjoy Shirley Bassey's greatest hits including Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever, As Long As He Needs Me, Nobody Does it Like Me, Big Spender, If I Never Sing Another Song, You Don't Have to Say You Love Me, New York, The Lady is a Tramp, Don't Cry Out Loud and many more.

SINGS

Starring Catherine Alcorn

Tuesday 5 April at 11am

Catherine Alcorn is bringing her new alter ego to Glen Street... her own! She's belted Bette Midler and crooned as Christine McVie, now hear Catherine as you've never heard her before as... herself.

Back by popular demand following her critically acclaimed productions The Divine Miss Bette and Go Your Own Way: The Story of Christine McVie, spend the morning with Catherine as she shares stories guaranteed to get you giggling and sings some of her favourite songs from the stage and screen from blues to showtunes!

LOVE & ROSES (AND A TOUCH OF SHAMROCK)

Starring John MacNally

Tuesday 3 May at 11am

From his childhood church choir in Dublin to the world's most celebrated concert halls, John MacNally's magnificent voice has captivated audiences worldwide. John's dynamic stage personality and glorious voice are reflected in his more than 40 phenomenally successful albums and his top-rated television specials and appearances in Australia, America, Canada and Ireland.

John will be performing a variety of hit songs including Unchained Melody, How Great Thou Art, You Raise Me Up and Danny Boy. Don't miss this renowned singing sensation!

I AM WOMAN

Starring Annie Francis

Tuesday 9 August at 11am

Enjoy a tribute to some of Australia's first ladies of song. Looking back on leading ladies of pop, Annie Francis performs memorable music of favourites such as Australia's 'Little Miss Sweetheart' Noeleen Batley, Little Pattie, Laurel Lea, Judy Stone, Judith Durham, Cheryl Gray, Lynne Randell, Olivia Newton-John and Helen Reddy.

With a naturally vivacious and endearing stage persona, Annie's dynamic vocal talents are delivered with her unique, heartfelt performance style. Clearly devoted to these wonderful ladies of Australian pop music, Annie's genuine and brilliant performance will take you back to a wonderful era of our nation's musical history, pioneered by truly inspiring women.

BACHARACH AND FRIENDS

Starring Melanie Parry

Tuesday 6 September at 11am

Following two sell out concerts at Glen Street, one of Australia's leading ladies of song and acclaimed chanteuse Melanie Parry takes you on a musical journey of the 60s with some of the greatest hits of Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Enjoy timeless, iconic songs that gave Cilla Black, Petula Clark, Dusty Springfield, Dione Warwick, Aretha Franklin, Tom Jones, Gene Pitney and so many more great artists their unforgettable number one hits!

Sing along to hits such as Alfie, Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head, Wishin' and Hopin', Close to You, Always Something There to Remind Me, I'll Never Fall in Love Again, What's New Pussycat, I Just Don't Know What to Do with Myself, I Say a Little Prayer, What the World Needs Now, That's What Friends Are For, and many more.

MEMORIES OF PETER DAWSON

Written by David Mitchell and Melvyn Morrow | Starring Geoffrey Chard and Glenn Amer

Tuesday 8 November at 11am

Throughout the first half of the 20th century, Peter Dawson was Australia's Ambassador of Song and the most famous recording artist in the world.

Throughout his monumental sixty-year career, he sold 25 million 78s celebrating family values with sincerity and the British Empire with jingoistic gusto. His ballads were known in every household with a gramophone: The Gendarme's Duet, Floral Dance, On the Road to Mandalay, Roses of Picardy, Let the Rest of the World Go By, The Holy City, The Changing of the Guard, In a Monastery Garden, Land of Hope and Glory, Our Don Bradman, On the Road to Gundagai as well as songs of the sea, the Empire, the army, travel, opera and all the Gilbert and Sullivan baritone favourites.

2016 SPECIAL MUSIC EVENTS

THE HOLLYWOOD PALACE SERIES: THE GREAT WALTZ

Starring Vov Dylan and his Quartet

Sunday 3 April at 3pm

Enjoy the 1938 classic The Great Waltz on the big screen and let international violinist Vov Dylan and his Quartet whisk you away with their beautiful collection of melodies from the film.

TAKE FIVE: THE DAVE BRUBECK STORY

Presented by The Brendan Fitzgerald Quartet

Sunday 24 April at 2pm and 6pm

This remarkable show combines the music of the famous jazz quartet of the 1950s and 60s with a slideshow featuring images from Brubeck's life and times. Brendan narrates Brubeck's life story through the eyes of the 1940s and 50s radio presenter, Jimmy Lyons, who helped launch Dave's career. The story is presented as a radio broadcast with Brendan also narrating at the piano.

Selected Brubeck compositions are played using authentic transcriptions from the quartet's famous albums. The show title relates to the seminal Take Five, the highest selling jazz instrumental of all time. It featured on the 1959 album Time Out, the first platinum jazz disc, moving more than one million copies.

THE HOLLYWOOD PALACE SERIES: SINGIN' IN THE RAIN

Starring Vov Dylan and his Quartet

Sunday 28 August at 3pm

It's a glorious feeling! Enjoy one of the most loved and celebrated film musicals of all time. Starring Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds, sing along to all the favourites and enjoy a special musical concert with Vov Dylan and his Quartet as they take you through the magic music of years gone by.

GLORIOUS MUD!

Devised and Directed by Melvyn Morrow | Starring Andrew O'Keefe and Glenn Amer

Saturday 3 September at 2pm and 6pm

In the 1950's and 60's, the most sophisticated musical duo in England were Michael Flanders and Donald Swann in their internationally acclaimed revues, At the Drop of a Hat which ran for over two years on London's West End and At the Drop of Another Hat which played for almost as long. In 1964, Flanders and Swann came to Australia and enjoyed a sell-out season at Sydney's Theatre Royal. Who better to bring their classic comic songs back to performance life than Sydney's own double Logie winning TV compere of Deal or No Deal and Weekend Sunrise, Andrew O'Keefe together with Mr Showmanship himself, Glenn Amer.

2016 KIDSPLAY SEASON

MR STINK

A CDP Production

A Play by Maryam Master based on the book by David Walliams | Directed by Jonathan Biggins

30 and 31 March

"Mr Stink stank. He also stunk. And if it was correct English to say he stinked, then he stinked as well..."

It all starts when Chloe, just about the loneliest girl in the world, makes friends with Mr Stink, the local tramp. Yes, he smells a bit, but he's the only person who's ever been nice to her. So, when Mr Stink needs a place to stay, Chloe decides to hide him in the garden shed. Now Chloe's got to make sure no one finds out her secret, but she's about to learn that some secrets have a way of leading to disaster. And speaking of secrets, there just might be more to Mr Stink than meets the eye... or the nose...

David Walliams' award winning bestseller comes to life on stage in this new Australian adaptation for children 6-12 and their families. Hold on to your nose!

THE PEASANT PRINCE

A Monkey Baa Theatre Company Production

Based on the Book by Li Cunxin | Adapted by Sandra Eldridge, Eva Di Cesare and Tim McGarry

27-30 April

'This is your one chance. You have your dreams. Follow them! Make them come true...'

The Peasant Prince is story of Mao's last dancer, Li Cunxin, a peasant boy taken from a poor village to study ballet in Beijing. Inspired by his father's tale about the little frog that wanted to get out of the deep well where he lived, to see the bigger world above, Li persevered in order to pursue his dream of a better life. For 7 years he practiced until he became the best dancer in China. By the age of 21 and after defecting to America, he became a star.

Li's happiest moment was the first time his parents were permitted to travel from China to watch him dance. In all his years of ballet training and stardom, he never forgot his family and his home.

Ideal for 6-12 year olds.

HIPPO! HIPPO!

Adapted from the classic series of books written by Hazel Edwards and illustrated by Deborah Niland | Directed and Adapted by Garry Ginivan | Original Score and Musical Direction by Mark Jones

14-16 July

HIPPO! HIPPO! is a new musical for children and families based on the international bestselling book series There's A Hippopotamus On Our Roof Eating Cake! Featuring a large, imaginary, loveable-pink Hippopotamus, it tells the story of a little girl and her hippo friend as she goes through adolescence. There's A Hippopotamus On Our Roof Eating Cake was first published in 1980. Since then this book series has become one of Australia's most iconic and best loved children's publications, published throughout the world.

HIPPO! HIPPO! will make you laugh and make you cry, but most of all it will lift your spirits with a quality of entertainment for kids and families that is unbeatable.

From Australia's award-winning producer of children's musical theatre including Possum Magic, My Grandma Lived In Gouligulch, Wombat Stew And Stripey - The Emu Chick, HIPPO! HIPPO! will make you laugh, will make you cry, but most of all it will take your heart away.

Ideal for 1-7 year olds.

www.glenstreet.com.au

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