National Theatre Of Parramatta Presents THE RED TREE

National Theatre of Parramatta (NTofP) will present a new musical theatre work based on Shaun Tan's award-winning book, The Red Tree, from 20th to 28th October.

Bringing this production to life for the stage, NTofP has enlisted multi award-winning playwright Hilary Bell, award winning songwriter and composer Greta Gertler Gold, production designer James Browne (The Hungry Caterpillar, Cabaret and Velvet the Show) and director Neil Gooding (Church & State, Paris - a Rock Odyssey and Truth, Beauty and a Picture of You).

The Red Tree will take audiences on an extraordinary journey to a world of imagination, where origami boats embark on ocean voyages, giant fish host musical interludes, and parades pass by. This is the story of a young girl living inside her bedroom and how she conquers her fears and anxieties, finally embracing hope and taking control of the world that has always been around her.

Drawing on Gertler Gold's extensive musical background, the original score for The Red Tree fuses pop, classical and traditional musical theatre elements with sound design and digital recording technology in an exciting contemporary twist.

"Shaun Tan's book, The Red Tree, is a work of brilliance,' said director Neil Gooding. "It is evocative, emotional and unique. Bringing the book to life on stage is an exciting challenge. I am thrilled to be working with Hilary Bell and Greta Gertler Gold to find a way of telling the narrative through action and music in a way that we hope will engage audiences of all ages. The casting of Nicole Bowman has been a vital ingredient in finishing off the presentation of The Red Tree. Nicola is a star of the future - a wonderful actress and stage presence, whose singing voice has to be heard to be believed."

The Red Tree has captured the interest of readers around the world. An acclaimed Australian work, The Red Tree won the Patricia Wrightson Prize in the 2002 NSW Premier's Literary Awards, and following its French translation, the 'le Prix Octogones 2003' prize by the Centre International d'Etudes en Literature de Jeunesse.

Recommended for ages 8 and above, The Red Tree is a show for all the family!

If you go:

DATES & TIMES
Friday 20 October - 1pm and 7pm
Saturday 21 October - 2pm and 7pm (opening night)

Monday 23 to Friday 27 October - 10am (sold out)
Wednesday 25 October - 1pm

Thursday 26 and Friday 27 October - 7pm
Saturday 28 October - 2pm and 7pm

Tickets: Adult $39, Concession $34 From the Box Office (02) 8839 3399 or www.riversideparramatta.com.au. Transaction fees: phone $4.60, web $3.60 and counter $2.60. Discounts available for Riverside Theatres' Members.

Venue: Riverside Theatres - Corner of Church and Market Streets, Parramatta

Duration: Approx 75 minutes (no interval)

Based on the book by Shaun Tan, Book and Lyrics by Hilary Bell Directed by Neil Gooding Design by James Browne Music by Greta Gertler Gold Ava Nicola Bowman Musicians Bonnie Stewart and Ben Fink.

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