The Production Company announces 2015 Season

TPC2015Celebrating their 17th Season and their 50th show, The Production Company have announced their three show 2015 Season that features West Side Story; Nice Work If You Can Get It; and Jerry’s Girls.

Inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story is a poignant, provocative and emotionally powerful piece of theatre, its score features many of legendary composer Leonard Bernstein’s most famous compositions – Maria, America, Somewhere and Tonight.

This landmark season is created by the acclaimed team of Director Gale Edwards, Musical Director Guy Simpson and Jerome Robbins choreography will be recreated by Michael Ralph. Starring in West Side Story is a knockout line up of Australian stars. Returning from London to play Maria is Anna O’Byrne whose recent credits include Christine Daae in The Phantom of the Opera on the West End.

Gareth Keegan, who starred in Show Boat last season, is Tony. In the role of Anita will be Deone Zanotto (A Chorus Line on Broadway and We Will Rock You on London’s West End). Adam Fiorentino whose US credits include Bert in Mary Poppins on Broadway, is Bernardo.

Set in the Prohibition era, Nice Work If You Can Get It features a snappy book by Tony Award winner Joe DiPietro (Memphis). A delicious, madcap and romantic tale, Nice Work features a treasure trove of George and Ira Gershwin’s most beloved, instantly recognizable tunes including Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off, Someone to Watch Over Me, ‘S Wonderful and Fascinating Rhythm.

Rohan Browne (Strictly Ballroom) is Jimmy Winter, a wealthy and handsome playboy. Esther Hannaford (King Kong) is Billie Bendix, a feisty but beautiful bootlegger who is on the run from the law and steals Jimmy’s heart. Christie Whelan-Browne (The Rocky Horror Show) is Jimmy’s fiance Eileen Evergreen, the self-proclaimed finest interpreter of modern dance in the world.

Directed by Helpmann Award winner, Roger Hodgman (Show Boat, Grey Gardens) with Musical Director John Foreman (The Boy From Oz, Singin’ in the Rain) and Choreography by Dana Jolly (Show Boat, Grey Gardens).

Originally created to showcase his leading ladies, this new staging of Jerry Herman’s Jerry’s Girls will feature the dazzling talents of twelve of Australia’s leading ladies including Nancye Hayes, Rhonda Burchmore, Silvie Paladino, Christie Whelan-Browne and Kirby Burgess.

More than most songwriters, Jerry Herman has put the leading ladies of his shows centre stage and Jerry’s Girls affectionately celebrates them. Herman’s hits in this musical feast include Hello, Dolly!, Bosom Buddies, Wherever He Ain’t, I Won’t Send Roses, The Best of Times and I Am What I Am.

The dynamic trio of Director Dean Bryant, Choreographer Andrew Hallsworth and Musical Director Mathew Frank are shaping this musical to be a wonderful night of celebration.

“Outstanding stars and eminent creative teams are a feature of this year of celebration. I know Melbourne’s going to love our Season. Celebrating 50 shows really is nice work!” says Jeanne Pratt, Chairman of The Production Company.

West Side Story (11 – 19 July) and Nice Work If You Can Get It (15 – 23 August ) will be performed in the State Theatre, while Jerry’s Girls (21 November – 6 December) will be performed in the Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne. Subscriptions for all three shows are now available, with single ticket sales available from 27 April 2015. For more information, visit: www.theproductioncompany.com.au for details.

Image: courtesy of The Production Company