Based on the Oscar-nominated movie of the same name, The Production Company presents Thoroughly Modern Millie as its second show for the year in the State Theate at Arts Centre Melbourne from 3 August 2019.
It’s the height of the jazz age, and small-town girl Millie Dillmount has just arrived in New York City, ready to make her dreams come true, Millie’s plan is to marry for wealth, rather than love. But when she checks in to the Hotel Priscilla run by a very suspicious landlady (Mrs Meers), it doesn’t take long for her “thoroughly modern” plan to go awry.
Millie is a fond look at the New York of the 1920’s through a young girl’s eyes, and a nod to the musical comedies of the era. Millie has everything for a fun night out with larger than life characters plus tap dancing to knock your socks off.
The winner of six Tony Awards (including Best Musical) and five Drama Desk Awards, Thoroughly Modern Millie is based on the 1967 Academy Award-winning film. It was Broadway’s most awarded new show in 2002. With a book by Richard Morris and Dick Scanlan, new music by Jeanine Tesori and new lyrics by Dick Scanlan, the score includes Not For The Life of Me, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Forget About the Boy and Gimme Gimme.
Directed by Chris Parker (Oklahoma!), Thoroughly Modern Millie features an all-star cast including Australia’s favourite leading lady, Marina Prior is Mrs Meers; Claire Lyon (The Phantom of The Opera) as Miss Dorothy Brown; Queenie van de Zandt (King Kong) as Muzzy Van Hossmere; Adam-Jon Fiorentino (Aladdin) as Trevor Graydon; Nigel Huckle (Hello, Dolly!) as Jimmy Smith; Keith Brockett as Ching Ho, Jonathan Chan as Bun Foo; Angela Scundi as Miss Flannery; and introducing Annie Aitken (Candide) who stars as Millie They will be joined by a cast of 27 and the 23-piece Production Company Orchestra.
Parker leads a stellar creative team including Musical Director Peter Casey (The Sound of Music) and renowned tap king Christopher Horsey (Swing on This) who will provide the Choreography. Costumes by Isaac Lummis (Gentleman’s Guide), Set by Christina Smith (The Boy From Oz) and Lighting by Gavan Swift (Mamma Mia!).
“This six time Tony Award winning musical is family entertainment at its best,” said Ken Mackenzie-Forbes AM. “Melbourne is going to love Millie with her exhilarating tap dancing, hilarious comedy, romance to melt your heart and great show stopping tunes. With Marina Prior delivering a knockout comedic star turn as the villainous landlady Mrs Meers this is not to be missed!”
Thoroughly Modern Millie
State Theatre – Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Season: 3 – 11 August 2019
Bookings: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au
For more information, visit: www.theproductioncompany.com.au for details.
Image: Annie Aitken stars as Millie Dillmount in Thoroughly Modern Millie – photo by Jeff Busby