What Rhymes with Cars and Girls

Tim Rogers (rear), Johnny Carr and Sophie Ross feature in What Rhymes with Cars and Girls - photo by Jeff BusyA raw and complex urban romance, You Am I frontman, Tim Rogers’ iconic solo album, What Rhymes With Cars and Girls is brought to life in Melbourne Theatre Company’s critically acclaimed musical love story in a national tour from September to November.

An intimate musical gem, What Rhymes with Cars and Girls weaves together the poetic songs from Rogers’ ARIA award-winning album – the album which cemented the You Am I frontman’s formidable reputation as one of Australia’s premier songwriters – with words by award-winning playwright Aidan Fennessy.

What Rhymes with Cars and Girls sees two lovers brought together by a conjunction of the stars and a pizza delivery gone awry. Tash is a smart-mouthed singer in a band and Johnno is a three-time loser from the wrong side of the tracks. But, what do you know? It’s love. This urban romance knows that it’s never the coming together, it’s the holding on.

Under the direction of Clare Watson, the original cast and creative team will return to the stage to bring this contemporary Australian tale of love back to life including the acting and singing talents of Johnny Carr and Sophie Ross, completed with a three-piece band led by musical director Tim Rogers.

What Rhymes with Cars and Girls going on tour is a testament to Australia’s desire for contemporary, home-grown works,” says MTC Artistic Director Brett Sheehy. “When you combine a feel-good love story inspired by an iconic Australian album with some of the country’s most charming creative talents, you’re bound to create a type of magic that captures the hearts of its audiences, as it did when it premiered in 2015. I have no doubt that it will delight audiences right around the country.”

Tim Rogers is an iconic figure in the Australian music scene. As the frontman of internationally renowned band You Am I, Rogers has released ten studio albums, three of which debuted at number one in consecutive years, with the records also receiving ARIA Awards and multiple platinum and gold statuses for commercial sales.

Rogers has also released critically acclaimed solo albums, alongside collaborations with Tex Perkins, The Temperance Union and The Bamboos. His acting credits include performing for Malthouse Theatre and Griffin Theatre Company, as well as a TV hosting role on Studio at the Memo. His memoir, Detours was release in August.

“As polished and refined a premiere of a new musical play as you are likely to encounter.” – The Australian

Director: Clare Watson Featuring: Johnny Carr and Sophie Ross Musical Director: Tim Rogers Musicians: Ben Franz, Xani Kolac Set Designer: Andrew Bailey Costume Designer: Kate Davis Lighting Designer: Richard Vabre Sound Designer: Russell Goldsmith Voice Consultant: Debbie Phyland

What Rhymes with Cars and Girls
The Playhouse – Geelong Performing Arts Centre, 50 Little Malop Street, Geelong
Season: 21 – 23 September 2017
Information and Bookings: www.gpac.org.au

Ulumbarra Theatre, 10 – 20 Gaol Road, Bendigo
Season: 29 – 30 September 2017
Information and Bookings: www.thecapital.com.au

Riverside Theatres, Corner Church and Market Streets, Parramatta
Season: 11 – 14 October 2017
Information and Bookings: www.riversideparramatta.com.au

Brisbane Powerhouse, 119 Lamington Street, New Farm
Season: 25 October – 4 November 2017
Information and Bookings: www.brisbanepowerhouse.org

Image: Tim Rogers (rear), Johnny Carr and Sophie Ross feature in What Rhymes with Cars and Girls – photo by Jeff Busy