Going into its fifth year of programming, Sydney’s Hayes Theatre Co has announced its 2018 season of musicals and cabaret at an event attended by the musical theatre industry and patrons on Sunday evening.
“We are honoured to play host to a number of producers, all of whom are creating new and innovative work,” said Chair of Hayes Theatre Co Lisa Campbell. “Blue Saint Productions make a welcome return, with the Sydney debut of Lin Manuel Miranda’s In The Heights.”
“Fledgling production company BB-Arts is teaming up with one of the most exciting new directors around, Alex Berlage for the Australian premiere of American Psycho. We welcome, direct from New York – queer hit The View UpStairs, which will bring 1970s New Orleans to Potts Point, right in time for Mardi Gras.”
“In revivals, we see a brand new version of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit show Aspects of Love – the producers are working with some of the show’s original team to create a production specifically tailored to the Hayes and for the first time in over 40 years, Sydney will see a full professional production of Gypsy.”
In addition to externally produced shows, Hayes Theatre Co will be self-producing three musicals this year – two of them Australian works. Katherine Thomson’s Darlinghurst Nights, will be directed by Lee Lewis and musically directed by the show’s composer, Max Lambert.
A new musical Evie May: A Tivoli Story by Hugo Chiarella and Naomi Livingstone developed through the New Musicals Australia program, will be directed by Damian Ryan. The third Hayes show is yet to be announced. Due to the generosity of donors Frederic Marguerre and Rodrigo Martino, the Hayes will be producing a show selected through the new Artist Led Submission Process.
“As if that were not enough, we will also see a few Neglected Musicals presentations and some of Australia’s best cabaret – with Natalie Gamsu in Carmen, Live or Dead and Carlotta returns to where she reigns in Queen Of The Cross,” said Campbell.
Since 2014 Hayes Theatre Co has hosted over 26 musicals, including six Australian musicals and 58 cabaret shows, and has been the launching pad for seven national tours, confirming its place as ‘The Home of Music Theatre and Cabaret’.
For more information about the 2018 Season, visit: www.hayestheatre.com.au for details.
Image: Laura Bunting and Blazey Best to star in Gypsy – photo by Phil Erbacher