This summer, Melbourne Shakespeare Company returns to the Rose Garden at the St Kilda Botanical Gardens to present a dazzling musical reimagining of Shakespeare’s timeless comedy, Twelfth Night.
The Twelfth Night follows Viola, who washes ashore in ‘Straya and disguises herself as a man – only to spark a whirlwind of romantic chaos. With mischievous schemes, wacky characters, and plenty of heart, Twelfth Night is a delightful comedy where love conquers all (eventually)!
Breathing new life into this classic tale, the production is infused with contemporary songs from pop icons including Bruno Mars, Backstreet Boys, Marvin Gaye and many many more!
Having recently finished as Resident Director on the Australian National Tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, the company’s Artistic Director Jennifer Sarah Dean returns to direct Twelfth Night with musical direction from David Youings (Muriel’s Wedding) and choreography from Callum Marshall (Elvis! A Musical Revolution).
“Set against a backdrop of blooming roses, Melbourne Shakespeare productions are unlike anything you’ve seen before,” says director Jennifer Sarah Dean. “The rose garden is one of the most beautiful places in Melbourne and there is something truly magical about watching Shakespeare here – It’s the perfect outdoor event for families, friends, and theatre lovers alike.”
Melbourne Shakespeare Company has never been afraid to push the boundaries, challenging many of the stereotypes associated with traditional Shakespeare productions, making the work exciting and accessible for audiences young and old. This 90 minute abridged production is no exception taking audiences on a whirlwind adventure of love and longing with plenty of laughter along the way.
The all-star cast will be led by Stephanie Astrid John (The Grinning Man) as Viola opposite Maxwell Simon (Moulin Rouge! The Musical) as Orsino. Sonya Suares (Assassins) joins the company for the first time as Maria, with Joshua Gordon (Mary Poppins) as Feste, Karlis Zaid (My Fair Lady) as Sir Toby, Sebastian Li (Don Quixote) as Sir Andrew and Laura Iris Hill (Macbeth) as Malvolio.
Melbourne Shakespeare Company are well known as industry leaders in sustainable theatre making using only reclaimed, recycled and reused materials to bring their stories to life. Prepare to be amazed as Set designer Ishan Vivekanantham (Storytime: Cinderella) and Costume designer Cortnee Jarvis (The Merchant of Venice) turn trash into treasure with their awe-inspiring designs.
Director: Jennifer Sarah Dean | Featuring: Billy Thomas, Claire Warrillow, Emma Austin, Jacqueline Whiting, Joshua Gordon, Karlis Zaid, Laura Iris Hill, Lucy May Knight, Maxwell Simon, Sebastian Li, Sonya Suares, Stephanie Astrid John, Teresa Giansiracusa | Musical Director: David Youings | Choreographer: Callum Marshall | Costume Designer: Cortnee Javis | Set Designer: Ishan Vivekanantham | Set Assistant: Violeta Capella Tubella | Assistant Director / Cover: Bridget Sweeney | Stage Manager: Seamus Allan | Assistant Stage Manager: Madison McHenry | Marketing Coordinator: Isla Hickey | Producer: Michael Mack
Twelfth Night
The Rose Garden – St Kilda Botanical Gardens, Corner Tennyson and Blessington Streets, St Kilda
Season: 7 – 22 December 2024 (preview: 6 December)
Bookings: www.trybooking.com
For more information, visit: www.melbourneshakespeare.com for details.
Image: Stephanie Astrid John stars as Viola in Melbourne Shakespeare Company’s Twelfth Night – photo by Nick Robertson