Frommer's Australia from $50 a Day 13th Edition - To Parent Directory

MELBOURNE AFTER DARK 555
Value Half-Price Tickets
Buy your tickets for entertainment events, including opera, dance, and
drama, on the day of the performance from the Half-Tix Desk in the Melbourne
Town Hall on Swanston Street (& 03/9650 9420). The booth is
open Monday from 10am to 2pm, Tuesday through Thursday from 11am
to 6pm, Friday from 11am to 6:30pm, and Saturday from 10am to 2pm.
Tickets must be paid for in cash. Available shows are displayed on the
booth door; note that you can’t get show information over the phone.
On” in the theater world for up to 2 months in advance, as well as what’s happening
in dance, film, comedy, music, exhibitions, sports, and tours.
The best place to buy tickets for everything from theater to major sporting
events, and to obtain details on schedules, is Ticketmaster (& 13 28 849 or
1800/062 849 in Australia, or 03/9299 9079; www.ticketmaster7.com).
THE HEART OF MELBOURNE’S CULTURAL LIFE
Victorian Arts Centre The spire atop the Theatre Building of the Victorian
Arts Center, on the banks of the Yarra River, crowns the city’s leading performing-arts
complex. Beneath it, the State Theatre, the Playhouse, and the
Fairfax present performances that are the focal point of Melbourne’s cultural life.
The State Theatre, seating 2,079 on three levels, can accommodate elaborate
stagings of opera, ballet, musicals, and more. The Playhouse is a smaller venue
that often hosts the Melbourne Theatre Company. The Fairfax is more intimate
still, and is often used for experimental theater or cabaret.
Adjacent to the Theatres Building is the Melbourne Concert Hall, home of
the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and the State Orchestra of Victoria, and
often host to visiting orchestras. Many international stars have graced this stage,
which is known for its excellent acoustics.
One-hour guided tours of the Concert Hall and theaters run Monday through
Saturday at noon and 2:30pm and Saturday at 10:30am and noon. They cost
A$10 (US$6.50) for adults, A$7.50 (US$4.90) for children, and A$23 (US$15)
for families. Backstage tours on Sunday at 12:15pm cost A$13.50 (US$8.80).
Children under 11 are not admitted. Call & 03/9281 8000 between 9:30am and
5pm for information.
100 St. Kilda Rd. & 03/9281 8000, or 1300/136 166 for ticket purchase. Fax 03/9281 8282. www.vicarts
centre.com.au. Tickets priced between A$20–A$140 (US$13–US$91).
ADDITIONAL VENUES & THEATERS
Check the Age to see what productions are scheduled during your visit. Odds are
that the leading shows will be produced in one of the following venues:
The Comedy Club The Comedy Club is a Melbourne institution. Come
here to see local and international comedy acts, musicals, and special shows.
Dinner and show Friday through Saturday A$40 to A$45 (US$26–US$29)
depending on performer; show only Thursday through Saturday approximately
A$20 (US$13). Level 1, 380 Lygon St., Carlton. & 03/9348 1622.
Comedy Theatre The Comedy Theatre, with its ornate Spanish Rococo interior,
manages to feel intimate even though it seats more than 1,000 people. Plays
and musicals usually fill the bill, but dance companies and comedians also appear.
240 Exhibition St., City. & 03/9299 9886 (or tickets can be purchased from Ticketek on 13 28 49).