immerse - Mandurah Performing Arts Centre

the mandurah performing arts
centre presents
immerse
season program 2012-1

Following the exceptional response to our inaugural Immerse
subscription program, we invite you to leap into our new selection of
inspiring theatre.
Our 2012-1 program has been arranged to tempt you into the first
of our two season programs for this year. Refresh yourself with a
selection that showcases international standard work from the UK,
and the best of WA and Australia’s performing arts companies.
From the UK-based Rat Pack of Opera, the musical genius behind
the Choir of Hope and Inspiration to the storytelling star of the
Black Arm Band making sense of her life through music and song,
the Immerse 2012-1 program is firstly a celebration of Voice.
From TaikOz’s explosive brand of physical bravura, to spectacular
ballroom moves that foxtrot to life, to breathtaking and daring new
circus, Immerse is next a celebration of Body.
great reasons to become
a subscriber
Subscribers save time and money as well
as receiving the following benefits
Save $$ on a 2012-1 MPAC Season
Package of 3 or more shows
And rounding out the program, from master writer Tim Winton’s
unstinting new work that finds hope in unexpected alliances, to an
evocation of life and beauty in a country town, and a generous, loving
and provocative portrayal of substance abuse, Immerse is finally a
celebration of Story.
MPAC is one of WA and Australia’s great theatre venues, and the
MPAC team is delighted to offer our loyal audiences an outstanding
program to fill this great venue. Dive in.
Guy Boyce
General Manager mpac
Priority Booking during our exclusive
subscription period 21 Nov - 8 Dec
Guarantee your seats for
sold-out performances
Add more shows at the subscriber rate
at a later date
welcome
to our first subscription
program for 2012
Real savings of up to 50%
mandurah performing arts centre
1

mirvac presents the
crabfest saturday night gala
TENORS
UN LIMITED
THE RAT PACK OF
THE OPERA
sat 17 MARCH – 8 pm
Tenors UnLimited are not known around the world as The Rat Pack of Opera for nothing!
Incomparably charming, undeniably suave, and more than a little bit, well, sexy, these three
UK-based tenors are also exceedingly talented. A night in the company of these three lovable
rogues leaves you feeling you spent the evening in the company of James Bond, Michael Bublé
and Andrea Bocelli over a game of Russian Roulette at the Moulin Rouge! By the end of the
first song you’ll understand how they have come to attract the ‘Rat Pack’ title.
The three friends came together having already enjoyed distinguished solo careers in the opera,
theatre and recording worlds. They set out to bring their own unique blend of wit, charm and
vocal arrangements – along with original compositions – to the classical crossover genre, and
the recipe seems to be working very, very well: Scott, Paul and Jem have performed alongside
such notables as Sting, Hayley Westenra, Lionel Ritchie, Simply Red, Beyoncé, The Opera
Babes and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra… to name just a few.
Most recently they performed the traditional anthem ‘Abide With Me’ at a sold out Wembley
Stadium for the 2011 FA Cup Final broadcast to an audience of 100’s of millions worldwide.
Appearances in the UK on Friday Night is Music Night (BBC Radio 2), Top of the Pops, SKY
and ITV Sport, various festivals, the famous London Proms Season and a UK tour, as well as
numerous international shows from Malta to the Netherlands, has firmly established the boys
as one of the world’s premier classical crossover groups.
They bring their international talents to Australia for the first time in 2012 accompanied by a
full band, and regardless of your musical preferences, their humour and talent are guaranteed
to give Western Australian audiences a night to remember: their show will leave you more
than a little bit shaken and stirred!
mandurah performing arts centre
3

christine harris and hit productions
in association with gfour productions
MOTHERHOOD
THE MUSICAL
by SUE FABISCH
fri 23 march – 8 pm
Motherhood The Musical: The good, the bad and the laundry.
From the producers of Menopause The Musical® comes an equally hilarious, musical journey
about the lives and friendships of four very different mums. Barb, an over-worked, underpaid,
stressed-out mother of five; Brooke, the lawyer, who works too much and barely sees her kids,
Trisha, a single mum struggling to balance work, her family and her divorce and finally Amy,
the naive young woman about to have her first child.
This fabulous show has received rave reviews, you’ll love this joyous musical journey as it
takes a loving and funny look at the blessings and the perils of being a Mum. This is all about
laughing and crying, craziness and calm, smiles and tears, all wrapped up into 90 minutes of
great musical entertainment.
“…engaging, hilarious and touching… ‘Motherhood’ is a slick, polished work that embraces
genuine sentiment…” ~ VARIETY Magazine, USA
Contains adult themes
by
Sue Fabisch
Image: 2011 cast.
mandurah performing arts centre
5

MIRIAM
MARGOLYES IN
DICKENS’
WOMEN
THURS 29 MARCH – 8 pm
Following sellout performances in 2007, BAFTA®-award winning actress Miriam Margolyes
returns to Australia for an encore national tour of her one-woman tour-de-force, Dickens’
Women.
Bringing to life twenty-three of Charles Dickens’ most affecting and colourful female (and
male!) characters, Margolyes presents her powerful, comprehensive, and at times hilarious
exposé of Dickens, his writing, and the real-life women who found themselves immortalised in
his books.
This special performance is part of the worldwide celebrations of 200 years of Charles Dickens
in 2012. Don’t miss your chance to see this acclaimed actor in the roles she was born to play.
“…a genuine chameleon.” ~ Sunday Herald Sun
“When she appears as herself, Margolyes sparkles with intelligence and enthusiasm… when she
inhabits a character, you’d swear they lived and breathed in front of you.” ~ The Age
“Immense fun…” ~ The Australian
presented by
Andrew McKinnon and
AMcK Fine Entertainment in association with
Richard Jordan Productions Ltd
and Peter Wilson Productions
written and adapted by
Miriam Margolyes and Sonia Fraser
directed by
Sonia Fraser
performed by
Miriam Margolyes with John Martin on piano
lighting design by
Mark Hammer
mandurah performing arts centre
7

circa – as part of the 2012 stretch festival
CIRCA
Toured by Performing Lines for Road Work, with
the support of the Australian Government through
the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory
body, and through the national performing arts
touring program, Playing Australia.
Circa acknowledges the assistance of the Australian
Government through the Australia Council, its arts
funding and advisory body and the Queensland
Government through Arts Queensland.
sat 5 may – 7:30 pm
Circa is a thoroughly new kind of circus: daring, breathtaking and cheeky. This extraordinary
troupe has left the high top and drum roll behind and stripped circus bare – and its bold new
vision is taking the world by storm. Rapturously acclaimed around the globe, from London to
Berlin, Mandurah to Moranbah, this is movement at its most adventurous, but with a cabaret
twist and a larrikin’s flair.
With Circa, you can expect to see amazing circus skills in new and startling configurations,
bold and innovative use of video and lights, a moving soundtrack and a muscular and precise
movement sensibility. Circa’s work is very fresh – contemporary circus, acrobatic dance and
multimedia. But at the end of it all, this world famous troupe work brings human emotion to
Circus. Its shows are deeply felt and make audiences think and feel.
In high demand, Australia’s Circa are back for a limited time only between international tours.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience what the rest of the world is raving about.
“One hesitates to start a festival off giving a five-star review, but this is truly outstanding.” ~ The
Irish Times, UK
“ …knee tremblingly sexy, beautiful and moving.” ~ The Guardian, UK
Suitable for age 12 years and up
created by
Yaron Lifschitz and the Circa Ensemble
performed by
Nathan Boyle, Jessica Connell, Daniel Crisp,
Jarred Dewey, Todd Kilby, Alice Muntz,
Brittanie Portelli
artistic director
Yaron Lifschitz
associate director
Ben Knapton
producer
Diane Stern
lighting design
Jason Organ
costume design
Libby McDonnell
Image: Justin Nicholas, Atmosphere Photography
mandurah performing arts centre
9

empire theatres
This project been made possible through financial
assistance through Arts Queensland’s Development
and Presentation Program and the Regional Stages
– a joint initiative of Arts Queensland and Australia
Council for the Arts.
APRIL’S FOOL
by DAVID BURTON
The Australian Government is proud to be associated
with this tour through the national performing arts
touring program, Playing Australia, which gives
Australians across the country the opportunity to see
some of our best performing arts.
Tour managed and coordinated by arTour – a business
unit of Queensland Arts Council.
TUES 5 JUNE – 11 AM
A true story of love, family, strength and the choices we make.
In April 2009, two weeks short of his nineteenth birthday Toowoomba teenager Kristjan
Terauds died due to complications from illicit drug use.
Inspired by ‘April’s Fool’, an account of his son’s death by Kristjan’s father, the Empire Theatre
commissioned award-winning playwright, David Burton to bring this story to the stage.
Using the words of Kristjan’s friends and family interviewed over many months the result is a
powerful mix of sadness, loss, and ultimately love, laced with humour. April’s Fool promises to
be a thought-provoking and ultimately optimistic reflection on how we all live our lives.
The result is a theatre experience that reflects Kristjan himself – loving, warm, generous, open,
honourable, gentle, complex and provocative.
Suitable for age 12 years and up
Mild coarse language
cast includes
Jessica Harm, Allen Laverty, Barbara Lowing,
Sam Clark
director
Lewis Jones
designer
Josh McIntosh
media design
Craig Wilkinson
sound design
Brett Collery
lighting design
Timothy Panitz
mandurah performing arts centre
11

a critical stages and the follies co. production
SYNCOPATION
by ALLAN KNEE
sat 9 JUNE – 8 pm
Syncopation is a smash-hit fusion of comedy, drama, romance and ballroom dancing; set in
the exciting, electric rush of New York City in 1912.
Henry Ribolow is a Jewish meatpacker crazy with a dream of becoming a ballroom dancer and
is desperate for a dance partner. Anna Bianchi, an Italian Catholic seamstress, is dissatisfied
with her life until she spots a curious ad in the paper – “Give your life a lift. Wanted: a Dance
Partner to dance for royalty.”
From the moment Anna summons up the courage to answer the ad, sparks fly. As Anna and
Henry take their first steps together they embark on a journey that will transform their lives.
They dance, urged on by the jazzy rhythms and haunting melodies of Gershwin, Joplin and
Berlin. The beautiful story of Henry and Anna takes flight, soaring in amazing ballroom
routines choreographed by Dancing with the Stars choreographer/dancer Mark Hodge and
under the direction of Broadway’s Tony Award-nominated Stephen Lloyd Helper.
“A compelling love story that promenades foxtrots and tangos to life!” ~ The Age
“This is a play with dance. What a play and what a dance! I shall go again – you should go at
least once!” ~ 3MBS FM
“An enjoyable piece… I haven’t seen a better judged performance this year!” ~ Herald Sun
cast includes
Emma Palmer
Image: features the original cast.
director
Stephen Lloyd Helper
choreographer
Mark Hodge
designer
Adrienne Chisolm
sound designer
Darrin Verhagen
mandurah performing arts centre
13

taikoz
The Australian Government is proud to be associated
with this tour through the national performing arts
touring program, Playing Australia, which gives
Australians across the country the opportunity to see
some of our best performing arts.
This project has been made possible by the New South
Wales Government through Arts NSW.
SHIFTING SAND
by GRAHAM HILGENDORF
TUES 19 JUNE – 7:30 pm
Inspired by the beach and ocean, Shifting Sand is a powerful evocation of the ocean’s many
faces. TaikOz’s ethereal sounds, thunderous taiko drumming, dynamic movement and dance
seeks to capture the beauty, majesty and force of the ocean. From the delicate play of light on
the surface of the sea to the raging fury of winter storms.
‘Taiko’ is the Japanese word for ‘drum’ and TaikOz is Australia’s leading taiko drumming group.
A TaikOz performance is more than just the beating of drums: it incorporates a complete
world of drumming, song and dance that harks back to ancient Buddhist and Shinto rituals. It
is a reflection of contemporary musical life, irrespective of nationality. A TaikOz performance
is not just for the ears and eyes, but is felt throughout the entire body. It is a truly visceral
experience.
“…the crowd [was] stamping and cheering for more. Each member seems to be able to do
everything. They sing, they dance, they play like angels.” ~ The Australian
Image: Peter Stoop courtesy of Fairfax Photos, Performer: Kevin Man
14 mandurah performing arts centre 15

lack swan state theatre company
and sydney theatre company
SIGNS OF LIFE
Principal Partner
by tim winton
Regional Partner
This regional tour is supported through a funding
partnership between the Department of Culture and
the Arts and the Department of Regional Development
and Lands in Western Australia.
sat 30 june – 8 pm
General
Signs of Life is a story about people with uncertain futures navigating with only shreds of the
past to guide them. It’s about the mutual incomprehension between white and black – the
anxiously safe and the pragmatic dispossessed – in country where nobody is really sure they
belong anymore, and where everyone’s fate seems to have been determined by those who came
before.
Bitter and funny, this is a play in which a middle class, middle-aged white woman finds herself
reluctantly sharing a house with black strangers – a stubborn man and his damaged sister –
and they won’t explain why they’re here, why they’ve chosen her, what it is they’re so obviously
searching for, and why she’s beginning to feel like a visitor in her own home Who’s the host
Who’s the visitor And what are all those shadows flitting across the sandy riverbed in the
moonlight
Signs of Life is an opportunity to reflect on the ways in which people with radically different
histories find themselves forming awkward, spiky alliances in order to survive.
“This is a play about people who have little, in a landscape that offers little, finding hope in
unexpected alliances. Signs of Life will touch your heart and ignite your imagination.” ~
Kate Cherry
Suitable for age 13 years and up
Some adult themes
performed by
Ernie Dingo, Helen Morse, George Shevtsov,
Pauline Whyman
director
Kate Cherry
set & costume designer
Zoe Atkinson
lighting designer
Jon Buswell
mandurah performing arts centre
17

pulse wa and
mandurah performing arts centre presents
HARMONIKE
new circus at its magical best
out of the box only available at the discounted rate
once you have chosen at least 3 of the previous performances
wed 25 JAN – 7:30 pm
thurs 26 jan – 2 pm
fri 27 jan – 7:30 pm
sat 28 jan – 7:30 pm
Join us on a boy’s magical journey through time, full of awe inspiring circus feats, aerials and
acrobatics. From a freakish side show alley, to flying with the zany travelling circus or dancing
into a Grand Burlesque Hall, Harmonike will transport you on this completely captivating
audience experience.
Bringing you characters such as the evil villain and the young accordionist, the battle between
good and evil begins. Will the villain lay his hands upon the accordion and unlock the magical
power for himself
Pulse WA has been developing circus skills in the Peel Region since 2003. Following the
success of Elemental (2008) and Dreamweaver (2010), Harmonike is the culmination of
nine years of skill and creative development and melds a local company with top flight circus
performers from throughout Australia.
Magical January family show
Recommended for ages 8 years and above
directed by
Tracy Harrington
mandurah performing arts centre
19

ethany simons
THE WEATHER
AND
YOUR HEALTH
out of the box only available at the discounted rate
once you have chosen at least 3 of the previous performances
WED 11 APRIL – 7:30 pm
THURS 12 APRIL – 11 AM & 7:30 PM
Gilgandra. Flat as a tack, dry as a bone, hot as an oven.
Life can be tough on the banks of the Castlereagh, but there is beauty in everything if you know
where to look.
Inspired by life in regional Australia, The Weather and Your Health is the enchanting story of a
woman whose sunny outlook transcends the ups and downs of life.
Nominated for two Green Room Awards, this charming play paints a touching portrait
of country life through one woman’s stories of young love, war-times, local dances and
homemade sausage rolls.
Put the kettle on, it’s time for some sponge cake!
“I can’t enthuse colourfully enough about the warmth, charm, humour and humanity… A very
Australian performance… compact and utterly beguiling.” ~ Australian Stage
“So amusing… a charming story of rural youth.” ~ Herald Sun
written by
Bethany Simons
directed by
David Wicks
performed by
Bethany Simons with Andrew Dodds
mandurah performing arts centre
21

stretch festival 2012
with support from festivals australia
BREATHE –
MANDURAH
SINGS
out of the box only available at the discounted rate
once you have chosen at least 3 of the previous performances
SUN 6 may – 4 pm
Over three days Choirmaster Jonathon Welch AM will inspire the full breadth of school and
community choirs in the Peel Region to breathe in a series of tailored masterclasses as part of
Breathe, the Mandurah Stretch Festival 2012. Mandurah Sings will be the culmination of this in
a full length concert in the Boardwalk Theatre.
With a diverse career spanning 30 years in the music industry, there are not many areas of
music that Jonathon Welch hasn’t been involved with, and doesn’t love!
Considered one of the finest tenors of his generation, Jonathon’s credits include some
70 roles with most State Opera Companies and Opera Australia. He has performed with some
of the world’s most highly regarded singers, directors and conductors including Dame Joan
Sutherland, k.d.lang, Baz Luhrman, Graeme Murphy, Richard Bonynge, Anne Murray and
Jimmy Somerville.
With a deep commitment to the community and youth music education, Jonathon has
directed some of Australia’s finest community choirs, also creating the Australian Pop Choir,
Pop Kidz and the Sydney Street Choir prior to his return to his ‘hometown’ of Melbourne
where he is best known as the man behind the ABC’s smash hit series Choir of Hard Knocks.
He is currently the Director of Jail Birds and Choir of Hard Knocks, now known as the Choir
of Hope and Inspiration.
Join us in celebrating the conclusion of Breathe, Mandurah Stretch Festival 2012 and hear
what Jonathon and our local choirs can achieve.
mandurah performing arts centre
23

artback nt producing
The Australian Government
is proud to be associated with this tour through
the national performing arts touring program,
Playing Australia, which gives Australians across
the country the opportunity to see some of our best
performing arts.
SHELLIE’S
STORY
out of the box only available at the discounted rate
once you have chosen at least 3 of the previous performances
sat 12 may – 7:30 pm
Shellie Morris is an Indigenous singer, songwriter and storyteller who performs earthy and
honest songs about her life and the things that inspire her. She has a beautiful voice and her
soulful enigmatic acoustic ballads are guaranteed to delight the listener. Travel with her on an
intimate journey as she shares her life through her music and her stories.
Adopted out to Ian and Dorothea Dixon at an early age, Shellie shares her story of tracing
her bloodlines back to her Aboriginal ancestry; a Wardaman (Katherine area) grandfather
remembered for his skills with guitar and voice, and a Yanyuwa (Borroloola area) grandmother
who was taken from her family at eight years and brought up in Darwin’s Kahlin compound.
The Australian newspaper described her as “…an aboriginal chanteuse of rare seriousness and
grace”. She has performed everywhere from rural outback Australia to London Festival Hall
and the Sydney Opera House with great reviews.
Shellie is currently a featured artist with the Black Arm Band (a collaboration of Australia’s
top Indigenous artists and jazz musicians). Her song ‘Swept Away’ was orchestrated and
performed in 2008 with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.
Shellie’s Story takes the audience with her along the journey of her life through song and story.
mandurah performing arts centre
25

immerse season program 2012-1
PRICING
performances
adult
subscription
concession
subscription
fompac*
subscription
adult
single ticket
concession
single ticket
fompac*
single ticket
$ $ $ $ $ $
Tenors UnLimited 70 65 60 80 75 70
Motherhood The Musical 48 45 43 55 52 50
Dickens’ Women 79 79 77 89 84 82
If you wish to be seated with other Immerse subscription
ticket holders, please submit the forms together.
step two YOUR CONCESSION DETAILS
Please provide all Concession Card names and numbers
or inform us if you are a Friends of Mandurah
Performing Arts Centre (fompac) member, providing
your name and number.
Name
FOMPAC/Concession No.
If under 25 please provide a photocopy or your proof of age.
YOUR SEATING REQUIREMENTS
step three
We will attempt but cannot guarantee to accommodate
your requirements. If you know the seats you would prefer,
please advise here:
Would you require any of the following (please tick)
Left aisle seat
Right aisle seat
Wheelchair access
Seating in first 4 rows due to sight
Hearing loop
Circa 40 38 36 45 43 40
April’s Fool 43 39 36 50 46 43
Syncopation 48 45 43 55 52 50
Shifting Sand 48 45 42 55 52 50
Signs of Life 48 45 42 55 52 50
out of the box
performances
only available at the discounted rate
once you have chosen at least 3 of the
above performances $ $ $ $ $ $
Harmonike 20 20 20 38 32 30
The Weather and Your Health 20 20 20 40 38 36
Mandurah Sings 20 20 20 30 25 22
Shellie’s Story 20 20 20 35 32 30
* FOMPAC ~ Friends of Mandurah Performing Arts Centre
immerse season program 2012-1
BOOKING FORM
step one your contact details
Title Mr Mrs Ms Dr (please tick one)
First name
Surname
Postal address
Suburb Postcode
E-mail
Phone (day)
Phone (evening)
Phone (mobile)
Would you like to join our mailing list
Yes, by e-mail
Yes, by post
Yes, by e-mail and post
No thankyou
26 mandurah performing arts centre
mandurah performing arts centre 27

mandurah performing arts centre
step five PAYMENT
Method (please tick):
Cheque
Money order
Payable to Mandurah Performing Arts Centre
Credit card:
Visa
Mastercard
Card number
_ _ _ _ / _ _ _ _ / _ _ _ _ / _ _ _ _
Expiry date
_ _ / _ _
Name on card
Signature
How did you find out about our
subscription program (please tick)
Mailed brochure
Picked up brochure
Advertising
Website
Email
Friend
Other:
HOW TO BOOK
IMMERSE SEASON PROGRAM
2012-1
step four your PREFERRED PERFORMANCES & QUANTITIES OF TICKETS REQUIRED
performances date adult concess fompac < 25’s total $
2 2 $140
e.g. Name of show Date $ 40 x __ $ 38 x __ $ 36 x __ $ 30 x __
Tenors Un Limited Sat 17 Mar 70 x __ 65 x __ 60 x __ 25 x __
Motherhood The Musical Fri 23 Mar 48 x __ 45 x __ 43 x __ 25 x __
Dickens’ Women Thurs 29 Mar 79 x __ 79 x __ 77 x __ 79 x __
Circa Sat 5 May 40 x __ 38 x __ 36 x __ 25 x __
April’s Fool Tues 5 June 43 x __ 39 x __ 36 x __ 25 x __
Syncopation Sat 9 June 48 x __ 45 x __ 43 x __ 25 x __
Shifting Sand Tues 19 June 48 x __ 45 x __ 43 x __ 25 x __
Signs of Life Sat 30 June 48 x __ 45 x __ 43 x __ 25 x __
out of the box performances
Only available at the discounted rate once you have chosen at least 3 of the above performances
Please tick your preferred day and time
20 x __
Wed 25 Jan 7:30pm Thurs 26 Jan 2pm
Fri 27 Jan 7:30pm Sat 28 Jan 2pm
Sat 28 Jan 7:30pm
Harmonike
20 x __
Wed 11 Apr 7:30pm Thurs 12 Apr 11am
Thurs 12 Apr 7:30pm
The Weather & Your Health
Mandurah Sings Sun 6 May 20 x __
Shellie’s Story Sat 12 May 20 x __
if paying by credit card, please add a $2.20 transaction fee
total
centre partners
program partner
presenting partners
funding and
touring partners
It’s easy, select the shows you wish to see, then complete the 2012-1
Performance Season Packages Booking Form and then…
IN PERSON
Come in and see us at the Box Office at the Mandurah Performing
Arts Centre. We will not be able to process it at the time but will
date-stamp it and process it in order. Your tickets will then be sent to
you in the post.
BY MAIL*
Send it with your credit card details, cheque or money order to:
Box Office
Mandurah Performing Arts Centre
PO Box 1049
Mandurah WA 6210
* Made payable to Mandurah Performing Arts Centre. Do not send cash.
BY FAX
Fax both sides of the booking form to (08) 9550 3901.
SINGLE TICKETS
Additional single tickets can be purchased in person, and over the
phone at the discounted rate once you have become a subscriber.
You will need to provide your subscription name and number.
ENQUIRIES
If you have any queries contact our Box Office staff on
(08) 9550 3900 who will be able to assist you.
Design by www.StudioBomba.com.au
28 mandurah performing arts centre
mandurah performing arts centre 29

30
mandurah performing arts centre
The Boardwalk, Ormsby Terrace,
Mandurah, Western Australia
Box Office (08) 9550 3900 Fax (08) 9550 3901