Lovers of time honoured musicals would be hard pressed to find a more beautifully sung production than The Production Company’s Kismet.

At The Production Company’s Kismet, audience members are the Strangers in Paradise, enjoying a glittering production of a seldom seen musical.

Owing more to the world of operetta than Broadway, Kismet harks form a bygone age of the theatre and as such it fits perfectly into TPC’s long stated goal to present rarely staged shows. Clearly a labour of love from all concerned, the production is as lavish as one could hope for in a concert setting, with costumes and choreography, in particular, being artistic highpoints.

Adapted from the work of classical composer Alexander Borodin, the 1953 Tony winning musical has an exceptionally lush score. Giving a superb performance of the score, it is wonderful to see Orchestra Victoria featured downstage, adjacent to the action rather than framing it. Full credit goes to Musical Director Peter Casey for having musicians and singers sounding so beautiful.

The plot takes full advantage of the exoticism and pageantry of a Baghdad far removed from today’s image. The pace of the storytelling, however, has not kept up with current trends and some sections could have benefitted from judicious trimming. The theme of fate drives the action, mocking the characters’ attempts at manipulation, miracles and wizardry. Director Terence O’Connell demonstrates a sure hand in balancing the believability of the lovers with the high camp of the villains…

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The production which plays this week at the State Theatre has proven a delicious hit.

Kate Herbert of The Herald Sun said

Director Adam Cook casts three of Australia’s most successful music theatre performers in his slick, funny production.

Ben Brown with Peter Lowrey as Spats & Scott Hili as Dude

Cameron Woodhead in The Age agrees, calling SUGAR

Diverting, well-paced, often wildly funny – the supremely talented cast bakes it as hot as it’s likely to get.

Simon Parris of TheatrePeople.com says

Sugar is a deliciously sweet treat. An extremely talented, well-cast company bring the colourful characters to life, having as much fun as the audience in the process.

Don’t miss this hilarious production, playing until Sunday at The State Theatre.

Christie Whelan as Sugar & Matt Hetherington as Junior

]]> http://blog.theproductioncompany.com.au/2010/10/cooks-sugar-is-a-sweet-treat/feed/ 1 http://blog.theproductioncompany.com.au/2010/08/the-boy-from-oz-returns-for-summer-season/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-boy-from-oz-returns-for-summer-season http://blog.theproductioncompany.com.au/2010/08/the-boy-from-oz-returns-for-summer-season/#comments Wed, 11 Aug 2010 01:35:22 +0000 TPC http://blog.theproductioncompany.com.au/?p=176 SUMMER SEASON FOR

THE BOY FROM OZ

Jeanne Pratt AC, Chairman of The Production Company announced that The Boy From Oz is to return to the Arts Centre’s State Theatre in January 2011. Todd McKenney, who will star as the legendary Peter Allen in this summer season, said “This show has given me so much joy over so many years, and I’m excited to be coming back to this great role in a spectacular new concert version.”

Jeanne Pratt said “This month’s performances of the show have completely sold out. I’m delighted to respond to the demand for tickets with a summer season which will open on January 5 and run through to January 16. I can’t think of a better show for our company’s first return season in the State Theatre.”

The January season goes on sale at 9am on Friday, August 13.

Directed by Nancye Hayes with John Foreman as musical director and Andrew Hallsworth as choreographer, this spectacular new concert version features many of Peter Allen’s best loved songs, including Quiet Please There’s a Lady on Stage, Everything Old is New Again, Tenterfield Saddler, I Honestly Love You,

I Still Call Australia Home, Don’t Cry Out Loud and the show stopping I Go To Rio.

The Boy From Oz is widely regarded as Australia’s most popular musical. It ran for a total of 766 performances over two years in the late 90’s and was the first Australian musical to enjoy a sell out season on Broadway.

STATE THEATRE – THE ARTS CENTRE

On sale Friday 13 August book on 1300 182 183, at the Arts Centre or www.theartscentre.com.au

Juan Jackson as The King

The Australian said: “The King and I is a big show with a big heart and deserves to sell out.” Peter Burch, 16 July.

The Age said: “..an engaging spectacle enlivened by powerful performances… It’s a production that long-time fans and newcomers alike will enjoy.” Cameron Woodhead, 16 July.

The Herald Sun said: The State Thatre is whispering a happy tune” Kate Herbert ,15 July.

Matt Hetherington as Sergeant ‘Buzz’ Benson and Bille Brown as Dr. Emil Shuffhausen.

The final show in Season 2009 was the hilarious comedy Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.

View the gallery here.

Reviews

The Production Company’s Australian premiere of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is a delightfully dirty, not at all rotten, night at the theatre.
Australian Stage

The Production Company gambles and Melbourne is the lucky winner. For only the second time in 11 years, TPC has presented an Australian premiere, and what an inspired choice it is. ….Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is a laugh-a-minute riot that is every bit as hilarious as the 1988 film.
Theatre People

Deliciously entertaining.  Huge laughs…It’s a very funny night.
Herald Sun

The show…has an infectious sense of fun.  The physical comedy is raw and risky; (Hetherington’s) Freddy, as Prince Ruprecht, is repulsive and hilarious – a show stealer.  Brown is as distinguished as his character; a perfect lothario.

The cast are bold, the dialogue witty and risqué, giving us what we want.      Sunday Herald Sun

Ross Coleman 1949 – 2009

Choreographer Ross Coleman passed away at home in Melbourne on early Tuesday morning, aged 60.

Ross worked with The Production Company as Director and Choreographer on four shows:  Funny Girl,  The Music Man, Bye Bye Birdie and Sweet Charity. You can see images of those productions in our Gallery.

Chairman Jeanne Pratt said ‘Ross contributed his brilliant talents to our company since it’s inception.  He gave his love, commitment and passion to us and the artists he worked with.’

Ross was a multiple Helpmann Award nominee and winner for his choreography on productions including Urinetown and 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee , Dusty: The Original Pop Diva,  Pippin, Sweet Charity and Shout! His choreography for Priscilla: Queen of the Desert lives on in the current West End production.

He will be greatly missed.