Melbourne Theatre Company to Open 2016 Season with LADIES IN BLACK

Melbourne Theatre Company opens its 2016 season in glittering fashion with the glorious new musical Ladies in Black, a celebration of glamour, gowns and growing up in 1950s Australia. Adapted from the Madeleine St John novel, The Women in Black, and brought to life by director Simon Phillips with songs by Tim Finn (Split Enz, Crowded House), this QTC production opens on Wednesday 20 January at Southbank Theatre, The Sumner.

Fresh from their triumphant stage adaptation of North by Northwest, Ladies in Black brings writer Carolyn Burns and director Simon Phillips back to MTC, to work alongside a stellar cast including Sarah Morrison making her MTC debut, Lucy Maunder (Grease), Christen O'Leary (The Boy from Oz), Naomi Price (The Voice 2015), Deidre Rubenstein (North by Northwest) and Bobby Fox (Jersey Boys).

The production features over 25 original songs by Tim Finn and a stunning range of over 30 custom-designed dresses and suits by international award winning designer Gabriela Tylesova. With a dash of delicate comedy, Ladies in Black is sure to delight Melbourne audiences, having received critical acclaim and a standing ovation at its premiere in Brisbane earlier this month.

Director Simon Phillips said: 'It's always great to work on a brand new piece, but this one has so many ingredients that I love, that it promises to be really special. The original novel is a rare jewel, a funny and life-affirming tale that turns small lives into a captivating page-turner and Carolyn's adaptation perfectly and economically catches its charm and the poetry of its intertwining narratives. Add to that the wonderful, witty melodies of Tim's score - from laconic bush ballads to soaring, romantic odes to fashion and possibility - and you have a heady mix, a theatrical event with its own beguiling, twinkly-eyed style.'

In 1950s Sydney when the city was on the cusp of becoming cosmopolitan, young high school graduate Lesley takes a holiday job at Goodes, the most prestigious department store in town. In that summer of innocence, a world of possibilities opens up as she befriends the ladies of the women's frocks department - including her new mentor, the exotic European Magda, mysterious mistress of the gowns.

Read full media release here.

Cast Andrew Broadbent, Kate Cole, Carita Farrer Spencer, Bobby Fox, Lucy Maunder, Kathryn McIntyre, Sarah Morrison, Christen O'Leary, Naomi Price, Deidre Rubenstein, Greg Stone

Musicians Gerard Assi, Matt Hassall, David Hatch, Jo To, Paul Zabrowarny

Director and Dramaturg Simon Phillips

Musical Director David Young

Orchestrations Guy Simpson

Choreographer Andrew Hallsworth

Designer Gabriela Tylesova

Lighting Designer David Walters

Associate Designer Hanna Sandgren

Additional orchestrations by Isaac Hayward

Additional lyrics by Simon Phillips and Carolyn Burns