Melbourne Recital Centre & Magnormos Present A SONDHEIM TRIPTYCH, 9/20, 9/27, 10/4

To celebrate Stephen Sondheim's 80th birthday Melbourne Recital Centre and Magnormos are proud to present "A Sondheim Triptych" to be performed at Elisabeth Murdoch Hall. Sondheim is widely regarded as the most influential writer in Broadway history, with major works including WEST SIDE STORY, GYPSY, A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM, COMPANY, SWEENEY TODD, A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC and INTO THE WOODS. This is an exclusive opportunity to see three works that are rarely performed, but greatly loved by Sondheim fans across the globe. Come and experience these works, performed live by some of the Australia's top musical theatre talent, in one of Melbourne's most exciting performance venues. These works will be presented in full with concert staging, keeping the focus on Sondheim's brilliant writing and our extraordinary cast.

SATURDAY NIGHT

Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by Julius J. Epstein and Philip G.Epstein, who also wrote screenplay for Casablanca
Based on the play ‘Front Porch in Flatbush' by Julius J. Epstein and Philip G Epstein

MONDAY, 20 SEPTEMBER, 8pm
Melbourne Recital Centre Elisabeth Murdoch Hall
Directed by Terence O'Connell, Musical Direction by Vicky Jacobs
CAST INCLUDES: Chris Durling (Fame, High School Musical), Sam Ludeman (Fame, Guys and Dolls), Matt McFarlane (Priscilla Queen of the Desert), Lara Threw, and introducing: Zac Tyler (LaSalle Academy Graduate), and Claire George (Boy from Oz).

In 1953, SATURDAY NIGHT was set to mark the Broadway debut of a young, new writer - Stephen Sondheim. Owing to the death of the original producer, the New York opening (starring Australia's own David Campbell) was delayed some 47 years! Brimming with charm and youthful vitality, SATURDAY NIGHT is a captivating story of love, ambition and friendship set during the last days before the Great Depression. This rollicking adventure follows a group of Brooklyn Boys trying to make their fortunes on the stock market of 1929, with as many romantic entanglements as possible along the way! By arrangement with Hal Leonard Australia Pty Ltd Exclusive agent for Music Theatre International (NY).

MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG

Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by George Furth
Based on original play by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart

MONDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 8pm
Melbourne Recital Centre Elisabeth Murdoch Hall
Directed by Shaun Murphy, Musical Direction by Ben Kiley
CAST INCLUDES: Chris Parker (Mamma Mia), Laura Fitzpatrick (My Fair Lady), Stephen Wheat (Shout!, Dusty), Lisa-Marie Parker (Cats), Hester Van der Vyver (The Drowsy Chaperone).

The authors of the Broadway hit, COMPANY, reunited to turn the traditional showbiz musical on its head with MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG - a thrilling and compelling Broadway fable about friendship, compromise and the high price of success. With a unique narrative style that begins in the present and moves backwards in time, the story revolves around Franklin Shepard who, having once been a talented Broadway composer, has now abandoned his friends and his songwriting career to become a Hollywood producer. The milestones of his personal and professional lives are portrayed through a sequence of flashbacks, exploring the turbulence of his relationships and the changing America around him. By arrangement with Hal. Leonard Australia Pty Ltd Exclusive agent for Music Theatre International (NY).

ANYONE CAN WHISTLE

Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by Arthur Laurents

MONDAY 4 OCTOBER 8pm
Melbourne Recital Centre Elisabeth Murdoch Hall
Directed by Aaron Joyner, Musical Direction by Laura Tipoki.
CAST INCLUDES: Anne Wood (Mamma Mia!), Patrice Tipoki (Wicked, The Lion King), Dan Humphris (We Will Rock You), Don Bridges (Fiddler on the Roof, Cosi), Sally Bourne (Yummy, Australia's original Annie), and music theatre students from APO ARTS ACADEMY.

Sondheim's wickedly funny, cheekily disrespectful and outright blasphemous musical comedy is one of the funniest Broadway musicals ever written. An absurdist story of fake miracles, corrupt politicians, escaped lunatics, psychotherapy and even romance, ANYONE CAN WHISTLE was way ahead of its time in 1964 where it played for only nine performances on Broadway. With its well aimed pot shots at everything America holds dear, modern audiences across the world have found new joys in its refreshing honesty and timeless relevance. By arrangement with Hal Leonard Australia Pty Ltd Exclusive agent for Music Theatre International (NY).

A SONDHEIM TRIPTYCH

Artistic Director / Executive Producer: Aaron Joyner
Co-Producers: Laura Koomen and Sean Bryan
Lighting Designer: Lucy Birkinshaw-Campbell
Designer: Christina Logan-Bell

There are different season tickets available. VIP tickets include premium seats to all three concerts, and are $180. Gold tickets include A reserve seats to all three concerts, and are $160. Silver tickets are $140 and include B reserve seats to all three concerts. VIP and Gold tickets include complimentary programs and chocolates on arrival. Season tickets can be booked by phone, 03 9699 3333.

Single tickets are also available. Premium reserve tickets are $65. A reserve tickets are $58, $53 for concession. B reserve tickets are $52, $47 for concession. Single tickets can be booked online at melbournerecital.au or by calling 03 9699 3333.