empire theatre

EMPIRE
THEATRE
DEAR THEATRE
SUPPORTERS
It gives me great pleasure to present our 2016 Empire Theatre Season.
June 1997, when the newly renovated main Theatre reopened, seems a very long time ago! Every year since
then has brought new surprises and new challenges and 2016 will be no different.
Our ‘Four Venue’ Theatre provides magnificent performance spaces and the chance for our audiences to see
some of the very best professional artists and ensembles from across Australia and internationally. Performers
from our regional community can display their talents in first class surroundings supported by highly skilled
backstage and front-of-house personnel.
Our 2015 in-house production of Mary Poppins was an artistic and financial success and we look forward to our
20 16 production of Legally Blonde being similarly successful.
A characteristic of the Empire’s development over the seventeen years since Empire Theatres Pty Ltd took over
its operation in 1999 on behalf of its owners, Toowoomba Regional Council, has been the diversity of its offerings.
There is always a commitment to the provision of entertainment of the highest quality.
This does not mean everybody will like or approve of everything presented by the Theatre. That cannot, and
should not, ever be the case! People like different things but we do try to provide ‘best quality’ at all times and
it will again be the characteristic of the upcoming Season.
The Armitage Centre is proving to be a great asset. The main auditorium with its behind-stage Studio still gets gasps
of approval from our visitors and the Church Theatre is a much sought-after more intimate venue.
I join with my Board colleagues and our excellent professional staff in thanking you for your support. Our Friends
of the Theatre and our Empire Theatre Foundation are also part of what makes our Theatre tick but it would all
be wasted time and effort if people didn’t turn up to our shows!
I hope that ‘going to the Empire’ will continue to be a regular part of your life in this region and all of us at the
Theatre look forward to welcoming you. And if you live elsewhere, please come back soon!
Peter Swannell AM
CHAIRMAN, EMPIRE THEATRES PTY LTD
CHAIRMAN, EMPIRE THEATRE PROJECTS PTY LTD
JUNE
Trash Test Dummies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Piers Lane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Guy Sebastian. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
The Best of The Eagles . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Icehouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
The 52-Storey Treehouse. . . . . . . . . . . . 29
FEBRUARY
Angela Davis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
The Divine Miss Bette. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
QLD Theatre Company’s Quartet. . . . . . . 9
The Searchers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
MARCH
Shen Yun. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Roy Orbison and The Everly Brothers. . . 12
Aboriginal Comedy Allstars. . . . . . . . . . 13
Melinda Schneider . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
APRIL
Into the Woods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Wuthering Heights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Wes Carr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
GOLD: The ABBA Show. . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Circa Zoo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
JULY
QLD Theatre Company’s Country Song . 36
Paris Underground. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Peter Pan Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
The Peasant Prince . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Flamenco Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase. . . . 40
Legally Blonde The Musical. . . . . . . . 16-17
Queensland Symphony Orchestra . . . . . 41
MAY
AUGUST
The Ten Tenors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
HIPPO! HIPPO! A Musical Adventure! . . . 42
Forever Diamond. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Melbourne Ballet - Archè . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Melbourne International Comedy
Festival Roadshow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Opera QLD’s The Barber of Seville. . . . . 44
Flaunt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
QLD Pops Orchestra. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
SEPTEMBER
Annie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
The Grigoryan Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
OCTOBER
Breaker Morant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Grease. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show. . . . . 25
Tequila Mockingbird . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Mirusia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Mother. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
NOVEMBER
The Nutcracker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
CONTENTS
JANUARY
2016
EMPIRE
CARD
FLEXIBILITY WITH GREAT BENEFITS!
Become an Empire
Cardholder
For just $30, you will be issued with a personalised
Empire Card for use during the entire 2016 season,
allowing you to access all these great benefits and
more. Should you wish to purchase tickets up front for
five or more shows in one transaction, your Empire
Card is free!*
FLEXIBILITY
SAVE MONEY
If you would prefer not to purchase tickets to five
shows up front, you can buy your tickets whenever
suits you and you can take in as many shows as
you’d like, there’s no minimum or maximum! Where
applicable, your Empire Card will be valid for many
performances that are announced throughout 2016.
Make substantial savings on individual ticket prices
where offered, saving up to $10 per adult ticket.
GREAT OFFERS FROM
LOCAL BUSINESSES
Simply present your 2016 Empire Card and performance ticket to receive the following great offers.
Fitzy’s on Church will offer you even greater
value when you enjoy a pre-show meal in their
restaurant and receive a complimentary glass
of house wine, soft drink or local beer with any
full price main meal.
Cioccolato, Toowoomba’s first chocolateria,
located just a short stroll from the Theatre on
Margaret Street will provide you with the perfect
finish to your night at the theatre where you will
receive a 10% discount.
GET SPECIAL TREATMENT
Discounted prices on all purchases at any Empire
Theatre bar for each performance booked. Simply
present your Empire Card to redeem these great
savings on drinks and snacks.
BE IN IT TO WIN IT
A cardholders draw on the last Friday of every month
will give you the opportunity to win a double pass to
upcoming shows throughout the year.
IN THE KNOW
Beat the crowd and be the first to know about any
pre-sale tickets or early bird specials for new
performances added to the season program
throughout the year as well as any other great offers
that come along in 2016.*
* Terms & conditions apply
BEAUARABA LIVING AND THE EMPIRE THEATRES PRESENTS
ALL SHOWS FOR ONLY $96*
BACK TO THE TIVOLI
WITH WAYNE CORNELL
Thursday 18 FEBRUARY, 11am
Host Wayne Cornell leads the
Tivoli Band and the Tivoli Showgirls
who are joined for a morning of
entertainment with comedian Brett
Thomas, award winning singer
Jenifer Green, juggler Rick Allison
and violinist Susie G.
Thursday 28 APRIL, 11am
Starring Lizzie Moore, Cool
Britannia is the sound of Swinging
London – legendary British singers
such as Petula Clark, Lulu, Cilla
Black, Shirley Bassey and Dusty
Springfield; and the women, like
Amy Winehouse, Duffy and Adele
who were inspired by them.
THE BEGGARS
SING!
Complimentary morning tea from 10am and 8
lucky door prizes to be won before each show!
Thursday 18 AUGUST, 11am
Join local stars for a Morning
Melodies treat as we present
Broadway Favourites, a collection
of songs from the biggest and most
successful musicals to have
appeared on our stage.
WITH WAYNE CORNELL
Thursday 13 OCTOBER, 11am
Wayne Cornell and the Tivoli Band
and Tivoli Showgirls present a
morning of entertainment including
popular
vocalist
Mercedes,
international pianist Jon Darsk,
award-winning
comedian
Al
Showman and spectacular magician
Jonas Jost.
TENORI
Thursday 23 JUNE, 11am
The band that Normie Rowe called
the best vocal band since The
Seekers presents a world class
cabaret homage to the great vocal
groups, Peter Paul and Mary, The
Bee Gees, The Mamas and the
Papas, The Chordettes and many
more.
$18 PER PERFORMANCE
EMPIRE THEATRE’S
BROADWAY
FAVOURITES
BACK TO THE TIVOLI
COOL BRITANNIA
SINGLE TICKET PRICE:
*Tickets must be purchased in one transaction.
PRESENTED BY:
Thursday 15 DECEMBER, 11am
Tenori employs the talents of four of
Queensland’s powerhouse tenors:
David Kidd, Craig Atkinson, Andrew
Pryor and Jason Turnbull. With a
combined seventy years international
experience in the industry, these
polished professionals know exactly
how to put on a dynamic uplifting
and hugely entertaining Christmas
show.
SUPPORTED BY:
THE EMPIRE THEATRES PRESENTS
TRASH TEST DUMMIES
FRI 22 JAN
11.30AM
FRI 22 JAN
2.30PM
ARMITAGE CENTRE
- HERITAGE BANK
AUDITORIUM
05
Winners of the best children’s presentation at the Adelaide Fringe Festival 2015,
the Trash Test Dummies are as full of laughs as their bins are full of surprises.
Nominees of the 2015 Perth Fringe World Circus Award, and winners of the Gas
Works Circus Showdown 2014, the Trash Test Dummies is a family friendly, circus
comedy show like no other.
Returning with rave reviews and sell out shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival,
this award winning, side-splitting slapstick comedy routine takes the household
wheelie bin to new heights, and delivers a dump truck full of hilarity!
EMPIRE CARDHOLDER
$20
Jamie Bretman, Jack Coleman and Simon Wright are highly skilled circus
performers that can trash talk with the best of them. These dexterous dummies take
the audience on a journey into their playful imagination, where they invite them
to take a fresh look at the humble household wheelie bin.
ADULT
$22
“Three men took to the stage with their wheelie bins, what happened
next blew our minds.” - The Funny Tonne
CHILD <18
$20
For audiences of all ages.
06 GUY SEBASTIAN
YOU… ME… US TOUR
THUR 28 JAN
7.00PM
EMPIRE THEATRE
ALL TICKETS
$88
Having conquered charts and stages internationally, Guy Sebastian now embarks
on his “You…Me…Us” major Australian regional tour.
Fresh off the back from sell out Arena tours, the International Eurovision stage and
an acclaimed European tour, Guy Sebastian is set to bring his sound and style to
regional Australia with this special stripped back tour.
Whilst having received international acclaim, Guy Sebastian is a true blue Aussie.
He is firmly cemented in Australia’s music history with his plethora of awards,
album sales, sell-out concerts and fans as proof alone. Presenting
his music across the country in 2016 is further testament to his home-grown down
to earth attitude and innocent love of Australia.
He remains the only Australian male artist to have ever achieved six number one
singles and two number one albums in chart history. Quite simply, he has become
one of Australia’s greatest assets and his live shows continue to demonstrate why
he has achieved such success.
“I love just getting out and meeting people. Some of the characters I come
across in regional Australia are some of the most interesting people and
stories I have met. I’m really looking forward to this tour and stripping back
some of the elements and making it all about the music,” said Guy.
ICEHOUSE
FRI 29 JAN
8PM
EMPIRE THEATRE
07
One of Australia’s most iconic bands, Icehouse, will play a very special concert at
the Empire Theatre.
With 28 platinum albums, eight Top 10 albums, a place in the ARIA Hall of Fame
and more than thirty Top 40 singles - including Electric Blue, Crazy, Man of Colours
and the unofficial Aussie national anthem, the seminal Great Southern Land.
Icehouse has undoubtedly carved out a special niche in the Australian psyche.
EMPIRE CARDHOLDER
$85
PLATINUM
$95
A RESERVE
$85
THE EMPIRE THEATRES PRESENTS
08 THE DIVINE MISS BETTE
FRI 12 FEB
7.30PM
ARMITAGE CENTRE
– HERITAGE BANK
AUDITORIUM
EMPIRE CARDHOLDER
TABLE SEATING
$40
TABLE SINGLE SEATING
$42
Tired of the big smoke’s bright lights and constant applause, The Divine Miss Bette
is in dire need of a tree change.
Following sell-out seasons in Australia, Catherine Alcorn channels the people’s
diva, Bette Midler in The Divine Miss Bette.
Bawdy, brash and even more buxom than the original (yes, it’s possible!), this
whirlwind of a show will leave you breathless and begging for more!
With all of Bette’s greatest hits, The Divine Miss Bette includes Boogie Woogie
Bugle Boy, The Rose, Friends and more.
Get ready for a divine experience, as the charismatic Catherine Alcorn inhabits the
Divine Miss Midler. And have no fear, she knows what to do if they can’t take a joke!
TABLE OF 6
$240
“The nuanced manner in which Alcorn channels Bette Midler is outright
clever and has you wondering whether it is possible an impersonator can
be a better version of the original.” - Aussie Theatre
EMPIRE CARDHOLDER
SEATING BANK
$34
WARNING
Recommended for ages 15+
SEATING BANK
$36
THE EMPIRE THEATRES PRESENTS
QUEENSLAND THEATRE COMPANY’S PRODUCTION OF
QUARTET
09
BY RONALD HARWOOD
THUR 25 FEB
7.30PM
EMPIRE THEATRE
After wowing the world, retired opera singers Reggie, Cissy and Wilf have been
put out to pasture in a country retirement home. Their chief concerns are scatty
Cissy’s wandering memory, flirty Wilf’s obsession with dirty talk, and gentleman
Reggie’s ongoing battle to get bloody marmalade with breakfast.
What keeps the trio raging against the dying of the light is headlining the annual
gala concert marking composer Verdi’s birthday.
ADULT
$55
CONCESSION
$52
The serenity of their rehearsal room is shattered by the arrival of Jean: diva,
celebrated soprano, fourth member of their quartet and Reggie’s ex-wife. Not that
he’s thought about their horribly dysfunctional marriage in years, of course. Can
these four put aside old grudges and re-team for one more show-stopping finale?
GROUPS 6+
$50ea
YOUTH <25
$25
Quartet, also adapted as an acclaimed 2012 film, is a devilishly funny journey
into old age told with tenderness, grace, hope – and above all, no self-pity.
EMPIRE CARDHOLDER
$48
WARNING
Infrequent, low level coarse language
and sexual references.
QTC’s Quartet 2016 Queensland Regional Tour is
supported by the Queensland Government through
Arts Queensland.
10 THE SEARCHERS
CELEBRATING THE SOLID SILVER 60’S
SUN 28 FEB
2.30PM
Direct from the UK, Liverpool’s legendary group perform their greatest hits.
EMPIRE THEATRE
The distinctive jangling sound of the twelve string guitar and the rich harmonies
embellishing their immaculate vocals have without doubt assured The Searchers
of a lasting place the history of popular music throughout the world.
EMPIRE CARDHOLDER
$59.90
In a career that has reached an outstanding 50 year milestone, The Searchers
continue to perform to sell out auditoriums in every country they play: their show is
pure entertainment with such classic hits as Sweets for My Sweet; Needles and
Pins; Don’t Throw Your Love Away, When you Walk in the Room, Sugar and Spice.
ADULT
$69.90
PENSIONER
$64.90
GROUPS 8+
$64.90ea
Original members John McNally and Frank Allen are joined on stage by Spencer
James and Scott Ottaway. The Searchers love to perform. As Frank Allen says
“A career that has lasted this long is not an exercise in survival. It is really about
doing what you love and being a part of something you have pride in.”
SHEN YUN
WED 2 MAR
7.30PM
EMPIRE THEATRE
PINK(STALLS ROW A-F
$120
BLUE
(STALLS AND BALCONY
ROW A-B)
$100
YELLOW
(BALCONY ROW C-G)
$80
RED
(BALCONY SIDES ROW C-G)
$70
11
EXPERIENCE A DIVINE CULTURE
There was a time when the world was full of magic and splendour, as if all on
Earth existed in harmony with Heaven. You could see it in the arts, feel it in the air,
and hear it in the beat of a drum. This was a land of heroes and sages, dragons
and phoenixes, emperors and immortals. Known today as China, this place was
once called “the Middle Kingdom” and “the Land of the Divine.”
What if you could journey back and visit this lost world?
Now you can. Shen Yun invites you to experience this divine culture of the Middle
Kingdom. Shen Yun brings the profound spirit of this lost civilization to life on stage
with unrivalled artistic mastery. Every dance movement, every musical note, makes
this a stunning visual and emotional experience you won’t find anywhere else.
A Shen Yun performance features the world’s foremost classically trained dancers,
a unique orchestra blending East and West, and dazzling animated backdrops—
together creating one spectacular performance.
See for yourself why this performance is leaving millions around the world in awe.
GREEN
(BALCONY ROW H-Q)
$60
shenyun.com
BEN MAIORANA ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS
12 ROY ORBISON AND
THE EVERLY BROTHERS
TOGETHER IN CONCERT
SAT 5 MAR
8PM
Come and relive the 50th Anniversary celebration of the magic and the classic hits
of music legends Roy Orbison and The Everly Brothers, two of the world’s greatest
and most successful rock’n’roll music acts of all time.
EMPIRE THEATRE
After last year’s hugly successful national tour, audiences will again be transported
to when rock ‘n’ roll first began in their brand new two hour concert experience,
Roy Orbison and The Everly Brothers’ - Together In Concert.
EMPIRE CARDHOLDER
$64.90
Renowned artists Dean Bourne with special guests The Robertson Brothers will
take you on a magical journey through memory lane as they perform hit after
massive hit.
ADULT
$69.90
GROUP 10+
$59.90ea
CONCESSION
$64.90
Dean Bourne embodies the raw talent and iconic style of Roy Orbison as he
performs classic hits such as Pretty Woman, Crying, Dream Baby, Leah, Penny
Arcade, Only The Lonely, In Dreams, Candy Man, You Got It, Workin For The Man,
Running Scared and many more.
In part two, The Robertson Brothers will take you through the magical hits of The
Everly Brothers including Bye Bye Love, Wake Up Little Susie, All I Have To Do Is
Dream, Bird Dog, Let It Be Me (Till) I Kissed You, Cathy’s Clown, Crying In The Rain
and When Will I Be Loved.
Roy Orbison and The Everly Brothers’ - Together In Concert will have you twisting
and jiving in your seat.
MACDONALD LAW AND THE EMPIRE THEATRES PRESENT
ABORIGINAL COMEDY
ALLSTARS
WED 9 MAR
8PM
ARMITAGE CENTRE
- HERITAGE BANK
AUDITORIUM
EMPIRE CARDHOLDER
$32
ADULT
$36
13
From the oldest culture on earth comes the freshest and funniest standup
comedy around. It’s the all-original Aboriginal Comedy Allstars showcase featuring four of the brightest comedy stars under the Milky Way. It doesn’t
get more Aussie than this!
The Aboriginal Comedy Allstars (ACA) is cheeky, playful, irreverent, and hilarious.
An utterly unique comedy experience – great, big belly laughs from the heart of
the wide, brown land.
Welcome to comedy, everyone.
Featuring - Kevin Kropinyeri (SA/VIC), Shiralee Hood (VIC), Matt Ford (QLD), and
Andrew Saunders (NSW).
WARNING
Recommended for mature audiences
15 years and over. May contain coarse
language and adult themes.
This project has been assisted by the
Australian Government through the
Australia Council for the Arts, its arts
funding and advisory body.
Law
14 MELINDA SCHNEIDER
MELINDA DOES DORIS
SAT 12 MAR
2PM
EMPIRE THEATRE
ADULT
$45
CONCESSION
$39
After forging a dazzling country music career that has won her six Golden
Guitars, and stunning audiences on Dancing with the Stars, Australian favourite,
Melinda Schneider steps back in time to pay homage to one of her musical
heroes, Doris Day.
Following on from hugely successful capital city seasons of her theatre stage show
Doris, Melinda is bringing the songs from the show that audiences love so much to
new territories in a concert format called Melinda Does Doris.
Melinda’s love affair with Doris began when, in childhood, Melinda laid eyes on
Calamity Jane, Doris Day’s 1953 film tour de force and was smitten by all she saw.
“She was such a huge talent”, she said “A triple threat as they say – she could
sing, dance and act. I thought then she was the best of everything a woman can be
and when I grew up I wanted to be just like her.”
This nostalgic celebration includes such timeless hits as Sentimental Journey,
Que Sera Sera, Everybody Loves a Lover, Secret Love and a whole slew of hits
from Calamity Jane, Love Me or Leave Me and The Pajama Game.
THE EMPIRE THEATRES PRESENTS
FLAMENCO FIRE
WED 6 APR
7.30PM
ARMITAGE CENTRE
- HERITAGE BANK
AUDITORIUM
EMPIRE CARDHOLDER
$32
ADULT
$39
CONCESSION
$35
YOUTH <25
$25
GROUPS 6+
$35ea
15
Flamenco Fire’s Viva Sevilla is a beautifully crafted show revealing the flamenco
art form in all of its guises. From contemporary festive dances, to heartrending
traditional songs, to fiery guitar ensemble pieces, Flamenco Fire will transport you
to España ... ¡Olé!
Directed by composer / guitarist Andrew Veivers and featuring dancer Francesca
‘La Chica’, singer Olayo Jimenez and percussionist Andrej Vujicic - direct from
Spain - alongside Australia’s finest flamenco artists.
Dazzling footwork.... Compelling rhythms.... Stirring songs... Flamenco Fire evokes
the exotic roots of the sensual and mesmerising art form that is Flamenco.
Tour produced by Red Chair.
This project is supported by
the Queensland Government
through Arts Queensland
Harvard’s beloved blonde takes the Empire Theatre stage in a storm of pink in
this upbeat story of self-discovery.
A fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally
Blonde The Musical follows the transformation of college student Elle Woods
as she tackles stereotypes, snobbery, and scandal in pursuit of her dreams.
This action-packed musical explodes on the stage with memorable songs and
dynamic dances. Equal parts hilarious and heart-warming, this musical is so
much fun it should be illegal!
Elle Woods appears to have it all, but her life is turned upside-down when her
boyfriend Warner dumps her so he can start getting serious about his life and
attend Harvard Law.
Determined to get him back, Elle uses her charm to get into Harvard Law where
she struggles with peers, professors, and her quest to get Warner back. With
the help of some new friends Paulette and Emmett, Elle quickly realizes her
potential and sets out to prove herself to the world.
This high energy song and dance spectacular features songs including Legally
Blonde, Bend and Snap, Postive and Omigod You Guys.
Legally Blonde The Musical will take you from the sorority house to the halls
of justice with Broadway’s brightest new heroine (and of course, her
Chihuahua, Bruiser).
EMPIRE CARDHOLDER
(excl Premium)
$46
PREMIUM CHILD <18
(incl program)
$58
PREMIUM ADULT
(incl program)
$74
HERITAGE BANK VISA/
DEBIT CARD
$46
DIRECTOR
Morgan Dowsett
MUSICAL DIRECTOR
Julie Whiting
FRI 15 APR
8PM
SAT 16 APR
8PM
SUN 17 APR
2PM
FRI 22 APR
8PM
SAT 23 APR
8PM
SUN 24 APR
2PM
EMPIRE THEATRE
ADULT
$56
CHILD <18
$30
CONCESSION
$50
GROUPS 6+
$48ea
CHOREOGRAPHER
George Canham
LIGHTING DESIGNER
Timothy Panitz
DMAND PRESENTS
18 THE TEN TENORS
THE POWER OF TEN
THU 5 MAY
7.30PM
EMPIRE THEATRE
ALL TICKETS
$94.50
Most people believe that opera and rock music are at opposite ends of the music
spectrum. The TEN Tenors are not ‘most people’.
The Power of Ten is a celebration of the exhilarating and unique sound for which
The TEN Tenors are now world-renowned. In this spectacular new show, The TEN
Tenors take on the most dynamic songs in the world, soaring through classical
arias and giving rock anthems that special tenorial treatment.
This electrifying night of world-class entertainment truly shows that ‘the Vocal
Wonder from Down Under’ can sing anything, with beloved classics by Puccini,
Rossini and Verdi and artists as eclectic as Michael Jackson, David Bowie, U2, Bruno
Mars and The Everly Brothers. Lifelong fans will be especially thrilled to hear the
sheer power of The TEN Tenors’ signature version of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody.
The TEN Tenors are undoubtedly one of Australia’s most successful touring
entertainment groups of all time, with more than 90 million people worldwide
witnessing their unmistakable charm, camaraderie and vocal power.
Be amazed by the almighty force of ten extraordinary voices, united by music, in an
evening that will take your breath away. It’s time to experience The Power of TEN!
thetentenors.com
FOREVER DIAMOND
BEN MAIORANA ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS
FOREVER DIAMOND
STARRING PETER BYRNE
19
FRI 13 MAY
8PM
Experience that same spontaneous display of energy and showmanship of Neil
Diamond live on stage through the superb talents of internationally renowned
tribute artist Peter Byrne.
EMPIRE THEATRE
Peter’s award winning international production Forever Diamond feature’s
Diamond’s greatest hits over three decades in an uncanny portrayal that has
to be seen to be believed.
EMPIRE CARDHOLDER
$62.90
Hear all the iconic tunes such as Sweet Caroline, Song Sung Blue, Cherry Cherry,
Beautiful Noise, Cracklin Rosie, Crunchy Cranola Suite, Holly Holy, Solitary Man
and many more.
ADULT
$69.90
PENSIONER
$64.90
GROUPS 10+
$59.90ea
Byrne’s singing voice is so eerie in its likeness to Neil, he has received accolade
from the megastar himself! Come see why Peter’s show is recognised as the very
best tribute to Neil Diamond. Fanatics young and old are in for a special evening
of top shelf entertainment.
Forever Diamond is fully endorsed by music legend Neil Diamond.
MACDONALD LAW AND THE EMPIRE THEATRES PRESENT
20 MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL
COMEDY FESTIVAL ROADSHOW
SAT 14 MAY
8PM
EMPIRE THEATRE
EMPIRE CARDHOLDER
$33
ADULT
$37
WARNING
Performances may contain coarse
language, sexual references and
material that may offend some
audience members.
It is recommended for people aged
15 years or older.
Our travelling band of intrepid comedians is taking over Australia one town at a
time, with the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow!
Join a line-up of the finest local and international comedy talents for an evening
of entertainment like no other, handpicked to bring the biggest and best belly
laughs to audiences from Margaret River to Mackay, Devonport to Dubbo.
For nearly twenty years the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow
has handpicked and home delivered the best of the Festival to towns and cities
across Australia. For three months of touring comedy madness, the Roadshow
crew travels to over 80 regional destinations, bringing laughs to all corners of the
great southern land!
Experience Australia’s largest comedy festival with five comedic acts performing in the
one show - it’s silly, it’s satirical, it’s side-splitting.
It’s Australia’s ultimate comedy roadtrip!
Law
Photo: Mark Greenmantle Photography
THE EMPIRE THEATRES AND METRO ARTS PRESENT
A PRODUCTION BY CLAIRE MARSHALL
FLAUNT
21
FRI 13 MAY
7.30PM
She’s worked with Darren Hayes, Kate Miller-Heidke, Megan Washington, Little
Birdie, The Sleepy Jackson, John Butler Trio, Powderfinger and Tycho Brahe; now
see the acclaimed Claire Marshall bring sexy back to the stage in this new show.
ARMITAGE CENTRE
- HERITAGE BANK
AUDITORIUM
Enter the world of Flaunt where a smoky haze, dazzling lights and myriad of bodies
surround you. Unleash your inner voyeur and witness virtuosic dancers performing
above and around you, to a thrilling soundtrack.
Claire’s work as a contemporary choreographer for the stage and screen comes
to the fore in this new collaboration which takes the smoke, mirrors and glamour
of night clubs and embeds it with a clever and insightful look at female sexuality
and empowerment.
EMPIRE CARDHOLDER
$30
ADULT
$36
CONCESSION
$34
YOUTH <25
$25
WARNING
Recommended for ages 15+
YOUTH <18
$18
SCHOOL GROUPS 10+ (11TH
TICKET FREE FOR TEACHERS)
$18ea
Produced by Metro Arts for
Claire Marshall Projects
THE EMPIRE THEATRES PRESENTS
22 QUEENSLAND POPS
ORCHESTRA
BEST OF BRITISH
SUN 15 MAY
2.30PM
EMPIRE THEATRE
EMPIRE CARDHOLDER
& FRIENDS OF THE POPS
$56
ADULT
$65
CHILD <16
$30
GROUPS 6+
$60ea
CONCESSION
$60
The Queensland Pops Orchestra prides itself on its versatility – and never more so
than in the highly anticipated Best of British concerts, which have been entertaining
audiences since the 1980s. The music of the British Isles is ever-powerful,
ever-moving and ever entertaining - and be assured that the feast prepared
for 2016 is all that and much more!
Lining up for this one will be a spectacular cast of singers featuring Elizabeth
Lewis and Jason Barry-Smith, musicians and dancers to thrill and delight in the
Pops inimitable, magnanimous way. There’ll be sing-a-longs, tributes to some of
Britains best-loved composers, a sprinkling of exciting new turns and perhaps a
long-lost gem or two – and of course the legendary Best of British finale, featuring
the magnificent strains of Elgar’s Land of Hope and Glory, Hubert Parry’s Jerusalem
and the irresistible Rule Britannia. This will be another one for the Pops history
books.
THE EMPIRE THEATRES PRESENTS
THE GRIGORYAN BROTHERS
FRI 20 MAY
7.30PM
EMPIRE CHURCH
THEATRE
EMPIRE CARDHOLDER
$38
ADULT
$42
CONCESSION
$40
YOUTH <25
$25
23
This Time is the latest release by Australia’s most respected guitar duo, The
Grigoryan Brothers. This, their sixth duo release highlights the brothers’ astounding
skills which are at the core of the critical acclaim they have achieved in Australia
and on the international stage. The music for this project was written by a number
of Slava and Leonard’s friends from around the world.
Slava and Leonard have a deep appreciation and understanding of a broad spectrum
of musical styles. This has resulted in many collaborations involving music, both
written and improvised. Combine this with their classical training and the result is
a unique sound incorporating all these influences. It is not classical, not jazz, not
world... it is The Grigoryan Brothers.
For this tour The Grigoryan Brothers will be performing works from This Time as
well as a selection of works from their previous releases.
“This Time celebrates The Grigoryan Brothers heroic qualities in harmonious
proportion, as they deliver powerful performances of sensuous beauty and
soaring vitality.” - Carolyn McDowall, The Culture Concept
THE EMPIRE THEATRES PRESENTS
24 BREAKER MORANT
BY KENNETH ROSS
FRI 20 MAY, 8PM
SAT 21 MAY, 2PM
SAT 21 MAY, 8PM
ARMITAGE CENTRE
– HERITAGE BANK
AUDITORIUM
EMPIRE CARDHOLDER
$34
ADULT
$38
CONCESSION
$36
By Arrangement with the Licensor, Kenneth Ross, c/- Curtis Brown (Aust) Pty Ltd
The Empire Theatres presents a powerful true story of wartime betrayal and
injustice with Breaker Morant.
Breaker Morant follows the story of Harry “Breaker” Morant and two lieutenants
court-martialled for executing Boer prisoners allegedly under orders from their
commanders. Was it a war crime? Or simply an act of war?
Made famous by the 1980 film starring Jack Thompson and John Waters, Breaker
Morant is a story of the horror of war and making the choice between honour
and revenge.
Highlighting one of the most controversial men in Australian history, Breaker
Morant’s story divided an empire and built a legend.
Performed in the Armitage Centre’s Heritage Bank Auditorium, Breaker Morant is
the Empire Theatres second community production for 2016.
DEFENCE PERSONNEL
$34
CHILD <18
$24
GROUPS 10+ (11TH TICKET
FREE FOR TEACHERS)
$20ea
The Empire Theatres
Foundation supports a wide
range of Empire Theatres
activities.
THE EMPIRE THEATRES PRESENTS
THE VERY HUNGRY
CATERPILLAR SHOW
25
BASED ON THE BOOKS BY ERIC CARLE
26 MAY, 9.30AM
26 MAY, 11.30AM
26 MAY, 6PM
27 MAY, 9.30AM
27 MAY, 11.30AM
27 MAY, 2PM
ARMITAGE CENTRE
– HERITAGE BANK
AUDITORIUM
EMPIRE CARDHOLDER
$22
ALL TICKETS
$25
SCHOOL GROUPS 10+ (11TH
TICKET FREE FOR TEACHERS)
$18ea
One of the most-read and famous children’s books of all time, The Very Hungry
Caterpillar emerges off the page in a masterful theatrical experience for the
whole family.
Journey through Eric Carle’s incredible stories as they come to life on stage in this
enchanting show. Featuring some other delightful characters from three of Eric
Carle’s bestselling classics tales including, The Artist Who Painted A Blue Horse,
Mr. Seahorse and The Very Lonely Firefly.
This Australian made show will excite, educate and entertain new readers and
first-time theatre-goers, while for those who grew up with these books will delight
in experiencing one of the most popular children’s books ever written.
Created by Jonathan Worsley, directed by Naomi Edwards and with 75 magical
puppets created by New York’s Puppet Kitchen.
Story time doesn’t get much more magical than this.
26 MIRUSIA
THIS TIME TOMORROW
WITH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
SAT 28 MAY
8PM
EMPIRE THEATRE
EMPIRE CARDHOLDER
$47
ADULT
$56
CONCESSION
$49
GROUPS 6+
$45ea
CHILD <15
$35
International soprano singing sensation Mirusia with orchestra and choral
singers will tour Australia from April until August 2016 presenting a glamorous
evening of well-loved songs and musicals in her new concert program titled
This Time Tomorrow.
Born in Australia to Dutch parents, Mirusia studied opera at the Queensland
Conservatorium and at the age of 21 was announced the youngest winner ever
of the prestigious Dame Joan Sutherland Opera Award.
Mirusia’s fairy tale came true when after hearing her voice, André Rieu invited her
to the Netherlands where she successfully auditioned for him. Acclaimed as the
“Angel of Australia”, for the past nine years she has toured extensively around
the globe with André Rieu as his Star Soprano and an integral part of his
famous Outdoor Spectaculars. Combined with her solo tours, she has achieved
recognition as a true international performer singing many styles of music
including opera, musical theatre, pop and jazz.
This is Mirusia’s first full scale National Australian Tour and she will be working with
a chamber orchestra of eleven, musical backing, MD Graeme Press (grand piano),
violins, harp, percussion, acoustic guitar, double bass and choral singers.
Photo: Keith Saunders
ANDREW MCKINNON PRESENTS
PIERS LANE
CHOPIN BY CANDLELIGHT
THU 2 JUN
8PM
ARMITAGE CENTRE
– HERITAGE BANK
AUDITORIUM
EMPIRE CARDHOLDER
$55
ADULT
$69
CONCESSION
$59
SCHOOL STUDENT
$29
27
Piers Lane holds a unique place in classical music.
One of Australia’s most internationally acclaimed pianists, he has performed in
all the world’s great concert halls and has attracted remarkable reviews for his
brilliant and evocative performances.
He is also Artistic Director of both the Australian Festival of Chamber Music and
the Sydney International Piano Competition.
In this, his most extensive Australian tour, Piers Lane presents a spell-binding
evening of popular works by one of the greatest composers of the romantic era
in the magical atmosphere of a stage bathed in candlelight.
You will be transported to a world of enchantment in this very special performance.
“No praise could be high enough for Piers Lane whose playing throughout
is of a superb musical musical intelligence, sensitivity, and scintillating
brilliance”. - Bryce Morrison, Gramophone.
28 THE BEST OF THE EAGLES
FRI 3 JUN
8PM
ARMITAGE CENTRE
– HERITAGE BANK
AUDITORIUM
ADULT
$60
PENSIONER
$55
GROUPS 6+
$55ea
The Eagles are indisputably one of Rock’s greats.
The Best of The Eagles is a concert production that will take you on a journey
through the band’s staggering catalogue of hits, delivering a captivating show from
start to finish that will deliver no less than the synonymous country rock sound
Eagles fans have come to expect.
PART I – HOTEL CALIFORNIA Celebrating 40 years since the release of the
iconic album Hotel California, part one will see the classic album performed in its
entirety. The album featured the hit singles Hotel California, New Kid in Town
and Life in the Fast Lane. Hotel California was the fifth studio album from the
American rockers and became their biggest studio album selling over 32 million
copies worldwide, ranking in the top 50 on the Rolling Stone’s list of “The 500
Greatest Songs of All Time”. Hear the album cover to cover. Be enthralled as
the intricate harmonies and subtle musicianship is recreated to perfection.
PART II – THE GREATEST HITS The second part of the show will conjure up
The Eagles’ rock classics including Take it Easy, Take It to the Limit, Desperado,
Heartache Tonight, Tequila Sunrise, Best of My Love and so many more. Timeless
songs that are all part of the 20th century musical landscape.
The Best of The Eagles is a show not to be missed by fans of the band young and
old alike.
THE EMPIRE THEATRES PRESENTS A CDP PRODUCTION
THE 52-STOREY TREEHOUSE
A PLAY BY RICHARD TULLOCH. ADAPTED FROM THE BEST-SELLING BOOK
BY ANDY GRIFFITHS & TERRY DENTON
29
FRI 3 JUN
11.30AM & 6PM
They’re back again! Andy and Terry’s Treehouse is now 52 storeys high, with yet
more fantastic inventions: a rocket powered carrot launcher, the Disguise-o-matic
5000 and even a Ninja Snail Training Academy!
EMPIRE THEATRE
Today is a special day. It’s Andy’s birthday, but Terry has forgotten! To make
matters worse Mr Big Nose has mysteriously disappeared, and to top it all off
Jill has fallen into a deep sleep and they just can’t wake her up.
EMPIRE CARDHOLDER
$21
ADULT
$24
SCHOOL GROUPS 10+
(11TH TICKET FREE FOR
TEACHERS)
$14.50ea
So Andy and Terry set off on a crazy adventure tackling a world of startling
obstacles including a hungry caterpillar, an angry vegetable kingdom, and a 100
year ninja-snail epic voyage. Will they solve the mysteries and survive the dangers
that test even their ingenuity?
Andy Griffiths’ and Terry Denton’s bestseller comes to life on the stage as the
team behind the hit adaptations of The 13-Storey Treehouse and The 26-Storey
Treehouse return with this crazy, imaginative and engaging play.
So what are you waiting for? Come on up!
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Julian Louis
SET / COSTUME DESIGNER
Mark Thompson
DIRECTOR
Liesel Badorrek
LIGHTING DESIGNER
Nicholas Higgins
SOUND DESIGNER
Ross Johnston
30 ANGELA DAVIS
LADY LUCK
SAT 4 JUN
7.30PM
ARMITAGE CENTRE
– HERITAGE BANK
AUDITORIUM
TABLE SEATING
ALL TICKETS
$40
SEATING BANK
EMPIRE CARDHOLDER
$33
ADULT
$37
YOUTH <25
$25
CONCESSION
$35
Saxophonist Angela Davis has recently returned to Australia, having lived in New
York City for the past eight years. During her time in the States, Angela received
a Masters of Music from the University of the Arts and performed at some of the
world’s foremost jazz clubs.
Angela will present a performance of the repertoire from her latest release Lady Luck,
the creation of which was made possible after being awarded the 2014 Empire
Theatres Foundation’s Brian Boak Outstanding Performer Bursary.
Lady Luck features the writing of Steve Newcomb, one of Australia’s leading jazz
pianists, who creates arrangements of Davis’ original compositions and some of
her favourite jazz standards for quartet and string quartet.
This concert marks the Australian premiere performance of Lady Luck, a not to be
missed night of joyful, melodic jazz.
TOOWOOMBA CHORAL SOCIETY’S PRODUCTION OF
INTO THE WOODS
Music and Lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM
Book by JAMES LAPINE
9 JUN, 7.30PM
10 JUN, 7.30PM
11 JUN, 1.30PM
11 JUN, 7.30PM
12 JUN, 11AM
12 JUN, 5PM
ARMITAGE CENTRE
– HERITAGE BANK
AUDITORIUM
EMPIRE CARDHOLDER
$34
ADULT
$40
CONCESSION
$34
CHILD <13
$25
GROUPS 6+
$34ea
31
Originally Directed on Broadway by James Lapine
Licensed exclusively by Music Theatre International (Australasia).
All performance materials supplied by Hal Leonard Australia
Into the Woods is a modern twist on the beloved Brothers Grimm fairy tales in a
musical format that follows the classic tales of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood,
Jack and the Beanstalk, and Rapunzel - all tied together by an original story
involving a baker and his wife, their wish to begin a family and their interaction
with the witch who has put a curse on them.
A whimsically enticing visual adventure following the intertwining path of unlikely
characters on a journey deep into the darkness and light found only in the woods,
exploring the consequences of the characters’ wishes and quests.
With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine, Into The
Woods includes songs such as Giants in the Sky, Stay With Me, Agony, Last
Midnight and No One is Alone. It premiered on Broadway in 1987 where it won
several Tony awards. A film adaption directed by Rob Marshall and starring Meryl
Streep, Emily Blunt and Johnny Depp (among others) was released in 2014.
Photo: Dylan Evans
THE EMPIRE THEATRES, SHAKE & STIR THEATRE CO
AND QUEENSLAND PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE PRESENT
32 WUTHERING HEIGHTS
BY E M ILY BRO NTË
C R E AT E D AN D A D A PTED B Y SH A KE & ST IR THEATR E C O
FRI 10 JUN
7.30PM
Brontë’s gothic masterpiece storms the country in a new adaptation from the
company behind the critically acclaimed productions of George Orwell’s Animal
Farm and 1984.
EMPIRE THEATRE
When Heathcliff, a mysterious boy is rescued from the street and brought to
Wuthering Heights, he develops a passionate bond with Cathy Earnshaw and a
repulsive distrust of her brother Hindley. As time passes, Heathcliff and Cathy’s
relationship deepens to the point of dangerous obsession, until one day, Cathy
marries another man. Overcome with jealousy, Heathcliff flees the Heights only
to return, years later, ready to exact revenge on those he believed ruined his one
chance at happiness.
EMPIRE CARDHOLDER
$35
ADULT
$43
CONCESSION
$39
GROUPS 6+ YOUTH <25
$39ea
$25
SCHOOL GROUPS 10 + (11TH
TICKET FREE FOR TEACHERS)
$20ea
Featuring a breathtaking design and a stellar cast, shake & stir invites you to drop
by the Heights and settle in for this classic story, retold.
INCLUDES
15 min post show Q&A
This project is supported by The Playing Queensland Fund
and arTour, initiatives of the Queensland Government
through Arts Queensland, part of the Department of the
Premier and Cabinet.
WES CARR
HERE COMES THE SUN
FRI 17 JUN
8PM
EMPIRE CHURCH
THEATRE
ADULT
$55
GROUPS 8+
$50ea
Please note that Wes Carr presents Here
Comes The Sun is not endorsed by or
connected with the estate of George
Harrison or the Harrison family.
33
Here Comes The Sun showcases much loved, international award winning,
Australian singer songwriter Wes Carr. Interpreting George Harrison’s songbook
– taking on such chart topping classics as My Sweet Lord and What is Life, and
The Beatles classic Something, a song which Frank Sinatra deemed ‘the greatest
love song ever written’.
Here Comes The Sun will see Wes share intimate tales from George Harrison
himself, loosely based on interviews George gave throughout his life. Wes also
shares some personal stories on love and life, the time Wes visited India, following
in the footsteps of George, and his own thoughts about how George influenced him.
Here Comes The Sun not only showcases the depth of George’s music, it’s a story
about the emancipation of man that goes deeper, on a spiritual journey, recounting
conversations, and asking the bigger questions George pondered many years ago.
Storytelling is what Wes does best, and this is a truly unique story, celebrating the
essence of an incredible artist from a musician’s perspective.
34 GOLD: THE ABBA SHOW
DANCING QUEEN 40TH ANNIVERSARY
FRI 17 JUN
8PM
Celebrating the 40th anniversary of one of ABBA’s signature songs, Happy Days
Records and GOLD: The Ultimate ABBA Show present Dancing Queen: The 40th
Anniversary Tour, set to thrill audiences in 2016 with a brand new show.
ARMITAGE CENTREHERITAGE BANK
AUDITORIUM
Dancing Queen is arguably one of ABBA’s most popular songs. Released in August
1976, the single lead the release of the band’s fourth album Arrival. In 2011,
Rolling Stone magazine listed the track as one of the greatest songs of all time,
so it’s only natural that we bring out the flares and platform shoes and raise the
disco ball in a production that will have you shamelessly dancing in the aisles.
ADULT
$59.90
CONCESSION
$49.90
CHILD <15
$49.90
GROUPS 8+
$49.90ea
GOLD: The Ultimate ABBA Show is all about giving audiences a true ABBA
experience and will certainly have you unleashing your inner dancing queen to all
of ABBA’s hits in this special two-hour concert production… prepare yourselves
for GOLD: The Ultimate ABBA Show 40th Anniversary of Dancing Queen Tour!
Arguably now Australia’s most authentic ABBA tribute show, GOLD: The
Ultimate ABBA Show first landed in Australia for their New Arrival Tour in
2014 and since then, have performed to over 20,000 people across 80
shows, playing to all four corners of the country including a packed house
at Sydney’s State Theatre. The band, featuring internationally recognised
ABBA performers has earnt a reputation as a band “that’s an inspiration
to Abba itself” – Review, WeekendNotes.com.
Photo: Jeff Camden
THE EMPIRE THEATRES PRESENTS
CIRCA ZOO
A LITTLE WONDER
THU 30 JUN
7.30PM
ARMITAGE CENTREHERITAGE BANK
AUDITORIUM
EMPIRE CARDHOLDER
$23
ALL TICKETS
$26
35
Be transported through the whimsical imagination of children as they journey
through the highs and lows of growing up, falling down and fulfilling their dreams.
This colourful new creation by Circa’s youth ensemble showcases the circus skills
of talented artists ranging from ages eight to 19. Featuring trapeze, table sliding,
tumbling sequences and breathtaking acrobatics a little wonder brilliantly mixes
the worlds of circus, theatre and dance to tell a beautiful story of growing up in
today’s world.
A show for all ages that will soften even the toughest of hearts.
Photo: Aaron Tait
THE EMPIRE THEATRES PRESENTS A QUEENSLAND THEATRE COMPANY
AND QUEENSLAND PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE PRODUCTION
36 COUNTRY SONG
A F IC T ION AL I SED STO RY I NSPI RED B Y THE LIFE OF JIMMY LITTLE
BY R E G C R IBB O RI G I NA L CO NCEPT B Y MIC HAEL TUAHINE
SAT 2 JUL
7.30PM
EMPIRE THEATRE
EMPIRE CARDHOLDER
$42
ADULT
$48
YOUTH <25
$25
GROUPS 6+
$45ea
CONCESSION
$44
Country Song is a fictionalised story inspired by the life of Jimmy Little - a witty,
warm journey back into Australia’s recent past. It’s a rollicking celebration
featuring music from some of Australia’s most renowned Indigenous entertainers,
revelling in the healing power of music.
It’s the ’70s, and Jimmy takes a nostalgic trip through his past from talented teen
to honey-voiced guitar-slinger to respected leader. Indigenous icons weave in
and out of his life, as they chalk up a list of firsts for their people as Australia goes
through a turbulent change.
Michael Tuahine leads a cast of six actor/musicians in this yarn drawing on the life
of the gentleman balladeer, peppered with old-time hits from Johnny Cash and
Marty Robbins to Jimmy’s own No.1 Royal Telephone and his covers of ‘80s hits
Under the Milky Way and Blackfella/Whitefella.
You’ll laugh, cry, dance and maybe even sing along with this inspiring tale.
QTC’s Country Song 2016 Tour has been assisted by the
Australian Government through the Australia Council,
its arts funding and advisory body. And is supported by
the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
THE EMPIRE THEATRES PRESENTS
PARIS UNDERGROUND
BY MADOTTI AND VEGAS
SAT 2 JUL
8PM
ARMITAGE CENTRE
- HERITAGE BANK
AUDITORIUM
EMPIRE CARDHOLDER
TABLE SEATING
$40
37
Enter the Paris Underground and journey through the dark delights of the city of
light. Witness astounding acts of magic and illusion, spectacular tap dancing,
brilliant burlesque, breath taking aerials, quirky circus and incendiary song in a
classic European cabaret and variety show.
Draw the curtain on a stage that will darkly seduce and intoxicate with a
moveable feast of magic, song, dance, burlesque, comedy, circus and cabaret.
A blend of surprises and visual attractions of international renown.
Gorgeous. Crazy. Sexy. Cool.
Welcome to the Underground, the dark side of Paris - a night to remember!
TABLE SEATING TABLE OF 6 Including the rare magic of Julia Madotti; one of Australia’s few female illusionists;
$42
$240
the beauty and grace of circus artist and aerial angel Hannah Trott; the rare joy
and skill of tap-dance king Eden Read; the incredibly charming and risque repartee of
EMPIRE CARDHOLDER
songstress and chanteuse Aurora Kurth; the sultry smoulder of burlesque artiste and
SEATING BANK
showgirl Zelia Rose; and the host of this cavalcade of talent, MC maestro Monsieur
$34
Marveaux; actor, illusionist and magician extraordinaire Richard Vegas!
SEATING BANK
$36
THE TOOWOOMBA CHORAL SOCIETY YOUTH CHOIR’S
PRODUCTION OF
38 DISNEY’S PETER PAN JR.
SAT 9 JUL
2PM
SAT 9 JUL
7PM
EMPIRE THEATRE
Music and Lyrics by Sammy Cahn, Sammy Fain, Michelle Tumes, Xavier Atencio, George Bruns,
Jack Lawrence, Frank Churchill, Winston Hibler, Ted Sears, Oliver Wallace and Ray Kelley
Music Adapted & Arranged and Additional Lyrics by Eric Svejcar
Book adapted and Additional Lyrics by David Zellnik
Based on the screenplay by Ted Sears, Erdman Penner, Bill Peet, Winston Hibler, Joe Rinaldi,
Milt Banta, Ralph Wright and William Cottrell
Based on the play by J.M. Barrie
By arrangement with Hal Leonard Australia Pty Ltd, exclusive agent for Music Theatre
International, NY
EMPIRE CARDHOLDER
$17
Based on the Disney film and J.M. Barrie’s enchanting play, Disney’s Peter Pan JR.
is a modern version of the timeless tale about a boy who wouldn’t grow up.
ADULT
$19.50
Wendy Darling loves to tell stories to her brothers, Michael and John. But when
her father announces she must move out of the nursery, Peter Pan comes to visit
the children and whisks them away to Neverland. Their adventure introduces them
to the Lost Boys, mermaids, indians and the infamous pirate, Captain Hook!
CHILD <12
$15
CONCESSION
$17
The score includes new arrangements of classic Disney songs, such as Following
the Leader, You Can Fly, The Second Star to the Right, Yo Ho, A Pirate’s Life for Me
and many more.
Illustrator: Anne Spudvilas
THE EMPIRE THEATRES PRESENTS
A MONKEY BAA THEATRE COMPANY PRODUCTION
THE PEASANT PRINCE
39
BASED ON THE BOOK BY LI CUNXIN
ADAPTED BY EVA DI CESARE, SANDRA ELDRIGE AND TIM McGARRY
FRI 15 JUL
9.30AM
FRI 15 JUL
11.30AM
EMPIRE THEATRE
EMPIRE CARDHOLDER
$18
ADULT
$20
CHILD <12
$15
Li Cunxin’s iconic autobiography Mao’s Last Dancer was first published as a children’s
picture book, The Peasant Prince. Monkey Baa is honoured to be adapting this story
onto the stage.
Li, a 10-year old peasant boy, is plucked from his village in rural China and sent to
a ballet academy in the big city. He leaves everything and everyone he knows,
including his beloved parents. Over years of gruelling training and determination,
this boy transforms from an impoverished peasant to a giant of the international
dance scene. Li’s courage, resilience and unwavering hope for a better life makes
The Peasant Prince a story to ignite our own aspirations to be the best person we
can be.
Audiences will be captivated by this inspiring story.
Director
Tim McGarry
SCHOOL GROUPS 10+ (11TH
TICKET FREE FOR TEACHERS)
$13ea
Arts NSW is pleased to support
and create opportunities for
growth to foster the future of
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through
arts and culture in NSW.
the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.
MACDONALD LAW AND THE EMPIRE THEATRES PRESENT
40 SYDNEY COMEDY FESTIVAL
SHOWCASE
SAT 16 JUL
8PM
The Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase will be tearing up the highways of Australia
for the fourth year in a row, featuring the crème de la crème of the 2016 festival right
on your doorstep.
EMPIRE THEATRE
Boasting a line-up of the best local and international comics and showcasing some
of the funniest and freshest emerging talents, you will be left sore from belly laughs
from this jam packed night of pure entertainment!
EMPIRE CARDHOLDER
$33
2015 saw the Showcase put smiles on the faces of 20,000 people in more than 45
regional and metropolitan centres over a huge five month tour performing a record
number of SOLD OUT shows!
ALL TICKETS
$36
So get ready ‘Straya… the Showcase Tour is back on the road so call your pals and
grab your tickets to the funniest night of entertainment you will see all year!
WARNING
Recommended for mature audiences
15 years and over. May contain
coarse language and adult themes.
Law
THE EMPIRE THEATRES PRESENTS
AN EVENING WITH
QUEENSLAND SYMPHONY
ORCHESTRA
41
FRI 22 JUL
7.30PM
Witness the power and emotion of Queensland Symphony Orchestra, live in concert.
QSO returns to the Empire Theatre to present a dazzling evening of symphonic
classics.
EMPIRE THEATRE
Dynamic orchestration, captivating rhythm and a smoldering finale; Igor Stravinsky’s
The Firebird is his most fantastic creation; it is no wonder that this is one of the
most loved and popular ballet scores to make its way to the concert hall stage.
EMPIRE CARDHOLDER
$42
Also on the program is Prokofiev’s divine Classical Symphony, renowned for its
petite, intimate melodies and one of his best works.
ADULT
$50
QSO will also perform Haydn’s Symphony No.88. Considered one of Haydn’s most
cheerful tunes, this inventive piece of music is a concert and recording favourite.
YOUTH <25
$25
GROUPS 6+
$45ea
CONCESSION
$46
THE EMPIRE THEATRES PRESENTS A GARRY GINIVAN ATTRACTION PRODUCED
IN ASSOCIATION WITH SHOWS FOR SCHOOLS
42
HIPPO! HIPPO! A BIG NEW
MUSICAL ADVENTURE!
B A SE D O N T H E B O O K S W R IT T E N B Y H A Z E L EDWARDS AN D IL L USTRATED
B Y D E B O RA H N ILA N D .
WED 3 AUG
6.30PM
THU 4 AUG
9.30AM
THU 4 AUG
11.30AM
EMPIRE THEATRE
EMPIRE CARDHOLDER
$16
ALL TICKETS
$19
SCHOOL GROUPS 10+ (11TH
TICKET FREE FOR TEACHERS)
$14ea
HIPPO! HIPPO! A BIG NEW Musical Adventure! is based on the phenomenally
successful children’s classic, “There’s a Hippopotamus on Our Roof Eating
Cake”, written by Australian children’s author Hazel Edwards and illustrated
by Deborah Niland.
HIPPO is the imaginary friend of Girl, a young child. Girl believes that HIPPO lives on
the roof and can seemingly do anything he wants, when he wants, how he wants,
particularly the things that Girl is unable or not allowed to do. Through HIPPO, Girl is
able to allay her fears and gain confidence in her early childhood years.
Joyful and brimming with childhood wonder, HIPPO! HIPPO! A BIG NEW Musical
Adventure! will make you laugh and maybe even make you cry, but most of all,
it is guaranteed to lift your spirits in a big and unbeatable way!
Brought to you by the producer of Stripey – The Emu Chick! Wombat Stew, Possum
Magic, and My Grandma lived in Gouligulch.
This adaptation is produced under exclusive license from Penguin Books Australia.
THE EMPIRE THEATRES PRESENTS
MELBOURNE BALLET
COMPANY’S
43
ARCHÈ
WED 10 AUG
7.30PM
Archè was premiered in Melbourne in 2015 - it is an innovative production that takes
inspiration primarily from the age-old classic, Swan Lake. This ballet explores and
embraces much of the original narrative and some of the classical repertoire.
EMPIRE THEATRE
Director, Simon Hoy has structured this work around his unique choreographic style
and has developed a score including music by Tchaikovsky, Einaudi, Arnalds,
Morricone, Jeanrenaud and Elgar. This emotionally charged production has received
very positive critical reviews and is suitable for audiences everywhere.
EMPIRE CARDHOLDER
$48
ADULT
$56
CONCESSION
$52
Archè is a Greek word meaning the beginning, the principle from which all things
arise and the force that explains their birth and death. The ancient Greek philosophers
sought the Archè in the four fundamental essences of the Earth: water, earth, air, fire;
focusing on how they interact with each other.
CHILD <18
$30
Concept and direction
by Simon Hoy
GROUPS 6+
$52ea
Choreography
by Simon Hoy and Timothy Podesta
SCHOOL GROUPS 10+ (11TH
TICKET FREE FOR TEACHERS)
$20ea
THE EMPIRE THEATRES PRESENTS OPERA QUEENSLAND’S
44 THE BARBER OF SEVILLE
WED 24 AUG
7.30PM
EMPIRE THEATRE
EMPIRE CARDHOLDER
$46
ADULT
$55
CONCESSION
$49
YOUTH <25
$39
CHILD <18
$29
GROUPS 6+
$49ea
Sung in Italian with projected English translations.
2016 is the 200th anniversary of the first performance of The Barber of Seville and
this delicious dose of comedy and effervescent music is the perfect way to say
– Happy Birthday Figaro!
Dashing Count Almaviva has lost his heart to the sassy young maiden Rosina.
But Rosina’s guardian is determined to marry her himself until Figaro – king of
charisma and silken style – leads the charge to unite the young lovers through a
series of hilarious, “fool proof” schemes. Will it all add up to a Spanish mission
impossible?
Get ready for a rollicking fiesta of sunny Spanish madness as Rossini’s celebrated,
razor-sharp, musical wit is brought to life by director Lindy Hume and a fabulous
cast of Queensland artists including former OperaQ Young Artist Brett Carter and
audience favourites Andrew Collis, Virgilio Marino, Shaun Brown and Emily Burke.
The role of Rosina will be played by bright OperaQ rising star, Monique Latemore.
The Barber of Seville is a co-production of Opera Queensland, Seattle
Opera and New Zealand Opera.
This project is supported by the
Queensland Government through
Arts Queensland
TOOWOOMBA CHORAL SOCIETY’S PRODUCTION OF
ANNIE
45
Book by THOMAS MEEHAN, Music by CHARLES STROUSE, Lyrics by MARTIN CHARNIN
Original Production directed by Martin Charnin
9 SEP, 7.30PM
10 SEP, 1.30PM
10 SEP, 7.30PM
11 SEP, 1.30PM
Presented on Broadway by Mike Nichols
EMPIRE THEATRE
Based on Little Orphan Annie, the popular comic strip by Harold Gray, Annie has
become a worldwide sensation and is one of the most loved musicals of all time.
Winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, the beloved show features
a wonderful score written by Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, including the
Broadway smash hit, Tomorrow, as well as It’s a Hard Knocked Life, Easy Street,
Little Girls and I Don’t Need Anything But You.
EMPIRE CARDHOLDER
$43
ADULT
$50
CONCESSION
$43
GROUPS 6+
$43ea
CHILD <13
$25
Produced by Irwin Meyer, Alvin Nederlander Associates Inc. / Stephen R. Friedman, The John
F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts / Lewis Allen, Icarus Productions
Based on “Little Orphan Annie”. By Permission of The Tribune Media Services, Inc
Originally produced by The Goodspeed Opera House. Michael P. Price, Executive Director
Licensed exclusively by Music Theatre International (Australasia). All performance materials
supplied by Hal Leonard Australia.
With a perfect combination of street-smarts and optimism, Annie warms the hearts
of the audience as we witness her rise from next-to-nothing in New York City. She
is determined to find her parents, who left her at the orphanage years ago. Though
things don’t quite work out the way she has planned, she does manage to thwart
the plans of the evil Miss Hannigan and find a new family with billionaire Oliver
Warbucks, his secretary Grace Farrell, and her lovable pooch, Sandy.
TOOWOOMBA PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY’S PRODUCTION OF
46 GREASE
23 SEP, 7PM
24 SEP, 2PM
24 SEP, 7PM
25 SEP, 2PM
EMPIRE THEATRE
EMPIRE CARDHOLDER
$40
ADULT
$45
CONCESSION
$40
CHILD <15
$20
GROUPS 6+
$40ea
The Toowoomba Philharmonic Society Inc. brings the Rydell High senior class of ’59
to the Empire Theatre stage with Grease, the musical that took the world by storm!
Two worlds collide as sweet schoolgirl Sandy and bad-boy Danny find themselves
face to face in their senior year following a whirlwind summer romance. Danny
fights to keep his cool guy persona alive while attempting to win back innocent
Sandy’s heart – not easy to do when you have a rebellious rep to think of! Through
musical favourites Summer Nights, You’re the One That I Want, Beauty School
Dropout, Born to Hand-Jive, Sandra Dee and of course, Greased Lighting, the
couple struggles to keep up with their high school cliques as they fall deeper
into young love.
Roll with the hot rod lovin’ T-birds and the fiery Pink Ladies through school days,
the long-awaited high school prom and run-ins with the rival greaser gang.
With a cast of the best local talent as all your favourite characters from the hit film
including Rizzo, Frenchy, Sonny and Kenickie, the Toowoomba Philharmonic Society’s
production of Grease is sure to sweep the field with this wonderful tale of unlikely
teen love.
So dust off your leather jackets and start practising your hand jive, as we are about
to burn down the quarter mile in electrifying style!
Photo: Dylan Evans
TH E EMP IRE T H E AT RE S, S H A K E & S T IR T H E AT R E C O
A N D QUEEN SL A N D PE RF O R MIN G A R T S C E NT R E P R E S EN T
TEQUILA MOCKINGBIRD
47
A NEW AUS T RA L I A N PL AY
CR E ATED B Y SH A KE & ST IR T H E AT R E C O
WED 19 OCT
7.30PM
EMPIRE THEATRE
EMPIRE CARDHOLDER
$35
ADULT
$43
CONCESSION
$39
YOUTH <25
$25
GROUPS 6+
$39ea
The creative powerhouse behind the smash-hit, critically-acclaimed productions
Animal Farm, 1984 and Wuthering Heights return with a new Australian play.
Directed by Michael Futcher and featuring a cast of some of Queensland’s
finest actors, Tequila Mockingbird visits themes of racial prejudice, the perversion of
justice and the consequences of alcohol abuse, all in a uniquely Australian context.
After a woman is attacked in a remote Australian town, the racist underbelly
rears its head as the community targets a young Indian doctor who has recently
relocated to the area. Only one local man possesses the strength to uncover the
truth and defend the accused in the ultimate fight for what’s right but first, he
must take care of other matters, a little closer to home.
Nominated for six 2014 Matilda Awards and winning Best Mainstage Production
- don’t miss this bold, brave new work examining a darker side of Australian
culture lurking just below the surface.
SCHOOL GROUPS 10+ (11TH
TICKET FREE FOR TEACHERS)
$20ea
Tour supported by The Playing Queensland Fund and arTour initiatives
of the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, part of the
Department of the Premier and Cabinet.
Photo: Serena Ryan
THE EMPIRE THEATRES AND IF THEATRE PRESENTS
NONI HAZLEHURST IN
48 MOTHER
BY DANIEL KEENE | DIRECTE D BY MATT SCHOLTEN
SAT 22 OCT
8PM
Christie (Noni Hazlehurst) has found herself at the fringe of the world. Homeless,
aging, living on the outskirts of suburbia, she attracts the curiosity of the locals
with the story of her colourful, troubled life.
EMPIRE THEATRE
Mother, a one-woman play written for acclaimed, award winning actor Noni
Hazlehurst (City Homicide, A Place To Call Home, The Heretic), is the newest work
from Daniel Keene (Boxman, Life Without Me, The Serpent’s Teeth) directed by
his long-time collaborator Matt Scholten.
EMPIRE CARDHOLDER
$42
ADULT
$50
CONCESSION
$46
YOUTH <25
$25
GROUPS 6+
$46ea
WARNING
Contains strong coarse language and
adult themes. Children under 15 years
not recommended.
Delving into the significance of our primary relationships, this provocative
performance will leave you haunted with understanding and sympathy for those
living on the farthest edges of society.
There but by the grace of god go we…
THE IMPERIAL RUSSIA N BALLET PRESENTS
THE NUTCRACKER
SAT 5 NOV
8PM
49
Following their sell-out 2015 performances of Swan Lake, the Imperial Russian
Ballet Company return to Australia to perform The Nutcracker.
EMPIRE THEATRE
The Nutcracker is famous for Tchaikovsky’s music. The genius of Tchaikovsky
created one of the most recognisable and enduring music scores ever written.
EMPIRE CARDHOLDER
$77.90
The illustrious cast of the Imperial Russian Ballet Company enjoy performing The
Nutcracker more than any other ballet from their extensive repertoire, especially
when they are joined by children from local ballet schools in the cities that they
perform in around the world.
ADULT
$87.90
CHILD <18
$67.90
GROUPS 10+
$77.90ea
CONCESSION
$77.90
The Imperial Russian Ballet Company was formed in 1994 by the Bolshoi Theatre
soloist, Gediminas Taranda. The Imperial Russian Ballet Company comprises 40
dancers from the major ballet schools of Russia.
HOW TO BECOME A CARDHOLDER
STEP 1Complete the Empire Card Registration Form.
STEP 2Read and agree with the Terms and Conditions.
STEP 3Complete the payment details if you are mailing back your registration form.
STEP 4Provide your completed registration form to us by mail or in person and a 2016 Empire
Card will be issued to you upon receipt of the $30 payment.
Mail:
Empire Theatres Ticketing Office
In Person: 56 Neil Street
PO Box 1227
Toowoomba 4350
Toowoomba Qld 4350
Empire Theatres Ticketing Hours
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm | Saturday 9am to 1pm
The Empire Theatres Ticketing Office is open for ticket collection one hour prior to performance times. For recorded
information outside office hours call 1300 655 299.
ISSUING YOUR EMPIRE CARD
Patrons returning their registration form and payment via mail will receive their Empire Card by mail. Patrons purchasing in
person at the Box Office will receive their Empire Card over the counter upon receipt of payment.
BEFORE THE PERFORMANCE
The Empire Theatre’s foyers and bars are open one hour prior to each performance. Empire Cardholders will receive
discounts on purchases at any Empire Theatre bar for each booked, upon presentation of your Empire Card.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1. The 2016 Empire Card is valid until the 30 November 2016.
2.To access Empire Cardholder ticket discounts, a valid Empire Card must be presented at the Box Office or referenced via phone or
internet otherwise the adult ticket price will be charged. A valid Empire Card must also be presented to obtain discounts at any
Empire Theatre bar.
3.If tickets to five or more different performances are purchased at the Empire Cardholder price in one transaction, you will receive
your 2016 Empire Card at no cost.
4.Your Empire Card entitles you to ONE ticket only per performance at the discounted cardholder rate. If an additional ticket(s) are
purchased for existing Cardholders and they are not present, database verification may suffice.
5. Your Empire Card is not transferrable, non-refundable and not redeemable for cash
6. During the 2016 Season, some performances may not offer a discounted ticket price for Empire Cardholders.
7. The Fitzy’s on Church and Cioccolato offers cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer of either establishment.
8. To receive the Fitzy’s on Church and Cioccolato offers, the show ticket must be to a performance on the same day.
9. It is the Empire Cardholders responsibility to notify the Empire Theatre of change of contact details.
10.All ticket prices are current and may be subject to change at the discretion of Empire Theatre management.
11.All personal information obtained for the Empire Card purposes is confidential and will not be given to any other third parties.
12.Lost or stolen Empire Cards should be reported to the Box Office and a new card will be issued.
13.The Empire Card is not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.
14.Correspondence to Empire Cardholders relating to pre-sale tickets, early bird or other special offers will only be via email.
15.The double pass awarded for the monthly prize draw will be to a performance at the discretion of Empire Theatre management.
16.By signing as an Empire Cardholder, you acknowledge that you will occasionally receive information via email regarding special
ticket offers and other promotional opportunities.
17.By signing as an Empire Cardholder, the cardholder acknowledges and agrees to be bound by these terms and conditions.
18.Excludes Morning Melodies performances.
REGISTRATION FORM
Number of Empire Cards required at $30.00 each
STEP 1 – COMPLETE YOUR PERSONAL DETAILS
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STEP 2 – TERMS AND CONDITIONS
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STEP 3 – METHOD OF PAYMENT
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Card No: __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
Expiry date: __ __ / __ __
Name on Card: _____________________________________________________________
Signature of card holder: ______________________________________________________
OR $............. Cheque made payable to Empire Theatres Pty Ltd
STEP 4 – SEND US YOUR REGISTRATION FORM
Detach this registration form and return with your payment to:
Mail: Empire Theatres Ticketing Office
In Person: 56 Neil Street
PO Box 1227
Toowoomba 4350
Toowoomba Qld 4350
For additional Cardholder registrations, please make copies of this form as required.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
The Empire Theatres value the assistance of the following partners and sponsors:
GOVERNMENT PARTNERS
The Empire Theatres are wholly owned and funded by the
Toowoomba Regional Council and is managed on its behalf
by Empire Theatres Pty Ltd.
PRESENTING PARTNERS
®
TOOWOOMBA
MEDIA PARTNERS
TOURING PARTNERS
SUPPORTERS
54-56 Neil Street, Toowoomba
PO Box 1227, Toowoomba QLD 4350
BOOKINGS | 1300 655 299
EMAIL | [email protected]
empiretheatre.com.au
Details are correct at the time of publication.
The Empire Theatres reserve the right to vary the program if required.