MSC Studio is proud to present the Victorian premiere of Samuel D. Hunter’s multi-award winning play, The Whale

MSC Studio is proud to present the Victorian premiere of Samuel D. Hunter’s multi-award winning play, The Whale.

Samuel D. Hunter’s critically acclaimed drama The Whale makes its highly anticipated Victorian premiere at the Alex Theatre this June. The Whale boasts a captivating cast line-up, led by Adam Lyon (King Kong, Moulin Rouge! The Musical) as Charlie and supported by Melanie Gleeson (When the Rain Stops Falling) as Liz, Sebastian Li (New Gold Mountain – SBS) as Elder Thomas, Tanya Schneider (Harrow – ABC) as Mary and Skye Fellman in her professional debut as Elle.

The Whale tells the story of a man’s last chance at redemption, and of finding beauty in the most unexpected places. It has achieved significant international acclaim including winning the Lucille Lortel Award for Best Play, the Sky Cooper New American Play Prize and its cinematic adaptation garnered two Oscars amongst its overwhelming volume of nominations Melbourne Shakespeare Company’s Artistic Director Jennifer Sarah Dean returns to direct the production following a 3 year hiatus whilst working on the National Tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical and most recently on The Almighty Sometimes for Melbourne Theatre Company.

Dean Explained:

As soon as I read this play I knew it was a story I wanted to share. I couldn’t believe that it had never been produced in Victoria before! . Many people will remember the Oscar winning movie based on this play, it’s such an impactful, heartfelt and fiercely funny piece. I think audiences will be really moved when they experience it live, especially in the intimate setting of The Alex Theatre Studio with such an incredible team of actors.

Multiple Green Room Nominee Harry Gill (Parade, Songs for A New World) will join the company for the first time as Set Designer, with Catherine Elliott (Hex) designing costumes. Kris Chainey (Big House Dreaming) returns to the company as Lighting Designer with Composer and Sound Designer Jack Burmeister (Bright Light Burning) completing the creative line up.

Since their inception in 2016, Melbourne Shakespeare Company has captivated the hearts of audiences across Melbourne and established themselves as one of Australia’s most exciting and innovative independent theatre companies. Following their critically acclaimed seasons of Julius Caesar (2023) & King Lear (2021) which both sold out prior to opening, The Whale will be MSC Studio’s inaugural presentation of a work by a writer other than Shakespeare. This production marks an exciting beginning of their inclusion of new works that compliment Shakespeare’s complexity.

Riveting… an impassioned and arresting clash of minds and emotions. I was glued to the stage… Equally dynamic and horrifying.” – New York Observer on The Whale

I relished the subtle humor. I found resonant themes about optimism and empathy. But I think I most appreciated the play for its centering around a character you rarely see depicted with such complexity and heart. – New York Theatre on The Whale.

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Season Details

Venue: Alex Theatre, St Kilda
Date: 28 June— 14 July 2024

For more information click HERE