StageArt announces 2017 season

Following their critically and commercially successful 2016 season, StageArt are building on their ethos of producing works that give voice to dynamic and diverse stories. Just announced is the list of shows for their 2017 season, which will include two Tony Award winning Best Musicals: The Full Monty, the Victorian professional premiere of Spring Awakening, and the Australasian premiere of Memphis .

The Full Monty

Thursday 2 March until Sunday 19 March, The National Theatre, St Kilda.

Based on the smash hit film, The Full Monty, a ten-time Tony Award nominee, is filled with honest affection, engaging melodies and the most highly anticipated closing number of any show. The powerhouse
team of writers Terrence McNally (Ragtime) and David Yazbek (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) create entertainment that grabs your heart.
A group of unemployed steelworkers from Buffalo New York spy on their wives obsessing over male strippers at a ‘Girls’ Night Out’. Jealous, out of work and feeling emasculated, the men come up with a bold and unclothed way to make some quick cash. In preparing, they find themselves extremely exposed; not merely physically but emotionally. As they conquer their fears, self-consciousness and prejudices, the men come to discover that they’re stronger as a group, and the strength that they find in each other gives them the individual courage to let it go.
StageArt are proudly supporting The Learning For Life Autism Centre and donating a proportion of proceeds from this season. The Full Monty will be directed by Greenroom nominee Drew Downing with musical direction by Nathan Firmin and choreography by Rhys Velasquez. Each night a special guest will make a cameo: who will it be, and will they go all the way?

Spring Awakening

Thursday 18 May until Sunday 4 June, Chapel off Chapel.

A revelatory journey from adolescence to adulthood with poignancy and passion that is illuminating and unforgettable. It is Germany, 1891, a world where the grown-ups hold all the cards while the youth struggle through the adversity of coming of age in a time when sexual education is non-existent. Join this group of late nineteenth century students as they navigate teenage angst and self-discovery, in a powerful celebration of youthful rebellion in the daring and remarkable Tony Award Winning Spring Awakening.

Spring Awakening returns director Robbie Carmellotti and musical director Caleb Garfinkel from the critically acclaimed 2016 hit The Color Purple.

“This is a powerfully moving story which captures your heart from the first chord of music,” says Katherine Armstrong, Executive Producer, “and doesn’t let go until you’re exploding with emotion on the final beat.”

Memphis

Thursday 5 October until Sunday 22 October, Chapel off Chapel.

The Australasian Premiere of the Tony Award winning Best Musical Memphis bursts off the stage with explosive dancing, irresistible songs and a thrilling tale of fame and forbidden love.

Inspired by actual events about a white radio DJ who wants to change the world and a black club singer who is ready for her big break. Come along on their incredible journey to the ends of the airwaves – filled with laughter, soaring emotion and roof-raising rock ‘n’ roll.

Memphis will be directed by Luigi Lucente.

This show will feature culturally diverse actors continuing StageArt’s commitment to equality in the arts.

Executive Producer Robbie Carmellotti says, “This show is one in a million, it tears at your heart strings, while at the same time providing laughter that gives pain to your abdominal muscles. At the end of the show you are overcome with an extreme natural ecstasy high.”

AussieTheatre will bring you further details (including casting for each show), as they come to light.