At our regular Chatty Cathy Fridays #teamCorlette get together for a few drinks and one of us presents an inspiring topic. This month Natasha Bartoshefski, Head of Design, shares her top Sydney theatre picks for 2019. Brilliant Christmas present inspiration and nine great reasons to get to the theatre in the New Year.
This is the return season for In the Heights, the original Hayes production was fantastic. Written by Lin-Manuel Miranda (of Hamilton and Moana fame), it has a modern West Side Story feel to it, with rap and latin influences. The pace of the dialogue and the lyrics make it a challenge for the performers but when it works, it works! A cool twist on the musical genre and a deserved winner of 4 Tony Awards when it debuted on Broadway. Tickets are nearly sold out as the season is a short one. TICKETS
Image ©: Joan Marcus of the broadway cast via Playbill
Performing at the Enmore in January, Sasha Velour tiptoes between drag and performance art. Winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2017, her shows typically integrate elements of digital projection to interact with her high fashion costumes and music. Can’t wait to see what weird and wonderful creations she has cooked up for her one-woman show in this intimate theatre. TICKETS
Image ©: Mike Katziv / NPR
A brand new Australian work based on the life and artwork of artist Brett Whiteley, which promises to bring to life some of his most famous images within the spectacular Joan Sutherland Theatre. “He abhorred straight lines, adored drugs, alcohol, women. He worked in vivid colour and ravishing curves” – sounds just like the perfect subject for an opera! TICKETS
Image ©: Opera Australia
A great one to take your parents to (or gift them tickets), especially if they lived through the disco era! Expect some slick hair, tight pants, retro dance moves and a feel-good buzz when you leave. Highly recommend to run out at intermission to grab a scoop of Gelato Messina just outside the theatre doors or follow up with karaoke afterwards. TICKETS
Image ©: Valentine Theatre, 2016
This one is for those who want to get dressed up and experience the majesty of Sydney Opera House. Sydney Symphony Orchestra will play the full score to Casino Royale while you relax and enjoy the movie. Very smooth date night! TICKETS
Image ©: Sydney Opera House/ MGM
A sneaky one because it’s not playing in Sydney this year, only Melbourne and Brisbane, but this production of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is not to be missed. A classic story but not a classical ballet, recommended for the costumes and sets alone. TICKETS
Image ©: The Australian Ballet
Going to see a Sydney Theatre Company production is always a bit of a wild card, even with a well-known show you never know what to expect, which is great. Rebel Wilson stars in this black comedy set in small Irish town, which promises to give you a giggle. Pre-theatre dining at the theatre (Walsh Bay Kitchen) is good value and convenient if you are going on a weeknight and short on time before the show. TICKETS
Image ©: Sydney Theatre Company
A good family pick. It’s been running on Broadway for the past few years really successfully and then in Melbourne through 2018 with great reviews. Fun and heartfelt with a talented young cast, it’s a good introduction to the theatre for those with school-aged children. It will be playing at the Capitol which is easy to access via public transport. TICKETS
Image ©: School of Rock the Musical
Based on the Oscar-award winning indie film of the same name, Once was developed into a Broadway musical which went on to win 8 Tony Awards. Lucky for us, Darlinghurst Theatre Company is giving us the chance to see why it is so special in their production in July. The cast are also the orchestra for this show, who perform on a minimalist set, allowing the music and story to transport the audience. Another plus, the tickets here tend to be more affordable than the big, commercial productions and the previews are even better value, so get along and support them! TICKETS
Image ©: Once, Dublin 2017 production
