August 2009
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Chairperson's Message
There's entertainment for everyone this month and next. The littlies will love The Fastest Boy in the World, the teens will enjoy Thursday's Child and the whole family will be enchanted by Beauty and the Beast. Those that enjoy a good love story will be mesmerised by The Kursk, while music lovers will have plenty of choice with Glenn Shorrock, Doug Parkinson, Wendy Matthews and a double dose of tribute shows all on the way to Ipswich. No matter what age you are, there's something that will entertain you through the Festival of Theatre program. 
Cr Charlie Pisasale
| In this issue...Local Bands Battle it Out |
Win Tickets to The Kursk*
Based on the true story of a submarine's ill-fated journey, The Kursk stars Ipswich professional actor Eugene Gilfedder in a talented cast of accomplished performers. Written by Sasha Janowicz - who also performs in the production - the award-winning play is an inspiring true story of hope, courage and love. In August 2000, Russian submarine The Kursk vanished mysteriously. Its wreckage was eventually discovered at the bottom of the ocean with 23 survivors trapped inside. The play recreates what went on inside the submarine as rescuers worked frantically to free the sailors. Among those trapped is Admiral Popov (Eugene Gilfedder) who is under extreme pressure to avoid a nuclear disaster in the Atlantic. Meanwhile, families and loved ones wait desperately for news and a young woman prays for her husband as he writes love letters to her from the ocean floor.
Thursday 27 August - 7.30pm * Be one of the first five people to email theatre@ipswich.qld.gov.au with "The Kursk free ticket offer" in the subject line and you'll receive a double pass to the show. Please include full name and daytime contact number. 
Uplifting Play Aimed at Young People
Tin Flute is 'Thursday's Child' and, as the nursery rhyme declares, 'has far to go'. A curious and lonely boy, Tin's solitary wanderings and strange desire to dig take him away from his family, far beneath the earth and into a self-made labyrinth of subterranean tunnels that he rules and roams by day and night. Above ground, his family struggles through the Great Depression, fighting to survive on drought-ridden land. As life on the surface becomes more unsympathetic, Tin's escape moves deeper into his mysterious world. Winner of the 2002 Guardian Children's Fiction Prize and relayed through the eyes of Tin's sister, Harper, Thursday's Child explores the spirit of childhood juxtaposed with the struggle of adulthood. It is suitable for young people aged 12 years and up.
Monday 31 August - 7.30pm
Get Set to Reminisce With Trio of Stars
Glenn Shorrock, Doug Parkinson and Wendy Matthews will join forces to present an evening of hits and memories no fan should miss. Best known as the original voice of the Little River Band, Glenn Shorrock still enthrals audiences around the world with his extensive repertoire and international hits including Help Is On Its Way, Emma, Home on Monday, Cool Change and Reminiscing. Doug Parkinson has long been regarded as one of the country's finest musicians and one of the truly great soul/R&B vocalists of our time, while Wendy Matthews is famous for her sublime, expressive voice that never fails to move those who hear it. Accompanied by the 15-piece Robert Clark Orchestra, this trio of legendary music stars will no doubt present an amazing concert experience for all who attend.
Wednesday 9 September - 7.30pm Purchase a ticket to The Cool Change Tour and you will automatically go into the draw to win a VIP backstage tour before the show.
Daytime Concert Offers Double Dose of Tributes
First up, Mark Caliguiri and Jo Evangelia recreate the story of the legendary country music couple, Johnny Cash and June Carter-Cash. Fully costumed and themed, this part of the show features all the greatest hits, including Walk the Line, A Boy Named Sue, Folsom Prison Blues, Ghost Riders in the Sky, Ring of Fire, Jackson, The Man in Black, Daddy Sang Bass and many more. In the second half of the show, veteran rock 'n' roll and television star Issi Dye puts on his blue suede shoes and colourful 50s' suits to pay homage to Australia's king of rock 'n' roll - the late, great Johnny O'Keefe. Songs featured include Shout!, Sing Sing Sing, She Wears My Ring, She's My Baby, I'm Counting on You and many more top 10 hits. This double-feature, award-winning show has been performed at theatres and clubs all over Australia over the past five years.
Thursday 10 September - 11am
Local Talent Shines in Classic Tale
The ever-popular story of Belle and her journey of discovery and love has been charming audiences for more than 10 years, and every year a whole new generation discovers the magic behind the castle walls. Adapted from the Academy Award-winning animated film, this much-loved spectacle has thrilled more than 20 million people worldwide with show-stopping musical numbers, lavish costumes and spectacular sets. Be our guest for a storybook theatrical experience the whole family will love!
19, 25 and 26 September - 7.30pm
Children's Show Sets Fast Pace
With a four-piece band and dynamic video projections, The Fastest Boy in the World is a humorous and engaging mix of story, dramatic action and live music designed to thrill young audiences. From the moment Henry Horatio Richard O'Dockerty inherits a fob watch from his Grandpa on his sixth birthday, he becomes infatuated with becoming the fastest boy in the world. He races against everyone and everything until his nemesis Jason Whipple proves to be faster. Then there's only one thing left to do … be shot out of a cannon! An action-packed 50-minute show no child should miss!
Tuesday 29 September - 10.30am and 1.30pm
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Ipswich Civic Hall | |
The year is flying by and Spring will soon be upon us. Don't let time go by at such a rapid rate that you miss some of the fantastic shows coming up at Ipswich Civic Hall.
A love story for the ages that critics say "will have you on the edge of your seat" takes the stage at Ipswich Civic Hall later this month.
An inspiring and uplifting new play aimed specifically at young people, Thursday's Child is based on Sonya Hartnett's award-winning novel.
Three legends of Australian music and a 15-piece orchestra come together in one unforgettable concert event as part of the 2009 Cool Change Tour.
The music of Johnny Cash and Johnny O'Keefe will be recreated in an award-winning daytime tribute concert event next month.
Local talent will shine when Ipswich Musical Theatre Company presents Disney's classic tale Beauty and the Beast next month.
Youngsters aged four to eight years are invited to zoom in and take a rock 'n' roll ride on the wings of one child's quest to become the fastest boy in the whole wide world.