Matt Byrne Media brings the dance classic to Adelaide and Elizabeth
Updated: April 29th, 2019
Matt Byrne Media will present the SA Premiere of Aussie genius Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom The Musical this July.
The scintillating show will play the Arts Theatre from July 4 to 13 and Elizabeth’s Shedley Theatre from July 18 to 27.
Strictly Ballroom tells the story of maverick dancer Scott Hastings whose wish to find new steps, earns him the disdain of his more conventionally-minded colleagues and the all powerful Federation.
When he pairs with a shy, left-footed local girl called Fran they confound the critics and the rules to challenge for the National Championship.
The 1992 film was a massive hit, making stars of Paul Mercurio and Tara Morice. Creator Baz Luhrmann finally brought the much-loved story he had created at NIDA, back to the stage in 2014.
This new production features a book by Baz Luhrmann and Craig Pearce, adapted by Terry Johnston, and new musical numbers by David Foster, Sia Furler, Isaac Hasson, Bernie Herms, Baz Luhrmann, Mozella, Theron Feemster, Craig Pearce, Eddie Perfect, Linda Thompson and Elliott Wheeler, with orchestrations by Simon Hale.
It also has the classic songs from the film, including Time After Time, Perhaps Perhaps, and of course Love Is In The Air, which will have the crowd on their feet for the finale!
Producer/director Byrne said he was “thrilled to get such a fabulous all-Adelaide cast to deliver the SA stage premiere of this wonderful Australian musical.”
“Strictly Ballroom is Baz Luhrmanns’ appeal for self-expression and not living a life in fear, but putting your best foot forward to chase your dreams,” Byrne said.
“And have two tremendous young performers, Kurt Benton and Kate Harrison as Scott and Fran and they are already burning up the floor.
“The other major dance roles will feature Joel Amos as Ken Railings, Lauren Weber as Liz Holt, Jessica Wolfendale as Tina Sparkle and Jake Mellings as Wayne Burns.
“Carolyn Adams will play Scott’s Mum Shirley Hastings, Russell Ford will play his father Doug Hastings, Max Rayner will play Kendall Dance Studio boss Les Kendall, Wade Cook will play the DJ announcer JJ Silvers, and I will play the Federation President Barry Fife.
“Then we have Gavin Cianci as Fran’s father Rico and Niki Martin as her grand mother Abuela, and some outstanding young performers with Calin Diamond playing Luke, and the role of Scott’s kid sister Kylie will be shared by Arwen Diamond and Holly Abbott.
“The all-important ensemble will feature Ricardo De Jesus, Shivawn Young, Tom Adams, Valeria Alonso, Ben Greco, Jake Kempster Male, Zoe Tsoleridis, Deborah Joy Ralph and Tania Abela.
Byrne will direct and design the show with Jesse Budel as Musical Director and Jennifer Trijo as Assistant MD, with Arthur Murray’s Tara Johnston and Thomas Coghlan as Co-Choreographers.
Arthur Murray Dance Studios is also a major sponsor of the production.
“We are thrilled to be part of this amazing production and hope it will lead a new ballroom revolution, like the film did all those years ago,” Coghlan said.
“There’s nothing like two people dancing together, and we are preparing this wonderful cast to waltz their way into your hearts,” Johnston said.
Costume Designer Anne Williams will create and co-ordinate the stunning costumes the show is famous for, with Sue Winston as Wardrobe Supervisor.
Strictly Ballroom will play the Arts Theatre from July 4-6 and 9-13 at 8 p.m. and July 6 and 13 at 2 p.m. It will then play Elizabeth’s Shedley Theatre from July 18-20 and 25-27 at 8 p.m. and July 20 and 27 at 2 p.m.
The $30 Cheap Nights will be Tuesday, July 9 at the Arts and Thursday, July 18 at the Shedley.
Admission is $45 Adults and $38 for Concessions, with Group Discount prices of $42 /$35 for 10 or more.
Bookings are available via mattbyrnemedia.com.au, 8262 4906, Ticketek or dramatix.com.au (agency booking fees apply.)
STRICTLY BALLROOM THE MUSICAL IS PRESENTED BY ARRANGEMENT WITH ORiGiN™ THEATRICAL, ON BEHALF OF GLOBAL CREATURES HOLDINGS PTY LTD
