An MTC NEXT STAGE Original
By Aidan Fennessy
Directed by Peter Houghton
From the revered playwright behind one of MTC’s most beloved recent hits, The Architect, comes this funny and uplifting celebration of music, friendship and community. A world premiere production, The Heartbreak Choir is a warm-hearted hug of a play that will make you want to sing out loud.
In the old CFA hall on the outskirts of town, a small group of locals come together to sing, and to connect. Aseni, Barbara, Mack, Savannah and Totty have splintered from their original choir on a matter of principle and are intent on forging their own path. With their latest recruit Peter along for the ride, they have a new name, a space to rehearse in and a public debut booked. All they need now is to right the wrongs of the past … and to find a song that pairs perfectly with the local winery’s Sangiovese.
Brought to the stage by The Architect director Peter Houghton, The Heartbreak Choir is a joyful, song-filled snapshot of a devastated community learning how to heal. Featuring Maude Davey (The Newsreader), Carita Farrer Spencer (Ladies in Black), Ratidzo Mambo (Escape from Pretoria), William McInnes (An Ideal Husband), Emily Milledge (The House of Bernarda Alba), Louise Siversen (Noises Off) and Julian Weeks (Savage River), this emotionally resonant MTC NEXT STAGE commission is the last work from playwright Aidan Fennessy – a fitting final act of togetherness.
Wheelchair access is via the front entrance on Southbank Boulevard. There are lifts to all levels. The foyer offer tables and chairs at wheelchair height, and a low bar service area.
GETTING TO THE VENUE
BY TRAM: For routes travelling up and down St Kilda Road (1, 3, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67 and 72) you can alight at the Arts Centre stop and walk to Southbank Theatre. Route 1 goes down Southbank Boulevard, and stops on Sturt Street just outside Melbourne Recital Centre (located next to the Southbank Theatres).
BY TRAIN: Southbank Theatre is within easy distance of Flinders Street Station. After exiting the station, walked south down St Kilda Road.
BY CAR: Wilson Parking has multiple paid options available: Roverside Quay, Southgate, Eureka or Flingers Gate car parks. Please note, these are paid carparks.
★★★★½ "A heart-warming work of comic brilliance." - The Age
★★★★ "A love song to the power of community by the late Aidan Fennessy." - ArtsHub
★★★★ "Electric … quietly gripping and hugely satisfying." – Time Out (on The Architect)
★★★★ " So disarming and funny and true." – The Age (on the Architect)
CAST: Maude Davey, Carita Farrer Spencer, Ratidzo Mambo, William McInnes, Emily Milledge, Louise Siversen, Julian Weeks
Unfortunately, tickets for this event are no longer available.
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