Partnering with the new Brisbane theatre production company, Prospero Arts, the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) has announced that a classic musical will be headed to their Concert Hall stage for three days only, albeit in concert form. While not the musical that one would typically be associated with a concert version – which typically goes to the major very-music heavy productions like Les Miserables – QPAC will be hosting Singin’ in the Rain – In Concert from 11 to 13 November 2022 for four shows only.
The inaugural production from Prospero Arts, this all-new concert version of Singin’ in the Rain is being held to “[celebrate] the 70th anniversary of the much-loved classic film, made famous by the late great Gene Kelly”, with those attending to expect to experience “some of Australia’s finest tapping and dance talent, featuring stunning choreography and timeless songs adored by generations including Good Morning, Make ‘em Laugh, Gotta Dance and the classic Singin’ In The Rain“.
Confirmed cast members of Singin’ in the Rain – In Concert includes Bobby Fox (Jersey Boys, Riverdance, Hot Shoe Shuffle) as Don Lockwood, Angelique Cassimatis (A Chorus Line, Strictly Ballroom, Hair) as Kathy Selden and Mark Hill (West Side Story, Tap Pack, Muriel’s Wedding the Musical) as Cosmo Brown. Two out of the three lead cast members are Queensland-based actors, with the ensemble also promoted as “heavily [showcasing] local talent”. Other on-stage character roles will be confirmed at a later date.
Tickets to Singin’ in the Rain – In Concert will go on-sale this Thursday at 9.00am either via the QPAC website or by calling their QTIX box office team on 136 246. Tickets will range from $79.00 to $115.00, with increased prices indicating better vantage points of the stage. These prices are somewhat comparable to when Singin’ in the Rain was last performed in Brisbane back in 2017 ($75.95 – $140.95).
While I am not completely sold on the idea of an “In Concert” version of Singin’ in the Rain, yet, especially with many unique elements of the production focusing on stagecraft and dancing, I hope to be convinced come November, as Singin’ in a Rain is a classic musical for a reason – being inoffensive and offering a broad appeal to most musical theatre demographics.
Formed as a separate entity alongside BMD’s PowerArts, Prospero’s goal is to renew the landscape of professional musical theatre in Brisbane by garnering the best of Australia’s national talent-pool and presenting a sustainable annual program of elevated concert version musicals.
Having built BMD, Australia’s largest tier two construction contractor right here in Brisbane, along with arts investment organisation, PowerArts, we felt the time was right to establish a commercial production company that would provide opportunities for Brisbane’s local talent to work in their own backyard on exceptional musical productions of a national standard.
Prospero Arts builds on my family’s commitment to establishing entities and businesses which help make Brisbane a wonderful place to live, work and play. We essentially want to create a stepping stone for local artists so they can have greater access to high calibre short season work right here in Brisbane. ingin’ in the Rain – In Concert is a perfect fit as our first production. It is one of my all-time favourite musicals and it is a dream to bring it to QPAC.
We have assembled a stellar line-up of cast and creatives and we invite audiences to enjoy the uplifting story and timeless songs as we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the beloved film
Hayley Johnson – Managing Director of Prospero Arts, Co-Founder of PowerArts
As the state’s leading performing arts organisation, QPAC is committed to working with local arts companies to present and create quality new work and provide ongoing opportunities for the industry. The Power family through BMD and PowerArts has had a longstanding relationship with QPAC and their investment has supported many major productions in our city.
Musicals are a mainstay of QPAC and this is a wonderful opportunity for Brisbane to take a leading role in the development of musical theatre work made locally. We are delighted to welcome Prospero as Australia’s newest theatre producer and partner with them to present their first work in our Concert Hall.”
John Kotzas – Chief Executive Officer of Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC)
