Adding to the sense of occasion was a first night out together since a fur baby came into our lifes. Many adult beverages were consumed and the rowdy feeling off-stage was perfectly matched by all the action on-stage. The original play came out in the twenties and was based on two real-world court cases. The musical version came out in 1975.

The seventies in retrospect were a time for the expansion of many forms of popular culture and the representation of that era gives this musical its timelessness. The cheeky demeanour of its main participants provides enduring humour and the tightly choreographed nature of the dance moves suits the smallish set. The entire band is given full view at the back of the stage.

Most people know the story of Roxie Hart (Lucy Maunder) and Velma Kelly (Zoë Ventoura) from the film, which is fine but those who have forgotten how invigorating a live performance can be should check this one out. It’s also a feast for the ears with a red-hot live band playing accessible songs that feature more than a dash of attitude.

The musical also features Anthony Warlow as Billy Flynn, Peter Rowsthorn as Amos Hart and Asabi Goodman as Matron ‘Mama’ Morton.

Chicago
Now Playing until 4 February 2024
Lyric Theatre, QPAC, Brisbane
www.qpac.com.au

Brisbane’s own rising star of the choreographic world, Jack Lister, fuses dance and visual art to create a stunning mainstage performance, Still Life.

Inspired by the artworks of the 16th and 17th century Memento Mori movement, it serves as a touchstone of our own mortality, the beauty in decay and our relationship with time.

Still Life embraces the dichotomy of the permanence of visual artworks against the impermanent nature of dance, creating a world of poignant conflict – time passes but memories endure.

Melanie Lane is one of Australia’s strongest female choreographic voices, her works seamlessly blending elegance with edgy, physicality.

Stealing from ancient and current mythologies of the supernatural body, Alterum manifests newfound heroes in a parallel existence that is both urgent and obscure.

Lane will be joined by long-term musical collaborator, Clark, in this sexy and cool must-see production.

Queensland finally gets its chance to experience international superstar and dance revolutionary, Hofesh Shechter.

Presented in association with Hofesh Shechter Company, ADC unveils the Australian premiere of Cult  – the work that propelled Shechter into his globally-renowned career.

Instinctive and raw, it is a powerful illustration of his unique and acclaimed choreography and is the first time the London-based choreographer’s work has been performed in Queensland.

Three
Playhouse, QPAC, Brisbane
26 – 29 May 2021
www.qpac.com.au

An undisputed and timeless masterpiece, West Side Story features an unforgettable score and songs that have been adored for generations, including “Maria”, “Tonight”, “Somewhere”, “America” and “I Feel Pretty”. This iconic dance musical remains one of the most poignant stage works of the 20th century.

This vibrant stage production features Jerome Robbins’ dazzling original choreography, as fresh as it has ever been in this epic staging of one of the greatest love stories ever told.

Book today for this unmissable theatrical event.

“The lyrics and music still blaze a trail like shooting stars in the musical theatre night sky.” The Sydney Morning Herald

“Still as gloriously fresh, relevant and thrilling as ever.” Time Out, UK

West Side Story
Check back in soon for further dates and details
QPAC, Brisbane
www.qpac.com.au

The erudite Anna and Claire dwell together on the fringes of the Boston elite, but to keep themselves in the lifestyle to which they have become accustomed, Anna has been accepting expensive presents from a wealthy married man who’s become besotted by her. Claire, meanwhile, is aging disgracefully and is set on seducing a much younger woman, and wants not only Anna’s blessing but her help.

Boston Marriage is a quick-fire comedy riddled with the wicked wit of the Pulitzer Prize-winning writer behind Glengarry Glen Ross and Speed-the-Plow, David Mamet. With sarcasm and ribald banter it chips away at the pretensions and proprieties of high society and blows apart class distinction, while exploring the compromise needed to keep a marriage alive.

Boston Marriage is directed by Andrea Moor, who delighted audiences and critics alike and won a Matilda Award for 2013’s Venus in Fur.

Boston Marriage
24 January – 15 February
Playhouse, QPAC
www.qldtheatreco.com.au