Stage Briefs

Arts Centre Melbourne Closes All Venues

An Announcement from Arts Centre Melbourne

Arts Centre Melbourne has announced the cancellation of all scheduled performances and events and temporary closure of its buildings to the public, commencing midnight on Sunday night (15 March, 2020).

Opera Australia Cancels Summer Season

Statement from Opera Australia: "In accordance with the federal government’s escalation of the coronavirus precautionary measures, effectively banning all static public gatherings of more than 500 people in an effort to limit the spread of the virus, Opera Australia is cancelling the remainder of its Sydney summer season.

A STATEMENT FROM RED LINE PRODUCTIONS (OLD FITZ) ARTISTIC DIRECTOR ANDREW HENRY

Theatre is my greatest love. It is the space that has most inspired me, challenged me, changed me and motivated me. Across the country, my greatest love is hurting badly. The COVID-19 pandemic is already wreaking havoc with closures, postponements and cancellations of so many events and theatre productions across Australia and around the world. My personal gripe about all of this isn’t worth even mentioning because this needs to run its course.

Cirque du Soleil Postpones KURIOS in Melbourne

MELBOURNE, 14 March, 2020 – Taking into consideration the World Health Organization (WHO) and yesterday’s Australian government recommendation for social distancing, as well as the escalation of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Cirque du Soleil must postpone performances of its show KURIOS scheduled to be presented under the Big Top at the Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, effective 14 March, 2020 until 15 April, 2020. 

"Let’s Talk About SEX" - STARC Season 2020

Season postponed!

For the first time, Adelaide’s STARC Productions has decided to theme its season of plays – and this time they are all about SEX! 

Premiering off-Broadway in 2010, the first play in STARC's 2020 season is Venus In Fur by award winning playwright David Ives, a hilarious and erotic comedy about sex and power that has wowed audiences around the world. 

Theatre in time of the Corona Virus

Broadway Theatres To Suspend Performances Through April 12, 2020

(New York, NY) – March 12, 2020 - Under the direction of Governor Andrew Cuomo, Broadway shows in New York City will suspend all performances immediately in support of the health and well-being of the theatregoing public, as well as those who work in the theatre industry. Performances will commence the week of April 13, 2020.

Spamalot at Riverside Theatres

Following its sold-out premiere season at Hayes Theatre Co in March 2019, Monty Python’s Spamalot is hitting the road on its first national tour. The acclaimed production will be presented at Riverside Theatres this March as the only Sydney stop on the tour!

Professional Premiere for The Wedding Singer

David Venn Enterprises (Bring It On The Musical) has announced the Australian professional premiere of the Broadway musical, The Wedding Singer.

Premiering at Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre from 19 June, tickets go on sale from 11:00am Thursday 5 March via weddingsingermusical.com.au

Adelaide Festival 2020 Reviews

Click on the links below to read Adelaide Festival 2020 reviews.

Two Crews

The Artist

Mouthpiece

The Sound of History

Cold Blood

The Doctor

Italy Closes Theatres

The performing arts industry is holding its breath at the continued spread of the coronavirus - with the actions of Italian authorities proving a chilling glimpse at what might happen in other countries.

Italy's famous opera house La Scala in Milan has been closed due to its proximity to the latest outbreak.

The following statement was released by the opera house: “The Teatro alla Scala’s performances are suspended in relation to the spread of the coronavirus as a precautionary measure pending the provisions of the competent authorities."