Festive Season

As we head into the festive season, your summer of entertainment starts here.

Southbank is situated in the heart of Melbourne’s cultural precinct and this year’s festive season presents some superb entertainment.  As many of us have friends and family visit or come to stay with us, why not show them a good time?

I am going to spill out some great things you will not want to miss this summer. Whatever shows you choose to enjoy, you’ll experience some of the best music, opera and theatre as well as some great entertainment for the kids and the family.

Music lovers will appreciate the legendary Stevie Nicks performing her “In your Dreams Tour” at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl and supported by Dave Stewart (Eurythmics) on November 19.

The Australian Pops Orchestra presents 2011 New Years Eve Concerts. The 72-piece orchestra accompanied by some of Australia’s most popular performers will showcase Andrew Lloyd Webber, West Side Story, Bernstein, Abba, Neil Diamond, Strauss, Puccini and a touch of jazz on December 30 and 31 at the State Theatre.

Two musicals add some zest to the summer program. Grey Gardens – the story of Edith Bouvier Beale and her daughter Edie – the eccentric aunt and cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis who became East Hampton’s most notorious recluses – is at the Playhouse from November 24 until December 4.

Songs for Nobodies was written by Melbourne playwright Joanna Murray-Smith. After a sell-out season earlier this year, it returns and looks at the lives of ordinary women. And, with songs from some well known divas such as Judy Garland, Patsy Cline, Billie Holiday and Edith Piaf, it plays from December 21 until January 15, 2012.

If you like spectacle, big emotions and beautiful music, Opera Australia guarantees to move you with three recognisable operas.

Don Giovanni, Mozart’s tale of lust and retribution about a shameless womaniser stars Teddy Tahu Rhodes and boasts a strong ensemble cast. Deccember 2 to 17, State Theatre.

Verdi’s La Traviata, the tragic love story where the beautiful courtesan Violetta, who never thought she would fall in love, then meets Alfredo. November 16 to December 17, State Theatre.

Carlisle Floyd’s Of Mice and Men, directed by film maker Bruce Beresford, is an adaptation of Steinbeck’s classic story of migrant farmhands George and Lennie, who dream of buying a farm and making a life. November 26 until December 10, State Theatre.

Melbourne Theatre Company presents Return to Earth, a quirky, melancholic comedy about returning home and discovering a foreign country, written by popular local playwright Lally Katz. November 4 to December 17, Fairfax studio.

Family-friendly events include the annual Carols by Candlelight – on December 24 at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. All proceeds go to Vision Australia’s services for children who are blind or have low vision.

And Charlie and Lola will excite the kids with their stage show about everyone’s favourite brother and sister, with a mix of puppets, live action and music. From December 20 at the Arts Centre.

The Arts Centre Sunday Market has more than 80 of Victoria’s finest artisans selling their delectable goodies along St Kilda Road and the Arts Centre lawn. It is open every Sunday 10am- 4pm.

While you are there, check out the Reg Livermore exhibition which celebrates the career of the Australian theatre legend, featuring some wild stage costumes and material from his personal archive. Free in the Gallery.

Finally, don’t forget the Arts Centre Guided Tours – backstage and front of house, where you discover everything about the Australia’s largest performing arts centre. Check online for details and tickets can be purchased at the Information desk located in the entrance foyer of the theatres building. www.theartscentre.com.au

Have a safe and happy Christmas.

Kevin McGreal is a Southbank resident and playwright and director.