‘Jerry’s Girls’, the latest production for The Production Company, may just be the show that sets the treasured Melbourne theatre company off in a new direction.
Traditionally The Production Company has given Melbourne the best of Broadway with major Australian actors performing at a great value ticket price for theatre-goers.
Over the years the company has developed Australian productions of classics like ‘Singing In The Rain’, ‘42nd Street’, ‘Showboat’, ‘Sweet Charity’ and, just recently, ‘West Side Story’.
‘Jerry’s Girls’ is the most contemporary production the company has ever done. Instead of it being a show, it is a show about a show, set right now in the two weeks leading in to a Production Company show.
The ‘Jerry’s Girls’ plot revolves around the 12 leading ladies who all play themselves in the show. Each scene is a different day of rehearsals leading up to the show about a show. ‘Jerry’s Girls’ may be based around the music of Jerry Herman but the plot is extremely Jerry Seinfeld. And that is the appeal.
A show about a show is likely to appeal to a whole new demographic. The Production Company is mindful of using its stage to help introduce kids to the theatre with special family prices. This show will appeal to teenagers and young adults who may choose to see it with their friends.
The ‘Hello Dolly’, where the cast improvise contemporary versions of the Jerry Herman/Louis Armstrong classic is hilarious, especially Christie Whelan-Browne’s Bjorked up take complete with “shhhhh’ sounds.
The Production Company ‘Jerry’s Girls’ features a line-up of theatre royalty with Nancye Hayes, Rhonda Birchmore, Silvie Paladino, Christie Whelan Browne joined by Virginia Gay, Claire Lyon, Kirby Burgess, Chelsea Gibb, Debora Krizak, Josie Lane, Natalie O’Donnell.
The show is completely based in Herman songs including I Am What I Am, Wherever He Ain’t, Mame, Before The Parade Passes By, Bosom Buddies, I Won’t Send Roses, Put on Your Sunday Clothes, Tap Your Troubles Away and Time Heals Everything.
The Production Company was launched in 1999 by Jeanne Pratt, who is the company Chairman, along with co-founders Ken Mackenzie-Forbes and Rachel Taylor, who together have built The Production Company into the jewel of Melbourne theatre.
The company gives regular work to Australia’s acting community and gives great value to the audience.
‘Jerry’s Girls’ is the third and final production from The Production Company this year. The 2016 season will be announced in March.
‘Jerry’s Girls’ will play for 17 performances until December 6, 2015 at Melbourne’s Playhouse in the Arts Centre.
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