Daytime music a perennial favourite at Frankston
Published on 18 August 2022
Daytime Music and Theatre has been a favourite feature of the Frankston Arts Centre’s programming since the centre opened in 1995. It brings professional quality theatre to people who don’t want to venture out at night. Chris McKenna, Head of Promac Productions, who have two shows in this upcoming season says, “They do it better than anyone else in the country. Frankston was the only theatre to have Hugh Jackman in their daytime music program!”
Season Two starts August 19 with five very different shows. The first is World of Musicals an intimate cabaret piece with songs and storytelling featuring piano and two voices – internationally acclaimed Australian actors, Simon Gleeson and Natalie O’Donnell. They sing their way through a songbook of iconic musical favourites from classic Rodgers and Hammerstein to contemporary pop.
In September, Promac Production present Bach to Broadway, a musical brushstroke across the centuries from old world opera to modern day Broadway. The show is narrated by Chris McKenna who shares the stories behind the beloved music. This show stars international soprano, Alison Jones and tenor Roy Best accompanied by the wonderful William Schmidt on grand piano.
October offers Classic Big Band Swing with The B# Big Band. This one is sure to have you snapping your fingers and tapping your feet with the swinging sounds of the big band beat. Crooner Matthew Little will charm the audience as he sings his heart out with snazzy songs of the 30s, 40s and 50s.
Doris Day is coming your way in November channelled by acclaimed Melbourne jazz vocalist Tamara Kuldin who has won the hearts of audiences the world over with her sultry dulcet tones. Accompanied by an eight-piece jazz ensemble, Tamara will cast her musical spell singing songs of a mid-century icon in Dear Doris. Watch out!
Season Two wraps with a feel-good sing along, Promac Productions’ The Spirit of Christmas. Compere extraordinaire Chris McKenna will lead this heart-warming welcome to the festive season. Opera Australia baritone and Frankston local, Roger Lemke and award-winning soprano, Michelle Fitzmaurice will be accompanied by William Schmidt on grand piano. Come along to sing classic carols and Christmas songs celebrating the holiday season.
Big hat tip to Ryman Health for sponsoring the wonderful Daytime Music and Theatre Program, an institution within the Frankston Arts Centre’s repertoire.
ANDREA LOUISE THOMAS