Darlinghurst Theatre Company set to celebrate Mardi Gras with Tony-Award musical Falsettos

Darlinghurst Theatre Company and director Stephen Colyer have been doing a bang-up job of marrying the company with Sydney’s annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Following 2012’s Paris Letter and last year’s Torch Song Trilogy, in 2014 they will present Falsettos.

A Tony Award-winning musical drama by William Finn (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) and James Lapine (Into the Woods), it’s a quirky yet tender tale about a family, growing up and what it means to be a man.

Stephen Anderson, Katrina Retallick, Anthony Garcia, Tamlyn Henderson and Ben Hall. Photo by Helen White.
Stephen Anderson, Katrina Retallick, Anthony Garcia, Tamlyn Henderson and Ben Hall. Photo by Helen White.

Marvin has left his wife and son for a male lover. Meanwhile, Trina ends up with the family psychiatrist. Amongst this there’s a Bar Mitzvah to organise. Funny lyrics accompany a live piano score in this touching musical about a true modern family.

It’s an impressive cast: Tamlyn Henderson (We Will Rock You, Les Misérables), Katrina Retallick (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), Stephen Anderson (Swan Lake), Ben Hall (Les Misérables), Margi de Ferranti (Carrie), Elise McCann (South Pacific), Anthony Garcia (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) and Isaac Shaw.

“Each of [these performers] have been firmly established as a versatile, dynamic star of the Australian stage capable of the unique blend of pathos and comedy that Falsettos demands,” said director Stephen Colyer.

“Modern Families like the one depicted in Falsettos are more relevant and prevalent than ever. What’s more, the family tensions are universally identifiable.

“Falsettos reminds audiences that enduring love between gay couples is no less special than heterosexual love and deserves to be celebrated, which is what William Finn has achieved with this funny and poignant musical.”

The show begins performances from 7 February at the Eternity Playhouse, the new home of the Darlinghurst Theatre Company. Visit  www.darlinghursttheatre.com for tickets and more information.

Cassie Tongue

Cassie is a theatre critic and arts writer in Sydney, and was the deputy editor of AussieTheatre. She has written for The Guardian, Time Out Sydney, Daily Review, and BroadwayWorld Australia. She is a voter for the Sydney Theatre Awards.

Cassie Tongue

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