How to Catch a Star

Wednesday 12 June | 10:30am and 12pm | GPAC Main Theatre

Once there was a boy and the boy loved stars very much. 

Every night he watched the stars from his window and wished he had one of his own. 

One day, he decided he would try to catch a star… but first he had to think of a plan… 

Based on the book by international best-selling author Oliver Jeffers, How to Catch a Star is brand new ACO Families production which will take you on a journey from awe and wonder, through perseverance to triumph. 

In a stunning adaptation by Sandra Eldridge, Jeffers’ magical tale about reaching for dreams will be brought to life on stage through storytelling and exquisite new music by Elena Kats-Chernin performed by an ACO string quartet. This enchanting performance will leave audiences of all ages filled with hope and optimism. 

"The music was fabulous, the set was perfect, the script was terrific and the actor was marvellous. I couldn't speak more highly of the whole experience..." (ACO Audience Member) 

Bjorn Again! The Waterloo Anniversary Tour Celebrating 50 Years of ABBA's Triumph

Saturday 15 June 2024 | 8:00pm | GPAC Main Theatre

Get ready to celebrate the golden jubilee of ABBA's historic Eurovision Song Contest victory in 1974 with 'Waterloo' – a moment that changed music history forever and catapulted ABBA into the hearts and minds of music lovers across the globe!

Join Bjorn Again on their Waterloo Anniversary Tour in 2024, as they celebrate this iconic milestone, bringing the timeless magic of ABBA to fans all over the world.

Get ready to experience the ultimate ABBA tribute like never before. This electrifying tour will have you dancing in the aisles, singing your heart out, and reliving the magic of the one and only ABBA.

Australia’s own Bjorn Again is a globally recognised show and has performed in over 120 countries to critical acclaim. Endorsed by the original members of ABBA, they're hailed as the most successful tribute show of all time.

Prepare to be transported to the golden era of disco, where platforms were high, and the music was even higher. This is your chance to become a "Dancing Queen" or a "Super Trouper" for a night of pure nostalgia and non-stop fun.

Rolling Stone Magazine, USA hails them as "Fabulously flawless," and Time Out Magazine New York raves, "One of the most entertaining live shows in the world today." But this isn't just hype – it's the truth!

The stage will come alive with dazzling lights, iconic costumes, and an infectious energy that will have you grooving from the first beat. You won't just hear the music; you'll feel the spirit of ABBA in every note.

Sing along to timeless hits like “WATERLOO”, "Mamma Mia," "Take a Chance on Me," “Dancing Queen” and more! So dust off your disco attire, gather your friends, and get ready for a night you'll never forget. It's the perfect opportunity to celebrate 50 years since ABBA’s Eurovision Song Contest triumph and the beloved music of ABBA in the most spectacular way.

Don't miss out on Bjorn Again - The Waterloo Anniversary Tour when it comes to Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, Saturday 15 June.

Missy Higgins is unveiling ‘an anniversary tour with a difference’ to celebrate 20 years since her trailblazing debut, The Sound Of White.

Saturday 18 May | 7.30pm | GPAC Main Theatre 

The Second Act Tour will see Missy touring theatres nationally next autumn in a special two act show. The first set each evening will include some brand-new songs, plus a few fan favourites from early in her career, all played in stripped back, acoustic mode. After an intermission Missy will then return with her full band to perform The Sound Of White in its entirety plus some of her other hits.

The Sound Of White is one of the biggest and most influential albums in Australian music history. The intensely introspective collection of yearning songs yielded bona fide classics like “Scar”, “Ten Days” and “The Special Two”. It has sold a million copies and received 6 ARIA Awards. Over the last 20 years The Sound Of White has also inspired dozens of young Australian women – including major artists like Amy Shark, Gretta Ray, Gordi and Angie McMahon - to follow in Missy’s footsteps and sing their own songs in their own ways.

Don’t miss the special return of Missy Higgins.

IMPORTANT SHOW INFORMATION

Missy Higgins will be on stage at 7.30pm sharp!

There is no support/opening act

Please take your seat early to avoid disappointment.

Late comers will need to wait for admission during a break in the show.

SHOW TIMES:

External Doors: 6.30pm
Theatre Doors: 7.00pm
MISSY HIGGINS: 7.30pm
Approx finish: 10:00pm

An Evening with Vika & Linda

Friday 10 May | 8.00pm | GPAC Main Theatre 

Vika & Linda are the most loved vocal duo of their generation – admired and respected by fans and fellow artists, they’ve been singing together their entire lives. It all began in a church and from church to the charts Vika & Linda have enjoyed a remarkable musical journey. 

After three classic albums with the Black Sorrows, Vika & Linda have released seven studio albums, two live albums and a chart-topping anthology. They have sung on number one albums by Paul Kelly, Kasey Chambers and John Farnham, done gigs for the Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela and the King of Tonga, and been nominated for four ARIA Awards. 

Vika & Linda present a very special show, accompanied by their close collaborator and producer Cameron Bruce on grand piano, in a concert that will truly showcase the rich beauty of their voices together.

“Vika and Linda Bull have enchanted Australian music fans for the past three decades with their effervescent performance and effortless harmonies.” 

— Daily Telegraph 

Hope is an all-new concert by 3-time Grammy®-winning Soweto Gospel Choir - celebrating songs and anthems from the Freedom movement of Nelson Mandela’s South Africa, back to the Civil Rights Movement of Martin Luther King’s 1950's America. 

Tuesday 13 February 2024 | 7.30 pm | GPAC Main Theatre

Hope opens with a rousing program of South African freedom songs, before the repertoire echoes down through time to the USA, with beautiful renditions of the protest music of the Civil Rights Movement, including works by legendary artists James Brown, Sam Cooke, Stevie Wonder and the one-and-only Aretha Franklin. 

Formed to celebrate the unique and inspirational power of African Gospel music, Soweto Gospel Choir draws on the best talent from the many churches in and around Soweto. The choir is dedicated to sharing the joy of faith through music with audiences around the world and has received critical acclaim and audience adoration for their powerful renditions of African American spirituals, gospel and folk music. 

Hope is a concert that will sing forever in your hearts!

Following a sell out 2022 Australia tour - The World of Musicals in Concert returns to Australia in 2024 featuring an all new show!

Saturday 1 June 2024 | 7.30pm  | GPAC Main Theatre

It has graced stages across the globe and features a world-class ensemble of multi-talented artists who exquisitely perform classic hits, fused with emotive ballads, big-screen anthems and iconic show tunes. 

 

From the best of ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ and ‘Les Miserables’ to ‘Guys & Dolls’ and ‘South Pacific’ and many, many more, the World of Musicals delivers a stirring musical concert theatre experience that will leave you spellbound – from the opening song to the final medley of classics. 

 

‘ALL THE HIT SONGS IN ONE SHOW’ that is the quintessential takeaway from this musical concert gala. 

 

The World of the Musicals In Concert is a show that is tailored for the entire family, so get ready to be enthralled and sing along to all your to all your favourite and much-loved songs from the world of Musical Theatre in one unforgettable evening. Secure your seats today to a show inspired by many but unlike any other. 

The Whitlams is winding its way down the coast with the soundtrack to summer they started playing up and down the coast in the mid 90s.

Friday 12 January | 8pm | GPAC Main Theatre

Starting in Kingscliff on New Year’s Day and winding down to Wonthaggi two weeks later, the legendarily high-spirited live band will make one inland detour to play the Gippsland Performing Arts Centre in Traralgon. The band will be in top form after a sold out national capitals tour in October 2023.

The Whitlams four piece is joined by Scott Owen from The Living End to recreate the rollicking energy of its first three albums. Who better to rip through the double bass classics from ’93 to ’97 than the human powerhouse who has driven The Living End’s famous rhythm section.

The distinctive slapping catgut of the double bass propelled The Whitlams onto the airwaves

through the mid 90s, with their debut “Gough” in 1993, and crossover hit “I Make

Hamburgers” in 1995. Together they will perform the best of “Introducing The Whitlams”, “Undeniably The Whitlams” and “Eternal Nightcap”. After “No Aphrodisiac” which starts with double bass and switches to electric bass in the middle, Ian Peres will take over on bass and bring the night home with more recent  hits like “Blow Up the Pokies”

The Whitlams are Tim Freedman on piano and vocals, Jak Housden on guitar, Terepai Richmond on drums, and newest member, Ian Peres, on Hammond organ and electric bass.

A showcase of talent from around the Latrobe Valley and wider Gippsland area. A perfect opportunity for young and old alike to experience a wonderful night of entertainment!

Thursday 28 Sept | 7:30pm | GPAC Main Theatre

This family-friendly concert will have a musical theatre theme with our returning stars performing a mix of solos, small groups and ensembles. They will be accompanied in some ensembles by younger, up and coming, talented local performers who will also showcase their abilities alone. We will also be entertained by two local, highly talented dancers. 

Our performers are originally from the surrounding area, have gone through school, dance training, local eisteddfods and theatre companies, to then move on to study their chosen area of performance. They have had experience and success in both Australia and overseas but have never forgotten their roots in the Latrobe Valley and surrounds. 

Everyone involved in this concert hopes that all who attend will enjoy the wonderful talent and skills on offer and particularly that the children and young people who are present will look at those on stage and realise that the possibilities are enormous if they work hard, get experience and use their latent talent to the best possible degree. 

Artists involved:

• Alison Jones
• Nathan Lay
• Kerryn Lockhart
• Mary Mirtschin
• Ryan Marshall
• Brice Sedgwick
• Cecily de Gooyer
• Hollie Gibson
• Jayla Balcombe

Lior makes his Melbourne Chamber Orchestra debut with a new song cycle, celebrating musical traditions across centuries.  

Friday 24 November | 7.30pm | GPAC Main Theatre

For as long as there have been people, there has been song. Song is at the heart of rich musical traditions that bind people together, and attest to the spirit of time and place.   

 

Eliding ideas of East and West, high and low, past and present, the music of renowned singer-songwriter Lior embodies a unique sensibility that feels urgent and relevant.    

 

For the creation of a major new song cycle for the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra, Lior again pairs with regular collaborator Ade Vincent, an adventurous composer who works across classical, folk, electronic, pop, and the space between.  

 

Embracing Lior’s vision, Sophie Rowell has chosen iconic music by Grieg, da Falla, and Rebecca Clarke, echoing musical traditions across centuries.   

Repertoire Statement:

Edvard Grieg  

Holberg Suite  

Rebecca Clarke  

Passacaglia (arr viola & string orchestra)  

Manuel da Falla  

Seven Spanish Folk Songs  

Lior/Ade Vincent  

New song cycle*  

 

*MCO premiere commission

Artist Statement: (picture in order below)

Sophie Rowell 

DIRECTOR  

Merewyn Bramble 

VIOLA 

Lior 

VOICE

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra  

"Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek..." 

Friday 25 August -  Saturday 2 September | GPAC Main Theatre

Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, Shrek The Musical is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure, featuring all new songs from Jeanine Tesori (Thoroughly Modern Millie; Caroline, or Change) and a sidesplitting book by David Lindsay-Abaire. Shrek brings all the beloved characters you know from the film to life on stage and proves there's more to the story than meets the ears. 

"Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek..." And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you've got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there's one on hand... and his name is Shrek. 

Shrek presents a treasure trove of creative opportunities, including costumes, sets, puppets (there is a fire-breathing dragon after all) and more! Irreverently fun for the whole family, Shrek proves that beauty is truly in the eye of the ogre.