‘The Whale’ to make Victorian premiere in St Kilda
Samuel D. Hunter’s critically acclaimed drama ‘The Whale’ makes its highly anticipated Victorian premiere at the Alex Theatre this June.
‘The Whale’ features a talented cast, led by Adam Lyon (‘King Kong’, ‘Moulin Rouge! The Musical’) as Charlie and supported by Melanie Gleeson (‘When the Rain Stops Falling’) as Liz, Sebastian Li (SBS’ ‘New Gold Mountain’) as Elder Thomas, Tanya Schneider (ABC’s ‘Harrow’) as Mary and Skye Fellman in her professional debut as Elle.
‘The Whale’ tells the story of a man’s last chance at redemption, and of finding beauty in the most unexpected places. It has achieved significant international acclaim including winning the Lucille Lortel Award for Best Play, the Sky Cooper New American Play Prize and its cinematic adaptation garnered two Oscars amongst its overwhelming volume of nominations.
Melbourne Shakespeare Company’s Artistic Director, Jennifer Sarah Dean, returns to direct the production following a three-year hiatus while working on the National Tour of ‘Moulin Rouge! The Musical’ and most recently on ‘The Almighty Sometimes’ for Melbourne Theatre Company.
“As soon as I read this play I knew it was a story I wanted to share. I couldn’t believe that it had
never been produced in Victoria before!” Dean explained.
“Many people will remember the Oscar-winning movie based on this play, it’s such an impactful, heartfelt and fiercely funny piece. I think audiences will be really moved when they experience it live, especially in the intimate setting of The Alex Theatre Studio with such an incredible team of actors.”
Multiple Green Room Nominee Harry Gill (‘Parade’, ‘Songs for A New World’) will join the company for the first time as Set Designer, with Catherine Elliott (‘Hex’) designing costumes. Kris Chainey (‘Big House Dreaming’) returns to the company as Lighting Designer with Composer and Sound Designer Jack Burmeister (‘Bright Light Burning’) completing the creative lineup.
Since their inception in 2016, Melbourne Shakespeare Company has captivated the hearts of audiences across Melbourne and established itself as one of Australia’s most exciting and innovative independent theatre companies. Following their critically acclaimed seasons of ‘Julius Caesar’ (2023) and ‘King Lear’ (2021) which both sold out prior to opening, ‘The Whale’ will be MSC Studio’s inaugural presentation of a work by a writer other than Shakespeare. This production marks an exciting beginning of their inclusion of new works that complement Shakespeare’s complexity.
‘The Whale’ performs from 28 June – 14 July 2024, and tickets are on sale now.
For more information and to book tickets, visit Melbourne Shakespeare Company’s website.
