HAIRSPRAY
Matt Byrne Media

Hairspray is a Musical by Marc Shaiman, Lyrics by Scott Wittman and Shaiman and Book by Mark O'Donnell & Thomas Meehan, based on the 1988 John Waters film Hairspray. 

Directed By: Director Matt Byrne
Musical Director Rodney Hrvatin
Choreographer Sue Pole 

Hairspray is an award-winning musical based on the 1988 John Waters film Hairspray. The songs include 1960s-style dance music and "downtown" rhythm and blues. In 1962 Baltimore, Maryland, plump teenager Tracy Turnblad's dream is to dance on The Corny Collins Show, a local TV dance program based on the real-life Buddy Deane Show. When Tracy wins a role on the show, she becomes a celebrity overnight. She then launches a campaign to racially integrate the show. Hairspray is a social commentary on the injustices of parts of American society in the 1960s. If you want to know the style of our production then catch the ORIGINAL movie. It ain't hi-tech, it's hair-tech :-) This production will owe a lot more to the original Broadway show than the recent Australian production. We need the right people and we will find them. Be hair or be square!

Roles Available:
David Gauci will play the role of Tracy's mother Edna Turnblad. 

All other roles are available. 

African American roles will be played by people of multicultural background. 

Tracy: A "pleasantly plump" teenager, who dreams of fame and fights to racially integrate The Corny Collins Show. 

Amber Von Tussle: Bratty, selfish resident princess of The Corny Collins Show, despite her lack of talent. She is willing to do anything to win the Miss Teenage Hairspray pageant. 

Velma Von Tussle: Amber's scheming mother and producer of The Corny Collins Show, who pushes her daughter to seek the stardom that she never had. 

Penny Pingleton: Tracy's slightly dorky, devoted and perky best friend. 

Link Larkin: A teenage heartthrob and one of The Corny Collins Show Council Members, who falls in love with Tracy. 

Motormouth Maybelle: The African American owner of a downtown record shop and the host of "Negro Day" on The Corny Collins Show, self-described as "big, blonde and beautiful". (She wears a blonde wig.) 

Seaweed J. Stubbs: A hip African American "Negro Day" dancer and the son of Motormouth Maybelle who falls in love with Penny. 

Wilbur Turnblad: Tracy’s goofy father, who owns the Har-De-Har Hut joke shop and is still madly in love with his wife, Edna. He encourages Tracy to follow her dreams. 

Corny Collins The eccentric and cocky host of The Corny Collins Show. All teeth and self absorption but knows the show needs to widen its audience. 

Little Inez. Fourteen. Seaweed's younger sister, who tries to audition for The Corny Collins Show but is turned away because she is black. 

Other Corny Collins Performers: 

Brad Webster: Seventeen. Brad Webster. Always trying to steal Amber's spotlight. 

Tammy Smith. Female. Seventeen. Shy. Sometimes slightly intimidated by Amber's actions 

Fender. Seventeen. Dates as many girls as possible whenever he feels threatened by any one girl. 

Brenda Female. Seventeen. Nothing classy about it: she's just a dirty, yet very tactful and clever "slut." 

Sketch. Male. Seventeen. Lives with his grandma and little sister. He's obviously poor, but doesn't let on. Suffers from a mild case of OCD. 

Shelley. Female. Seventeen. Queen B of Patterson Park High School, opposite of Amber, as an opposing force. Arch-nemesis of Amber Von Tussle, and the Von Tussle family 

IQ Male. Seventeen. A real Brainbox and looks it too! 

Lou Anne Female. Seventeen. Comes from a nice, Stepford-esque family. A major bitch, who is extremely fickle. 

Plus we need at least eight people of mutlicultural background to play the African American kids who are the stars of Negro Day. 

Female Character Parts: 

The hard nosed Matron guarding The Big Dollhouse 

The bossy Gym Teacher 

Prudy Pingleton, Penny's overprotective and often close-minded mother. 

Male Character Parts 

Mr. Pinky, owner of Mr. Pinky's Hefty Hideaway who gives Tracy and Edna a makeover 

Principal of Patterson Park High School 

Mr. Harriman F. Spritzer, the President of Ultra Clutch Hairspray 

Young Female Ensemble - versatile performers with great singing and dancing skills 

Young Male Ensemble - versatile performers with great singing and dancing skills 

Mature Female Ensemble - must have strong voice and acting skills with good movement 

Mature Male Ensemble - must have strong voice and acting skills with good movement

Rehearsals:
Rehearsals on Tuesday & Thursdays from 7.30 to 10.30 p.m. & Sundays from 10 a.m.to 1 p.m. Rehearsals begin Tuesday, March 27. 

Performances:
Arts Theatre Season: Preview July 4 at 8 p.m. July 5-7 & 10-14 at 8 p.m. & July 7 & 14 at 2 p.m.
Shedley Season: July 19-21 & 26-28 at 8 p.m. & July 21 & 28 at 2 p.m. 

Information Night:
Sunday, February 5 at Holden Street Theatres at 6 p.m. Appointments offered at brief interview after Information Session. So please attend Info Night if you are serious about getting into the show.

Auditions:
Saturday & Sunday, February 11 & 12
Group Audition, Saturday, February 11 from 9 a.m. to 12 Noon.
Individual Appointments from 12.30 p.m. Saturday, February 11.
Arts Theatre 53 Angas Street, City. 

More Information:
Contact Matt Byrne on 041 933 5966 or email mbm@adelaide.on.net. 

Constabulary to cop it sweet in Matt Byrne’s Fringe World Premiere

The Force will cop it sweet in Matt Byrne’s World Premiere of P.I.G.S. – People of Integrity & Guts for the 2012 Adelaide Fringe.

Adelaide theatre identity Matt Byrne’s latest Fringe comedy goes undercover at Prospect Hump, Australia’s least violent but most entertaining police station, at Maxim’s Wine Bar, Norwood, from February 21 to March 18 at 8 p.m.

See Sgt. Barry Bottler, Senior Constable Craig Magnum, Constable Julie Bitumen and mature age rookie Nigel Crapper stand their ground as the Gang of Four To Nine run riot in the Hump!

To make matters worse the new Police Minister Simon Spin sends in Inspector Watter McKnob from English Yard to show the Prospect Hump coppers how to police their community.

Director/writer Matt Byrne said P.I.G.S. would provide comic relief for any police attending the scene of the show, and plenty of laughs for the public too!

“The four actors - Njal Venning, Kim York, Brendan Cooney and myself - not only play the coppers but everyone else who comes into the place,” Byrne said.

“We also play drunks, punks, hookers, flashers, Neighbourhood Watchers, derros, dangerous drivers and watch our for The Gang Of Four To Nine!

“We sing, we dance, we expiate and random test the audience we’re out to revenue raise the roof!”

“I’ve written shows about airline staff (Virgins), footy fans (Barrackers), footy wives (WAGS), doctors (Pricks) and teachers (Chalkies), and now it’s time for the police to enjoy some comic relief!”

Byrne has written, directed and produced the show, with Rodney Hrvatin as Muscial Director and Rose Vallen as Choreographer.

Matt Byrne Media presents P.I.G.S. – People of Integrity & Guts at Maxim’s Wine Bar at 194a The Parade, (upstairs opposite the Norwood Town Hall) from Feb 21-24 & 26, Feb 29-March 2 & 4, March 7-9 & 11 and 14-16 & 18 at 8 p.m

All Tix are $25.00 with a $15 Preview on Tuesday, February 21 at 8 p.m. & Scabby Sundays for just $20.00. There are no Saturday shows.

Book at FringeTix on 1300 374 643 or go to www.mattbyrnemedia.com.au for further details.

MBM presents classic ABC-TV sitcom on stage at Hindmarsh

Matt Byrne Media is gearing up to present Australia’s greatest TV sitcom, live on stage at the Holden Street Theatres this October.

Geoffrey Atherden’s long running ABC-TV sitcom turned the mischievous Maggie Beare and her long-suffering son Arthur into national treasures.

It won Gold and Sliver Logies for stars Ruth Cracknell and Garry McDonald and a viewing audience of millions for the show as they watched Maggie’s early stages of Alzheimer’s drive Arthur to distraction.

It even won the Australian Human Rights Commission Television Drama Award, for its even-tempered treatment of such a touchy and topical subject.

Adelaide stage legend Isabella Norton will play maddening Maggie and popular leading man Kim Clark will play the hapless Arthur in the SA Premiere season at Holden Street Theatres from October 5 to 8, 12 to 15 and 19 to 22 at 8 p.m.

Producer/director Matt Byrne said Mother And Son had been “ compulsive viewing” for Australian audiences for years.

“Having the chance to present it live with such talent as Isabella and Kim playing the leads is the perfect way to introduce the stage version to Adelaide fans,” Byrne says.

“Geoffrey Atherden’s script and characters are written with heart and great humour and they are people we can all identify with as Australia’s Baby Boomers approach an ageing future.

“Maggie is every dutiful son’s nightmare as she manipulates his life while slowly losing her marbles. Pushing his buttons is her cup of tea; she just can’t find the teapot.

The show will also feature Byrne as Arthur’s dastardly dentist brother Robbie, and Kim York as Robbie’s frustrated wife Liz, in the roles made famous by Henri Szeps and Judy Morris.

Laura Villani will play Maggie’s Greek neighbour Toula, Njal Venning will play her equally smothered son Costa, while John Sabine plays Maggie’s gentleman caller Lionel, and Reg Hamlyn and Bianca Levai play visiting police.

Mother & Son will run at The Studio at Holden Street Theatres at 34 Holden Street, Hindmarsh, from October 5-8, 12-15 and 19-22 at 8 p.m. with matinees on October 15 & 22 at 2 p.m.

Admission is Adults $25 and Concession $20.00 with Group Discounts for Groups of 10 or more. Bookings are available on 8262 4906, VenueTix on 8225 8888 online at www.dramatix.com.au. Go to www.mattbyrnemedia.com.au for further details.

"Mad, bad and brilliantly naughty, these puppets outshine Sesame Street - yet another triumph for Director/Producer Matt Byrne and this great team of performers!" - S. Mail.

"Lots of outrageous fun!" - The Advertiser!

"Unambiguously a grand success!" Adelaide Theatre Guide!

"The puppets are the true stars, richly rendered with detail and superbly handled by the cast!" db Magazine!

"David Salter (Princeton) and Amy Hutchinson (Kate Monster) are sensational!" - Theatre People

"If you want a great night out, with a loads of laughs and some great songs, then this is production for you. There's no better way to shake off the winter blues than a walk down Avenue Q!" - Glamadelaide.

Matt Byrne Media is ready to unleash the riotously funny puppet musical comedy Avenue Q in Adelaide and Elizabeth this July!

The politically incorrect Broadway smash hit, which features outrageous numbers like The Internet Is For Porn, If You Were Gay and Everyone’s A Little Bit Racist, rocked Her Majestys last year and swept the 2010 Helpmann Awards. It also beat Wicked for the 2004 Tony Award for Best Musical!

Adelaide producer Matt Byrne has put his hand up to present Robert Lopez, Jeff Marx and Jeff Whitty’s brilliant musical at the Arts Theatre from July 6 to 16 and Elizabeth’s Shedley Theatre from July 21 to 30.

“Avenue Q is one of the funniest, cleverest evenings you will ever spend at the theatre,” Byrne said. “The music is great, the script is hilarious but it’s not for kiddies! “We all grew up with SesameStreet. Well imagine the puppets finally grew up ... they would now live, work and try to love and cope with life, in Avenue Q.

“You’ll meet graduate nerd Princeton, single teacher Kate Monster, warring roommates Nicky and Rod, exotic entertainer Lucy T. Slut, internet junkie Trekkie Monster, and their human neighbours, Christmas Eve and Brian, and even former TV child star Gary Coleman!” And watch out for the Bad Idea Bears!

Byrne said the puppets were made in Adelaide and were proving very popular with the cast.

“A very talented Adelaide lady called Sue Dosset, has done a fantastic job making them and we hope audiences love them as much as we do,” he said. “And Adelaide puppetry legend Sue Harris helped us with basic puppetry skills, it’s been a long but fun journey getting to July.”

Byrne will direct the show with Peter Johns as Musical Director and Rebecca Payne as Choreographer.

The show will star David Salter as Princeton, Amy Hutchinson as Kate Monster, Michael Williams as Nicky, Dirk Strachan as Rod, Tegan Gully as Lucy, Rohan Watts as Brian, Megan Humphries as Christmas Eve, Alisa James as Gary Coleman, and Kim Clark as Trekkie Monster! Michael Bates and Amy Klar play the Bad Idea Bears.

Written By: Music & Lyrics: Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx Book: Jeff
Whitty Director: Matt Byrne Musical Director: Peter Johns
Choreographer: Rebecca Payne Approx.
Running Time: 120 minutes
Suitable for ages: Leave the kiddies at home!
Performance Dates: Preview: July 6 at 8 p.m.
Opening Night: July 7 at 8 p.m.
Arts Theatre July 8-9 & July 12-16 at 8 p.m. July 9 & 16 at 2 p.m.
Shedley Theatre July 21-23 & 28-30 at 8 p.m. July 23 & 30 at 2 p.m.
Venue: Arts Theatre, Angas Street, City July 6-9 and 12-16 Shedley Theatre, Elizabeth 21-23 & 28-30

Bookings: Ring 8262 4906 or email mbm@adelaide.on.net or BASS or VenueTix. $30 Adults & $25 Concession. Group Price for 10 or more: $28 & $22.

Johnny Mac joins Irish Albert & Matt Byrne at the Scott Theatre

Adelaide music legend Johnny Mac will headline the Lest We Forget 3 Anzac Day Concerts at the Scott Theatre on Monday, April 25 at 2 p.m. and 6.30 p.m.

It will be a real trip down memory lane for Mac, who toured Vietnam to entertain the troops back in the late 60s.

“It’ll be fantastic performing for the Diggers and their families, Anzac Day is so important to so many people,” Mac said. “It seems like another lifetime now, but when we went over there we hopefully took a little bit of home with us. Now I want to share some songs and fun with the Veterans and their families on their big day.”

Adelaide Theatre identity Matt Byrne and cabaret star Irish Albert have again joined forces to present the two Anzac Day concerts, to honour and celebrate the memory of Australians in the theatre of war.

“The Lest We Forget concerts have become part of Anzac Day celebrations in Adelaide now, and Albert and I are delighted to someone like Johnny Mac on board,” Byrne said.

“Johnny is an Adelaide entertainment icon who put his life on the line to tour Vietnam and we are honoured to have him on the bill. He will join Adelaide’s Piano Lady Sandi McMenamin, the gorgeous Vocal Vixens, harpist Siobhan Owen and the cast of Avenue Q in the variety show,” Byrne said. “We’ll even have amazing belly dancer Shamira!”

Producer Matt Byrne said the Lest We Forget concerts would cover the music and the memories, from WWII to Vietnam.

“Anzac Day is the real national day of this country, the Dawn Service and the March remind us of the ultimate sacrifice many Australians made,” Byrne said.

“So we believe it’s important once the official part of the day is over to provide some good old-fashioned variety entertainment. We’ll have pipe bands, dancers, and singalongs featuring the songs that we forged in people’s hearts during WWII.

“The second half however will move forward to the Vietnam War and pay tribute to the troops and the entertainers who went over to support them. They fought an unwanted war, now we want to celebrate their memory and sacrifice, and provide appreciation they never received when they first came home.”

Co-Producer Irish Albert is a stalwart of previous Anzac Day concerts.

“It’s a very special day for the armed services, their families and the nation,” he said. “We celebrate their sacrifice, their patriotism and the freedom that is their gift to all of us.”

Part proceeds from the concerts will go to the Returned Services League, Legacy and the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia.

Lest We Forget will run at the Scott Theatre in Kintore Avenue, City, on Monday, April 25 at 2 p.m. and 6.30 p.m. Admission is $20, with Group Discounts for 10 or more.

You can book on 8262 4906, BASS on 131 246 or VenueTix on 8225 8888. Go to www.mattbyrnemedia.com.au for further details.

2011 Fringe hit returns to see who will win the 2011 Downlow Medal

Matt Byrne’s Blue Carpet comedy WAGS – Wives & Girlfriends will be wowing crowds at the Quality Hotel Old Adelaide for a return dinner/show on Friday, April 29.

The fabulous Fringe hit had critics and audience rollng the aisles:

Advertiser: "Gales of outrageous laughter! One for the punters!"
Sunday Mail: "The applause matched the footy fever finals, as Bruce McAvaney would say, “Its Spec-IAL!”
Adelaide Theatre Guide: "Matt Byrne leaves no stone unhurled in his send-up of the AFL's most sacred night ... fantastic."
 
It’s all about who will win the 2011 Downlow Medal for Breast & Fairest at Melbourne’s Clown Casino!

Adelaide theatre identity Matt Byrne’s show follows the action on the Electric Blue Carpet as Milly, Bunty, Cheryl and Reggie go heel-to-toe to see who will win footy’s newest honour.

Byrne said WAGS was a riotous evening of “over-the-shoulder-Fevola-holder humour with more class than the actual schemozzle.”

“We had a brilliant time at the Fringe and we’r e really looking forward to the dinner/show format the the Quality Hotel Old Adelaide. “It’s a great venue, the girls are gorgeous and the food is delicious too!”

Matt Byrne Media presents WAGS - Wives & Girlfriends at the Quality Hotel Old Adelaide on Friday, April 29 with dinner a6 p.m. and show at 8 p.m.

Book on 8262 4906 or 8267 5066. Go to www.mattbyrnemedia.com.au for further details.

 

Here is our fabulous Cast:

Brian - Rohan Watts
Princeton - David Salter
Kate Monster - Amy Hutchinson
Nicky - Michael Williams
Rod - Dirk Strachan
Lucy T. Slut - Tegan Gully
Trekkie Monster - Kim Clark
Gary Coleman - Alisa James
Christmas Eve - Megan Humphries
Bad Idea Bear - Michael Bates
Bad Idea Bearette - Amy Klar
Mrs. Thistletwat - Karen Muller

Sluttettes:
Britney - Sophie Hamilton
Whitney - Michelle Brow
Pitney - Kate Dempsey
Newcomer - Sam Davy
Excellent Ensemble - Emma Hamilton, Trevor Anderson, Ian Buxton & Stephen Tulip.

Avenue Q will run July 6 to 16 at the Arts Theatre & 21-30 at Elizabeth's Shedley Theatre.

Book NOW on 8262 4906.

WAGS WOW CROWDS AT MAXIM'S!

Sunday Mail Four Stars **** "WAGS – Wives & Girlfriends

"The girls, gags and goals are fast moving, as four competent actresses sink their boots into the Brownlow Medal footy count while singing, dancing and kicking arse to depict the lives of wives and girlfriends strutting and slutting the end-of-season red carpet!"

As they sing, dance and even take the male roles of footballers and commentators, Paula, Tegan, Eloise and Ali are a well coached team. Ali Crew the charming SAFM Breakfast presenter is Reggie, hardened bitch. Teagan Gully as Bunty is an airless bimbo in one role and becomes Fevola in a flick of a switch. They are all versatile.

It’s safe tipping that these hot girls who use cleavage as leverage will be taking the show on the road as a big buck fund raiser for sporting clubs and it will book out fast!

The applause matched the footy fever finals, as Bruce McAvaney would say, “Its Spec-IAL!”

Rip It Up:

"Written and directed by Matt Byrne, WAGS is chock-full of laughs, punch-lines and commentary on football’s night of nights – the ‘Downlow’ Medal – seen through the eyes of the players’ wives and girlfriends as they get suitably tanked waiting for the interminable medal count to end.

Cannily pieced together by meaningful musical snippets, the high points are the beautifully sung four original musical pieces that bookend each half of the show."

Adelaide Theatre Guide:

"Matt Byrne leaves no stone unhurled in his send-up of the AFL's most sacred night ... the first quarter is fantastic."

Set in the Clown Casino on Brownlow night, the action covers the antics of players, TV interviewers, network heavyweights, footy show panellists, a group of 16 year old wanna-be trophy hunters and, of course, the Wags themselves, all played with gusto by Paula Cooney, Eloise Scherber, Tegan Gully and Ali Crew.

There's some fabulous character work by each of them and the harmony vocals are excellent. The girls all kick plenty of goals but Best on Ground must go to Ali Crew."

TASA Encore Magazine:

"The stand out number was based on Moving on Up which they really belted out. All the girls played their various parts with great flair and enthusiasm."

2011 Downlow Medal up for grabs at the Clown Casino this Fringe

Who will win the 2011 Downlow Medal for Breast & Fairest at Melbourne’s Clown Casino?

Adelaide theatre identity Matt Byrne’s 2011 Fringe show will reveal all the action on the Electric Blue Carpet as Milly, Bunty, Cheryl and Reggie go heel-to-toe to see who will win footy’s newest honour.

Four willing women, one regrettable evening, one hot medal. Matt Byrne is back with another of his fabulous four-person comedies in the tradition of Barrackers, Virgins, Pricks and Chalkies. And this time the Brownlow Medal is in his sights!

“When Rebecca Twigley and her taped red gown took the spotlight off her boyfriend Chris Judd who actually won the Brownlow back in 2004, footy’s biggest night would never be the same again,” Byrne said.

WAGS is a four-woman comedy with plenty of Twigley wiggle and adult humour as they meddle with the Brownlow to win the Downlow! The actresses play every person you're likely to meet at the Clown Casino but they don't change costume, just character.

“The four actors - Paula Cooney, Tegan Gully, Eloise Scherer and Ali Crew - don’t just play Milly, Bunty, Cheryl and Reggie,” he said.

“They play every position on and off the carpet, from Blue Carpet interviewers, teen queens keen to snatch a player, special commentators, and the players themselves - it’s riotous stuff and we hope there’ll be plenty of real WAGS come along for a laugh!

Byrne said WAGS was a riotous evening of “over-the-shoulder-Fevola-holder humour with more class than the actual schemozzle.”

“It’s time to acknowledge the Downlow has overtaken the Brownlow as footy’s most hyped award and these ladies will take no prisoners at the Clown Casino’s night of fights,” he said.

“There seems to be more fuss made of the arrival than the count itself these days, as the Wives And Girlfriends get their chance to hog the camera from the players.

“WAGS have brought much-needed glamour to the night which has become so much more than a chance to recognise the AFL’s best and fairest award winner.”

Byrne said WAGS were now part of widening footy media world.

“From Rebecca Twigley to Lucy Cornes and Alex Fevola, there are new personalities in football now and I guess it’s time to embrace them,”

“Milly, Bunty, Reggie and Cheryl are typical of the women who have no idea what they are signing up for when they hook up with a footballer.

“They have to share their man with the club, the fans, the media, other aspiring women and they get one night a year to show the world how lucky their men are.”

Matt Byrne Media presents WAGS - Wives & Girlfriends at Maxim’s Wine Bar at 194a The Parade, upstairs opposite the Norwood Town Hall, from Feb 16-18 & 20, 23 to 25 & 27, March 2 to 4 & 6 and 9 to 11 & 13 at 8 p.m. All Tix are $25.00.

There is a $15 Preview on Tuesday, February 15 at 8 p.m.

Book at FringeTix on 1300 374 643 or go to www.mattbyrnemedia.com.au for further details.

Here is our fabulous Cast:

Brian - Rohan Watts
Princeton - David Salter
Kate Monster - Amy Hutchinson
Nicky - Michael Williams
Rod - Dirk Strachan
Lucy T. Slut - Tegan Gully
Trekkie Monster - Kim Clark
Gary Coleman - Alisa James
Christmas Eve - Megan Humphries
Bad Idea Bear - Michael Bates
Bad Idea Bearette - Amy Klar
Mrs. Thistletwat - Karen Muller

Sluttettes:
Britney - Sophie Hamilton
Whitney - Michelle Brow
Pitney - Kate Dempsey
Newcomer - Sam Davy
Excellent Ensemble - Emma Hamilton, Trevor Anderson, Ian Buxton & Stephen Tulip.

Avenue Q will run July 6 to 16 at the Arts Theatre & 21-30 at Elizabeth's Shedley Theatre.

Book NOW on 8262 4906.

Matt Byrne Media caused a major upset at the recent 2009-2010 ATG Curtain Call Awards by winning Best Musical for its October 2009 production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

The quirky off-Broadway musical about a group of dysfunctional kids trying to win their county's prestigious spelling competition won plenty of friends last year.

Director/producer Matt Byrne was delighted to win against shows like Northern Light's Spamalot, Therry's Anything Goes and the G & S Society's Pirates of Penzance.

"Honestly I thought we had no chance," an elated Byrne said. "But I knew we had delivered a difficult show that many people loved and I guess you're always a chance as long as you get nominated.

"I would again I would like to thank my musical director Emma knights, and choreographer Rebecca Payne for their hard work.

"And of course my brilliant cast really brought these wonderful characters to life.

"It just confirms my feeling that audiences want to see new and challenging musical theatre."

CRITICS LOVE SIX DANCE LESSON IN SIX WEEKS:

"We could have danced all night." - Diane Beer, The Sunday Mail.

"Light and amusing entertainment ... perceptive casting" - Ewart Shaw, The Advertiser.

"A charming, entertaining and genuinely touching production - Jamie Wright, Adelaide Theatre Guide

MBM offering Six Dance Lessons In Six Weeks

Matt Byrne Media will present the SA Amateur Premiere of the well-heeled comedy, Six Dance Lessons In Six Weeks, at Holden Street Theatres from October 27 to November 13.

It’s a touching and human comedy about a formidable retired woman, Lily Harrison, who hires an acerbic dance instructor, Michael Minetti, to give her private dance lessons —one per week for six weeks— in her gulf-front condo in St. Petersburg Beach, Florida.

American playwright Richard Alfieri’s two-handed Broadway smash was a big hit for Nancye Hayes and Todd McKenney in Australia.

And now Adelaide’s own leading theatre lights, Chris Bussey and Kim Clark, will play the unlikely duo, of straight-laced preacher’s wife Lily and prickly ex-Broadway chorus boy Michael.

Producer/director Matt Byrne said he had loved the show since seeing it at Her Majestys back in 2006, and was delighted to present the first local production.

“The audience laughed, they wept, it was a magical show with some very fancy dancing that really grabbed my imagination,” Byrne said.

“Chris Bussey and Kim Clark are my dream team to tackle this superb comedy. The show has fabulous music and dance, and also addresses the growing issues of ageism and intolerance.

“It is one of the funniest and surprisingly poignant evenings you will ever spend at the theatre.”

What begins as an antagonistic relationship blossoms into an intimate friendship as two people from very different backgrounds reveal their secrets, fears, and joys while dancing the Swing, Tango, Waltz, Foxtrot, Cha-Cha, and Contemporary Dance.

Michael and Lily overcome their outward differences to discover an unlikely but profound connection. By the final lesson, Lily shares with Michael her most closely guarded secret and he delivers unstinting loyalty and compassion.

“Michael gives lessons in dance and Lily gives lessons in life _ it’s the perfect duet,” Byrne said.

Daryl Willshire will choreograph the dance sequences with Design from Sally Newman.

Six Dance Lessons In Six Weeks has been translated into 12 languages and played in over 20 countries, becoming an international hit and one of the most produced plays in the world.

It will run at The Studio at the Holden Street Theatres at 34 Holden Street, Hindmarsh, from October 27-30, November 3-6 & 10-13 at 8 p.m., with matinees on November 6 & 13 at 2 p.m.

Admission is $25 Adults and $20 Concession and Group Discounts for 10 or more.. Book with MBM on 8262 4906 (no booking fee) or VenueTix on 8225 8888 (agency fees apply). Go to www.mattbyrnemedia.com.au for further details.

 

Info Night Oct 31 at Holden Street Theatres at 34 Holden Street, Hindmarsh at 7 p.m.

Auditions Nov 7 at Holden Street Theatres at 34 Holden Street, Hindmarsh. Group Audition at 11 a.m.

Individual Appointments from 1 p.m.

WAGS - WIVES & GIRLFRIENDS!
Matt Byrne Media

Written & Directed By: Matt Byrne

WAGS - Auditions!

MBM is looking for Adelaide's four top would-be WAGS.

Info Night Oct 31 at Holden Street Theatres at 34 Holden Street, Hindmarsh at 7 p.m.

Auditions Nov 7 at Holden Street Theatres at 34 Holden Street, Hindmarsh.

Group Audition at 11 a.m. Individual Appointments from 1 p.m.

Four willing women, one regrettable evening, one hot medal. Matt Byrne is back with another of his fabulous four-person comedies in the tradition of Barrackers, Virgins, Pricks and Chalkies. And this time it's the 2011 Downlow Medal! It's a four-woman comedy with plenty of Twigley wiggle and adult humour as the traverse the Electric Blue Carpet to win the Downlow! The actresses play every person you're likely to meet at the Clown Casino BUT they don't change costume, just character. It's a riotous evening of over-the-shoulder-Fevola-holder humour with more class than the actual schemozzle! There's only one rule: what happens on the carpet, stays on the carpet!

Roles Available:
You need to be a versatile female actor with a strong singing voice, stage presence, good movement & stilettoes'n'all attitude to get into this show. Gowns and accessorising galore!
Reggie (Regina), 32, been to 11 Brownlows and is completely over it. Married to Dazzling Daryl. Hard at the Ball!
Milly 26, busty blonde and loud. Enhanced on Billy's exorbitant salary. Front and centre!
Cheryl, 22, two young children. still in love with Garry but homesick. Team player!
Bunty, 18, hooked onto The Stud six months ago and is fighting tooth and nails to hang onto her fame ticket. Caught in the Draft!

WAGS runs at the Maxim's Wine Bar at 194s The Parade, Norwood (upstairs opposite the Norwood Town Hall) Weds to Sunday (No Saturdays), February 16-18 & 20, 23-25 & 27, March 2-4 & 6 and 9-11 & 13 at 8 p.m.

Bookings open at FringeTix in January.

ANZAC DAY CONCERTS

All Star SA Lineup for Lest We Forget Concerts

Wills Sisters & Johnny Mac join Irish Albert & Matt Byrne at the Scott Theatre

Adelaide music legends The Wills Sisters and Johnny Mac will headline the Lest We Forget Anzac Day Concerts at the Scott Theatre on Sunday, April 25 at 2 p.m. and 6.30 p.m.

It will be a real trip down memory lane for Anne and Susan Wills and Mac, who toured Vietnam to entertain the troops back in the late 60s.

“It’ll be like old home week, performing with Susan and Johnny again, Anzac Day is so important to so many people,” Willsy said.

“It seems like another lifetime now, but we went over there and hopefully took a little bit of home with us. Now we want to share some songs and fun with the Veterans and their families on their big day.”

Matt Byrne Media and Adelaide cabaret star Irish Albert have joined forces to present the two Anzac Day concerts, to honour and celebrate the memory of Australians in the theatre of war.

Producer Byrne said “Albert and I are delighted to have Willsy, Susan and Johnny on board.”

“These people are entertainment legends who put their lives on the line to tour Vietnam and we are honoured to have them on the bill,” Byrne said.

“They will join Irish Albert and the Elderly Brothers, superb tenor David Gauci, song and dance man David T. Scott, harpist Siobhan Owen and the cast of All Shook Up in the show,” Byrne said.

Producer Matt Byrne said the Lest We Forget variety concerts would cover the music and the memories, from WWII to Vietnam.

“Anzac Day is the real national day of this country, the Dawn Service and the March remind us of the ultimate sacrifice many Australians made,” Byrne said.

“So we believe it’s important once the official part of the day is over to provide some good old-fashioned variety entertainment. We’ll have pipe bands, dancers, and singalongs featuring the songs that we forged in people’s hearts during WWII.

“The second half however will move forward to the Vietnam War and pay tribute to the troops and the entertainers who went over to support them.

“They fought an unwanted war, now we want to celebrate their memory and sacrifice, and provide appreciation they never received when they first came home.”

Co-Producer Irish Albert is a stalwart of previous Anzac Day concerts.

“It’s a very special day for the armed services, their families and the nation,” he said. “We celebrate their sacrifice, their patriotism and the freedom that is their gift to all of us.”

Part proceeds from the concerts will go to Legacy and the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia.

Lest We Forget will run at the Scott Theatre in Kintore Avenue, City, on Sunday, April 25 at 2 p.m. and 6.30 p.m. Admission will be $20 Adults and $15 Concession, with Group Discounts for 10 or more.

You can book on 8262 4906, BASS on 131 246 or VenueTix on 8225 8888. Go to www.mattbyrnemedia.com.au for further details.

Poets 4 Breakfast at Goolwa on Anzac Monday

Salt On The Tongue Poetry Festival at Goolwa from April 23 to 26, 2010

How would you like to have Poets for Breakfast on the Anzac long weekend Monday, down in peaceful Goolwa?

Four of Adelaide’s most influential poets will serve up food for the mind and delicious pastries at Goolwa’s Signal Point on Monday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.

Jude Aquilina, David Mortimer, Graham Catt and Barbara Preston will be among the strong Adelaide contingent at the Salt On The Tongue Goolwa Poetry Festival which runs in south coast town from April 23 to April 26.

The Poets 4 Breakfast brand will make its debut as part of the national poetry festival, but will appear at other venues in the future.

Organiser Matt Byrne said it would be “the ideal away to finish off a poetic long weekend in Goolwa.”

“These are four of SA’s most influential poets and Poets 4 Breakfast gives you a chance to hear a tasty selection of their work,” Byrne says.There’s nothing quite like hearing a poet deliver their work in person. It’s a privilege to hear every every nuance, inflection, from the author.

“When you throw in coffee, juice and beautiful pastries from Goolwa’s Cafelicious, it really augurs well for a fulfilling conclusion to what promises to be a marvellously well-worded weekend.”

Mortimer said the National Poetry Festival would be a major highlight of the SA literary calendar.

“There are poets from around SA, interstate and overseas coming to read, listen to and celebrate the art of poetry in the coastal town of Goolwa,” Mortimer said.

“It is a significant event and a wonderful chance for people to hear the range and strength of voices working directly in shared living language.

"I was very pleased when Matt Byrne suggested the idea of "Poets4Breakfast", as I think breakfast is a perfect time for poetry, and I am a great fan of Jude, Graham and Barbara’s work at any time.

"I look forward to the chance to perform with them in a relaxed and idyllic environment, overlooking the water, on a holiday Monday morning. Please come and join us for fine food and poetry.”

Poets 4 Breakfast will run at Signal Point at Liverpool Street, Goolwa from 10 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.

Admission is $25 Adults and $20 Concession including brekkie so book now on (08) 8262 4906 or BASS on 131 246, or go to www.mattbyrnemedia.com.au for further details.

Penis Principles head to Holden St

Matt Byrne’s Fringe hit rears its head again down at Hindmarsh

Matt Byrne’s politically erect Fringe comedy hit The Penis Principles is coming back by popular demand to Holden Street Theatres from April 9 to 11.

After a terrific Fringe season writer/director Byrne has decided to bring the ballsy comedy cabaret show back for one weekend.

“The audiences and the critics loved the show so we thought it would be great to bring it back for anyone who missed out,” Byrne said.

“We had a tremendous response from men and women, who found out more than they bargained for about the way men think.

Matt Byrne says it’s time men took “a long hard look at themselves.”

“We’ve had Busting Out about Busts and Vagina Monologues about … ginas, now the time has come for the The Penis Principles about … pulls,” Byrne says.

“Women want to know what men are thinking, well here’s their chance to find out.”

The show co-stars Kim Clark, Rohan Watts and Byrne and covers a multitude of sins and topics.

“We tackle men’s equipment and hidden hang-ups with tongue in cheek, situation in hand and a song in our heart,” he says.

“We examine everything from size, contraception and self satisfaction, to circumcision, toilet etiquette, and sperm count _ which is a lot easier than counting sperm!

“And there’s a bunch of very funny songs about the problems caused by He Who Must Be Obeyed, with plenty of interaction with the crowd.”

The show also promotes Prostate Cancer Awareness, encouraging patrons night to get a check up. We are already being lined up to do the State Prostate Cancer Conference in October.

Plans are underway to tour the show to Sydney and Melbourne and the Edinburgh Fringe.

“The show has legs and balls, we believe it can go a long way,” Byrne said. “And it has a serious side too. Men have to extract the digit and look after their health, this show could save your life.”

The Penis Principles re-runs April 9 & 10 at 8 p.m. and April 11 at 6 p.m. at The Studio at Holden Street Theatres at 34 Holden Street, Hindmarsh.

All Tix are $25.00 Book on 8262 4906 or VenueTix on 8225 8888. Go to www.mattbyrnemedia.com.au for further details.

Hardened Critics love The Penis Principles:

“Good clean dirty fun!” – The Advertiser.

“Pub cabaret fare at its lowest, dirtiest, most entertaining and hilarious best. _ ATG.

“The laughs kept coming!” _ db magazine.

“Definitely worth recommending if you want a night of fun entertainment and light humour!” _ Fringe Benefits.

“The jokes shoot from the hip but the take-home message comes from the heart - this show will get you thinking as you giggle and gasp for air!” _ Stage Whispers.

“This jolly trio of d***kheads provides a male reply to the plethora of shows about what it’s like to be female!” _ Messenger.

“This wacky exploration of the John Thomas hits both the head and the funny bone!” – Independent Weekly.

“The Penis Principle is a riotous sexual romp, puntastic entertainment, had the audience in stitches!” _ Encore Magazine.

PENIS PRINCIPLES HITS THE FUNNY BONE!

Critics Love The Below the Belt humour and message:

"The Penis Principles, is a fast-paced and hilariously low-brow journey into the issues plaguing modern man. The jokes shoot from the hip but the take-home message comes from the heart - this show will get you thinking as you giggle and gasp for air." - Stage Whispers.

"Written, directed by and featuring Byrne, along with very fine fellow performers, Kim Clark and Rohan Watts, this is pub cabaret fare at its lowest, dirtiest, most entertaining and hilarious best!" - Adelaide Theatre Guide.

"The Penis Principles into an enjoyable, pitched-from-the-heart farce that avoids crude over-indulgence. Ultimately, this wacky exploration of the John Thomas hits both the head and the funny bone. An amusing and painfully relevant two hours of comedy!" - Independent Weekly.

"Definitely worth recommending if you want a night of fun entertainment and light humour! The boys did very well, with great energy and spark amongst them, great acting and the good use of props in an intimate venue involving the audience as part of their acts. Overall the audience needed no extra help getting in the mood, which made it much more fun!" - Fringe Benefits

PENIS PRINCIPLES IS A FIVE STAR HIT!

"Written, directed by and featuring Byrne, along with very fine fellow performers, Kim Clark and Rohan Watts, this is pub cabaret fare at its lowest, dirtiest, most entertaining and hilarious best!" - Adelaide Theatre Guide.

"The Penis Principles into an enjoyable, pitched-from-the-heart farce that avoids crude over-indulgence. Ultimately, this wacky exploration of the John Thomas hits both the head and the funny bone. An amusing and painfully relevant two hours of comedy!" - Independent Weekly.

"Definitely worth recommending if you want a night of fun entertainment and light humour! The boys did very well, with great energy and spark amongst them, great acting and the good use of props in an intimate venue involving the audience as part of their acts. Overall the audience needed no extra help getting in the mood, which made it much more fun!" - Fringe Benefits.

TalkFringe - The public loves it too!

kb30 wrote: "Fantastic show - clever. witty and very very funny! The three guys do a great job - not only talented in their own right they combine together fabulously. Even the audience have the opportunity to participate and join in the fun! Do yourself a favour and take along your very own penis (slong, love-rocket, pecker, john thomas, prick, dick, pee-pee, tube steak, man drill, love pump, dong, wang, member, magic wand, and my particular favourite - Vlad the Impaler! etc. etc.) - you won't be sorry!" FIVE STARS

dianebeer wrote: "A brilliantly generous show with intensely clever script performed by a great team who worked every second together to weld action, words and songs in a sensational manner. Every word, gesture, song and action is sharp, fast and funny. Audience cracked up at that dazzling night's entertainment. superb show. CONGRATULATIONS TO WRITER AND PERFORMERS. DEFINITELY TEN OUT OF TEN for value and content. Adelaide has a genius in this writer and director." FIVE STARS

----

The Penis Principles is a comedy cabaret show with balls and two brains.

Find out what modern men are really thinking, in a below the belt evening of erect entertainment.

It's a show every man should see and every woman should experience

as Matt, Rohan and Kim unzip The Penis Principles!

Starring • KIM CLARK• ROHAN WATTS • MATT BYRNE

MBM unzips The Penis Principles

Matt Byrne unleashes 2010 Fringe comedy at Maxim’s Feb 16- Mar 14

Why do men have two brains … and which one’s in charge?

That’s just one of the many manly topics under the microscope in Matt Byrne Media’s politically erect Fringe comedy cabaret show The Penis Principles.

The show will have its World Premiere season at Maxim’s Wine Bar at 194a The Parade, Norwood, upstairs opposite the Norwood Town Hall, from February 16 to March 14.

Writer/Director Matt Byrne says it’s time men took “a long hard look at themselves.”

“We’ve had Busting Out about Busts and Vagina Monologues about … ginas, now it’s time for The Penis Principles about … pulls,” Byrne says.

“Women want to know what men are thinking, well here’s their chance to find out.

“There’s minimal puppetry and the odd scrotum, but we do tackle many topics men often avoid, and have a lot of fun doing it.”

The show co-stars Kim Clark, Rohan Watts and Byrne, and is the latest in a long line of MBM Fringe shows, including Bouncers, Shakers, Barrackers, Virgins, Pricks, Chalkies, Over The Hill and Caddyshack & Other Dangerfields.

“We tackle men’s equipment and hidden hang-ups with tongue in cheek and situation in hand,” he says.

“We examine everything from size, contraception and self satisfaction, to circumcision, toilet etiquette, and sperm count _ which is a lot easier than counting sperm!

“And there’s a bunch of very funny songs about the problems caused by He Who Must Be Obeyed, with plenty of interaction with the crowd.”

The show will also promote Prostate Cancer Awareness, with survivors there to talk to punters every night about getting a check up.

“Men have to extract the digit and look after their health, this show could save your life,” he said.

“As the gender balance gathers pace, we have to redefine what makes us men. As long as we keep our sense of humour there’s hope for both sexes.”

MAXIM'S WINE BAR

194a The Parade, Norwood (Upstairs Opposite Norwood Town Hall)

Feb 16 (Preview)- Feb 17 (Opening), 19 & 21, 23-24, 26 & 28, March 2-3, 5 & 7, 9-10, 12 & 14 at 8 p.m.

Book on 1300 374 643 - All Tix $25.00 & All Tightarse Tuesdays $20.00

Kim Clark Rohan Watts & Matt Byrne!

 

An ideal show for your favourite club to hire!

CRITIC'S RAVE ABOUT RODNEY!!!

"Pure gold, this show certainly gets my respect." db magazine.

"A+ for Rodney!"

INDEPENDENT WEEKLY A+!!!!

When US comedian Rodney Dangerfield died in 2004 he was probably best remembered in Australia for two roles: 1980’s ‘Caddyshack’ alongside Chevy Chase and Bill Murray, and Oliver Stone’s ultra-violent 1994 flick, ‘Natural Born Killers’ in which Dangerfield bravely played a leering, abusive, incestuous father to the pert Juliette Lewis. Dangerfield’s decidedly low-brow shtick as the foul-mouthed misogynist was developed through decades of hard work on clubs and on TV variety shows such as Johnny Carson and Dean Martin.

Matt Byrne is well known to Adelaide audiences. His considerable history in theatre and comedy give him the confidence to approach a demanding one-man show like this. In the role of Dangerfield, Byrne’s pliant face provides good mimicry of the late comedian. But it is in the rapid-fire delivery of Dangerfield’s one-liners that Byrne shines. Switching between Dangerfield reciting his life story, to Dangerfield on stage (not that there’s much difference!), and with a minimum of props, Byrne captures the essence of the character.

While we’ve all heard the jokes before – it is the poignant tying together of the neglected child, Jacob Cohen, with his later alter-ego, the crass Dangerfield that gives the show its depth. Matt Byrne clearly isn’t Rodney Dangerfield, and the faux American accent sometimes goes awry, but as Dangerfield himself would have said, please, somebody, give the guy some respect!

Maxims Wine Bar, until March 22.

***** A+ - Peter C. Pugsley.

 

DB MAGAZINE

Rodney Dangerfield might've died just over four years ago, aged 82, but through the unique and astute impersonation skills of local theatre identity, Matt Byrne, he lives again with 'Caddyshack & Other Dangerfields.!

Renowned for his crude, over-the-top wisecracking and belligerent one-liners, found in movies such as Caddyshack and Back To School, Dangerfield may never have earned much respect from the movie high-browed and critical side of the industry, but as revealed here there was certainly a lot more to the man than met the eye.

For an hour-and-a-half Byrne takes on the role of Dangerfield and passionately tells of the comic legend's rise from poverty to a life of money, heavy drinking, marijuana use and depression.

Told pretty much in chronological order, Byrne could have easily taken the Wikipedic path and simply rattled off the whole diatribe of facts and hearsay; but here's the twist.

By meticulously recreating every twitch, shrug and tug of the tie, Byrne not only presents a comprehensive biograpical account of an otherwise overlooked entire life, but manages to respectively turn this show into an actual autobiographical telling, by cleverly creating an almost seamless script, largely made up of Dangerfield's best known gags.

It's here that fans, and even those not in the know will take great delight in reliving some of the most memorable and off-quoted verbal uppercuts in comedy history.

And for those Caddyshack afficionados out there, you're going to absolutely revel in Byrne's fast-forwarded re-enactment of almost every one Dangerfield's scenes from the movie.

Pure gold, this show certainly gets my respect.

Maxim’s Wine Bar, Feb 25-27, March 1, 4-6, 8, 11-13, 15, 18-20, 22.

***** - Steve Jones.

 

THE ADVERTISER

MATT Byrne has chosen to premiere his latest tribute show, Caddyshack & Other Dangerfields, about comic legend Rodney Dangerfield at this year's Fringe Festival.

Byrne is convincing enough in his portrayal of Dangerfield. Small snippets of song and sound effects are used as a prompt for Byrne to launch into an aspect of Dangerfield’s life, be it his school days, married life, family life, or his experiences as a performer.

He manages to meld many of Dangerfield’s classic jokes into the history of his life as he battles for respect in the entertainment industry and in life in general.

Byrne interacts well with the crowd, and while his faux American accent wavered at times, Byrne should further grow into the role as he performs more shows.

If you are a Rodney Dangerfield fan this show will satisfy. If you aren’t too familiar with Dangerfield’s work, you should still enjoy a laugh at some of his timeless jokes.

Maxim’s Wine Bar, Feb 25-27, March 1, 4-6, 8, 11-13, 15, 18-20, 22.

*** Rating: 3 Stars - Ben Hyde.

 

ADELAIDE THEATRE GUIDE

"Local theatre producer/director/performer Matt Byrne, on the other hand, deserves plenty of respect for his portrayal of this clever, complex and very funny man.

Byrne uses the intimate space effectively, moving around and engaging the audience, using all of Dangerfield's trademark nervous mannerisms.

Byrne disappears into the role and captures the funnyman's spirit, and that is what gives this show its spark.

Lovers of old-school American standup should also consider making their way to Norwood to catch the show, there are plenty of laughs to be had from some classic material."

*** Rating: 3.5 Stars - Jamie Wright.

 

SUNDAY MAIL

The prolific Matt Byrne channels the 1980s icon, the boggle-eyed, no-respect-muttering Rodney Dangerfield.

The show is a one-man tribute to all things Dangerfield and is told in the first person _ the man on stage talking about himself, his life and demons, all the while dropping the oneliners that made him so famous.

Not having seen the actor's 1980 cult movie Caddyshack and having only a passing familiarity with his personality, there was no better way to learn about the rude and crude comic than standup style.

With highlights from Caddyshack and plenty of oneliners, the audience was kept laughing with Byrne's impersonation skills.

*** Rating: 3 Stars - Rosetta Mastrantone.

RIP IT UP

Adelaide audiences will know Matt Byrne Media for their wonderful satirical ensemble productions on facets of Australian society. Caddyshack And Other Dangerfields presents the talented Matt Byrne solo, dedicating his time to the memory of Rodney Dangerfield - to show respect for one who had done so much for others. This is essentially 90 minutes of Byrne being a stand-up comic telling stories from Dangerfield’s life with jokes coming at a mile minute at a relentless pace – a big call for anyone. He must be commended for the sheer volume of jokes noticeably in the second half, and the neat use of musical inserts to break up the vignettes, to properly exploit the more poignant moments.

- Michael Coglan.