State Theatre Company SA Season 2011

I missed the launch of the STCSA 2011 season because I was getting ready to go on stage in my production of Suddenly At Home (which I'll blog about very soon); however, as soon as could I got online to see what they'd put together.

To say I was blown away was an understatement, which means it's definitely something I want to write about. I've never liked the sound of enough shows in a season to consider subscribing before - especially considering I'm likely to end up reviewing on or two - but this year I will, simply because I don't want to miss out.

Check out the STCSA webpage here for fuller descriptions; I'm just going to make a quick comment about my initial reaction to each of the shows.

The Misanthrope

Brink Productions had tremendous success with their production of The Hypochondriac last year (I saw it and it was stunning); it looks like that has inspired STCSA to put on a Molière of their own. With a cast including Caroline Mignone - who was brilliant in God of Carnage - and Renato Musolino, who I've liked in everything I've seen him in (Blue/Orange, True West, King Lear) it should be very good indeed.

A great start to the year.

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)

Another play I've wanted to see for years but haven't. I love Shakespeare (having done four and am hoping for a fifth next year - fingers crossed) but am also someone who likes seeing it taken off the pedestal and played with.

Since it's going to star Adelaide theatre's current poster boy Nathan O'Keefe - who I saw in Man Covets Bird this year; review here - it's also a must see. O'Keefe is a stunning actor and extremely versatile, so it should suit him down to the ground.

November

David Mamet. A multiple award-winning playwright and creator of such works as American Buffalo, Glengarry Glen Ross and Oleanna. Noted for his love of coarse language and harsh characters and situations.

November isn't a play I'm familiar with, but it's Mamet - so I reckon it's worth checking out. Oh, and Australian film, television and stage legend Garry McDonald is appearing, which just makes it all that much more enticing.

Speaking in Tongues

An Australian play by Andrew Bovell, Speaking in Tongues was the basis for the award-winning 2001 film Lantana, which I consider one of the best - if not the best - Australian film I've seen, so this is one I'm definitely going to see.

The cast includes Lizzy Falkland from God of Carnage.

Three Sisters

Another legendary play, this time a Chekhov. I've not seen much of his work, other than the Adelaide Rep's production of the collection of short plays, The Sneeze, which was on last year - and which I (unsuccessfully) auditioned for. But I'm not going to hold that against him.

Since the cast includes Geoff Revell - who I believe I've seen on stage more times than any other actor I can name - and Peter O'Brien, it should be another great production.

Buried Child

Another play I'm unfamiliar with, but by a playwright I'm always keen to see more of - this time Sam Shepard, whose play True West I saw - and thoroughly enjoyed - during this year's Fringe.

Buried Child won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1979

Holding the Man

The final show for the year is another I'm unfamiliar with - but this time it's not by anyone I am familiar with so I can't really comment on it much at all, other than to say it's got Geoff Revell in it, so chances are I'll go to see it on that alone.