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NATASHA, PIERRE &
THE GREAT COMET OF 1812
Production photography by Robert Catto
NATASHA, PIERRE &
THE GREAT COMET OF 1812
BY DAVE MALLOY
AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE
Directed by DEAN DRIEBERG
Presented by DARLINGHURST THEATRE COMPANY
ETERNITY PLAYHOUSE, DARLINGHURST - 8 JULY - 20 AUGUST, 2023
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CAST
Natasha GRACE DRISCOLL
Pierre ZOY FRANGOS
Anatole JULES PENDRITH
Sonya KALA GARE
Hélène MARISSA SAROCA / ZELIA ROSE
Marya JILLIAN O’DOWD
Mary LILLIAN HEARNE
Andrey/Bolkonsky P. TUCKER WORLEY
Balaga ANTON BEREZIN
Dolokhov CAMERON BAJRAKTAREVIC-HAYWARD
Swings TOM NEW & SKYE BEKER
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CREATIVE TEAM
Musical Direction CLAIRE HEALEY
Choreography BRENDAN YEATES
Set Design TYLER HAWKINS
Costume Design NICOL & FORD
Lighting Design VERONIQUE BENNET
Sound Design DYLAN ROBINSON
Associate Director & Dance Supervisor JADE HUI-WEN COUTTS
Stage Manager ISAAC BARRON
Assistant Stage Manager INDIA LIVELY
Production Manager JESSICA PIZZINGA
Intimacy Coordinator & Safety Consultant BAYLEY TURNER (CREATIVE CONSENT)
Music Consultant VICTORIA FALCONER
Assistant Music Director MARISSA SAROCA
Deputy Music Director BENJAMIN KIEHNE
Access, Equity & Inclusion Manager CESSALEE STOVALL
Deputy Head of Sound/Mic Tech HANNAH PALMER
Lighting Programmer LYNDON BUCKLEY
2023 SYDNEY THEATRE AWARDS NOMINATIONS
BEST MUSICAL DIRECTION - CLAIRE HEALEY
BEST CHOREOGRAPHY IN A MUSICAL - BRENDAN YEATES
BEST COSTUME DESIGN OF A MAINSTAGE PRODUCTION - NICOL & FORD
★★★★★
An absolute must-see that is a testament to the transformative power of theatre. Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812 makes its Australian premiere at the Darlinghurst Theatre Company, delivering an outstanding production that will leave you mind-blown. …an absolute gem, highlighting the transformative power of theatre. The seamless integration of superb performances, mesmerising music, innovative staging, and audience involvement creates a spellbinding experience that will leave you captivated long after the final bow. If you're seeking a theatre experience that challenges conventions and transports you to a bygone era while exploring timeless themes, do not miss this exceptional production. Treat yourself to an unforgettable night of pure entertainment as you are swept away on a journey of love, passion, and the complexities of the human spirit.
THEATRE THOUGHTS
★★★★★
Dave Malloy’s cult Broadway hit, Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 has landed in Sydney with a queer touch and a bold vision – this is the kind of show Sydney needs more of! Dean Drieberg has milked this text for all the humour and emotional clarity he can – you won’t be bored, or confused for a second. There are moments of pure beauty and bliss here not to be missed.
CULTURAL BINGE
★★★★★
Five exultant stars. Sensational. The story holds up brilliantly. I was very much drawn into it. A pop rocking good show for the here and now.
SYDNEY ARTS GUIDE
★★★★
The sumptuous and imaginative Australian debut of this folk-infused electro pop-opera is a spectacle to behold. Sumptuous, engrossing, intelligent and properly immersive, the Australian debut of electro pop-opera Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812 is a stunning accomplishment of creative collaboration. It's exciting enough to see this landmark show finally hit the Australian stage, but what makes this production even more exciting is the way that it has been totally transformed by the local cast and creative team. In The Great Comet, the various threads of this slice of epic storytelling are spun through a visually and sonically sophisticated fever dream.
TIMEOUT
★★★★
Directed by Dean Drieberg, the production is full of vitality, with a mischievous spirit that truly endears. …each number is richly conceived by Drieberg, in partnership with choreographer Brendan Yeates, to deliver an engrossing experience that talks to us on a visceral level, endlessly fascinating and unpredictable.
SUZY GOES SEE
Out of this world! From the moment the lights dim, you’ll embark on an immersive journey that offers a unique blend of storytelling and music. Prepare to be transported to a mesmerizing world that will leave a lasting impression. The innovative storytelling, combined with the stunning set design and lighting, creates an immersive experience unlike any other. The performances are awe-inspiring, leaving a lasting impact. This musical is a triumph of artistry and emotion that should not be missed.
THE PLUS ONES
This production of Comet is masterfully crafted by Dean Drieberg, whom I believe, given what I witnessed last night, has a vivid imagination, incredible vision... I hope he continues to make art like Comet, to see the world in a unique way and to entrance audiences with something that might be different, not necessarily the norm, but is, below the surface so much better than everyday theatre experience.
THEATRE TRAVELS
★★★✰
This is an imaginative production, directed by Dean Drieberg, in which everyone and everything does double duty, from the performer-musicians to the comet-disco ball and to the small circular stage that feels part circus ring, part neon-lit dance floor.
SYDNEY MORNING HERALD
Director Dean Drieberg and Music Director Claire Healy use every tool at their disposal to immerse the audience in the story and its music, including having the cast gallivanting around the multitiered stage, over tables and across a mid-audience runway in some moments, while in others reducing the stage to an inky black, with a single spotlight and a piano. It’s a different kind of musical to grace a Sydney mainstage, and most definitely a strange but welcome one.
TOASTING AUSSIE THEATRE
Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 is a raucously ridiculous assault on the senses. It needs to be seen to be believed so grab your tickets and buckle up!
DAILY ADDICT
PASSING STRANGE
Production photography by Angel Leggas
PASSING STRANGE
BOOK & LYRICS BY STEW | MUSIC BY STEW & HEIDI RODEWALD
AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE
Directed by DEAN DRIEBERG
Associate Director CESSALEE STOVALL
Presented by ANTIPODES THEATRE
MEAT MARKET, MELBOURNE - 24 JUNE - 10 JULY, 2022
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CAST
Narrator AUGUSTIN TCHANTCHO
Youth GRANT YOUNG
Mother SASHA HENNEQUIN
Ensemble ZAHRAH ANDREWS, TIER ATAING, GABRIELA VAN WYK & THEO WILLIAMS
Swings GUILLAUME GENTIL & ASHA KHAMIS
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CREATIVE TEAM
Musical Direction MARISSA SAROCA
Choreography LOREDO MALCOLM
Set & Costume Design BIANCA PARDO
Lighting Design SAM WYLIE
Sound Design EVAN DRILL
Dialect Coach MARK WONG
Casting RHYS VELASQUEZ / EVOLUTION CASTING
2023 GREEN ROOM AWARDS ASSOCIATION NOMINATIONS
OUTSTANDING PRODUCTION FOR MUSIC THEATRE
ENSEMBLE ARTISTS FOR MUSIC THEATRE
MUSIC DIRECTION FOR MUSIC THEATRE - MARISSA SAROCA
LEADING ARTIST FOR MUSIC THEATRE - AUGUSTIN TCHANTCHO
SUPPORTING ARTIST FOR MUSIC THEATRE - ZAHRAH ANDREWS
★★★★★
Directors’ Dean Drieberg and Cessalee Stovall production is one of the most emotionally resonant, vital and joyful theatrical and musical experiences I’ve had in years. The piece is structured like a gig and Drieberg and Stovall as production leaders have certainly evoked the raw elation that comes from being at what feels like being at the most exciting concert in town.
THEATRE PEOPLE
★★★★
This transcendent production will blow your mind. Director Dean Drieberg has helmed several brilliant productions, the staging of his Passing Strange is striking in its pure theatrical simplicity. Different locations are skilfully created out of thin air and there are gorgeous pops of imaginative physicality throughout. Drieberg also knows that the score is really the heart of this piece, and he ensures that the music constantly drives the staging and storytelling. This gloriously transcendent show is so much more than your average musical and Melbourne audiences should rush out immediately to experience this utterly captivating and unique theatrical event.
ARTS HUB
★★★★✰
Antipodes Theatre’s Passing Strange was a joyous romp of rock-musical glory. Fundamentally charming, touching, and one hell of a good time, Antipodes Theatre have done what Youth spent the whole show dreaming of – they’ve created something real.
PROMPT SIDE
The entire show has an extremely polished look with great cohesion in the colour scheme of the costuming, combined with very stylish choreographed movement and mime. Yet the show is also able to convey a very relaxed and authentic atmosphere which further adds to its power. This performance exudes elegance and flair and provides sheer foot stomping enjoyment. Don’t miss it!
STAGE WHISPERS
Director Dean Drieberg also contributes mightily to the throbbing pulse of the show, keeping the storytelling stakes high and having the cast in almost constant motion. The cast members often need to traverse from one end of the stage to the other, the payoff is an inalienable bond between artists and audience that raises the emotional impact of the show. Supported by the insightful writing, Drieberg creates a strong sense of place in each of the locales where the Youth spends time.
MAN IN CHAIR
Told with humour, heart, and wildly energetic music…rivals any other musical you could experience this year.
THEATRE TRAVELS
SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE
Production photography by Jodie Hutchinson
SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE
MUSIC & LYRICS BY STEPHEN SONDHEIM & BOOK BY JAMES LAPINE
Directed by DEAN DRIEBERG & SONYA SUARES
Presented by WATCH THIS
WHITEHORSE CENTRE, NUNAWADING 9 - 10 AUGUST, 2019
GEELONG ARTS CENTRE, GEELONG 15 - 17 AUGUST, 2019
LAWLER THEATRE, MELBOURNE - 21 - 24 AUGUST, 2019
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CAST
George NICK SIMPSON-DEEKS
Dot/Marie VIDYA MAKAN
An Old Lady/Blair JACKIE REES
Jules/Bob ANTON BEREZIN
Yvonne/Naomi COURTNEY GLASS
Louise GRETA WILKINSON
Louis/Man lying on Bank/Billy RAPHAEL WONG
Nurse/Mrs./Harriet GEORGINA HOPSON
Mr./Young Man/Lee ANTHONY CRAIG
Woman with Baby/Photographer LAUREN GOETZ
Soldier/Alex JORDON MAHAR
Celeste #1/Elaine SARAH KRNDIJA
Celeste #2/Waitress GRACE BROWNE
Boatman/Charles WINSTON HILLYER
Franz/Dennis JOSH DIREEN
Frieda/Betty ANGELA LUMICISI
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CREATIVE TEAM
Musical Direction NED WRIGHT-SMITH
Choreography ZOEE MARSH
Costume Design RHIANNON IRVING
Set Design SARAH TULLOCH
Lighting Design ROB SOWINSKI
Sound Design MARCELLO LO RICCO
Projection Design DEAN DRIEBERG & DAMIAN DUNNE/MILKED STUDIOS
2020 GREEN ROOM AWARDS ASSOCIATION NOMINATIONS
DIRECTION FOR MUSIC THEATRE - DEAN DRIEBERG & SONYA SUARES
MULTIMEDIA DESIGN FOR MUSIC THEATRE - DEAN DRIEBERG & DAMIAN DUNNE/MILKED STUDIOS
LEAD ROLE IN MUSIC THEATRE - VIDYA MAKAN
★★★★
Watch This has been presenting Sondheim shows for several years now and Sunday in the Park is their best yet. Mounting a production of such a beloved show is daunting for any theatre company, but they rise to the challenge.
ARTS HUB
Sunday In The Park With George presented by Watch This is executed to perfection and is a must see for the 2019 Melbourne musical season. Directors Dean Drieberg and Sonya Suares have done a fantastic job in bringing Sunday In The Park With George to life for a contemporary audience. Their interpretation not only focuses on the importance of George's character arch but also that of his lover Dot. Their vision for the show is articulated and accomplished extremely well.
BROADWAY WORLD
Under the direction of Dean Drieberg and Sonya Suares, have put together a simply astounding show. Drieberg and Suares have clearly taken a word of advice from George, that “every little detail plays a part”, and as a result have produced a show worthy of a much longer run and a much bigger audience.
THEATRE PRESS
Sunday is a deceptively challenging work to stage but what Watch This and co-Directors Dean Drieberg and Sonya Suares have pulled off is absolutely remarkable.
AUSTRALIAN STAGE
Directors Dean Drieberg and Sonya Suares fashioned something marvellous with this year’s offering of Sondheim.
ARTS REVIEW
Directors Dean Drieberg and Sonya Suares ensure that character leads everything on the stage and that the performers let the characters feel personal. This production isn't a deconstruction of a man able to spend his days making art that he thinks will change the world. It's not about the finished piece. It's about what he leaves out of the canvas (score/book/review), what he changes, and what he distorts to fit his idea of perfection. Watch This don't make us stand in the middle of the gallery and look at the work of a "genuis". This Sunday in the Park with George moves us to the corners and behind the crowds where the view isn't as clear and perfect. It's a production for us and for now.
SOMETIMES MELBOURNE
bare the musical
Production photography by Belinda Strodder
BARE THE MUSICAL
Book by JON HARTMERE & DAMON INTRABARTOLO, MUSIC by DAMON INTRABARTOLO, LYRICS by JON HARTMERE
Direction & Set Design by DEAN DRIEBERG
Presented by STAGEART
CHAPEL OFF CHAPEL - 20 MARCH - 15 APRIL, 2018
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CAST
Peter ADAM DI MARTINO
Jason FINN ALEXANDER
Ivy HANNAH MCINERNEY
Nadia HANNAH GRONDIN
Matt JAKE FEHILY
Lucas TOM NEW
Tanya MORGAN HEYNES
Kyra STEPHANIE MARION MOOD
Chantelle VANESSA MENJIVAR
Claire MANDI LODGE
Priest QUIN KELLY
Diane HANY LEE
Zach DAVID CUNY
Rory ZENYA CARMELLOTTI
Alan JYE CANNON
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CREATIVE TEAM
Executive Producers KATHERINE ARMSTRONG & ROBBIE CARMELLOTTI
Musical Direction CALEB GARFINKEL
Choreography KIRRA SIBEL
Assistant Director CLARY RIVEN
Costume Design JODI HOPE
Lighting Design JASON BOVAIRD
Associate Lighting Designer MADDY SEACH
Sound Design MARCELLO LO RICCO
2019 GREEN ROOM AWARDS ASSOCIATION NOMINATION
COSTUME DESIGN FOR MUSIC THEATRE - JODI HOPE
★★★★½
Director and set designer Dean Drieberg has created a slick and beautiful production. Bare is thrilling, passionate, clear, clean, precise and visually bold. Drieberg has a clear vision for this show and it was superbly executed on opening night. There are many wonderfully ingenious moments of staging. The final tableau, which I won’t spoil here, is courageous and effective. Even though the story is set in the year 2000, Drieberg knows that the themes explored are timeless and he brings them crashing into the contemporary political world.
ARTS HUB
Drieberg has ensured every moment of these characters’ lives is as realistic as possible. StageArt’s production lifts the material to soaring new heights, and is definitely worth the ticket.
THEATRE PRESS
★★★★½
Dean Drieberg returns to seamlessly steer this musical with fast paced movement and confronts challenging material head on - making the production so relatable. I enthusiastically suggest you go on ‘mass’ to this entertaining divine show with courageous direction.
MUSICALS REVIEWED
Director Dean Drieberg has taken a moderate script and, through exceptional performances and staging, lifted it to become something touching, fun, and entertaining.
ARTS REVIEW
Dean Drieberg's staging of the piece invited audiences to consider the voice and agency of young people. This was particularly evident in his stylised used of the theatre space and the actor's manipulation and transformation of objects on stage, showcasing that agency all the more. His use of elements of non-naturalism actually worked to highlight the intense realism of the piece, highlighting through fragmented staging a fragmented existence.
THE THEATRE ROOM
The ending to bare is poignant and touching. It's beautifully directed and leaves more than a few audience members wiping away tears. There is much to commend in StageArt's production of bare.
WEEKEND NOTES
bare is an emotional roller coaster that will have you gasping for breath. As the lights blinked out, I gasped and covered my mouth in shock at the symbolism in front of me.
GREGORY STORER
MEMPHIS THE MUSICAL
Production photography by Jayde Justin
MEMPHIS THE MUSICAL
Book & Lyrics by JOE DiPIETRO, Music & Lyrics by DAVID BRYAN
AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE
Direction & Set Design by DEAN DRIEBERG
Presented by STAGEART
CHAPEL OFF CHAPEL - 6 - 28 OCTOBER, 2017
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CAST
Huey JAMES ELMER
Felicia ELANDRAH ERAMIHA
Delray IOPU AUVA’A
Gladys MANDI LODGE
Bobby NIK MURILLO
Gator ISAAC LINDLEY
Ensemble GREG PASCOE, LUCAS BIONDO, BIANCA BRUCE, TANISHA BUHANEC, WEM ETUKNWA, AGNES FIFITA, LAURA GREENHALGH, LACHLAN NASH, TSUNGIRAI WACHENUKA, CALLUM WARRENDER, STEPHANIE MARION WOOD and JASON YANG-WESTLAND
Felicia Cover VIDYA MAKAN
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CREATIVE TEAM
Executive Producers KATHERINE ARMSTRONG & ROBBIE CARMELLOTTI
Musical Direction NATHAN FIRMIN
Choreography KIRRA SIBEL
Assistant Director CLARY RIVEN
Lighting Design JASON BOVAIRD
Associate Lighting Designer MADDY SEACH
Sound Design MARCELLO LO RICCO
★★★★★
Dean Drieberg directs with sensitivity and pace, yet allows Memphis to unfold and develop without ever feeling rushed.
THEATRE PEOPLE
★★★½
Well directed and performed with infectious energy, this production strikes the right balance.
THE AGE
Director Dean Drieberg keeps energy high and pace snappy. Memphis tells an American story, yet racism and the quest for civil rights are universal. Drieberg ensures that the racial slurs and the acts of violence land with maximal impact, often drawing gasps from the highly engaged audience.
MAN IN CHAIR
It’s another magnificent show from this brilliant team. Director, Dean Drieberg, has designed a minimal set, plastered with posters of real artists that were playing in the 50s. Every scene ticked along at a nice pace, never rushing or overstaying their welcome.
ARTS REVIEW
Dean Drieberg has done a wonderful job with the text, not shying away from the reality of discrimination in 1950s America and how relevant the inequality argument remains.
AUSTRALIAN STAGE