Josephine Wants to Dance
A hilarious musical about self-discovery, ballet, hip-hop, and… a kangaroo.
- Monkey Baa Theatre Company
- Alexander Theatre
The Ian Potter Centre for Performing Arts
Monash University Clayton Campus
$35.70 - $42
Past Event
A Monkey Baa Theatre Company Production
Based on the book by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley
Adapted by Eva Di Cesare, Sandie Eldridge and Tim McGarry
A hilarious musical about the importance of believing in yourself and realising your dreams and… a dancing kangaroo!
Based on the picture book by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley, this delightful musical is a must see!
Josephine is a kangaroo who loves to dance. Her little brother, Joey, tells her kangaroos don’t dance, they hop – but Josephine continues to point her toes and leap through the air. When a ballet troupe comes to the sleepy town of Shaggy Gully, Josephine desperately wants to dance like the ballerinas in pink tutus and silk ballet shoes.
On the day of the first performance the Ballet Company is in trouble. The prima ballerina twists her ankle and the understudy has a splinter in her toe. Who can dance the lead role? Josephine’s talents are called upon to help save the day. Can she do it, and more importantly, does it matter that she’s a kangaroo?
Reviews
‘Josephine Wants to Dance brings the story of a stage-struck macropod to life with enormous charm and sly wit. Its appeal extends far beyond the target of four to 9-year-olds.’
Audrey Journal
‘Josephine Wants to Dance has all the originality and appeal of other Monkey Baa productions – with an added aspirational message. As Jonathan Biggins says in his notes: “At a time when we’re embracing diversity, difference and tolerance, and recognising that talent comes in all shapes and sizes, why not have a gifted kangaroo playing a dying swan?’
Carol Wimmer, Stage Whispers
‘As with Monkey Baa's other works, this production respects its audience’s intelligence and inquisitiveness, presenting the work with an honesty within the fantasy…. With a delightful message that anything is possible if you work hard and persist and a reminder to look after our environment and its flora and fauna, it holds many learning opportunities for young people whilst being and engaging and entertaining high-quality production.’
Jade Kops, Broadway World
Creative Team
Adaptors Eva Di Cesare, Sandra Eldridge and Tim McGarry
Director Jonathan Biggins
Composer/ Lyricist Phil Scott
Choreographer Tim Harbour
Set and Costume Designer James Browne
Lighting Designer Emma Lockhart Wilson
Sound Designer David Bergman
Musical Director Michael Tyack
Remount Lighting Designer Veronique Benett
Costume Cutter Marianne Close
Performer Lily Baulderstone
Performer Nina Carmen
Performer Hannah Gwatkin
Performer Callum Slater
Understudy Georgia Unsworth
Understudy Teo Persechino
About the Company
Monkey Baa creates great theatre for young people and for over 26 years we have presented award-winning theatrical experiences that inspire and empower audiences across Australia. We are one of Australia’s widest touring companies, with over 29 national tours to 135 regional and remote communities, 5 international tours and 4,000 performances reaching more than 1.5 million young people.
We empower young people to shape their lives through inspiring theatre and creative experiences. We create, present and tour performances powered by imagination, with eye-opening ideas and boundless fun.
Our vision is a world where all young people are emboldened by creativity and our mission is to empower young people to shape and navigate their lives through inspirational theatre and creative experiences.
To learn more, visit monkeybaa.com.au.