Dear Arts and Entertainment Lover,

Happy New Year and welcome to our new look season program for February and March 2022.

Despite the dreaded COVID-19 still causing all kinds of headaches for everyone associated with the arts and entertainment industry, we have managed to soldier on and put together a truly wonderful program of live theatre, cinema and events for you.

We are very pleased that most of the shows that had to cancel last year have re-booked for sometime during the year ahead. But we kick off the year with some truly iconic Australian performers including an exclusive performance by country music superstar Lee Kernaghan, making a welcome return after almost three years; and The Whitlams in concert as part of a major tour to coincide with the release of their first new album in 15 years.

The Moncrieff is also delighted to welcome members of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and the critically acclaimed Australasian Dance Collective. In 2022 we will also be reactivating our foyer spaces by giving local artists from the Bundaberg region the opportunity to showcase their work. Our first two exhibitions will be from Marlies Oakley and Vanessa Allegra.

Have a good read through this program but don’t forget to go online to artsbundaberg.com.au and check out all the great shows coming in 2022.

Hope to see you soon at the Moncrieff.

Paul Dellit OAM
Manager, Moncrieff Entertainment Centre

Foyer Exhibition:
Marlies Oakley

1 FEBRUARY - 12 MARCH

When: Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm and one hour prior to public performances

Originally from Berlin and now calling Australia her home, award winning artist and champion of the world of collage, Marlies’ main love is ‘cutting and gluing’.

Her collage works are all intricately hand cut, with no digital trickery. The collages are painstakingly constructed, layer upon layer, using images sourced from new and vintage magazines, discarded used books, encyclopaedias, postage stamps, and pretty much anything she can lay her hands on. With each image being used only once, scouring and searching through piles of books for the ‘right image’ to tell the story, is a labour of love, making the artworks totally original, caught in a time and place.

Her subject matter ranges from ‘familiar icons and kitsch subjects’ to ‘surreal imagery’ intermixed with social commentary and personal stories, but there is always a ‘playful kick’ to her works.

Shang Chi and the
Legend of the Ten Rings

THURSDAY 3 FEBRUARY

Tickets: $10.00
Time: 7pm
Event information: 132 minutes

Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings stars Simu Liu as Shang-Chi, who must confront the past he thought he left behind when he is drawn into the web of the mysterious Ten Rings organisation. The film also stars Tony Leung as Wenwu, Awkwafina as Shang-Chi’s friend Katy and Michelle Yeoh as Jiang Nan, as well as Fala Chen, Meng’er Zhang.

Celtic Illusion Reimagined

TUESDAY 8 FEBRUARY

Tickets: Adult $79.90, Concession $74.90, Group 8+ $74.90, Under 16 $69.90, Family $290.00, Under 2 Free
Time: 7.30pm
Event information: 90 minutes

Immerse yourself in the Irish Dance and Grand Illusion sensation that has taken Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Canada and the USA by storm, on its nationwide tour for 2021. This is Celtic Illusion, Reimagined!

Even fans who have seen our previous shows won’t dare miss the Reimagined tour that is set to raise the bar once again. This exhilarating production has broken barriers by fusing unparalleled art forms and is more spectacular than ever before.

With new spellbinding illusions, entrancing music and choreography, Celtic Illusion is an awe-inspiring night of family entertainment.

Lee Kernaghan

SATURDAY 12 FEBRUARY

Tickets: Adult $84.90, Concession $79.90, Under 15 $59.90
Time: 7.30pm
Event information: 120 minutes with interval

Lee Kernaghan is one of the all-time greats of Australian music with 39 number 1 hits and a ute load of Golden Guitar awards to his credit. After all touring plans for 2020-21 were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Lee said “2022 is the 30th anniversary year of the release of my first album the Outback Club so we will be taking out a new show featuring all the hits to celebrate.”

Supported by Megan Cooper.

Foyer Exhibition:
Vanessa Allegra

14 MARCH - 30 April

When: Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm and one hour prior to public performances

Born in Bundaberg, Vanessa Allegra is a contemporary figurative oil painter, a rock climber and a sailor.

Her work pauses moments of light moving over skin or feathers, portraying environmental loss and the lived experiences of the women around her. Lately, Vanessa has begun to paint light moving across the landscapes she climbs in, and her partner Mark as he moves through the ocean and the world.

Vanessa studied at the Brisbane Atelier School and now paints from her sailboat in Central Queensland.

Follies:
National Theatre Live

WEDNESDAY 16 FEBRUARY

Tickets: Adult $28.00, Concession $24.00, Under 18 $15.00, Group 10+ $10.00
Time: 1pm
Event information: 156 minutes, produced 2017

New York, 1971. There’s a party on the stage of the Weismann Theatre. Tomorrow the iconic building will be demolished. Thirty years after their final performance, the Follies girls gather to have a few drinks, sing a few songs and lie about themselves.

Tracie Bennett, Janie Dee and Imelda Staunton play the magnificent Follies in this dazzling production. Featuring a cast of 37 and an orchestra of 21, Stephen Sondheim’s legendary musical was directed by Dominic Cooke and filmed live on stage at the National Theatre in 2017.

Winner of Academy, Tony, Grammy and Olivier awards, Sondheim’s previous work includes A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd and Sunday in the Park with George.

The Whitlams
Gaffage & Clink 2022

FRIDAY 18 FEBRUARY

Tickets: Adult $60.40
Time: 7.30pm
Event information: 150 minutes with interval

These first full band shows in two years will be enlivened by new songs from their latest album, “Sancho”, out on January 28. As well as new singles, “Man About a Dog” and “(You’re Making Me Feel Like I’m) 50 Again”, they will play their usual rambunctious set featuring a broad selection of tunes from their six Platinum and Gold albums, including classics “No Aphrodisiac” and “Blow Up the Pokies”.

Rockaria
The ELO Experience

SATURDAY 19 FEBRUARY

Tickets: Adult $69.00, Concession $63.00, Student $63.00, Under 15 $63.00, Group 10+ $63.00
Time: 8pm
Event information: 150 minutes with interval

Rockaria - The ELO Experience is a show that delivers a captivating live concert recreating the unforgettable sound of Jeff Lynne’s The Electric Light Orchestra.

Formed in 1970 in Birmingham England, ELO was formed out of Jeff Lynne’s and Roy Wood’s desire to create modern rock and pop songs with classical overtones.

During the 1970s and 1980s, ELO released a string of top 10 albums and singles, including two albums that reached the top of the British charts: the disco inspired Discovery (1979) and the science fiction themed concept album Tim (1981). This is a tribute concert not to be missed.

Mornings at the Moncrieff: Andrews Sisters Tribute

WEDNESDAY 23 FEBRUARY

Tickets: $25.00, Morning Tea $12.00
Time: 10.30am
Event information: 90 minutes

The Andrews Sisters Tribute Show consists of three sassy divas - Cherryn Jane Bray, Claire Candy and Jodie Joy. They are backed by the accomplished and lively Andrews Sisters Tribute Band.

Together the khaki-clad trio have a new stylish show and are bringing back the gorgeous 3-part harmony and toe-tapping tunes of the Andrews Sisters! Enjoy Boogie- Woogie Bugle Boy, reminisce with Rum and Coca-Cola and all-aboard the Chattanooga Choo Choo with these stunning ladies and band.

Lesbian Love Stories

FRIDAY 25 FEBRUARY

Tickets: Adult $35.00, Concession $28.00, Under 20 $20.00, Group 6+ $26.00
Time: 7.30pm
Event information: 70 minutes, Rated 15+

But you don’t look gay?

Lesbian Love Stories is a cabaret/verbatim piece performed by three lesbians, and one rockin’ pianist. It features tales of lady love from across the globe, told anonymously through song, speech and prose.

LLS is an honest, fun, and heartwarming piece that allows the performers, and anonymous contributors to truly be themselves - while providing the audience with an inside glimpse of the lesbian experience. Above all else, LLS is a fun night out that’ll bring laughter, rockin harmonies and an awkward moment (or three). Stories will be shared, drinks may be spilled, and we promise not to tell anyone how you smudged your lipstick...

Breakfast at Tiffany’s

SATURDAY 26 FEBRUARY

Tickets: $35.00
Time: Fundraiser 12pm, Film 1.30pm
Event information: 115 minutes

The Zonta Club of Bundaberg invites you to celebrate the 60th Anniversary Screening of Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

The American romantic comedy film directed by Blake Edwards, written by George Axelrod, adapted from Truman Capote’s 1958 novella of the same name, and starring Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly, a naïve, eccentric café society girl who falls in love with a struggling writer, played by George Peppard.

We’ll be rolling out the red carpet for this special event, which will include raffles and lucky door prizes, and a prize for the best Holly Golightly costume. Plus, enjoy a glass of champagne, bagel, and cupcake gourmet pack.

All profits from this event are going to support the good works of The Zonta Club of Bundaberg. Join us for this classic afternoon of cinema.

The Robertson Brothers
60’s Variety Show

FRIDAY 4 MARCH

Tickets: Adult $69.00, Concession $65.00, Unemployed $65.00, Group 10+ $65.00, Family of 4 $260.00
Time: 8pm
Event information: 150 minutes with interval

Well don’t miss The Robertson Brothers 60’s Variety Show with special guest Simon Brook McLachlan - from the original cast of the hit musical Jersey Boys.

Take a trip down memory lane with this amazing interactive live TV Variety Show featuring the hits from: The Seekers, Bee Gees, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, Neil Sedaka and The Everly Brothers!

With an amazing multimedia presentation, expect to be entertained by many of the Classic Hits from the 60s. Through the prism of the Variety TV show format you’ll travel back in time to embrace and celebrate all the hits of these 60’s music legends.

The Godfather 50th
Anniversary Screening

THURSDAY 10 MARCH

Tickets: $10.00
Time: 6.30pm
Event information: 185 minutes, Rated 18+

The Godfather ”Don” Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) is the head of the Corleone mafia family in New York. He is at the event of his daughter’s wedding. Michael (Al Pacino), Vito’s youngest son and a decorated WW II Marine is also present at the wedding.

Michael seems to be uninterested in being a part of the family business. Vito is a powerful man, and is kind to all those who give him respect but is ruthless against those who do not. But when a powerful and treacherous rival wants to sell drugs and needs the Don’s influence for the same, Vito refuses to do it. What follows is a clash between Vito’s fading old values and the new ways.

Agro Up Late
With Jamie Dunn

SATURDAY 12 MARCH

Tickets: Adult $50.00, VIP $100.00
Time: 7.30pm
Event information: 90 minutes, Rated 18+

Grab your Samboy Chips, Troll Dolls, Tazo’s and your favourite Goosebumps book – Australia’s most iconic puppet is back, and he is naughtier than ever!

After 30 years in the business, Agro and “the bald man under the table”, Jamie Dunn are back together and live on stage! Hosted by Big Brother’s Ben From Brisbane, get ready to stroll down memory lane and hear the naughtiest and funniest Aussie showbiz stories behind an accidental puppet that became an Aussie icon.

VIP ticket:
• Signed copy of Jamie Dunn’s biography
• Meet and greet opportunity with Jamie and Agro after the show
• A polaroid photo opportunity with Jamie Dunn & Agro

Eiffel

WEDNESDAY 16 MARCH

Tickets: $10.00
Time: 6.30pm
Event information: 109 minutes

In this glorious historical drama, Gustave Eiffel (multiple award winning actor Romain Duris in fine form), a well-respected engineer known as the ‘magician of iron’, is currently basking in the success of designing the framework of the Statue of Liberty among his many engineering feats. When asked by the Parisian government to design something spectacular for the 1889 Paris World Fair, he comes up with a simple idea to build a subway.

While he contemplates his design, Eiffel crosses path with a mysterious woman (Emma Mackey, Sex Education) from his past who encourages him to go bold with his idea. He agrees, but as his design gets more complicated, he’s left battling banks, poorly paid workers, politicians and even the people of Paris who ridicule the ‘monstrosity’ causing him further frustration.

Celebration of Swing

FRIDAY 18 MARCH

Tickets: Adult $84.90, Concession $79.90, Unemployed $79.90, Under 25 $54.90
Time: 7.30pm
Event information: 140 minutes with interval

The Celebration of Swing will be a Big Band Blast! A concert spectacular honouring the famous American Big Band leaders and their Orchestras from the 1940s, the golden era of swing.

This concert will feature John Morrison’s Swing City: fifteen musicians and singers, plus showcase two esteemed singers, Gregg Arthur and Jackie Cooper and Sydney’s top instrumental jazz soloists. Musical Director, John Morrison is recognised as one of Australia’s leading jazz drummers, band leader and educator.

The concert’s music repertoire will highlight the greatest Big Band hits of the 1940s, featuring the music of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Harry James, Benny Goodman and more.

Bundaberg Rainbow
Choir 2022

SEMESTER ONE, FEBRUARY - JUNE

Membership Fees: Semester One $130.00
Time: 6 - 8pm
Event information: Rehearses Monday evenings during school terms

Do you love to sing? The Bundaberg Rainbow Choir is an exciting new initiative by the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre as part of its Community Engagement Program.

The Bundaberg Rainbow Choir is an inclusive non-auditioned LGBTQI community choir for singers aged 18 years and over, including our straight allies, regardless of musical ability. Led by Choirmaster Anthonie Meerman, the Bundaberg Rainbow Choir sings every style from classical to pop, Broadway to gospel, and from cultures all over the world. As artists, we will listen to the changing world around us and transform what we hear into music. The choir will sing to challenge perceptions of the LGBTQI community, to combat fear and hatred, encourage compassion and human connection, and to thrill with the superb quality of our voices.

Rehearsals are held on consecutive Monday evenings from 6 – 8pm during school terms at the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre. The all inclusive membership fee payable by participants for semester one rehearsals in 2022 is $130, which will include copies of all music required.

Mornings at the Moncrieff: I’m Just Wild About Harry

WEDNESDAY 23 MARCH

Tickets: $25.00, Morning Tea $12.00
Time: 10.30am
Event information: 90 minutes

Renowned Australian tenor Jonathon Welch AM, also best known for his award-winning Choir of Hard Knocks, brings to life the music and life of one of the most popular Welsh tenors and comedian, Sir Harry Secombe.

Regarded as one of the finest tenors of his generation, Jonathon will thrill your audience with his stunning renditions of Secombe’s greatest hits including Love, This is My Song, Vienna City of My Dreams, Bless this House, Love is a Many Splendored Thing, I Believe and his most popular signature song - If I Ruled the World!

Creedence Clearwater
Collective

SATURDAY 26 MARCH

Tickets: Adult $69.00, Pensioner $59.00, Senior $59.00, Under 17 $39.00
Time: 8pm
Event information: 120 minutes with interval

We invite you to join us for a celebration of Creedence Clearwater Revival, as we walk-through the life and music of one of the world’s most iconic bands – from the songs they wrote, to the songs covered, to the songs they wrote for others. From their album debut in 1968 to their last album in 1972, Creedence Clearwater Revival was a juggernaut of phenomenal proportions. No other band has created such an impact in such a short time.

The Creedence Clearwater Collective brings to the stage a six piece band – with a guest Saxophonist and a vocalist that emulates John Fogerty’s distinct vocals – to capture the unique CCR sound.

Stardust + The Mission

WEDNESDAY 30 MARCH

Tickets: Adult $35.00, Concession $28.00, Under 20 $20.00, Group 6+ $26.00
Time: 7.30pm
Event information: 110 minutes with interval

STARDUST tells the story of bandleader and trumpet player Col Brain. Before he died, Col placed his most prized life possessions into a cupboard and locked it up, never to be opened again. But what was inside? Told by his grandson, award winning ABC presenter & performer, Joel Carnegie, STARDUST is a heart-warming musical quest to uncover what Col wanted us to know about his life by the things he left behind.

THE MISSION follows “Fighting Gunditjmara” man Allan McDonald off to war. As one of the first Aboriginal soldiers from Victoria to enlist, Allan fought at Gallipoli and Beersheba, only to be denied a soldier’s settlement upon return and forced from his traditional land. Told by his great, great nephew, acclaimed Gunditjmara actor Tom Molyneux, THE MISSION tells the truth of Uncle Allan’s struggle; fighting for Country, for love, and for justice.

Featuring members of the Bundaberg Municipal Brass Band.