Orange Civic Theatre resumes regular programming

Having closed its doors for almost 12 months due to COVID-19 restrictions, Orange Civic Theatre has now resumed regular programming with a new approach to the Theatre’s season in 2021.

Orange City Council’s Services Policy Committee Chair Scott Munro said the theatre was able to announce shows a few months ahead, rather than the usual, annual subscription season launch.

Marking the start of the Theatre’s 2021 season, COVIDSafe sold-out shows were held over the weekend for Sydney Theatre Company’s ever popular ‘Wharf Revue’ – which like many productions, was cancelled or postponed due to COVID restrictions.

Orange Mayor Reg Kidd said with COVIDSafe protocols in place the Theatre was delighted to offer an exciting program for the year ahead.

Mayor Kidd enthused “it has been wonderful to be able to welcome the community back into the Theatre and share in the joy of a shared, live experience. Looking at what’s already on offer for 2021, there is a huge variety.

‘I would like to thank our subscribers and regular theatre goers who continued to support us last year.”

Munro added that while audiences needed to be aware the capacity of the theatre could change at any moment in line with public health orders he was pleased the Theatre had “reached this milestone where we can have fairly regular, scheduled events at the theatre albeit with a capacity of 75%.”

Orange City Council’s Performing Arts and Venues Manager, Michelle Pearce said the program for 2021 was ever evolving.

“At the moment it’s a moveable feast,” she said.

“As the theatre world begins to return to ‘normal’ we are constantly being offered new shows.

“So that we can deliver the best possible program we will be updating our program in four-monthly blocks rather than producing a subscription booklet.

“We’re also moving to social media as our main vehicle for advertising and plan to develop behind the scenes conversations with directors, producers and actors for many of our shows and encourage the community to follow us on Facebook”.

Confirmed programs for the Orange Civic Theatre include:

Spirit- A Retrospective – by Bangarra Dance Theatre, Australia’s leading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performing arts company

The Very Hungry Caterpillar – based on one of the most- read and famous children’s books of all time for children – and young at heart.

Mono – A Three Person One Man Show – a comedy starring legendary Australian actors Max Gillies, Jean Kittson and John Wood

Nexas Quartet Tango de Saxos – imagine you are in Buenos Aires and join this journey through the history of Tango as part Orange Chamber Music Festival – Friday 9th April

Beauty and the Beast – Orange Theatre Company’s production of this Disney international sensation is sure to wow audiences.

Full details of what’s on at the Orange Civic Theatre can be found on Council’s website 

Image: Bangarra Dance Theatre is Australia’s leading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performing arts company. This February, Bangarra return to Orange with Spirit: a retrospective 2021, a powerful collection of dance stories chosen from Bangarra’s 31-year repertoire.