Prepare to immerse yourself in an enchanting celebration of musical theatre as the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs take centre stage with their Showstoppers concerts, honouring the legendary partnership of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II.
Scheduled for the 16th and 17th of November, these concerts promise to be a rollicking homage to some of Broadway’s most cherished melodies, guaranteed to get your toes tapping and your heart singing.
Under the expert direction of Artistic Director Brett Weymark OAM, a lifelong aficionado of show tunes, the concert will feature a carefully curated programme of Rodgers & Hammerstein classics. Audiences can look forward to timeless favourites like ‘Do-Re-Mi’, ‘Edelweiss’, and ‘Climb Ev’ry Mountain’, alongside lesser-known gems from Me and Juliet and the 1945 film State Fair. Weymark, inspired by fond family memories of singing along to musicals on television, promises, “This cracker of a concert will give my favourite things by Rodgers and Hammerstein a symphonic workout at Sydney Town Hall.”
The concerts will showcase a fusion of talent, with choristers from the acclaimed Symphony Chorus and Chamber Singers joining forces to deliver the rich, full-bodied sound that Rodgers and Hammerstein’s works deserve. They will be complemented by a stellar cast of Australian musical theatre stars, including Ashleigh Rubenach, fresh from her performance in Opera Australia’s Sunset Boulevard; the multi-talented Johanna Allen; Daniel Belle, known for his role as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables; and Rob McDougall, whose extensive stage credits include performances at iconic venues such as Carnegie Hall.
The full Sydney Philharmonia Orchestra will also grace the event, ensuring an unforgettable musical experience. Together, these artists will breathe new life into the sophisticated orchestrations, witty lyrics, and infectious melodies that have made Rodgers & Hammerstein’s musicals enduring classics. From Oklahoma! to The Sound of Music, their collaborations have shaped the landscape of Broadway, earning accolades such as Tony Awards, Academy Awards, and even Pulitzer Prizes.
These concerts serve as a poignant encore to the Choirs’ 2023 Golden Age of Broadway concert, which was a highlight of the Sydney Opera House’s 50th anniversary celebrations. The upcoming performances are dedicated to the memory of Brett Weymark’s mother, Judith Weymark, who sadly passed away in September 2024, making the shows even more meaningful for the Choirs and audiences alike.
With tickets starting at just $40, these concerts are an opportunity not to be missed for lovers of musical theatre. Whether you choose to step out in style for the Saturday evening performance or don your Sunday best for the matinee, you are in for a treat. Secure your seats at the Sydney Philharmonia website and join in the celebration of a musical legacy that continues to inspire and enchant.