What's On In Melbourne

Wicked – The Broadway Musical

The never before told story of the witches of Oz, “Wicked” is the prequel to the classic story, “The Wizard of Oz”. It explains much of why the characters in the Wizard of Oz are the way they are. Why the “Witch of the West” is wicked and “Glenda” the good witch, where the slipper came from and why the lion has no courage. These are some of the mysteries explained by this eye opening story that will have you seeing the Wizard of Oz in an entirely new light.

Venue: The Regent Theatre
Cost: $79.90-125.90
Phone: Ticketek on 1300 795 012
Web: http://www.wickedthemusical.com.au

Follies

Ten years now since “The Production Company” was formed by Jeanne Pratt and it is still going strong producing three Broadway musicals each year. “Follies”, with its collection of songs that are now musical theatre classics, is one of the shows worthy of marking the company’s anniversary. The Australian cast itself is made up of classic performers who act out the story of former follies stars who return to a theatre that is about to be demolished to reflect upon and unbury past emotions.

Venue: State Theatre
Cost: $38-$79
Phone: Ticketmaster on 1300 136 166
Web: http://www.theproductioncompany.com.au

Hamlet

A contemporary take on what is considered by many as Shakespeare’s finest tragedy, Hamlet has all the elements of this timeless classic of obsession, family secrets and betrayal. Brendan Cowell is an intense lead role in this wild psychological performance.

Venue: Playhouse Theatre
Cost: $35-$60
Phone: Ticketmaster on 1300 136 166
Web: http://www.thebellshakespeare.com.au

Jimmy Barnes

Jimmy Barnes is one of the most successful and prominent rock musicians in Australian history with a career that started with legendary band, Cold Chisel in the 80’s. As a solo musican there has still been no other Australian artist that matches the success he has achieved with six consecutive number 1 albums. Jimmy’s latest album “Out in the Blue” highlights his ability to stick to his raw rock roots and the band in his show includes the likes of other Australian music legends such as Davey Lane from “You Am I” and support from Mahalia Barnes.

Venue: The Palms at Crown
Cost: $60-$70
Phone: Ticketek on 1300 795 012
Web: http://www.crownpresents.com.au

Hatching the Past: Dinosaur Eggs and Babies

This exhibition gives a unique insight into the evolution of dinosaurs show casing some animals of our time most closely related to these prehistoric monsters including baby alligators, lizards and chickens. New information that has just been discovered will be shown.

Visitors will have the opportunity to see and touch real dinosaur bones! Have fun digging for eggs and have a look at real sized models of dinosaurs’ nests of up to 2.5 meters in diameter. All this just a taste of many more interactive stations and media of real and animated footage to better help us understand the evolution of the dinosaur.

Venue: Melbourne Museum
Cost: $12-$14
Phone: 131 102
Web: http://www.museumvictoria.com.au

Walkin’ Birrarung – Yarra River Cultural Tour

Birrarung is an important site for the Kulin people, whose ancestors inhabited this small area for centuries. It’s hard to imagine what this place must have looked like and what took place when you look today and see the towering city skyline on both sides of the river, manicured parks and sporting arenas.

The tour will take you back to the beginnings of this place and an insight into those who lived here. You will then gain an understanding of how the area and the Kulin people have changed to date.

Venue: Monday to Friday
Cost: $25 per person
Phone: Bookings on 8622 2600
Web: http://www.koorieheritagetrust.com/

Melbourne Town Hall Tours

Melbourne town hall has great significance to the shaping of this city as a long lasting hub for civil and cultural activity. This impressive building was built in the 19th century and this tour gives you the opportunity to appreciate its delicate details inside and out. With its rich history and grand architecture this building is heritage listed.

Step inside its huge auditorium that features the largest grand romantic organ in the southern hemisphere with over 10,000 pipes. Have the opportunity to sit in the Lord Mayors chair and stand where the Beatles have stood.

Cost: Free
Phone: Bookings on 9658 9658
Web: http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/info.cfm

Melbourne Greeter Service

Visiting or new to Melbourne? The greeter service is a great way for you to become familiar with the ins and outs of this city from a locals perspective.

Your guide is a volunteer who speaks your language and shares your interests so your orientation will involve the information and places that you want to know about by someone who is passionate about their city. Groups will be sized from 1-4 and the tour may be on foot or by tram.

Venue: Melbourne Visitor Centre
Cost: Free
Phone: 9658 9658
Web: http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/greeter