An Evening with Rodgers & Hammerstein

An Evening with Rodgers & Hammerstein comes to the Civic Theatre on Sunday 15 November, a matinee starting at 2:00pm. It's presented by the Sydney Musical & Opera Society, and they've put together a concert that pulls from five of the pair's biggest musicals: Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I and The Sound of Music. It's a one-off performance here, and it follows a run of sold-out and full-house shows across New South Wales.

Rather than a stripped-back recital, this is a full production. The music is carried by a live 24-piece orchestra, and the stage is shared by a cast of singers and dancers, with costumes and projections to round it out. It's a broad look at the Rodgers & Hammerstein catalogue, so you'll hear songs from across those five shows rather than a single story told from start to finish. The scale of it—the orchestra, the cast, the costumes—is a good part of the draw.

There's been some strong word from people who've seen it. One viewer described it as absolutely on par with productions and performances they'd experienced internationally, having worked professionally with the English National Opera and Sadler's Wells Opera. That's a high bar to set, and it gives you a sense of the standard they're aiming for.

Tickets are A$79 for A Reserve adults and A$70 for A Reserve concessions; B Reserve is A$70 for adults and A$65 for concessions. If you're bringing a group of six or more, those prices drop to A$65 per person for A Reserve and A$60 for B Reserve, provided you book through the Civic Theatre. The show is on Sunday 15 November at 2:00pm at the Civic Theatre, 375 Hunter St, Newcastle.