Acrobats & Arias at The Events Centre
The Events Centre, Caloundra has a bounty of thought-provoking, uplifting and entertaining performances coming up. Melanie Rosettenstein previews two standout shows.
From soaring arias to stomach-plunging aerials, two must-see shows are about to hit the stage at The Events Centre, Caloundra.
Whether it’s Opera Australia’s romantic bohemian tragedy of Puccini’s La Bohème or the playful acrobatics of Circa’s Duck Pond, audiences are in for a brilliant season of thought-provoking theatre.
La Bohème
Known as the opera that inspired Moulin Rouge!, La Bohème captures everyday life through the eyes of four young friends chasing love, art and meaning while navigating poverty and heartbreak.
Set in late 1970s Paris, this vivid production brings director Dean Bryant’s trademark energy to the stage, evoking that dizzy moment when you and your friends feel invincible.
On for one night only, Saturday 2 August, Revival Director Warwick Doddrell says audiences can expect a bold, versatile stage design, a moody sky backdrop, and a share-house-style apartment that transforms with each act.
“Keep an eye out for the amazing vintage costumes,” he adds. “They ground the story in time and bring another layer of realism.”
Touring with two rotating casts, the show blends seasoned performers with rising stars.
“They are true athletes,” says Warwick. “They must master Italian, the musical demands, and the emotional depth of each character.”
The opera’s exquisite score has been reorchestrated for touring without losing the grandeur of a full orchestra.
Conductor Simon Bruckard “brings out the full spectrum of human experience,” Warwick shares.
At its core, La Bohème reminds us that beauty and love don’t require wealth – just heart.
“In our complex, transactional world, this is a stunning moment of music that speaks to the soul,” Warwick says.
He hopes audiences will leave feeling swept away by the music, characters, and even a sense of injustice.
With English subtitles and emotional highs, he promises a show that is both stirring and relatable.
On a highlight to watch out for, Warwick says that Act Three’s quartet will give you tingles.
Duck Pond
Theatregoers will be eager to catch this fresh new acrobatic take on the classical ballet Swan Lake.
Presented by Circa, one of Australia’s great performing arts companies, Duck Pond is energetic, funny, and visually stunning, and has already toured Canada, the UK, the USA, and captivated audiences across Australia.
Coming to The Events Centre in Caloundra for one night only on 6 September at 7.30pm, audiences
can expect something playful, joyous, sensual, and romantic, says Circa Artistic Director Yaron Lifschitz.
“We wanted to create something punchy, perky, and a little iconoclastic,” he said.
A mash-up of The Ugly Duckling and Swan Lake, Duck Pond features a white swan, a black swan, a prince, and a fairy godmother, or cupid swan, who drives the action forward.
“Both are bird stories, sure, but they’re really about transformation and discovering identity,” shared Yaron.
“We follow the general arc of Swan Lake, though we’ve reordered scenes and taken some creative liberties. By the end, it really veers off into its own territory.”
Expect visual comedy, character-based humour, and surreal meta moments.
Costumes pay tribute to ballet but are made for acrobatic bodies and big movement.
“Our costumes are beautiful and elegant but built for acrobatics,” Yaron says.
With flying feathers, sparkling sequins, soaring aerials, and jaw-dropping tricks, Duck Pond has a big heart. It’s colourful, cheeky family entertainment with flips for the kids and romance for grown-ups.
Whether you’re drawn to the raw, timeless beauty of La Bohème or the physical, irreverent spectacle of Duck Pond, The Events Centre, Caloundra is serving up two unforgettable nights of live performance.
Book your tickets now and experience the power of theatre at its most passionate, playful and profound.
Don’t Miss!
Book now for these showstopping performances at The Events Centre, Caloundra. Tickets from $35 per person.
La Bohème
Saturday 2 August.
Duck Pond
Saturday 6 September.
There is always something happening at the Sunshine Coast’s premier performing arts and conference centre – from music, dance, theatre and plays for all ages across two theatres and dining spaces with a delicious menu prepared by in-house chefs. To book tickets and subscribe to receive the latest events and exclusive offers, visit www.theeventscentre.com.au
