After months of rehearsals, laughter, hard work and harmony, Bairnsdale Production Line Theatre Company’s two-week run of The Heartbreak Choir opens this Friday, October 17, at The Forge Theatre.
Written by acclaimed Australian playwright Aidan Fennessy, The Heartbreak Choir tells the story of a small breakaway choir formed in the aftermath of personal and collective heartbreak.
What begins as a fractured group of outcasts, becomes a celebration of connection, resilience and the healing power of song.
A quintessential Australian dramedy, heartfelt, funny and instantly familiar to anyone who’s grown up in a country town, The Heartbreak Choir is about the people you know – the straight talkers, the battlers, the doers
and the dreamers who keep a community ticking along.
Beneath the humour lies an honesty that cuts close to home, capturing both the warmth and the quiet struggles of small town life.
Director Susan Gibson says the cast and production team have poured their hearts into bringing this deeply human story to life.
“This play has been a real labour of love,” Susan said.
“Every single person from the cast to the backstage crew, to the set builders and the entire creative team, has worked incredibly hard to make this something very special. It’s been a joy to watch everyone grow into their roles and bring such truth and humour to this beautiful story.”
A highlight of this production will be the final scene, when the main cast are joined on stage by members of two real life local choirs, The Alleycats and The Phoenix Singers.
The collaboration brings theatre and
community together in one powerful shared moment of music.
Susan said she is especially thrilled to welcome The Phoenix Singers to the stage.
“It’s a wonderful thing to have local choirs involved in this story about community and connection,” she said.
“For The Phoenix Singers, this will be their first public performance since forming, and it’s such a fitting debut. A show that’s all about the joy of singing together.”
The Heartbreak Choir will run for six performances only, opening this Friday and concluding with a final matinee on Sunday, October 26.
As is tradition, opening night profits will be donated to Bairnsdale Neighbourhood House, with patrons attending the premiere also enjoying a complimentary glass of bubbly and a delicious supper provided by loyal Production Line sponsors, New Leaf Café.
Further information can be found on the Forge Theatre and Production Line websites and Facebook pages.
