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Acknowledgement of Traditional Custodians

We pay our respects to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ancestors of this land, their spirits and their legacy. The foundations laid by these ancestors give strength, inspiration and courage to current and future generations, both First Nations and non-First Nations peoples, towards creating a better Queensland.

  • …
  • What’s On
  • 2023
  • Strictly Gershwin
  • Ballet
  • Dance

qbstrictlygershwin23 Strictly Gershwin Queensland Ballet Ballet, Dance Queensland Ballet Strictly Gershwin

28 Sep - 7 Oct 2023
Lyric Theatre
Buy Tickets
$60 - $192 *
* A transaction fee of $7.20 applies.
2 hours 30 minutes
including interval, subject to change without notice

Overview

Strictly Gershwin comes roaring back to evoke the glamour and romance of the golden age in this spectacular tribute to George and Ira Gershwin. Summoning the silver screen magic of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, Queensland Ballet takes audiences on a dazzling journey through ballet, jazz, tap, and ballroom dance genres, to the big band era soundtrack of the thirties. It’s a true celebration of the Gershwins, with Derek Deane’s choreography a sensational match to their larger-than-life Broadway creations and seductive Hollywood tunes.

With music adapted by Gareth Valentine, Deane’s Strictly Gershwin was choreographed for the English National Ballet in 2008 and has since been adored across the world. Queensland Ballet performed it in 2016 to rave reviews.

Featuring the Gershwin’s greatest hits including “Rhapsody in Blue”, “Summertime”, “Strike up the Band”, “Someone to Watch over Me”, “‘S Wonderful”, “Shall We Dance”, “I Got Rhythm” and many more, experience the music synonymous with the romantic ideals of post-war America, jazz, Broadway, and debonair dance routines, culminating in a sparkling grand finale from An American in Paris.

Book now for this fabulous homage to the art deco era.

Important Information

Celebrate 40 Years of QPAC and Win!

Purchase a ticket at QPAC in 2025 and go in the draw to win a Hyundai TUCSON Hybrid, thanks to Hyundai – proud Principal Partner of QPAC.

To enter the competition, submit an entry form via the QPAC 40 Giveaway competition page. Terms and conditions apply.

Lyric Theatre Visual and Sensory Guide

The Lyric Theatre Visual and Sensory Guide [PDF, 5MB] provides information on what you can expect while visiting QPAC.

Official ticketing service for QPAC

QTIX is our official ticketing service with selected packages sold through authorised resellers only. Read more about purchasing tickets online.

Concession

Full Pensioners, Queensland Government Seniors Card, Industry [MEAA] members, Full-time students over 30, Unemployed (National Seniors Ass. not applicable).

Youth

30 years and under at the time of booking.

Child

13 years and under at the time of booking. Children 18 months and over require a ticket.

Family

2 Adults, 2 Children or 1 Adult + 3 Children, must buy 4 tickets.

Great discounts available for groups of 5+.
Receive a discounted price and 1 complimentary ticket for every 5 tickets booked.
Tuesday to Thursday
Premium Adult $117
A-Reserve Adult $99
B-Reserve Adult $94
C-Reserve Adult $88
Friday to Saturday 
Premium Adult $139
A-Reserve Adult $118
B-Reserve Adult $111
C-Reserve Adult $104

Make a group booking

Great discounts available for school and dance school groups of 10+ in B-Reserve and C-Reserve.
Receive a discounted price and 1 complimentary ticket per 10.
School and Dance School Group – Students $35
1 free teacher per 10 students.
Extra teacher/helpers can purchase a ticket for $35 (Max 2 per 10 paid students).

Make a school booking

Education Notes

Suitability: Years 7 to 12

Strictly Gershwin Production Image

  • Strictly Gershwin Production Image
  • Strictly Gershwin Production Image
  • Strictly Gershwin Production Image
  • Strictly Gershwin Production Image
  • Strictly Gershwin Production Image

Credits

  • Choreographer and Director Derek Deane OBE
  • Assistant to the Choreographer Ivan Gil-Ortega
  • Stager Amy Hollingsworth
  • Words and Music George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin
  • Music Adaption Gareth Valentine
  • Orchestrator Don Sebesky
  • Tap Choreographer Bill Simpson
  • Costume Designer Roberta Guidi di Bagno
  • Lighting Designer Howard Harrison
  • Revival Lighting Designers Cameron Goerg and Ben Hughes
  • Conductor Michael England
  • Conductor Nigel Gaynor
  • Music Performed by Queensland Symphony Orchestra
  • Featuring Pianist Daniel Le
  • Costumes and props are co-owned by Queensland Ballet and Tulsa Ballet.
  • Gershwin is a registered trademark of Gershwin Enterprises and is used under license.

Guest Artists

  • Conductor Michael England
  • Tap Choreographer and Tap Artist Bill Simpson
  • Tap Artist Kris Kerr
  • Tap Artist Rachael Walsh
  • Singer (Tenor) Luke Kennedy
  • Singer (Mezzo) Naomi Price
  • Singer (Soprano) Nina Korbe
  • Singer (Tenor) Ben Mingay
  • Principal Artist Camilo Ramos
  • Pianist Daniel Le

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