The Sapphires by Tony Briggs

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25 February - 14 March, Scott Theatre

A co-presentation with the Adelaide Festival

A Black Swan State Theatre Company and Company B production

  • Director: Wesley Enoch
  • Musical Director: Peter Farnan
  • Set Designer: Richard Roberts
  • Costume Designer: Tim Chappel
  • Lighting Designer: Trent Suidgeest
  • Choreographer: Tony Bartuccio
  • Cast includes: Aljin Abella, Hollie Andrew, Christine Anu, Jimi Bani, Casey Donovan,
    Kylie Farmer, Kenneth Ransom, Oliver Wenn
  • Musicians: Simon Burke, Ben Collins, Daniele Di Paola and Andrew Weir

Winner 2005 Helpmann Award - Best Play
Winner 2005 Helpmann Award - Best New Australian Work

America had The Supremes. Who remembers, though, that Australia had its own supremely talented singing sensation, The Sapphires?

From country New South Wales, the McCrae sisters’ biggest dream is to become as famous as their Motown idols.  It is 1968 and their Supremes cover band is performing in St Kilda’s Tiki Club when they are spotted by a talent scout. But for these Koori divas the fulfilment of their lifelong dream to perform overseas isn’t quite as they imagined – they’re off to entertain the troops in Vietnam.

Based on the true story of the showbiz career of his mother and aunts, Tony Briggs has created a steamy and swinging medley of the highs and lows of family, love and war. Performed to a soundtrack of soul classics that defined a generation, including the hits (Love is Like a) Heatwave, Respect and STOP, In the Name of Love, The Sapphires will win your heart and have you dancing in the aisle!

This production contains smoking and drug references.