THE FRONT PAGE

by BEN HECHT and CHARLES MACARTHUR

23 April – 18 May 2024

“A journalist is a cross between a bootlegger and a whore.”

Late at night, in the crowded press room at Chicago’s Criminal Courts, a group of reporters is waiting to cover a controversial execution the next morning.

Then an unexpected event breaks through the banter and bravura, and suddenly a scoop is on the cards.

Written in 1928, this landmark satire introduced the now-familiar character of the hard-living, wise-cracking reporter chasing the big story, no matter what. In 1940, it was turned into the classic screwball comedy His Girl Friday, starring Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell.

In this fresh adaptation, especially created for this production, the caustic commentary on corruption, manipulation and scandal in politics, journalism and law enforcement still hits a nerve.

The plot twists and turns as much as its ethically elastic characters, and the laugh-a-minute, rapid-fire script will get the adrenaline rushing.

“One of the funniest and most exciting of American plays” New York Times

Patron please note: this production contains sudden loud noises, smoking on stage, strong language, references to violence, sexual slurs, and adult themes

creative team

Director & Adaptation Nicholas Papademetriou
Designer Paris Burrows
Lighting/Sound Designer Michael Schell
Assistant Director Kathy Petrakis
Dialect Coach Nick Curnow
Stage Manager Rosane McNamara
LX/SX Operator Ricci Costa

cast

David Allsopp, Cassady Maddox Booth
Dereck Cameron, Alison Chambers
Barry French, Megan Heferen
Braydon May, Gerry Mullaly
Georgia Nicholas, Nathan Porteus
Diego Retamales, Michael Smith
Reuben Solomon, Callum Stephen
Rose Treloar, Andrew Waldin
James Yeargain

dates/times

Preview Tue 23 Apr 7:30pm
Opening Night Wed 24 Apr 7:30pm
Thu – Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2pm
Final performance Sat 18 May 2pm

Running time: 100 minutes

Please note: latecomers will be admitted at a suitable break in the performance

tickets

Full $37
Concessions, Groups (6+) $32
New Theatre Members $25
Thrifty Thursdays $25
Preview $20

BOOK TICKETS

DOWNLOAD COLOUR PROGRAM

★★★★★ “A fast paced and entertaining play, well worth seeing.” It’s On The House

★★★★ “A great show with a magical recipe of farcical moments, rich satire and plenty of wisecracks.” Sydney Arts Guide

“Director Nicholas Papademetriou’s adaptation of Hecht and MacArthur’s remarkable play is a fun pleasure.” Stage Whispers

“This production has a beautiful bouncy, brassy spirit… Brash, buoyant, confident, this is comic theatre with old school swagger.” Theatre Red

“EXTRA EXTRA! The Front Page is the scoop of the century. Frenetic, wise-cracking and witty, director Nicholas Papademetriou hits another home run in this classic screwball comedy.”Sydney Theatre Reviews

“Though written nearly 100 years ago, The Front Page has themes that still resonate today … It is very, very funny and clever.” City Hub

“An outstanding production. The entire cast was exemplary. The staging, costumes and lighting were ideal.” The Blurb

“The eighteen actors work as a tight ensemble, making every character significant to the action … Another New Theatre production that should not be missed.” Carol Wimmer