Derek Deane's
Strictly Gershwin
–
Glasshouse Theatre, QPAC
Before Gatsby, There Was Gershwin
Step into the glamour, romance and exhilaration of the Jazz Age.
Returning to Queensland Ballet by popular demand, Strictly Gershwin is a dazzling celebration of the timeless music of George and Ira Gershwin. Choreographed by Derek Deane OBE, this spectacular production transports audiences to an era of glittering ballrooms, Broadway brilliance and Hollywood sophistication.
Blending ballet, jazz, tap and ballroom dance, Strictly Gershwin bursts with energy, elegance and irresistible charm. Featuring beloved classics including Rhapsody in Blue, Summertime, Someone to Watch Over Me, I Got Rhythm and Shall We Dance, the production culminates in a breathtaking finale inspired by An American in Paris.
Effervescent, stylish and utterly joyful, Strictly Gershwin is a celebration of music, movement and the enduring spirit of an extraordinary era.
Costumes and props are co-owned by Queensland Ballet and Tulsa Ballet.
“STRICTLY GERSHWIN”
(George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin, DuBose Heyward)
All Right Reserved. Used By Permission.
The Worldwide Copyrights in the Music of George and Ira Gershwin for this Presentation are Licensed by the Gershwin® Family.
Dates & Times
Price
Season Ticket Packages
Choose the package that best suits you
Duet
Save up to 10% on Premium single ticket prices when you choose 2 ballets.
Encore
Save up to 15% on Premium single ticket prices when you choose 3 or more ballets.
Pricing
To request a group booking call Queensland Ballet at (07) 3013 6666
Fees
A transaction fee of $5 applies per transaction.
Ticket fees may apply at checkout, as per venue Terms and Conditions.
Venue
Glasshouse Theare, QPAC
Russell St South Brisbane QLD 4101
Credits
Derek Deane OBE
Choreographer and Director
Ivan Gil-Ortega
Assistant to the Choreographer
George Gershwin
Words and Music
Ira Gershwin
Words and Music
Gareth Valentine
Conductor and Music Adaption
Don Sebesky
Orchestrator
Bill Simpson
Tap Choreographer and Guest Artist
Roberta Guidi di Bagno
Costume Designer
Howard Harrison
Lighting Designer
Ben Hughes
Revival Lighting Designer
Craig Wilkinson
Video Designer
Camerata – Queensland's Chamber Orchestra
Music performed by
Kris Kerr
Tap Guest Artist
Performances
Select Session
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- Opening Night
- Q&A
#Ticket Options
#The Program
Act I: Gershwin on Broadway
Overture
Someone to Watch Over Me
Fascinatin’ Rhythm
Shall We Dance?
The Man I Love
‘S Wonderful
Embraceable You
An American in Paris
Act II: Gershwin in Hollywood
Rhapsody in Blue
Gershwin Interlude
Oh, Lady Be Good
But Not For Me
It Ain’t Necessarily So
Strike Up the Band
Who Cares?
A Foggy Day
Summertime
I Got Rhythm
Fascinatin’ Rhythm Finale
#Reviews
#The Gershwin Legacy
The Gershwin brothers have long been celebrated for their ability to create popular music that transcends time and captivates generations.
Loved by performers and audiences alike, their compositions are renowned for their sheer brilliance and musicality. Renowned American composers Irving Berlin and Cole Porter regarded George and Ira Gershwin as the foremost popular music writers of the 1920s and ’30s. But what makes their music so timeless? The answer lies in the quality of their tunes: they can be adapted for many different styles whilst still maintaining the melody along with the warmth and heart of the song.
Younger brother George Gershwin’s musical artistry was a remarkable fusion of traditional orchestral composition and the vibrant spirit of American jazz. He had spent time working at Tin Pan Alley (New York City’s music publishing district) as a song plugger, recording and arranging thousands of other people’s songs, learning intuitively the elements that made a song successful. His talents grew as he undertook commissions for concert music, balancing his work with musical comedies, culminating in his most iconic piece, Rhapsody in Blue. This heralded a new era in American music.
Beyond George’s instrumental genius, a significant part of the Gershwin legacy lies in Ira’s poetic lyrics, which breathed life into the melodies. From the infectious energy of Shall We Dance to the irresistible cadence of Fascinatin’ Rhythm, Ira’s words fit the music seamlessly. George would compose the music, and Ira would weave in lyrics that harmonised flawlessly with the melodies in a rare synergy of genius. This creative process would play a vital role in their enduring success.
After George’s early and untimely passing, Ira became custodian of the Gershwin legacy, diligently preserving his brother’s work and generously donating manuscripts to the Library of Congress, ensuring their music became an integral part of America’s cultural heritage.
The Gershwins remain forever synonymous with the vibrant sounds and style of the 1920s and ‘30s America yet, even today, their music continues to take centre stage. We are delighted to celebrate their legacy through Strictly Gershwin – paying homage to their music which so beautifully captures the glitz and dynamism of the Jazz Age.
