Info
The Art House Presents
A Monkey Baa Theatre Company Production
Josephine Wants to Dance
Based on the book by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley
Adapted by Eva Di Cesare, Sandie Eldridge and Tim McGarry
She's bold. She's bouncy. She's back!
A hilarious musical about self-discovery, ballet, hip-hop and... a kangaroo!
Based on the picture book by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley, this delightful musical is a must see!
Josephine is a kangaroo who loves to dance. Her little brother, Joey, tells her kangaroos don't dance, they hop - but Josephine continues to point her toes and leap through the air. When a ballet troupe comes to the sleepy town of Shaggy Gully, Josephine desperately wants to dance like the ballerinas in pink tutus and silk ballet shoes.
On the day of the first performance the Ballet Company is in trouble. The prima ballerina twists her ankle and the understudy has a splinter in her toe. Who can dance the lead role? Josephine's talents are called upon to help save the day. Can she do it, and more importantly, does it matter that she's a kangaroo?
"Wonderfully whimsical and utterly inspiring...a must see for anyone with a sense of wonder.”
- Jade Kops, Broadway World
Note: Josephine Wants to Dance is part of The Art House's 2025 Education Programming. Limited seating is available to the General Public in nominated School Group Performances.
For School Group Bookings please email: Education@thearthousewyong.com.au
Cast & Creatives
CREATIVES
Adaptors - Eva Di Cesare, Sandie Eldridge and Tim McGarry
Director - Jonathan Biggins
Composer/Lyricist - Phil Scott
Choreographer - Tim Harbour
Set & Costume Designer - James Browne
Lighting Designer - Emma Lockhart-Wilson
Sound Designer - David Bergman
Musical Director - Michael Tyack
Remount Lighting Designer - Veronique Benett
Costume Cutter - Marianne Close
Illustration Credits - Bruce Whatley
Photography Credits - Alex Vaughan
Company Stage Manager - Kirsty Mangelsdorf
Technical Coordinator - Joel Montgomery
CAST
Lily Baulderstone
Nina Carmen
Hannah Gwatkin
Callum Slater
Teo Persechino (understudy).
Georgia Unsworth (understudy)
Reviews
REVIEWS
“A complete delight.”
- Jo Litson, Daily Telegraph
"If you have children to take, then, take them. If you don't, still go. Don't be shy. Just, go, go, go.”
- Kevin Jackson Theatre Diaries
"The show is sharp and funny and the songs suitably witty, appealing to all ages… I strongly advise that you take your children."
-Bronwyn Fullerton, Arts Guide Sydney
“A delightful message that anything is possible if you work hard and persist and a reminder to look after our environment and its flora and fauna, it holds many learning opportunities for young people whilst being an engaging and entertaining, high-quality production.”
- Jade Kops, Broadway World
"This delightful adaptation, by Monkey Baa’s Eva Di Cesare, Sandra Eldridge and Tim McGarry, entertains children and adults alike. It’s fun, lively and realises the deeper message to kids in Jackie French’s story … that if you really believe in yourself, your dreams can come true."
- Carol Wimmer, Stage Whispers
"Josephine Wants to Dance brings the story of a stage-struck macropod to life with enormous charm and sly wit. Its appeal extends far beyond the target of four to 9-year-olds."
- Audrey Journal
