Einstien on the Beach. Source: Supplied
Snared a ticket to Melbourne's Ring Cycle? Lucky you.
This 20-hour opera-fest sold out before anyone could say Wagner. Happily, there are many other attractions in store over the next six months.
Simon Plant picks his top 10 with tickets still available.
1. EINSTEIN ON THE BEACH
State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne, July 31-August 4
It lasts 4 1/2 hours, without interval, and audiences are encouraged to wander in and out. But most people who sign on to see Einstein on the Beach stay in their seats. That's because they don't want to miss the mesmerising music of Philip Glass, the hypnotic visuals of director Robert Wilson or Lucinda Childs' dynamic choreography. Einstein was first staged in Melbourne in 1992 and the acclaimed revival heading our way features a touring company of 62 members. Awesome is the word.
2. SINGIN' IN THE RAIN
State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne, August 21-25
Singin' in the Rain is being presented by The Production Company - Melbourne's music theatre experts - and the casting is top flight: Rohan Browne as brolly twirling Don Lockwood, Matt Lee as his sidekick Cosmo Brown (Make 'em Laugh) and Alinta Chidzey as wanna-be star Kathy Selden. Christie Whelan-Browne also exercises her comic talent as Lina Lamont - a silent movie star with less than dulcet tones!
Rohan Browne And Alinta Chidzey in Singin' in the Rain.
3. RUPERT
Melbourne Theatre Company, Arts Centre Playhouse, August 24-September 28
Does printer's ink run through Rupert Murdoch's veins? David Williamson seems to think so. In Rupert, his new "political fantasia" for the MTC, the prolific Australian playwright charts Mr Murdoch's ascent to the pinnacle of media power. Williamson's conclusions about the news baron remain a closely guarded secret. But we do know that two actors - Guy Edmonds and Sean O'Shea - share the title role.
4. CINDERELLA
Australian Ballet, State Theatre, September 17-28
Fairytales suit the Australian Ballet like a glass slipper. So when the company waves a magic wand over Cinderella later this year, expect true enchantment.
Ballet maestro Alexei Ratmansky is relocating the classic story in early 20th-century Russia and floating his choreography on a fanciful Prokofiev score.
5. THE GRADUATE
Leanne Stojmenov in Cinderella for Australian Ballet. Photo: Georges Antoni
Her Majesty's Theatre, from September 24
Here's to you Mrs Robinson ... or should that be, Jerry Hall? The tall, blonde Texan apparently strides through a new stage version of The Graduate with the confidence of a cougar. And having already seduced audiences on Broadway and London's West End, Ms Hall - one-time wife to Mick Jagger - is sure to persuade us as well.
6. THE MAGIC PUDDING: THE OPERA
Victorian Opera, Malthouse Theatre, October 4-6
The Magic Pudding is the children's book that keeps on giving. Norman Lindsay's story of Bunyip Bluegum, Bill Barnacle and Sam Sawnoff enchants and amuses us no matter how many times we read it. Victorian Opera opens a new chapter by setting this larrikin tale to music.
The Magic Pudding: The Opera has its world premiere in Melbourne and then goes bush on a regional tour.
7. THE SHADOW KING
Malthouse Theatre-Melbourne Festival, October 8-27
The Graduate starring Jerry Hall as Mrs Robinson. Picture: Rob Kelly
"Who is it that can tell me who I am?"
Shakespeare's King Lear wanted an answer to that question. So, too, do the creative spirits behind The Shadow King, a "majestic and physical reworking" of the Bard's timeless tragedy.
This much anticipated Melbourne Festival-Malthouse production addresses the history of indigenous Australia and with Tom E. Lewis (The Chant of Jimmy Blacksmith) and Jimi Bani (Mabo) heading the cast, raw drama is guaranteed.
8. A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED
Comedy Theatre, October 30-December 4
Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap was a killer night at the theatre last year. So, we're thrilled to hear another whodunit from the Queen of Crime will give us stage fright in late 2013. A Murder is Announced is a Miss Marple mystery set in a cosy English village and Judi Farr will play Christie's "sensibly heeled" sleuth. Joining Farr is James Beck (City Homicide), Robert Grubb, Carmen Duncan and Debra Lawrance.
9. MELBOURNE NOW
National Gallery of Victoria, from November 22
What happens when 130 artists and 30 curators are invited to activate spaces in the National Gallery of Victoria? See Melbourne Now for the answer. This epic exhibition is the biggest ever staged by the NGV.
10. ROYAL CONCERTGEBOUW ORCHESTRA
Hamer Hall, Arts Centre, November 26-27
In 125 years of music-making, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra has never managed to tour Australia. So don't miss its much anticipated Down Under debut. The orchestra - regarded as one of the world's best - will be playing under the baton of maestro Mariss Jansons.
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