Cosi by Louis Nowra

The national touring production of an Australian modern classic, Louis Nowra’s riotous comedy Cosi, visits Don Russell Performing Arts Centre for one night only on Sunday, 4 July at 7pm. This Denis Moore-directed play, which originated in Melbourne, has an exceptional cast of eight who are regulars on the Australian stage and screen. Don Bridges, who plays the lead role, has performed in films such as Charlotte’s Web, Getting Square and Romper Stomper. The supporting cast includes Michael Wahr (Neighbours, City Homicide), Jim Daly (The Adventure of Lano & Woodley, The Flying Doctors, Wilfred), Katie Jean Harding (I Love You Too, Canal Road), Bessie Holland (The Lower Depths, Banana Bender), Caroline Lee (Blue Heelers, Neighbours, Stingers), Jacob Allan (All Saints, The Alice, The Secret Life of Us) and Adrian Auld (City Homicide, Martha’s New Coat, Morning Star). Nowra’s clever storyline centres around Lewis, a young director and university drop out, who takes a job in a mental asylum working with patients interested in the dramatic arts. Roy, a long-term patient, hijacks the show and insists that the production be nothing less than a staging of Mozart’s opera Cosi Fan Tutte. Characters among the eccentric cast include an aging nymphomaniac, an obsessive and a pyromaniac. Lewis’ life is touched by these extraordinary people as his operatic production lurches forward. The audience learns, along with Lewis, that when chasing your dreams it helps if you are not too attached to reality. Admission is $35.10 standard, $31.80 concession, $23.70 students and $27.80 for groups of 10 or more. For bookings or information, please call 9493 4577 or visit www.gosnells.wa.gov.au and click on the Don Russell Performing Arts Centre link to buy tickets online.