Northern Beaches Mums Group
Northern Beaches Mums Group

David Williamson’s charming rom-com RHINESTONE REX AND MISS MONICA returns to Ensemble Theatre

A battle of the genres between classical and country takes centre stage in Ensemble Theatre’s romantic comedy by David Williamson, Rhinestone Rex and Miss Monica, on from 10th March to 29th April 2023.

In this timeless tale of opposites attract, Gold Logie-winner Georgie Parker (Rapture Blister Burn, TV’s Home & Away) and legend of Australian Theatre Glenn Hazeldine (The Jack Manning Trilogy, STC’s Away) reprise their 2010 performances in this updated David Williamson social comedy.

Playwright David Williamson said, “I’m delighted that the Ensemble is bringing back to their stage one of my personal favourites, an updated version of Rhinestone Rex and Miss Monica, and even more delighted that the original cast is returning to reprise their roles.”

“Georgie Parker and Glenn Hazeldine were a wonderful pairing back then and I’m sure they will be again. Everyone loves a good story about someone finding the right person to share their life with, even though the genre demands that it never starts smoothly. I’ve written plays that are more caustic, savage and biting than this one, but perhaps never one with quite as much warmth and heart, and certainly never one with as much of the music, popular and classical, that we all (or most of us) love. I can’t wait.”

Monica, a highly strung member of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, is forced to give up the violin because of her RSI. Left to mope around her Glebe apartment full of resentment and anger, renovating her kitchen seems like a good distraction.

Enter Gary, AKA Rhinestone Rex, the little known Tamworth country singer turned tradie turned DJ who has been tasked with the job. While they may be polar opposites with seemingly nothing in common, except a love of music, is there something deeper that ties them together?

Georgie Parker said, “Glenn and I did this play about 13 years ago. It’s such a different play for David Williamson in the sense that it’s a romantic comedy with just two people. It’s so effortlessly funny. It’s unmissable. It’s David at his best. There’s a reason why we’re doing this play again, and I think that says it all.”

Featuring beloved songs from the icons of classical and country music, including the Eagles and Bach, and directed by Ensemble Theatre’s Artistic Director Mark Kilmurry, Rhinestone Rex and Miss Monica is a melodic trip down memory lane.

This hilarious romance will have audiences roaring with laughter one moment and tugging at their heart strings the next.

RHINESTONE REX AND MISS MONICA
Dates: 10th March to 29th April 2023
Location: Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall Street, Kirribilli 
Tickets: $38-80

BUY TICKETS: https://www.ensemble.com.au/shows/rhinestone-rex-and-miss-monica/