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(Term 4 Only) December Only)
(December Only)
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In the tradition of the sell-out shows "Irving the Magician”, “At The Beach”, “Milli, Jack & the Dancing Cat”, “Bear & Chook”, “The Singing Hat” & “Horrible Harriet”, Tony Bones Entertainment performs this fabulous picture book as a brilliant new musical play for children. The book comes to life with original song & dance numbers, thrilling drama, puppetry and 40 minutes of hysterical comedy & moving drama. Every 3 to 10 year old will love this performance. This must see production is booking fast so be quick to secure a date for your school with "The Night Garden". From Author & Illustrator Elise Hurst: "I think your ideas sound fantastic! ... Your ideas for puppetry and dance elements are just what I would have imagined - although I hadn't thought of the paintings - very nice! I think it would be a very fun experience for the kids. One night while Sally is staying at her grandmother's old house, she discovers a mystical garden in the backyard. Transformed from neat hedges and flower beds, to twisted shapes and creatures, the garden is now a place full of hidden surprises and adventure! TRADITIONAL ART
From the author's website - http://www.elisehurst.com.au/ "I am an illustrator and author of children’s books, as well as a traditional artist. I work in a messy studio at home in Melbourne, near the cemetery and the zoo. I live with my husband, peter, who is working on his doctorate in Linguistics (and who helped me create this site), and a cat which keeps me company while I work. I've illustrated many books over the years - by a range of wonderful authors and also some that I've written myself. There's a full list of books on the Bibliogaphy page. Some of my favourites are "The Night Garden", "Where's God?" by Victor Kelleher (Lothian), “The Elephants’ Big Day Out” and “A Dream of Bunyips Dancing” published with Lothian Books. The range of work that I do could be described to have a cross-pollinating effect. Traditional art has given me a wide range of skills and influences, which allows me to change styles and techniques all of the time to complement the texts I work on. In return, illustration influences my traditional artwork because it teaches me to remember the essence ofwhat I am looking at and what prompted me to paint something in the first place - the emotion I felt, the atmosphere and to remember the focus of the scene." From 'femail.com.au' at http://www.femail.com.au/product_reviews.htm - "A gorgeous picture book full of imagination and magic. From 'Paper Tigers' at http://www.papertigers.org/wordpress/ - "Books Illustrated in Melbourne launched Elise Hurst’s 50th book in 11 years, The Night Garden, with a champagne party and an exhibit of illustrations from the book. A big crowd showed up! Before reading the book to a thrilled and energetically participating audience, Elise explained that two years ago she had only the germ of an idea–a garden “where everything happens, with each picture extraordinary.” A publisher was interested, but, big surprise, wanted a story. It’s an “escape artist” story, Elise discovered, of looking out on a magical garden in the middle of the night. She remembers falling asleep herself at the window as a child, dreamily gazing out the window into a possible magical garden she herself has now escaped into through her young character, Sally. Elise’s husband, Peter, talked about the hard work of getting the text and the illustrations right. Discussing two particular pages, he explained that “in 40 words, with illustrations, Elise first got across the idea that Sally is adventurous and feels the magic, but her cat, Strange, is reluctant. Then Elise transitions into the mystical world outside, ‘to the edge of here and there.’ The garden is like an opera set, and the whole garden appears on the end papers.” PaperTigers recognized Elise’s work some time ago with a gallery feature and Elise remembered us when I introduced myself. I’m looking forward to writing more about the vibrant community of illustrators, publishers, and writers that I’ve met through Ann Haddon and Ann James of Books Illustrated. Thanks for a great launch party! Book titles performed by Tony Bones Entertainment in the past include: SHORT LISTED “BOOK OF THE YEAR” PICTURE BOOKS PERFORMED 2007 "Water Witcher" by Jan Ormerod 2006 "Irving the Magician" by Tohby Riddle 2005 "At the Beach - Postcards from Crabby Spit" by Roland Harvey 2004 "Milli, Jack and the Dancing Cat" by Stephen Michael King 2003 "Bear and Chook" by Lisa Shanahan & Emma Quay 2002 "Horrible Harriet" by Leigh Hobbs 2001 "The Singing Hat" by Tohby Riddle SHORT LISTED “BOOK OF THE YEAR” YOUNGER READER’S BOOKS PERFORMED 2007 "Being Bee" by Catherine Bateson 2006 "To The Light" by Pat Flynn 2005 "Billy Mack's War" by James Roy 2004 "Stella by the Sea” by Ruth Starke 2003 "Tom Jones Saves the World" by Steven Herrick 2002 "My Story - A Different Sort of Real, The Diary of Charlotte McKenzie, Melbourne, 1918" by Kerry Greenwood 2001 "Something's Fishy, Hazel Green!" by Odo Hirsch 2000 "Captain Mack" by James Roy SHORT LISTED “BOOK OF THE YEAR” OLDER READER’S BOOKS PERFORMED 2002 "When Dogs Cry" by Markus Zusak 2001 "Touch Me" by James Moloney 2000 "Tyro" by David McRobbie Testimonials for all these shows can be found by clicking on the following link: http://www.tonybones.com.au/school_shows/schoolshows_testimonials.html You can visit the CBCA at their website at www.cbc.org.au TESTIMONIALS FOR 2007's "WATER WITCHER" Flemington Primary School, VIC “Performance was fantastic! Children were engaged throughout the show...Both my class and I loved the performance. I liked how you pointed out to the students that it is okay for a boy to act the part of a girl and vice-versa. Great story, acting and songs to match. 10/10 for a great performance.” Westmeadows Primary School, VIC “Kids loved the show. Getting them moving kept them all interested in story...Great show – lots of interest for the children. Terrific incorporation of the storyline and music...Fast moving, enjoyable show. The story chosen was appropriate to Australia’s present water situation.” The Scotts School, Bathurst, NSW “The concert was great. The students were completely engaged from Kinder to Year 4. The actors did bring the book alive and it was clever how musical songs were written into the story. Great use of the book in the drama to draw on the students’ previous learning.” St Francis Xavier, Frankston, VIC “Very well put together – funny and entertaining.” St Marcartan’s Primary School, VIC “The children were fully engaged in what was happening. It was a delight to watch the various expressions on the children’s faces. The performers did an excellent job, always talking to the audience as well as including them during performance. Clear articulation and good costumes...Excellent show. Meaning behind the story clearly conveyed. Props, costumes good. Children engaged well with storyline – post-play discussion was worthwhile. Children loved the music and comedy...The children thoroughly enjoyed the show. The music was superb and the choreography spot on. Children were entertained and learnt some important things about saving water as well. Well done and thank you...Fantastic! Great level of energy. Nice and colourful and the students were engaged for the whole time. Great discussion about drought at the end...I loved it. It was great seeing the story come ‘alive’. I loved the harmonies (great voices) and the dances. You certainly pour your hearts and souls into it. Also loved the humour. The kids? They loved it too!” Donvale Primary School, VIC “Loved the musical aspect. Added depth and loved the volume – loud, to keep the kids interested. Costumes were great. Was great how you involved crowd and came into audience, kept them alert. Creative, funny and fantastic performance. A great way to explore such a fabulous story. Good re-cap on the book at question time...Was a great performance. Very engaging. The kids seemed happy. Getting them involved was good...Kids loved the suspense at the beginning. Children were very engaged throughout the entire performance. Songs are great! Choreography great too! Costumes were great and simple. Dream sequence was fabulous! Dougie was excellent. Digging sketch great! Involvement of kids with actions was AWESOME! Very nice ending...Great intro – got attention, fun, children loved it. Songs were great. Audience participation was good – children loved that (me too!). LOVED that chook costume!! Great fun and energy. Loved the adaptation. Great choice of book – topical issue as well as one that affects us all. I love the family aspect too – how families help each other. I really liked the re-cap of the book at the end – beginning, middle and end (what we concentrate on in class) Great rapport with the audience. Question time was really well done too. Thanks a lot – we had a great time.” Mt Pleasant Primary School, Ballarat, VIC “Fantastic. Awesome. Entertaining. Totally engaging. Thought provoking...Children loved it (so did teachers!). Very funny. Stimulated much discussion comparing book to performance...Wonderful show. Engagement of the children was excellent, especially pre-show. Promoted excellent discussion about issues...Tony’s shows are always fantastic. The reach across the ages so that everyone enjoys themselves...Each year the performance is dynamic, all-engrossing and the children leave wanting more and feeling great about things!” St Catherine’s College, Toorak, VIC “This was a fantastic production – perfect for the age group! I really liked the way reference was made regularly to the book, and the simple ways in which the book was acted out/portrayed. Discussion at the end of the show was fantastic – the best I have seen! It maintained the focus on the book, highlighting the main features. The Year 2 students loved this production, and I thought it was a very worthwhile presentation. Thank you so much...I loved it! It was very relevant, funny, informative and age-appropriate. Excellent, A+” Glen Katherine Primary School, Eltham, VIC "Great way to bring the book alive. A lesson in history, literacy and drama. So practical...Great! Discussion afterwards was valuable – just planned my literacy and art lesson for Wednesday...Fantastic book and relevant. Discussion afterward was wonderful too!...Fantastic show – very educational and enjoyable.” Abbotsford Primary School, VIC “Fantastic performance as usual. Kids loved it. Great songs – children engaged the whole time. Talking about it the next day. Most suitable for all ages. Very professional. Good extension i.e. comments re: water saving etc. Holistic performance. Topical. A complete package – dance, music, action etc.” Frankston Library, VIC “This show was just fantastic! Very interactive and the music/songs were great – thank you very much...Another excellent performance...Water Witcher - a very worthwhile and educational event.” Thomastown Primary School, VIC “A worthwhile performance. The children really enjoyed it and learnt important issues to do with drought! A fantastic performance enjoyed by all...Great performance – students really enjoyed it. Follow-up activities were great!!...Very well performed! Definitely a worthwhile activity!...A great performance – children really enjoyed it and were very eager to talk about it after – we talked about how we could act stories out...Fantastic presentation Tony and Girls. Positive feedback from all concerned. The students in particular loved it. Keep up the great work.” Corpus Christi Primary School, Cranebrook, NSW "Both the children and the staff all seemed to enjoy the show. The entertainers were very professional and obviously enjoy what they’re doing...Thanks. The children really enjoyed the show...The show was very entertaining and the children love the songs and actions...Very entertaining. Full of energy. Suited the children. It brought the book to life – thank you...Fantastic. All children enjoyed the show. Enjoyed being able to dance and move around.” Caulfield Grammar School, Wheelers Hill Campus, VIC “Appreciated the variety of the performance (story, drama, dance and song). Costumes were well done and explanations at the beginning and end. Also good to have questions at the end. The students were totally absorbed in the performance – very creative. Many thanks. Come again!...The performance was outstanding. The children were so engaged and gauged very well for a young audience. It was really good that the children were involved also. Thank you! Looking forward to your next performance...Absolutely fantastic! The children and I were thoroughly entertained!! We all loved it – so appropriate for young children – lots of movement, variety and songs. Well done, and thanks!...Fabulous. Very engaging and thoroughly well-organised! Would love them to come back...Absolutely outstanding! The standard of performance (acting and singing) was superb and at times very moving. This was a wonderful medium to experience books, drama and music in a live performance. Exactly what we wanted. Thank you!...This is the first time I’ve seen such a production and it was fabulous. Recently, I’ve been taking more interest in children’s books and the possibilities of making them ‘singable’ so this was exactly what I needed! All students were engaged for the entire duration and I could see that they thoroughly enjoyed it too.” Amsleigh Park Primary School “Fantastic! Thoroughly enjoyable for both teachers and children. Gave valuable insight to plight of farmers dealing with the drought. Linked beautifully with the Prep classes and German as we are studying ‘The Farm and the needs of Living Things’. The junior grades were engaged and follow-up discussions and activities in class revealed they had absorbed lots and enjoyed the performance. All actors looked like they enjoyed the experience too. Thanks for an enjoyable and valuable performance.” Overnewton College, Keilor Campus, VIC “You made the book come alive in a most entertaining manner – it was wonderful! I liked the simplicity of the set and props; it has inspired me to try something similar with children. The question and answer session at the end was not only informative, but extremely well stage-managed. THANK YOU for a truly memorable experience!” Naranga School, Frankston, VIC “The performance had something for everyone. Students were captivated with the story and enjoyed participating. Students were informed and entertained. Story was brought to life through catchy songs and costume. Teachers were pleased with the performance and we are happy to have you back next year.” Woodleigh School, Junior Campus, Frankston, VIC “The teachers were very impressed by the groups’ performance. They were pleased with the content and thought that the show was very professional. Really liked the Q and A time at the end.” Nulkaba Public School, NSW “Fantastic clear presentation of concepts. Loved the presentation of how drama/casting/sets created. Loved the reinforcing of ideas...Brought back lots of childhood memories – of life in a farming district – and water diviners...Outstanding responses from class (drawings etc.) - result of fantastic show...Excellent performance – kept all children absolutely mesmerized. Great incidental learning throughout. Followed literacy terms and structures that children use...Absolutely brilliant! Excellent acting, singing and dancing. Relevant message...Excellent! Children were enthralled the whole time. Very suited to this age group...Amazing! The kids were enthralled and the links to English syllabus were superb – fantastic!...Very entertaining. Children enjoyed it...Very professional presentation. Fantastic...Excellent. Kids got a lot out of it!” Kew Primary School, Victoria “We read ‘Water Witcher’ again today - the day after the show, and saw it so differently to the first time we read it. A huge discussion around the sisters and how they were funny - yet what they were doing wasn't funny at all - it was teasing/bullying Dougie (cheap humour). Kids absolutely loved the show… They thought the costumes were realistic and they really felt a sense of dryness on the farm.” Albert Park Library, Victoria "Very professional! Kept kids' interest throughout show. Many favourable comments!" Ringwood Heights Primary School, Victoria "Thanks for last week's performances. Our staff and students loved them. Our older kids have seen your shows now since their Prep years and have learnt so much about the nature of performance as a means of story telling. The question time for all groups is really valuable. Could you please book us a time for 2008." Comments from schools in the Wallsend area, NSW “What an absolutely fabulous show! Congratulations on producing such a professional piece of theatre. Staff and students alike were involved, laughing and mesmerized!” |
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2008/09 Season 
Elise Hurst is a successful illustrator and author of more than 40 children's books, as well as a traditional artist. She works in a messy studio at home in Melbourne, near the cemetery and the zoo, where she lives with her husband and cat. 