Melbourne - Australia 2004 - page 558

fast at these times. For more information about these festivals consult their web-
sites, www.melbournefringe.org.au or www.comedyfestival.com.au.
Another good time to plan your visit is during the annual Melbourne Inter-
national Film Festival (from mid-July to the end of the first week in Aug),
when new releases, shorts, and avant-garde movies are shown at varying venues
around the city. For details or to check schedules check the festival's website,
www.melbournefilmfestival.com.au.
For information on upcoming theater productions and reviews check out
www.stageleft.com.au, or the official government entertainment information
site, www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/events, which shows “What's On” in the theater
world for up to 2 months in advance, as well as what's happening in dance, film,
comedy, music, exhibitions, sports, and tours.
The best place to buy tickets for everything from theater to major sporting
events, and to obtain details on schedules, is Ticketmaster ( & 1800/062 849
in Australia, 13 28 849, or 03/9299 9079; www.ticketmaster7.com).
THE HEART OF MELBOURNE'S CULTURAL LIFE
Victorian Arts Centre The spire atop the Theatre Building of the Vic-
torian Arts Center, on the banks of the Yarra River, crowns the city's leading per-
forming-arts complex. Beneath it, the State Theatre, the Playhouse, and the
Fairfax present performances that are the focal point of Melbourne's cultural life.
The State Theatre, seating 2,079 on three levels, can accommodate elaborate
stagings of opera, ballet, musicals, and more. The Playhouse is a smaller venue
that often hosts the Melbourne Theatre Company. The Fairfax is more intimate
still, and is often used for experimental theater or cabaret.
Adjacent to the Theatres Building is the Melbourne Concert Hall, home of
the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and the State Orchestra of Victoria, and
often host to visiting orchestras. Many international stars have graced this stage,
which is known for its excellent acoustics.
One-hour guided tours of the Concert Hall and theaters run Monday
through Saturday at noon and 2:30pm (Saturday also at 10:30am). They cost
A$10 (US$6.50) for adults, A$7.50 (US$4.90) for children, and A$23 (US$15)
for families. Backstage tours on Sunday at 12:15pm cost A$14 (US$8.80).
Children under 11 are not permitted. Call & 03/9281 8000 between 9:30am
and 5pm for information.
100 St. Kilda Rd. & 1300/136 166 for ticket purchase, or 03/9281 8000. Fax [phone]. www.vicarts
centre.com.au. Tickets priced from A$20-A$140 (US$13-US$91).
ADDITIONAL VENUES & THEATERS
Check the Age to see what productions are scheduled during your visit. Odds are
that the leading shows will be produced in one of the following venues:
The Comedy Club The Comedy Club is a Melbourne institution. Come
here to see local and international comedy acts, musicals, and special shows.
Dinner and show Friday through Saturday A$40 to A$45 (US$26-US$29)
depending on performer; show only Thursday through Saturday approximately
A$20 (US$13). Level 1, 380 Lygon St., Carlton. & 03/9348 1622.
Comedy Theatre The Comedy Theatre, with its ornate Spanish Rococo
interior, manages to feel intimate even though it seats more than 1,000 people.
Plays and musicals usually fill the bill, but dance companies and comedians also
appear. 240 Exhibition St., City. & 03/9299 9886 (or tickets can be purchased from Ticketek at
& 13 28 49 ).