A new musical comedy by Em Rusciano, Michael Lucas and Sean Donehue
The untold story of an impossibly glamourous gold-digger whose fabulous plans are upended by an aggressively cheerful nun in 1930s Salzburg…
About this concert presentation
This is a script-in-hand presentation of the show’s current draft, with actors performing at mic stands. All performances of musicals during Hayes’s Festival of New Work are presentations, with no set or costumes, choreography, etc. The writer and/or composer will introduce the work at the start of the event.
Prices
Full Price | $39
Festival pass 20% off | $31.20
Content warnings
Strong sexual references and coarse language. Recommended for audiences aged 15+
Times
Wednesday 19 August | 7:30pm
Running time
Approximately 90 minutes – no interval
Michael Lucas
Michael (he/him) is one of Australia’s most in-demand script-writers and producers, with hugely popular productions spanning film and television.
Michael’s debut feature film, 2012’s romantic comedy ‘Not Suitable For Children’, starred Sarah Snook and Ryan Kwanten, and drew five AACTA nominations, winning the AWGIE award for Best Screenplay.
His television debut was the much-loved ‘Offspring’, for which Michael wrote 17 episodes across five hit seasons. His episodes of the cult prison thriller ‘Wentworth’ drew AWGIE nominations. Most recently, Michael created, produced and wrote four seasons of the dramedy ‘Five Bedrooms’. And his 1980s-set newsroom drama ‘The Newsreader’ garnered huge global acclaim. Selling to over 80 countries, it was nominated for an International Emmy, and all three seasons won ‘Best Drama’ at the AACTA Awards.
A weekly podcaster on ‘Emsolation’, Michael’s dissections of pop culture with the inimitable Em Rusciano have built a devoted following of ‘Emsolators’ over six years.
Em Rusciano
As a writer, comedian, singer and podcaster, Em Rusciano (she/her) has built an enormous and passionate following.
Em’s solo comedy shows have sold out venues across the country. Highlights include 2019’s ‘Rage And Rainbows’ being nationally televised on Channel 10 to great acclaim, and her 2023 tour, ‘Outgrown’, culminating in an Arena Spectacular encore performance at Margaret Court Arena. Em most recent show, ‘Addicted to Love’, has drawn multiple five-star reviews.
Em’s podcasting production company, Down The Hill Studios, has released a number of hugely popular shows, from her weekly pop culture dissection ‘Emsolation’, to her acclaimed exploration of neurodiversity, ‘Anomalous’, and most recently the chart-topping perimenopause deep dive, ‘Rage Against The Vagine’.
Her two books, ‘Try Hard’, and last year’s ‘Blood Sweat And Glitter’ were both best-sellers. And Em’s indelible, moving 2022 National Press Club Address on ADHD and her son’s autism sparked a national conversation.
Sean Donehue
Acclaimed song-writer and vocalist Sean Donehue (he/him) has collaborated with some of Australia’s most prominent artists, and recently celebrated a sold-out season of ‘Bearded’, his debut musical as composer and lyricist.
Sean graduated The Australian Institute of Music with High Distinction at just age 19. His work has ranged from the feature film ‘Better Man’, to the AFL Grand Final, to the Golden Plains Festival. He’s performed with artists like Anastacia, Em Rusciano and Bachelor Girl.
Sean was the composer and lyricist of ‘Bearded’ alongside Nick Waxman, which recently played a solo out season as part of Theatre Works’ 2025 program. The show was shortlisted for the prestigious 2021 APRA AMCOS Professional Development Awards.
Sean is a co-founder and musical director of Naarm-based vocal group Sonario, the Musical Director and lead vocalist of Sunshine and the Disco Faith Choir, and just this year launched his folk/singer-songwriter solo project Sean Riley.
FAQs
-
Accessible seating
A limited number of accessible seats are available in the front row of the theatre (A13-A15). These, as well as Companion seats, can be purchased through the ‘Book Now’ link.
Please contact the box office on (02) 8065 7337 or visit our Accessibility Page if you have any questions regarding our accessibility.
-
Is the venue accessible?
Hayes Theatre Co is accessible to everyone. We encourage all customers with access requirements to get in touch with us so we can discuss your requirements. Our theatre includes road-to-stage step-free access, and we have several dedicated accessible seating areas.
A lift operates from the theatre entrance to the foyer and entry to the auditorium is via the side door located off the balcony for those who have difficulty managing stairs. Please speak to the Box Office Assistant upon arrival at your performance to arrange access. Our staff and volunteer crew will assist in navigating these access points.
-
How do I get there?
Train, bus, car – whatever your heart desires! Hayes Theatre Co is located in the heart of Potts Point and is just a short walk from the 311-bus stop and Kings Cross Train Station. For more info, head to transportnsw.info
-
Is there parking available?
Discount parking is available from the Kings Cross Parking Station (entrance on Ward Avenue). Bring your parking ticket with you to the theatre and have it validated at our Box Office for $18 parking. Further discounts apply for parking after 6pm or on weekends.
Limited 1 hour (free after 5 pm) street parking is available around the area. Please note the parking signs as to restrictions.
-
Are there restrooms available on-site?
Yes, we have multiple restrooms on-site! At Hayes we welcome gender diversity and encourage everyone to use the restroom that best fits your gender identity or expression.
There is one accessible toilet on the foyer level. There are also two ambulant toilets located within the male and female bathrooms.
Hayes Theatre Co's Festival of New Work is generously supported by
