The Drum beats loudly

AFTER 73,000 visitors, 204 events and 179 performances, Dandenong’s Drum Theatre celebrated its first birthday earlier this month.
The most popular show of the year was musical Les Miserables. Other performing highlights included Bell Shakespeare, The Morning Music Series and the sold-out Australian Opera.
Greater Dandenong mayor Youhorn Chea said the performing arts were growing in popularity in Dandenong with another exciting year of events scheduled at The Drum.
“The public response to shows at The Drum speaks volumes about not only the popularity of the venue but the value placed on the performing arts in our city,” he said.
“We are very lucky to have such a premium venue attracting quality performers from around the globe.”
The beat of The Drum shows no signs of slowing down with two notable highlights on the March calendar.
Virgins – A Musical Threesome and Dan Crary (USA) and Don Ross (Canada) are sure to keep audiences entertained.
Drum Theatre manager Paul Streefkerk said 73,000 visitors exceeded first-year expectations.
“We had hoped to have 60,000 or more come through, so it was a great result,” he said.
“The level of support for The Drum has been amazing. People have really jumped on board.”
But with shows regularly selling out, the pressure is on to continue providing people with high quality entertainment.
“That is a challenge, but we have plenty of events and performances lined up this,” Mr Streefkerk said.
He said despite the name Virgins was more about music than raising eyebrows.
“It’s a wonderful musical, thought provoking and entertaining,” he said.
For more information and to purchase tickets call 9771 6666.