Metropolitan (from 1958) and Marie Clarke (1974) musical theatre companies on highs at Arts Theatre, Adelaide

Metropolitan Musical Theatre Company was back at the Arts Theatre in 2021 with a sellout season of the Legally Blonde musical.

Both based at the Arts Theatre in Angas Street, Adelaide city, the Metropolitan and Marie Clarke musical theatre companies have been survived and thrived with high standards, and a talent-nurturing aim, demanded by the dedicated volunteers behind them.

Originally formed in 1958 as the Metropolitan Light Opera Company, the Metropolitan's first performances were at suburban Adelaide town halls at Unley and Norwood. Its permanent home became the Arts Theatre from 1964, and the company's name was changed in 1970.

Among musicals presented by the company have been Cats, Hello Dolly, Brigadoon, Shout, 42nd Street, High Society and Grease. It bounced back from 2020 Covid19 pandemic blip with a sellout season of Legally Blonde in May 2021.

Marie Clark Musical Theatre Company was started by Tea Tree Gully piano and singing teacher Marie Clark when she formed what she termed a concert party, comprising her students and local singers, to entertain schools and various charity groups such as Legacy and Red Cross.

The company’s first major stage show in 1974 was Gilbert and Sullivan’s Trial by Jury. It performed every year since, presenting more than 50 productions including musical classics such as Oklahoma, Kiss Me Kate, How to succeed in business and Calamity Jane.

Marie Clarke’s history also proudly boasts Australian musicals like The merry widow from Bluegum Creek, The boy from Oz and Jon English’s Paris, along with the South Australian premieres of Honk!, The world goes round, Forbidden Broadway (winner of the 2012 Adelaide Critics Circle best ensemble award) and Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein.