Ned Kelly - the musical
Sun, 24 Aug 2003, 10:54 pmWalter Plinge2 posts in thread
Ned Kelly - the musical
Sun, 24 Aug 2003, 10:54 pmThey didn't give me comps, nevertheless I made a special trip to Bunbury to see this BREC production at the entertainment Centre last (Saturday) night. I was very glad I did.
I vividly recall that this show came to light in Adelaide in the mid-1970s, heavily pushed by its creator, Reg Livermore, but bombed badly in it initial season and closed before ere I got to see it. The reason I think was that it arrived on the coat-tails of JC Superstar, to which it seemed a pale comparison at the time. Times change, though.
I have been a Kelly buff for decades and have seen the various interpretations of the legend come and go. In recent times, Peter Carey's book and Heath Ledger's movie have given Ned and the lads a new profile in our pop culture and I have often reflected on the fate of the only ever known musical interpretation of the real-life tragedy of the Kelly Family. I was excited. I was not dissapointed.
While the Livermore Lyrics were a bit flowery and more than a bit messianic (remember the Jesus Revolution?), the energy and enthusiasm with which this generally quite young cast, orchestra and crew ripped into them was stunning. WA obviously still holds its reputation for producing the best musical & dance theatre practitioners in the country.
I have to say that there should be an interval in this show. As a Kelly buff, the appropriate place would be immediately after Stringybark Creek. Also, at the risk of being a purist, I did not think it very authentic to end by bringing the boys back from their violent deaths as rock stars in satin shirts with their names embroidered on the backs. It's in the script. Maybe it's just me.
Pity it was only on for 2 nights. How about a Perth season?
Thou reeky bat-fowling bugbear!
I vividly recall that this show came to light in Adelaide in the mid-1970s, heavily pushed by its creator, Reg Livermore, but bombed badly in it initial season and closed before ere I got to see it. The reason I think was that it arrived on the coat-tails of JC Superstar, to which it seemed a pale comparison at the time. Times change, though.
I have been a Kelly buff for decades and have seen the various interpretations of the legend come and go. In recent times, Peter Carey's book and Heath Ledger's movie have given Ned and the lads a new profile in our pop culture and I have often reflected on the fate of the only ever known musical interpretation of the real-life tragedy of the Kelly Family. I was excited. I was not dissapointed.
While the Livermore Lyrics were a bit flowery and more than a bit messianic (remember the Jesus Revolution?), the energy and enthusiasm with which this generally quite young cast, orchestra and crew ripped into them was stunning. WA obviously still holds its reputation for producing the best musical & dance theatre practitioners in the country.
I have to say that there should be an interval in this show. As a Kelly buff, the appropriate place would be immediately after Stringybark Creek. Also, at the risk of being a purist, I did not think it very authentic to end by bringing the boys back from their violent deaths as rock stars in satin shirts with their names embroidered on the backs. It's in the script. Maybe it's just me.
Pity it was only on for 2 nights. How about a Perth season?
Thou reeky bat-fowling bugbear!
Walter PlingeSun, 24 Aug 2003, 10:54 pm
They didn't give me comps, nevertheless I made a special trip to Bunbury to see this BREC production at the entertainment Centre last (Saturday) night. I was very glad I did.
I vividly recall that this show came to light in Adelaide in the mid-1970s, heavily pushed by its creator, Reg Livermore, but bombed badly in it initial season and closed before ere I got to see it. The reason I think was that it arrived on the coat-tails of JC Superstar, to which it seemed a pale comparison at the time. Times change, though.
I have been a Kelly buff for decades and have seen the various interpretations of the legend come and go. In recent times, Peter Carey's book and Heath Ledger's movie have given Ned and the lads a new profile in our pop culture and I have often reflected on the fate of the only ever known musical interpretation of the real-life tragedy of the Kelly Family. I was excited. I was not dissapointed.
While the Livermore Lyrics were a bit flowery and more than a bit messianic (remember the Jesus Revolution?), the energy and enthusiasm with which this generally quite young cast, orchestra and crew ripped into them was stunning. WA obviously still holds its reputation for producing the best musical & dance theatre practitioners in the country.
I have to say that there should be an interval in this show. As a Kelly buff, the appropriate place would be immediately after Stringybark Creek. Also, at the risk of being a purist, I did not think it very authentic to end by bringing the boys back from their violent deaths as rock stars in satin shirts with their names embroidered on the backs. It's in the script. Maybe it's just me.
Pity it was only on for 2 nights. How about a Perth season?
Thou reeky bat-fowling bugbear!
I vividly recall that this show came to light in Adelaide in the mid-1970s, heavily pushed by its creator, Reg Livermore, but bombed badly in it initial season and closed before ere I got to see it. The reason I think was that it arrived on the coat-tails of JC Superstar, to which it seemed a pale comparison at the time. Times change, though.
I have been a Kelly buff for decades and have seen the various interpretations of the legend come and go. In recent times, Peter Carey's book and Heath Ledger's movie have given Ned and the lads a new profile in our pop culture and I have often reflected on the fate of the only ever known musical interpretation of the real-life tragedy of the Kelly Family. I was excited. I was not dissapointed.
While the Livermore Lyrics were a bit flowery and more than a bit messianic (remember the Jesus Revolution?), the energy and enthusiasm with which this generally quite young cast, orchestra and crew ripped into them was stunning. WA obviously still holds its reputation for producing the best musical & dance theatre practitioners in the country.
I have to say that there should be an interval in this show. As a Kelly buff, the appropriate place would be immediately after Stringybark Creek. Also, at the risk of being a purist, I did not think it very authentic to end by bringing the boys back from their violent deaths as rock stars in satin shirts with their names embroidered on the backs. It's in the script. Maybe it's just me.
Pity it was only on for 2 nights. How about a Perth season?
Thou reeky bat-fowling bugbear!
SabrinaThu, 4 Dec 2003, 04:53 pm
Re: Ned Kelly - the musical
Hi there,
I am in a production of the musical in Newcastle at the moment. Stringybark productions are putting it on and I am understudy for the role of Kate Kelly as well as being in chorus. I didn't know anything about it until I auditioned and obviously started rehearsals so I just wanted to say thanks for the info. We are having a great time with the music and love it.
I am in a production of the musical in Newcastle at the moment. Stringybark productions are putting it on and I am understudy for the role of Kate Kelly as well as being in chorus. I didn't know anything about it until I auditioned and obviously started rehearsals so I just wanted to say thanks for the info. We are having a great time with the music and love it.