LUCK THE MUSICAL

The Top of The Torrens Theatre Group (SA) is clearly ready to take risks in producing Mark Waldrop’s fractured fairytale, Luck The Musical.

The November 2013 production, thought by Director David Evans to be the first time the musical has been staged in Australia, poses a massive logistics task. Based on a story by Isaac Bashevis Singer, the musical was originally written for a ‘Broadway- style’ theatre, one with all the appropriate equipment that can be found in a major live theatre venue.

Evans says the sets and props have required imagination to fit onto the small stage of the Mount Pleasant Soldiers’ Memorial Hall, but in typical ‘can do’ community theatre fashion, all sets called for in the script have been produced. The two act play has 21 scene changes which will occur with stage hands in full view of the audience.

The musical’s adaption for a country hall has required some changes to the script, but the integrity of the story remains intact.

The ingenuity of this small theatre group hasn’t ended with sets and script. The sixteen original songs, with music by Brad Ross, at first seemed a daunting hurdle to overcome. The original intention was to have a live pianist perform, but this proved to be an issue as all pianists approached were wary of the complicated score.

Finally, it was decided to find someone to record the music. A young university student, Paul Sinkinson, accepted the challenge, both playing and recording the music. Not only did he put down all the piano pieces but then overlaid them with other instruments for the vocal lines. He then added additional sounds and finally produced a recording that was far better than using live piano only. Paul has now become involved with the group and has accepted the position of Musical Director.

Take a poor village lad down on his luck and princess who is looking for love. Add a scheming prime minister who is out to knock off the king, marry the princess and take over the kingdom. Stir in a wacky nurse who dabbles with potions, two bumbling henchmen and a group of merry villagers and it would seem an interesting time is about to be had by all. Then to top it off, why not introduce two spirits who decide to make a bet in the middle of it all?

Good Luck flits around bringing happiness to those who take her fancy. Bad Luck finds some poor shmuck and sticks like glue making times really tough. So when Bad Luck bets Good Luck that she cannot stay with one human and really make a difference, things get really interesting.

The cast come from all around the Barossa and down to Nairne. The good spirit (Mazel) is played by a TOTT stalwart Kate Farrer and the bad spirit (Shlimazel) by Sharryn Yelland, who has had experience with other groups and is in her second production with TOTT.

Amelia Noel, as the princess, and Liam Harding, as Tam, are in their first leading roles with TOTT and so far have surpassed the director’s expectations. The ensemble making up the remainder of cast are developing in rehearsal and promise to contribute to the overall success of the play.

Patrons are invited to bring their own drinks and nibbles.

Lesley Reed

Venue: Mount Pleasant Soldiers’ Memorial Hall.

Dates: November 22, 23, 29, 30, 8pm. Matinees November 24 & December 1, 1pm.

Bookings: stickytickets.com.au or 08 8568 2496.

Tickets: Adults $20, Concession $18, plus booking fee $1.50.

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