Adrift in Macao, in Coolum

In October 2013 Coolum Theatre Players (Qld) present Adrift in Macao, a 2007 musical parody of film noir movies, originally produced Off-Broadway at the Primary Stages Theatre Company. With a book and lyrics by Christopher Durang, the show’s Drama Desk nominated score was composed by Peter Melnick, a grandson of Richard Rodgers.

Set in 1952 in Macao, China, Adrift in Macao is a loving parody of the Hollywood film noir movies of the 40’s and 50’s.  Everyone that comes to Macao is waiting for something, and though none of them know exactly what that is, they hang around to find out. The characters include your film noir standards, like Lureena, the curvaceous blonde, who luckily bumps into Rick Shaw, the cynical surf and turf casino owner her first night in town.  She ends up getting a job singing in his night club – perhaps for no reason other than the fact that she looks great in a slinky dress. There’s also Mitch, the American who has just been framed for murder by the mysterious villain McGuffin.

Leads Jesse Hana Ellison andShaun Bennett play alongside each other for the fourth time inAdrift In Macao.

Jesse Hana Ellison, who playsthe curvaceous blonde night-club singer Lureena,graduated from the Actors Conservatory and appeared in several plays and musicals around Brisbane. Becoming a core performer at Twelfth Night Theatre, over 6 years she was involved in all their major productions. Jesse joined Coolum Theatre Players in the role of Prince Charming in Cinderella followed by one of the lead roles in the Australian Premiere of The Young Ones, Flying Feathers – a risqué farce, Urinetown The Musical and directed her first one act play for CTP earlier this year. Jesse has also performed in a number of Theatre Alliance productions on the Coast since and is a very versatile “character” actress.

Shaun Bennettplays Mitch Boonton, the mysterious American abroad.He began theatre in High School productions, the performed in numerous productions as part of his completion of a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre/Film at University. During University and while living in Melbourne he also studied and performed in many solo stand-up comedy shows and continues to take a keen interest in it. He has performed in Sunshine Coast productions including Secret Bridesmaids Business (BATS), That Woman & Don't Dress for Dinner (The Lind), Flying Feathers (Coolum) and the Noosa One Act Play Festival.

Adrift in Macao

Book and Lyrics by Christopher Durang

Music by Peter Melnick

Produced by arrangement Origin™ Theatrical on behalf of Samuel French Inc.

Directed by Michael Healy

Musical Direction by Julie Simpson

October 18 – 26, 2013

Coolum Civic Centre, Park Street,

Coolum, Sunshine Coast Qld

Bookings 07 5446 2500

Images: Jesse Hana Ellisonas Lureena and Shaun Bennettas Mitch, courtesy Neil Dearberg

More Reading

Community Theatre Seasons 2013

More Community Theatre