Essington Productions in Association with the Sydney Opera House Trust
Flyer
Original Workshop Concert Production
Opening Night: 7 December, 1988
Broadwalk Studio, Sydney Opera House
Cast
Julia Pastrana: Valerie Bader
Charles Lent: Barry Quin
Johanna: Mary-Lou Stewart
Mrs Pastrana / Millie: Natalie Mosco
Christine: Carmen Tanti
Freddy: Adele Johnston
Alf / Dr Sokoloff: Dennis Clements
Mendez / Wickins: Jack Webster
George / Chirenov: Anthony O’Keeffe
Garrick / Bill: Darrell Hilton
Onlookers, Hotel Guests, Stage Door Johnnies, Tarts, Reporters, Mourners, played by members of the company
Time: 1850 – 1885
Musicians
Flute, Oboe, Cor Anglais: Lee Hutchings
Eb, Bb and A Clarinets: Briona Gill
Bb and A Clarinets: Michael Piraner
Violins: Cathy Shepheard, Janice Walker
Violoncello: Adrian Wallis
Double Bass: Brian McVernon
Guitar: Richard Fowler
Piano: Allan McFadden
Percussion: Michael Askill, Jeff Ciampa
“… carefully understated concert-staging … it was performed without sets, with minimal costumes and with scripts in hand … Peter Northwood’s book is distinguished by uncliched characters and sharp social observation … the songs take on an operatic role in driving the story … and a few of Allan McFadden’s songs, especially For Myself Alone, have the melodious accessibility of real hits.”
Martin Portus (Sydney Morning Herald, December 12, 1988)
“The music with its complex rhythms and harmony yet excitingly accessible melodies shows the influence of modern musical theatre … watching (Nancye) Hayes’s imaginatively staged ensemble numbers makes it obvious that if Pastrana were given the full commercial treatment, it would be a big production”
The Australian
“It’s the stuff of strong drama and an unusual subject for a musical … the macabre is all the rage in musicals these days.”
Metro
