The Lovers is a musical by Laura Murphy based on William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.[1][2]
The Lovers | |
---|---|
Music | Laura Murphy |
Lyrics | Laura Murphy |
Book | Laura Murphy |
Basis | A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare |
Premiere | 23 October 2022: The Playhouse, Sydney Opera House, Sydney |
Premise edit
The Lovers is described as a fresh and magical pop-infused reimagining that refocuses the story with a modern perspective and questions our enduring search for true love.[3]
Production edit
The original production was performed from 23 October to 20 November 2022 at the Sydney Opera House, presented by Bell Shakespeare. Directed by Shaun Rennie, the original production featured a live four-piece band. It is the first musical performed by Bell Shakespeare.
Reception edit
The musical was generally well received, being described as "a thrilling piece of theatre" and "a great time".[4][5]
Awards edit
It was nominated for Best Production of a Musical and Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical (Natalie Abbott) at the 2022 Sydney Theatre Awards.[6]
Musical numbers edit
Act I
|
Act II
|
Principal cast edit
Role | Actor |
---|---|
Helena | Natalie Abbott |
Demetrius | Blake Appelqvist |
Oberon | Stellar Perry |
Puck | Monique Sallé |
Hermia | Brittanie Shipway |
Lysander | Jerrod Smith |
References edit
- ^ Morris, Linda (21 October 2021). "Shakespeare gets the Gaga treatment in new Australian musical". The Sydney Morning Herald. Nine Entertainment Co. Retrieved 23 October 2021.
- ^ Maher, Alannah (22 October 2021). "Bell Shakespeare to turn A Midsummer Night's Dream into a magical pop musical". Time Out Sydney. Time Out Group. Retrieved 23 October 2021.
- ^ "The Lovers". Bell Shakespeare. Retrieved 12 April 2022.
- ^ Litson, Jo (29 October 2022). "The Lovers (Bell Shakespeare)". Limelight. Limelight Arts Media Pty Ltd. Retrieved 31 October 2022.
- ^ Tongue, Cassie (29 October 2022). "The Lovers review – Shakespeare musical charms, but doesn't always deliver". The Guardian. Retrieved 31 October 2022.
- ^ Blake, Jason (1 January 2023). "2022 Sydney Theatre Awards nominees announced". Limelight. Retrieved 3 January 2023.