Early Bird Tickets are now on sale for “A Man Named Gatsby” – the glamorous and passionate new musical inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel “The Great Gatsby.”

About the story:

In 1922 Nick Carraway rents a cottage on prosperous Long Island New York. His next door neighbour , Jay Gatsby, is a mysterious millionaire who lives in a lavish mansion. Nick’s second cousin Daisy had a passionate affair with Gatsby five years previously but now she is married to rich Tom Buchanan. After Gatsby meets Daisy at Nick’s house for afternoon tea they rekindle their love affair. Tom finds out and confronts Gatsby one hot afternoon in New York.
This new musical “A Man Named Gatsby” written (words and music), produced and directed by John Wikman explores the decadence, romantic passion, social structure and gaiety of the glamorous Roaring 20’s.

Early Bird Ticket Price – Before 1 April 2016
Adults $20
Concession & Children $10
Group (10 or more) $15

Regular Ticket Price – After 1 April 2016

Adults $25
Concession & Children $15
Group (10 or more) $20

Venue
Wonargo Cultural Centre, 62 Flower Street Northgate,

Show Dates
Friday 22 April – 7.30pm
Saturday 23 April -7.30pm
Sunday 24 April – 2.00pm matinee
Friday 29 April – 7.30pm
Saturday 30 April – 7.30pm

I recently had an exciting experience of launching a CD showcasing my Portrait of Dorian Gray musical.  For those who have been following its progress on my website it has been a mammoth job over the last 12 months to get the music arranged for an orchestra, record it with the orchestra and professional singers, digitally master the CD and then organise multiple copies of it which I am currently storing in my house.

But with any new music, people have got to be able find it before they can listen.  So I have been madly telling all my friends about the CD, and interest has definitely grown since I’ve put the songs on iTunes.  It has dramatically broadened the public exposure of my music and I hope it translates to sales of my songs and CD’s as more people find it and have a listen.

Music online is great for those who like a quick listen and then can choose and buy their favourites while there will always be room for those music lovers who like the tangible original CD to play in their stereo or car.  Whether an online listener or CD listener, music is the food of life that can cross all borders.  One can be used to promote the other where everyone benefits.

I’m in rehearsal for my latest brand new musical production “The Gods” with quite a few cast members who are making their stage debut and they are loving the experience.  As a director it can be a challenge but very rewarding to see them grow and shine.  With only a couple of weeks until opening night they are very keen to get into costume, stand in the spotlight, deliver their first line of dialogue and/or lyric of a song and wait for the audience reaction.  It’s a buzz they’ll never forget.  That special joy of performing.  Chookas!!!!

Midi sounds and computerised recordings are all good in their place.  They are relatively cheap and easy to produce but there is nothing like hearing music played by real instruments in an orchestra. Whether it’s the lush strings, boldness of the brass, the variable drum beats, warmth of piano or the hollywood gliss of a harp it is always that wonderful human element that brings the notes alive.

Went to see Grimm’s Tales last week – a collection of original children’s stories we all know as Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella, Little Riding Hood, etc.  An excellent production with very talented actors, clever set and great entertainment value.  Loved the goat in one scene, very funny.  Interesting array of musical instruments in the band too.  Also saw West Side Story.  Can’t beat a classic love story with excellent music and big dance numbers.  All and more of what a good musical is all about.

Over recent years we’ve seen a growing number of what I refer to as jukebox musicals, i.e., writing a storyline and filling it up with hit songs that we’ve heard on the radio.  Sometimes they are about the relevant performer’s life story, e.g., Shout – Johnny O’Keefe, Dusty, Buddy, etc., others like Mama Mia, Priscilla, We will Rock merely use popular music for an unrelated story.  Is there a place for jukebox musicals  Do we need more of them?  Do they contribute to real musical theatre? Or are they just quick sure fire cash grabs for those who don’t have the inclination or the talent to write a completely new score?  What do you think?