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AbstractHistoryArchive Description
The definitive history of a century of musical theatre in Australia, including behind the scenes stories of achievement and disaster, fully illustrated in colour.
'Musical theatre has a special place in the hearts of Australians. Whether it is The Boy from Oz, Bran Nue Dae or Muriel's Wedding, we love to see Australian stories on the big stage with all the glamour, energy and vibrancy a musical can offer.
'However magical they are on stage, performances leave behind few traces. Australia has a rich, hidden history of achievement in musical theatre which is now largely forgotten. Drawing on their long careers in musical performance, and extensive research in public and private collections, Peter Wyllie Johnston and Peter Pinne have compiled a definitive account of the history of musical theatre in Australia.
'From small amateur performances in the early days, to international achievements, to the new wave of Australian musicals from the 1990s right through to the explosion of creativity in the 21st century, they recount the emotional roller-coaster of successes and disappointments of one of the most demanding art forms. Also included is an authoritative guide to over 300 Australian musicals.
'Richly illustrated with colour photos from the early days to the present, The Australian Musical is a book to treasure for years to come, and an invaluable resource for anyone involved with theatre and music.' (Publication summary)
Notes
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Dedication: Dedicated to all the people who have had the Australian musical dream. - Peter Pinne
Dedicated to Sally Loftus, without whose loving support this history could not have been written - Peter Wyllie Johnston
Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of
Works about this Work
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The Australian Musical from the Beginning by Peter Pinne and Peter Wyllie Johnston
2020
single work
review
— Appears in: Australian Book Review , March no. 419 2020; (p. 67)
— Review of The Australian Musical : From the Beginning 2019 multi chapter work criticism 'What is the musical’s appeal? Performing arts venues in Australia’s capital cities stage them year after year; a lucrative box office seems to be virtually guaranteed. The feel-good mix of song, melodrama, and vibrant dance – not forgetting the bonus of a happy ending – can lift the spirits and entertain the entire family. Recently, Chicago (Melbourne, Brisbane), West Side Story, and Billy Elliot (Adelaide) secured packed houses.' (Introduction) -
Audacious Past
2020
single work
review
— Appears in: The Adelaide Review , January no. 479 2020; (p. 20-21)
— Review of The Australian Musical : From the Beginning 2019 multi chapter work criticism'A new book explores the pivotal role Adelaide played in the birth of musical theatre in Australia more than a century ago.'
-
Audacious Past
2020
single work
review
— Appears in: The Adelaide Review , January no. 479 2020; (p. 20-21)
— Review of The Australian Musical : From the Beginning 2019 multi chapter work criticism'A new book explores the pivotal role Adelaide played in the birth of musical theatre in Australia more than a century ago.'
-
The Australian Musical from the Beginning by Peter Pinne and Peter Wyllie Johnston
2020
single work
review
— Appears in: Australian Book Review , March no. 419 2020; (p. 67)
— Review of The Australian Musical : From the Beginning 2019 multi chapter work criticism 'What is the musical’s appeal? Performing arts venues in Australia’s capital cities stage them year after year; a lucrative box office seems to be virtually guaranteed. The feel-good mix of song, melodrama, and vibrant dance – not forgetting the bonus of a happy ending – can lift the spirits and entertain the entire family. Recently, Chicago (Melbourne, Brisbane), West Side Story, and Billy Elliot (Adelaide) secured packed houses.' (Introduction)