The Lovers (musical)
| 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 |
The Lovers is a musical by Laura Murphy based on William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.[1][2]
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]
Cast Recording
[edit]An album of the musical was released in July 2024 featuring the full original cast. [7]
Musical numbers
[edit]|
Act I
|
Act II
|
† Not included on the original cast recording
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.
- ^ "'The Lovers' Original Cast Recording now available to stream". 20 July 2024.