Elegies set to light up Mardi Gras
Elegies For Angels, Punks and Raging Queens is a collection of free verse poems and songs inspired by stories from the Project AIDS Memorial Quilt, and Sydney audiences have the chance to see this beautiful work as part of Mardi Gras 2012 for 7 shows only.
Over 30 touching, dramatic and humorous monologues, written by Bill Russell feature in the piece; each representing a character who has died from AIDS. Janet Hood’s music Bill Russell’s lyrics feature in the song cycle which reflect the feelings the living – those who have felt the loss of so many friends and loved ones from the disease.
Directed by Brett Russell and musically directed by Chris King, the cast of 31, including Paul Whitely (Jersey Boys) and Lucy Maunder (Dr. Zhivago), will take to the Seymour Centre stage in a production from Tuesday February 28.
Producer Paul Holmes is thrilled to be presenting this work as a part of the 2012 Mardi Gras Festival.
“Even though this work was written nearly 20 years ago, it is still relevant today. AIDS is still with us – a lot has been done but so much is still needed”, he said.
“I find the work moving, funny and above all uplifting. It is an opportunity for 36 performers to create real people who have either died from AIDS or been affected by their deaths.”
Cast member Lucy Maunder, in a recent interview with AussieTheatre said:
“There are some very tender, very moving moments – it’s just the most beautiful show.”
A sneak peek of the work was performed to rapturous applause at the recent Mardi Gras event Hats Off! and AussieTheatre’s David Allen tipped this production to be a “roof-raiser”.
“Four members of the cast performed an anthemic ensemble number from the show with passion and poise, and I found myself after the concert, digging out my cast recording of Elegies and listening to it again with renewed interest. Elegies is indeed a beautiful show with a beautiful score by Janet Hood. However, the Australian cast has brought it a new warmth and gentility. Opening night looks set to be a roof-raiser”.
ELEGIES FOR ANGELS, PUNKS AND RAGING QUEENS
Venue Seymour Centre, cnr City Road and Cleveland Street, Chippendale
Adults $40; concessions $35 – General admission seating
Charity Preview Tuesday February 28 at 7pm
Season Wednesday Feb 29 – Saturday March 3
Performance Times Wed – Thurs 8pm; Fri 6pm & 9pm; Sat 4pm & 8pm
Prices Adults $40; concessions $35 – General admission seating
seymourcentre.com or 9351 7940
