Little Triangle’s Big Project
Welcome readers to another exciting and ambitious year of theatre! After a holiday season that consisted of Christmas feasting and regretting my choices as I squeezed into yet another spangled showgirl outfit for a corporate gig, I am delighted to start 2018 with an exciting new company working on an intelligent and heartfelt Sondheim classic.
No, I’m not talking about Into the Woods, Gypsy, Sweeney Todd, A Little Night Music or any of those glorious S.S. hits…I’m talking about the beautiful, short- lived Broadway show, Merrily We Roll Along.
Merrily We Roll Along has been ‘long regarded as one of the beautiful and damned misfits of the Sondheim canon’ and yet remains ‘emotionally resonant’, bringing out the ‘sharpness in the showbiz satire’ following this ‘friendship under siege’ (Ben Brantley, The New York Times). With an incredible bunch of emerging Australian performers, we couldn’t be more excited to breathe life into this beautiful show this coming March for a limited 3-week season as part of The Depot Theatre’s 2018 line-up.
For those who still have no idea what I’m going on about, Merrily We Roll Along follows the story of Franklin Shepard, a successful songwriter and movie producer in his late thirties as he reviews his life through a series of events moving back in time from 1976 to 1957. We follow the story of original Harry- Ron- Hermione style trio (named Frank, Charley and Mary) as well as his two wives, Beth and Gussie (does that make me the Voldemort of the situation?). From the disappointments of adulthood, to the hopeful idealism of youth; this story is about the trials and behind the scenes hopes and failures of our industry- a must- see for young actors, writers and creators of all kind.
The music is intricate and stunning and the lyrics feature great motivational quotes to get you inspired in 2018 –
“It’s our time, breathe it in; worlds to change and worlds to win”
See what I mean?
If that isn’t enough to get you as excited as Elder Cunningham is to have a friend, then Little Triangle’s ticket prices will be! This awesome new company was established in early 2017 and aims to present underperformed theatrical productions that challenge audiences and performers alike at a low price point – in the hopes to expand, educate and diversify the music theatre audience base, especially amongst young people. What I’ve found personally exciting about working with this company is their attention to detail in every sense of the phrase. Alexander Andrews direction is inventive and intelligent, and Conrad Hamil’s musical direction is precise and joyful; these qualities absolutely essential in doing justice to this Sondheim masterpiece.
Continuing my tradition of playing the villain/ relationship ruiner/ well dressed- evil biatch, I have had an absolute ball in developing my version of Gussie Carnegie; the rich- haughty Broadway star with her 4th husband. There’s something delicious about humanising a character who “one day just made herself up and never changes- instead changes the people around her”. Joining me on stage at the Depot in March is this incredible bunch of talent:
Patrick Howard (Frank)
Zach Selmes (Charley)
Victoria Zerbst (Mary)
Richard Woodhouse (Joe)
Shannen Sarsedt (Beth)
Embla Bishop (Mrs. Spencer)
Phoebe Clark (Meg)
Blake Condon (Jerome)
Victoria Luxton (Dory)
Jesse Layt (Tyler)
Kelly Goddard (Scotty)
Caitlin Rose Harris (K.T.)
Tayla Jarrett (Ru)
Katelin Koprivec (Terry)
Michael McPhee (Bunker)
Follow me on insta: matildam94 for rehearsal updates!
Tickets are selling fast- Don’t miss out!
7 – 24 MARCH 2018
THE DEPOT THEATRE, MARRICKVILLE
DIRECTOR Alexander Andrews
MUSIC DIRECTOR Conrad Hamill
PRODUCER Rose McClelland
RÉPÉTITEUR & PIANIST Antonio Fernandez
STAGE MANAGER Chris Starnawski
COSTUMES & PROPS Mitchell Wassink
“Production company Little Triangle’s potential for presenting quality small-scale musical theatre on a shoe-string is one of the most exciting things to happen in Sydney’s indie Music Theatre scene…” – StageWhispers
“I look forward to many more nights of tight, inventive theatre with this group and I predict big things.” – CutCommon
“Follow Little Triangle. I don’t think their role will be ‘little’ any time soon.” – Sydney Scoop
“Little Triangle shows that it is definitely one to look out for.” – BroadwayWorld Australia
