Squabbalogic brings Gershwin musical to Sydney Philharmonia Choirs 2015 season
Squabbalogic, the indie darlings of Sydney musical theatre and forefathers of its present revitalisation, are branching out! They will present a concert of the first musical to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama: Gershwin’s Of Thee I Sing.
Following his wins as best director and best actor for The Drowsy Chaperone at the Sydney Theatre Awards, and his successful turn acting and directing Squabbalogic’s Mystery Musical Bye Bye Birdie, comes another exciting, inventive, musical theatre project for the talented director, Jay James-Moody, and his company.
First staged on Broadway in 1931 and last revived there in 1952 (Encores! had a swing in 2006), Of Thee I Sing is a brisk satire of American politics. It was a standout in the 30s as being well-written enough to stand against plays, and the music is wonderful, and wonderfully sophisticated.
After Of Thee I Sing, the next Gershwin musical (and last) would be Porgy and Bess.
On 26 September, Jay James-Moody will direct the musical in a concert performance, featuring performers from Squabbalogic’s stable of actors, a choir of 400, and an orchestra led by Brett Weymark will play the original orchestrations.
Sydney Philharmonia Choirs is Sydney’s most established choral organisation, now in its 95th year. Every year, SPC performances and events employ over 1500 singers. For more information on their fantastic 2015 season, and for more info on Of Thee I Sing, visit www.sydneyphilharmonia.com.au.
