Theatre Preview
Eleanor Pearson 27 January 2016 Peace, Love and Joy at the Opera HouseThere are always risks in trying new things, but for Melbourne director Glenn Elston the benefits of having a pioneering spirit are already clear.
Born in the New South Wales outback town of Broken Hill, Elston is a pioneer in popular outdoor theatre, and a 2014 recipient of a prestigious Melbourne Award. |
Godspell Reimagined
Season Starting: Tuesday, 9th of February (click on "Upcoming Events" for exact times.) Address: Sydney Opera House - Playhouse Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000 |
In 1987 Elston began Shakespeare Under The Stars. Elston said he was particularly proud of the longevity of his family show, The Wind In The Willows, which has run every summer for almost 30 years.
“Unashamedly, I’m about bringing theatre to the general public.” Elston said
“Unashamedly, I’m about bringing theatre to the general public.” Elston said
This February Elston directs Godspell Reimagined at the Sydney Opera House Playhouse.
For Elston, who is also the artistic director of The Australian Shakespeare Company, directing a rock musical is a novel experience. “I’ve always been really drawn to the use of music in theatre,” he said. “I also have a brilliant young musical director, Lucy O’Brien, and a really fantastic choreographer, Sue-Ellen Shook.” Godspell takes its roots from a book written by John-Michael Tebelak, based on the Gospel of St Matthew, with a musical score later composed by Stephen Schwartz (who went on to compose Wicked). It features songs such as Prepare Ye The Way of the Lord, and the hit-ballad Day by Day. Elston, who had not seen the popular 70s rock musical before he directed it, said he was happy with the way it had evolved since rehearsals began for the small, but multi-talented cast of eight. |
“We all got along really well and spurred each other on…I’m basically really pleased. It’s fresh, dynamic, and flows really well,” Elston said.
“The performers are willing to take risks and really throw themselves into it.”
“Mark Dickinson (who plays John the Baptist and Judas) is a very experienced performer. He’s played Javert in Les Miserables on London’s West End.”
Elston said he felt guided by the music, but that his primary role as director was in honing the acting.
“Godspell Reimagined is concert with a story, but the story is very important.”
“It’s a story about humanity, caring for each other, and caring for the world.”
Elston added that it was “very well timed” for today’s audiences.
“It is theatre that hangs on the back of humanity… Nobody puts a dollar value on having a good spirit, but a good spirit is worth a lot of money.”
Godspell Reimagined plays February 9-14, 2016
“The performers are willing to take risks and really throw themselves into it.”
“Mark Dickinson (who plays John the Baptist and Judas) is a very experienced performer. He’s played Javert in Les Miserables on London’s West End.”
Elston said he felt guided by the music, but that his primary role as director was in honing the acting.
“Godspell Reimagined is concert with a story, but the story is very important.”
“It’s a story about humanity, caring for each other, and caring for the world.”
Elston added that it was “very well timed” for today’s audiences.
“It is theatre that hangs on the back of humanity… Nobody puts a dollar value on having a good spirit, but a good spirit is worth a lot of money.”
Godspell Reimagined plays February 9-14, 2016
Performers and Crew
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Glenn Elston
Lucy O’Brien Sue-Ellen Shook |