DSP Spotlight 2022 by David Spicer Productions

Musical and Drama Catalogue 2022/23 Recent Professional Seasons & Booking Info: P2 Broadway and West End: P3. Parody and Musical Comedy: P4 Jukebox Alley: P5. Small and Medium Cast Musicals: P6 Australian Rock and Large Cast Musicals: P7. Youth Musicals: P8&9 Operetta and Classics: P10. Australian Comedy, Drama & Farce: P11 Farce and Comedy: P12. Comic Plays, Pantomime and Dinner Theatre: P13 Murder Mystery, Jane Austen, Outrageous & Mature Comedies: P14&15 Youth Plays, Pantomimes & Children’s Musicals: P16

KEEPING THEATRE GOING

MOST POPULAR

Congratulations to every company and school which managed to keep theatre going in very difficult times, and commiserations to those who had to cancel. The Centre Stage Event Company in Albury had to postpone twice to navigate COVID-19, then had to navigate rules from two different states, to get its production of We Will Rock You to the stage.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

We Will Rock You Back to the 80’s Popstars Ladies in Black The Boy from Oz Masquerade Aotearoa Song Contest The Great Australian Rock Musical 10. Essgee’s Pirates

Albury.

A high school in the Covid free bubble of The Northern Territory miraculously got a production of The Great Australian Rock Musical up at the peak of the crisis. Chookas to companies resuming disrupted seasons and wishing everyone a safe return to the theatre.

The Great Australian Rock Musical.

NEW RELEASES

A MESSAGE FROM David Spicer It has been a few years of heartbreak for professional, community, and school theatre, particularly when productions have been cancelled just on opening night. Some amazing productions have got to stage including huge performances of The Boy From Oz and We Will Rock You in Perth. We used some downtime to publish several Australian musicals which deserve many productions in the years ahead.

Ben Elton, Ethan Jones & David Spicer.

David Spicer Productions Pty Ltd. ACN 097 126 504. ABN 12 097 126 504. CONTACT - Ph/Fax: Inside Australia 02 9371 8458 Outside +61 2 9371 8458 Email david@davidspicer.com Web-site www.davidspicer.com.au Mail PO Box 2280 Rose Bay North 2030 NSW Australia

All perusals and show applications can be booked on my magnificent new easy-to-use website www.davidspicer.com.au Find the show then click Order A Perusal or Apply for This Show. Alternatively email, fax or write to DSP with contact details of your company/school, desired show, dates, number of performances and venue size. Royalty Guide: Professional Theatres, USA and UK theatres - By Negotiation. Codes: A = 16% of Box Office, B = 14%, C = 12.5%, D = 10%, E = 8%. (GST is added only in Australia). Perusals: Some are free, some hired and others must be purchased. Piano Vocals are rented for $20 plus $20 refundable. Additional titles $10 each. Check the website for details. Book and Music Hire/Purchases: Some shows have hire rates, some can be photocopied or purchased. See the website. Videography: Restricted on some titles. Approval must be given in writing from DSP. Availability: Please check show is available before you start show preparation. Denotes the show has a superb CD Backing Track to help with rehearsals and in some cases performances.

RECENT PROFESSIONAL SEASONS MELBA THE MUSICAL. Book and Lyrics by Nicholas Christo. Music by Johannes Luebbers.

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"A peach of a show.” Stage Noise. "Successfully melds an original score with operatic arias (including La Boheme, Lucia di Lammermoor, Carmen, Rigoletto, Tosca, Romeo and Juliet and Rigoletto)." Limelight Magazine. As the young mother breaks through the narrow bonds of opera, enters Europe’s glittering social circles, and is romanced by the dashing heir to the French throne it appears that nothing can stop her rise, until Melba’s Australian husband Charles learns of her affair. Cast: Minimum: 4M 4F 1M/F, maximum: unlimited. Orch: Flute, Clarinet, Violin, Cello, Percussion, Keyboard 1, Piano. Royalty: A. LADIES IN BLACK. Book by Carolyn Burns. Music and Lyrics by Tim Finn. Based on the novel The Women In Black by Madeleine St John. Originally directed by Simon Phillips. “A rich heart-warming musical that will leave you smiling.” Dance Magazine. “Tim Finn’s songs range from Broadway-inspired numbers to true blue ballads, from witty patter songs to shades of blues and jazz standards. They’re beautifully integrated with the dramatic action, and the comic lyrics are priceless.” The Age. A scrumptious coming of age musical set in the 1950’s. The lead character is a teenager Lisa, who joins the staff of a fashionable department store while she waits for her final year exam results. Over a summer that changes her life, she befriends the colourful characters of the women’s clothing department. Each is on the precipice of change - facing independence, working for a living and what it means to be a woman. Cast: 8F 3M. Chorus. Orch: Music Director/Piano, Guit, Bass, Violin, Cello, Drums/Percussion. Royalty: 16.5%. Queensland Theatre Company (2015). SONG CONTEST - THE ALMOST EUROVISION EXPERIENCE. By Glynn Nicholas, Daniel and Gideon Frankel, et al. “Achingly funny.” Herald Sun. “Ridiculously enjoyable.” The Australian. A glitzy comedic and loving tribute to the Eurovision Song Contest. It’s as close to the real thing as you can get, with eleven countries competing, a multitude of anxious contestants, a gushing hostess and all the quirkiness that both delights us and makes us cringe in a single breath. The audience voting is authentic with the potential for a different winner every night. Includes special app to allow members of the audience to vote. Cast: Two presenters and song/dance teams from twelve countries including Iceland, Germany, Greece and Sweden. Orch: 9 parts. Royalty: A.

www.davidspicer.com.au

BROADWAY AND WEST END WE WILL ROCK YOU. By Queen and Ben Elton. “It’s deliriously, majestically, mad entertainment” The Australian. Since 2002 over 16 million theatregoers in 28 countries have been thrilled by this production. Ben Elton (The Young Ones, Blackadder, Popcorn) fashioned this hilarious futurist comedy around more than 24 of Queen’s biggest hit songs including We Are The Champions, Radio Ga Ga, I Want To Break Free, Somebody To Love, Killer Queen, Don’t Stop Me Now, Under Pressure, Bohemian Rhapsody, Another One Bites The Dust, and of course, We Will Rock You. The musical takes place in a future age on a planet once called Earth that is now controlled by a mighty corporation. Rock music and all musical instruments are banned. The hope of breaking free rests with an unlikely resistance - an alliance of rebel Bohemians and the dreamer Galileo who hears strange lyrics in his head. New Feature: Scenic Projections - switch to digital scenery and save on set building. DSP and Broadway Media supplies exciting vision for 12 scene changes. Cast: 4M 3F. 15+ minor parts and chorus. Orch: Bass Guit, Electric Guit 1, Electric Guit 2, Key 1 (MD), Key 2 and Perc. Three Editions Available: Global - Full length adult edition; School Full length suitable for High Schools with minor script adjustments; Young@Part - 60 minute edition for youth theatres and some schools.

Showbiz Christchurch.

THE BOY FROM OZ. Songs by Peter Allen. Book by Nick Enright. Originally produced by Ben Gannon and Robert Fox. The Boy From Oz tells the dazzling, funny, and heart-breaking story of the great entertainer Peter Allen. From his humble beginnings growing up in the Australian outback, through a meteoric rise to fame as an international star who would go on to break all box-office records at Radio City Music Hall in New York. Singing in country pubs from age 11, Peter Allen survived family tragedy to become a local TV star at age 16. Discovered by Judy Garland, he married her daughter Liza Minnelli and went on to become a beloved performer and an Oscar-winning songwriter. Songs include Everything Old is New Again, I Go to Rio, Theme from Arthur, Don’t Cry Out Loud, Tenterfield Saddler and I Still Call Australia Home. The Boy From Oz has sold more than 100 million dollars worth of tickets in Australia – has won a Tony on Broadway and is now selling out in community theatres. Cast: M3, Boy 1, F7, Minor roles: M8 F4, Large Chorus. Orch: Small 6 part. Standard…12 part…3 Reed, 2 Trum, 1 Trom, 2 Key, Guit, Bass, Drum Perc. Optional extra 6 woodwind & Sax. Royalty: Australia: 18% New Zealand: 16%. USA: 16%. SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER THE MUSICAL. Written by Robert Stigwood and assisted by Bill Oakes. Music by The Bee Gees and others. “A jam-packed, dance-crazed, fuel-injected show, lighting up the Theatre for almost two-and-a-half hours of energy, music and ohso-tight pants.” The Age. The 1970’s movie catapulted John Travolta into international stardom and the soundtrack by the Bee Gees sold 25,000,000 copies. They were credited with defining the era. Bruce Elder wrote that it “suddenly made disco explode into mainstream… increasing its audience by five or ten fold.” Since the musical adaptation debuted on Broadway in 1998 it has been performed almost every year on professional stages around the world. The story about a young working class man striving for identity has universal appeal. Tony Manero is described by the character Stephanie as “a cliché going no-where on the way to no place.” But his talent on the dance floor is anything but predictable and so too is the unexpected ending. Songs Include: Stayin Alive, Night Fever, More Than A Woman, Tragedy, and Immortality. Cast: 7M 4F. Minor parts 7F + 4M & Chorus. Orch: Key 1 & 2, A Sax 1 & 2, T Sax, Guit, Bass, Drums, Percussion. Royalty: 17%.

www.davidspicer.com.au

Sydney Lyric (2019).

PARODY AND MUSICAL COMEDY MUCH REVUE ABOUT NOTHING. By Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsythe and Phil Scott.

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“If comedy can be exquisite, this was it.” Sydney Morning Herald. Forty timeless monologues, duologues, sketches, and satirical songs to choose from 20 years of sell out performances at the Sydney Theatre Company. Ruthless parody of political leaders from Paul Keating to Paulene Hanson, from Boris Johnston to Vladimir Putin to Ivanka Trump. Satirical sketches in the tradition of Monty Python, the Carry On movies, The Goodies and Fawlty Towers. Includes musical parodies that plunder Gilbert and Sullivan, The Village People and Broadway musical hits. Cast: 4 to 40. Royalty: C.

THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES. Created by Roger Bean. “Effervescent and irresistible! An utter charm bomb.” The New York Times. This smash off-Broadway hit takes you to the 1958 Springfield High School prom where we meet Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, and Suzy, four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts! As we learn about their lives and loves, the girls serenade us with classic ‘50s hits including “Lollipop,””Stupid Cupid,” and “Lipstick on Your Collar.” In act two, the Wonderettes reunite to take the stage and perform at their ten-year reunion. We learn about the highs and lows the girls have experienced in the past decade and are charmed to find that no matter what life throws their way, they will conquer it together. Cast: 4F. Orch: Key1 and 2, Guitar, Drums, Reed (Flute/Baritone/Alto/Tenor Sax) Royalty: A.

SHANE WARNE THE MUSICAL. Books, lyrics and music by Eddie Perfect. “Eddie Perfect’s oh-so-clever-song book with songs ranging from soul and rock to Bollywood and R & B is.. incredible.” The Age. (4 stars) An outrageous musical romp through the life and times of the allAustralian hero who held the hopes of a nation in the palm of his right hand. From his early days as a pizza boy, to the giddy heights of his extraordinary first ball debut in England, to meeting his wife Simone, getting married, and falling to temptation as ‘a lone rooster cruising a farm of free range chickens.’ Cast: Min 6M 4F. Maximum – divide up to 42 characters amongst cast. Orch: Max – 24 parts. Min 6. Royalty: B.

REAL HOUSEWIVES: THE MUSICAL. Books, lyrics and music by Molly Bell. “A tuneful, hilarious, show-stopping musical spoof.” StageScene LA. It’s the real housewives as you have never seen them before. Localise the title for your community then grab a glass of pinot and watch the girls lie, cheat and sing their way up the social ladder. Find out what the smiles are hiding when the gloves come off. Orch: Piano, Keyboard, Bass, Drums. Cast: 4F 1M. Royalty: B. HYPERSPACE - THE STAR WARS MUSICAL PARODY. By Peter Novakovich. Puts the farce into the Force as you are taken on an all-singing, all- dancing, parody-tribute of one of most successful film franchises of all time. Join Duke Flyswatter, his loyal robot RU DED2, and his sister Princess Highway, as they search for the last missing episode of Hyperspace, the intergalactic soap opera that thrilled throngs throughout the galaxy. With catchy tunes and jokes for Star Wars tragics and non tragics alike. Cast: 3F 7M & chorus. Orch: Elec Guit, Bass, Drums, Piano/Keyboard. Royalty: 12.5%.

WARP DRIVE - THE STAR TREK MUSICAL PARODY. By Peter Novakovich. Join Captain Jerk and the crew of the Starship Enterthise as they boldly go where no musical has gone before: roaming the galaxy searching for signs of intelligent life. Cast: 7M 6F & Chorus. Orch: Electric Guitar, Piano/keyboard, Bass, Drums. Royalty: 12.5%.

www.davidspicer.com.au

JUKE BOX ALLEY....FREE PERUSALS

By Neil Gooding and Nicholas Christo

By Neil Gooding*

“A hit, with audience members enthralled by the story, and singing along with the...soundtrack.” Geoff Samuels, QLD.

“A fantastic show and our school community can’t stop raving about it!” Julie Ashburn, QLD.

At a school in the 1990’s Mark is in love with his girlfriend, Queen Bee, Shannon Van de Witt. When she learns that a pop-band impresario is the surprise judge at the State Talent Show she dumps him sparking a boyband v girlband battle. Smash hits from the hyper coloured 1990’s by artists including THE SPICE GIRLS, BRITNEY SPEARS, MC HAMMER, BACK STREET BOYS and many more.

1000+ seasons world-wide of this Packemin Productions musical in the style of movies such as Back to The Future, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and The Karate Kid. Relives the highs and lows of the senior class of William Ocean High - through the eyes of insecure, love-struck Corey Palmer.

THE SONGS: • Wannabe • Bye Bye Bye • Hit Me Baby One More Time • Larger Than Life • Waterfalls • Step By Step • Genie In A Bottle • Always • Achy Breaky Heart • My Heart Will Go On • End Of The Road • U Can’t Touch This • I’ll Be There For You

THE SONGS: • Wake Me Up Before You Go Go • Footloose • Nine to Five • Kids in America • Girls Just Want To Have Fun • Mickey • Video Killed The Radio Star • Glory of Love • Material Girl • Let’s Hear It For The Boy • I’m Gonna Be 500 Miles • Man in the Mirror • We are the World • Love Shack • Total Eclipse of the Heart

Cast: 7F, 5M, 2 optional (M or F) and ensemble. Orch: 9 parts. Royalty: A.

*Additional material Stuart Smith. Cast: 11M 9F & unlimited chorus. Orch: 9 parts. Royalty: A. “We had a fantastic time performing this musical - the kids never wanted it to end.” Deb Meyers, Pittwater High.

“St John the Evangelist High School was rocking with the sound of great Australian music, laughter and applause.” Peter Szota. Songs by AC/DC, Midnight Oil, Skyhooks, Dragon, Choirboys, By Jodie Connor with Daddy Cool, J.O.K. Sherbet, Ted additional material by Mulry Gang, Jet, Billy Thorpe, Rick Sue Lockwood. Springfield, Divinyls and more! Troy and Darren Wilson, the most popular shearers in town, get hitched at a bachelor and spinster ball during a game of spin the bottle to Kazza and Shazza. But Help is on Albatross Musical Theatre its way. Whilst drowning their sorrows they are told one of them is heir to a multi-million dollar sheep station. So they have to jump in my car to visit the posh mansion to claim their inheritance.

Jack Flash meets the devil’s right hand lady at his 21st birthday inside the Disco Inferno club. He accepts a Faustian request to trade his soul for stardom and appears on Countdown. But success is hollow. Can he turn back the clock?

By Justin Sepple*

THE SONGS: • Celebration • Pop Muzik • Star Man • Kissing In The Back Row of the Movies • Hot Stuff • Village People Medley (In The Navy / Go West / YMCA) • I Will Survive • Disco Inferno • Play That Funky Music White Boy

Porirua Little Theatre

*Additional material David Spicer. Cast: 5M 4F, 7 minor roles and chorus/dancers. Orch: 9 parts. Royalty: A.

Cast: 10F 7M and chorus. Orch: 8 parts. Royalty: A. AOTEAROA – A NEW ZEALAND ROCK MUSICAL. By Jamie Lawrence. Part love story, part eco awareness and part spiritual enlightenment. Maxine a local Maori girl and Dan a local pakeha are boyfriend and girlfriend. They meet as teenagers and reunite years later to confront a huge challenge. A light-hearted walk into the forest wrapped around some of the greatest N.Z. rock songs including April Sun in Cuba, Six Months in a Leaky Boat, Aotearoa Land Of The Long White Cloud, Fraction Too Much Friction, Don’t Dream It’s Over, I See Red, The Gumboot Song. Cast: 5F 3M and small parts/ensemble. Orch: 9 parts. Royalty: A.

STREAKIN’ THRU THE 70S. By James A Rocco and Albert Evans. A kaleidoscopic flashback through game shows, sitcoms, disco, earth shoes, pet rocks, and lava lamps. An outrageous, mindblowing dash through the much maligned 'Me Decade'. Filled with music, comedy, and memories and features over 40 hit songs. Cast: Minimum - 3M 3F, maximum - unlimited. Royalty: A.

www.davidspicer.com.au

NEW

SMALL AND MEDIUM CAST MUSICALS HOT SHOE SHUFFLE. Story & Concept by David Atkins & Max Lambert. Original Choreography by David Atkins & Dein Perry. Book by Larry Buttrose & Kathryn Riding. Original Set Design by Eamon D’Arcy. Hot Shoe Shuffle has been a smash hit musical across Australia and the West End. The seven tap brothers receive a telegram - telling them that they’ll inherit millions from their late father if they reproduce the famous Hot Shoe Shuffle one month after his death. More surprises follow when a lost twin sister turns up. The dance musical features glorious music including Putting on the Ritz, a Fats Waller Medley, Song and Dance Man, The Rug Cutter and Name in Lights by Peter Allen. Applications are assessed and approved by David Atkins Enterprises. Cast: 8 amazing male tappers. 1 W…Chorus girls. Orch: Trombone, Drums, Bass, Guitar, Perc., WWx4, Trum.x3, Piano. Royalty: A. UKED! THE FIRST PLAY ALONG UKELELE MUSICAL. By Jane Cafarella.

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The hilarious and poignant story of Karla, who is dumped on her 50th birthday by her violin-playing boyfriend. Desperate to belong, Karla buys a ukulele and joins a dating site - learning that love and the music have much in common. Audience members can sing along or bring their uke to play along with Karla. A screen displays all the lyrics and chord diagrams decorate the hall. Cast: Minimum 1F 1M (plays six characters). Band: Two Ukulele leads and audience members. Royalty: B. EVERY SINGLE SATURDAY. Music, Book and Lyrics by Joanna Weinberg.

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“Nice tunes, more than a few laughs and the odd tug on the heart strings.” Stage Whispers A celebration of parents whose love, dedication and passion help their kids live out a dream. Four football parents - with very different agendas - meet at the final game of the year when hopes and fears are present in equal measure. There's a trophy to be won and with a national selector somewhere in the crowd a child is to be chosen for a Socceroo training camp and a trip to the World Cup. Cast: 2M 2F and optional ensemble of parents. Royalty: B MOTHERHOOD THE MUSICAL. THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE LAUNDRY. Music and lyrics by Sue Fabisch. “Heart warming laugh out loud funny.” Broadway World. Having a baby is just the beginning…motherhood is for life. Four women share their insights, challenges and pleasures at a baby shower. In 90 minutes of fun you’ll get a peek into the powerful friendship of Amy, a soon-to-be first-time mom; Brooke, a hard-working lawyer; Barb, a stressed-out mother of five; and Tasha, a single mom seeking to balance work, her family and her divorce. Cast: 4F and optional chorus. Royalty: A. MARGARET FULTON: THE MUSICAL. By Doug MacLeod and Yuri Worontschak. Based on I sang for my supper by Margaret Fulton. Margaret Fulton was Australia’s first cooking superstar. She sold 1.5 million cookbooks and changed the way Australian’s ate. This joyous musical traces her life from working in a factory during WWII, to living in the rocks as a single mother, succeeding in a man’s world, falling in and out of love, making a fortune then almost losing it. “Hilarious” - Herald-Sun; “This musical brims with love and energy” - AU review. National tour in 2022. Cast: 4F 2M. Orch: Keyboard and backing. Royalty: A. KEATING! Written and Composed by Casey Bennetto. “Dazzlingly funny.” Raymond Gill, Arts Editor, The Age. “This is a beautiful set of numbers.” Paul Keating. The musical Australia had to have, which sold out for two years is now available in your electorate. Keating! is the timeless story of the rise and fall of a Prime Minister. He was the boy from Bankstown who flicked the switch to vaudeville. Great music, easy to stage and simple costuming. All you need are some suits and a pair of fishnet stockings. Cast: Bob Hawke. Paul Keating. John Hewson. Alexander Downer. John Howard. Gareth Evans. Cheryl Kernot. Orch: Drums/Percussion, Elec. guitar, Acoustic bass guitar, Key, Sax. Royalty: A. Keating! Original production

www.davidspicer.com.au

AUSTRALIAN ROCK AND LARGE CAST MUSICALS Jon English in Paris

PARIS. Music and Lyrics by Jon English and David Mackay, et. al.

“Irresistible, engaging and exciting.” Aussie Theatre. With sweeping music, a fantastic love story and a few funny surprises this musical is a delight for audiences and performers. Paris is about a free spirit, a dreamer, a lover who is sent on a mission of peace from Troy to Greece but comes back with the wife of his enemy. The Trojans come to realise that the love between Paris and Helen is worth fighting for. There are great characters - Cassandra, Achilles, Hector, and Ulysses. Paris has now been staged in Australia, NZ, Eng. and Austria. New edition orchestrated by Isaac Hayward. Cast: 11M 5F and Chorus. Orch: 14 parts. Royalty: A. PRICE CHECK! THE SUPERMARKET MUSICAL. Music and Lyrics by Sean Weatherly. Book and Lyrics by Cerise De Gelder. “Packed to the cereal box top with pure, unsaturated fun.” Glam Adelaide. The world's first post COVID-19 musical, set in a suburban supermarket after the pandemic. A colourful cast of quirky characters include a sharptongued elderly customer, a toilet paper hoarder, a kinky Indian fruiterer, a mean boss, a geeky aspiring manager, and a check out chick with a lonely heart. Cast: Minimum 5, maximum 10 and chorus. Orch: 6 parts. Royalty: A.

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The Bakehouse Theatre

MOTOR-MOUTH LOVES SUCK-FACE - AN APOCALYPTIC MUSICAL. Music and Lyrics by Anthony Crowley. “Freakishly funny.” Stage Whispers. With a solar flare about to strike and destroy earth, Blasko Tupper decides to kidnap her entire school including Motor-mouth and Suck-face. The two geeks have until midnight to lose their virginity, escape through a cosmic wormhole and save the planet. Set to a rock-pop score this is a musical comedy about hope, for the young and the young at heart. Cast: 7M 7F. Orch: 5 Parts. Royalty: A BEACH BLANKET TEMPEST. Book and Lyrics by Dennis Watkins. Music by Chris Harriott. “The best show of the year.” SMH. “Theatrical Magic.” The Australian. A surf rock musical inspired by Shakespeare and the teenage beach movies of the 1960’s. Set to the wit of Dennis Watkins and the sumptuous music of Chris Harriott. The Tempest is Shakespeare’s tale of a man’s journey from vengeance to forgiveness. In BBT Tony Prospero, the former king of Rock ‘n’ roll, has been banished to a desert island with his daughter and a genie who wants to ‘ride the wild surf and be free’. He conjures a Tempest to bring his enemies to the island to make them face their wrongdoings and a fabulous TV quiz show. Cast: Min 4M 4F, now also with optional chorus. Orch: Minimum 6, maximum 18. Royalty: A. CRAZY ROCK N ROLL. By Rod Christian and Peter Waterman. “The show delighted audiences of all age groups.” St Mary’s College Cairns. Goodbye Caruso, Hello Elvis. 50’s rock musical about a ‘good’ Italian boy who wants to become a pop star. Lots of comedy as Vinnie rebels against his school and parents’ desire for him to work in the family business. It climaxes with the final of the Battle of the Bands. Superb music is inspired by the original era of rock n roll. Cast: 8M 8F & chorus. Orch: 10 parts. Royalty: A. Visit cruisinthemusical.com “Explosively funny”

BOY’S OWN MCBETH. By Grahame (Aunty Jack) Bond and Jim Burnett. Aunty Jack has erupted again in a zany school comedy of swots, crawlers, stirrers and dunces. Terry Shakespeare is really the school old boy - he’s 42 and has been in Year 11 for 28 years with his two sons. He’s not stupid, it’s all a tax dodge. His school forces him to direct Macbeth in a bid to force him to graduate - with hilarious consequences. Cast: 11 principals (can be 7) and chorus. Orch: 5 to 9 parts. Royalty: B.

NED. Music and Lyrics by Adam Lyon. Book by Marc McIntyre and Anna Lyon. Explores the highs and devastating lows of Ned Kelly’s journey from local hero to felon to legend. With a hauntingly beautiful score that captures the sounds of the bush and a libretto with raucous humour, warmth and tragedy, the musical also shines a light on the women in Ned’s life. Cast: 9M 5F. Minor roles and chorus. Orch: 18 parts. Royalty: A. PYJAMAS IN PARADISE. By John-Michael Howson, Ashley Irwin and Peter Pinne. Set in a time where bikinis were Itsy Bitsy, love had people Shakin all Over and everyone was going on a Summer Holiday. Follow the lads travelling to Surfers to meet some nice girls set to fabulous tunes of the 1950’s and 60’s including The Great Pretender, Rock Around the Clock. Cast: 8M 8F and chorus Orch: 11 parts. Royalty: A.

www.davidspicer.com.au

YOUTH MUSICALS PETER PAN. By J.M.Barrie. Adapted by Peter Denyer. Music by Barrie Bignold. “The songs are witty and tuneful and the script fast and flowing”. This adaptation of the legendary tale of the boy who never grows old is recognised in the UK as the best available. First produced professionally in 1993, it’s since sold out across the country. A play with music it has all the delights of the original story, Peter Pan, Tinkerbell, Captain Hook, and the hungry crocodile. As well there’s the riotously funny Mermaid Calypso and percussion rock dance of the Red Indians. Cast: 10 principals and chorus. Royalty: B. Brisbane Arts Theatre

JUNGLE BOOK THE MUSICAL. By Markus Weber and Michael Summ. “Full of great tunes, superb characterisation and laughs.” Stage Whispers. A rock, pop and funky adaptation of the collected stories of Rudyard Kipling that’s been performed thousands of times across Europe. The legendary tale of Mowgli: the young boy who learns from all the animals in the jungle the art of surviving. Cast: Minimum 7 – can add chorus. Orch: CD or 2 Guit, 2 Key, Bass , Drums. Royalty: B.

ROCKIN’ ROBIN. By Judith Prior. “Our most successful musical to date.” Ben Lohrey, Burnie High School. A school is rehearsing Horror Movie by Skyhooks for the Rock Eisteddfod when an electrical fault causes two of the cast, Maddie and William, to be transported backwards through time to medieval Sherwood Forest. Here they are welcomed by Robin Hood and Little John and immediately swept up in a zany plot. THE SONGS: • The Wanderer • C’mon Everybody • Rockin’ Robin • Happy Together • Johnny B. Goode • Rock Around the Clock • Great Balls of Fire • Long Tall Sally • The Locomotion • Puppet on a String • A Whole Lotta Shakin Goin On... Cast: 9F 6M. Chorus. Orch: Alto Sax, Ten Sax, Trum, Trom, Bb & Eb Lead parts, Guit, Piano, Keyboard, Bass Guit, Drum, Perc. Small Orch: 2 Key, Bass, Drum. CD Backing track available. Royalty: A. THE SNOW QUEEN. By Kirsten Brandt, Rick Lombardo and Haddon Kime. “A fairytale that rocks.” New York Times. Be spirited away by this new musical adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s fantastical coming-of-age adventure that inspired the hit Disney movie Frozen. Join Gerda on a dangerous and whimsical quest to save her best friend Kai before he is trapped forever in the Snow Queen’s palace. Features an original pop-rock score, alluring ballads and urban steam punk flair. Cast: 5F, 4M and chorus. Orch: Key 1 and 2, Guit.1 and 2, Bass, Drums, Violin. Royalty: B.

Craigslea State High School

SLEEPING BEAUTY THE MUSICAL. By Natalie Trengove and Jim Fury. This musical adaptation has bright tunes, lots of laughs and an Australian sensibility. We join the King and Queen as they celebrate the christening of their long awaited daughter Princess Crystal. The Bad Fairy casts a very nasty spell on the baby – she will die when she pricks her finger on a spinning wheel. Despite their best efforts on her 16th birthday she is sent to sleep. Cast: 18 princ. & chor. ARABIAN NIGHTS. By Adam Forde and David Perkins. Beautiful new musical adaptation written especially for youth theatres, staged dozens of times around the world. Sheherazade has been telling stories to her husband the King for 1000 nights. They range from magic carpet rides to genies to Ali Baba and the 40 thieves to Sinbad the Sailor. But is her final story good enough to save her life? Cast: Total (18m, 9f, 11m/f) Orch: Violin, Trum, Reed x 3, Elec Bass Drum, Piano. Royalty: B. BURGER BRAIN - THE FAST FOOD MUSICAL. By Dennis Watkins and Chris Harriott. The perfect youth musical with fries and a Coke. Set in Bondi Beach at the largest restaurant of the world wide conglomerate ‘Hackets’. Everyone loved Waldo, but then he becomes a manager and has to sack a mate because he has turned 18! Lots of laughs and great music as the staff of Hacket’s quit and form a rival restaurant. “Hamburgers Today Tomorrow the world!” First written for a young star called Toni Collette. Cast: 40 principals and chorus. Orch: Key 1/2, Guitar, Bass, Sax 1/2, Trump. Royalty: B.

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YOUTH MUSICALS MASQUERADE. By Kate Mulvany. Based on the book by Kit Williams. Music by Mikelangelo and Pip Branson. “A lovingly made adaptation of Kit Williams’ literary treasure hunt.” SMH. In a wondrous world of riddles and hidden treasure, bumbling Jack Hare is on a race against time to deliver a message of love from the Moon to the Sun. Bringing to life Kit Williams’ iconic picture book, Masquerade stars a talking fish, a tone-deaf barbershop quartet, a gassy pig, a precious jewel and a few mere mortals. It’s a magical adventure that is, at its heart, about the love between a parent and a child. Orch: Piano Cond, Key, Clar, DBass, Perc, Viol, Guit. Cast: 9M, 8F. Royalty: A. New Educational Resources. NEW

THE MAGIC PUDDING. By Norman Lindsay. Adapted for the stage by Andrew James. Music by Sarah de Jong. “Lindsay’s humour and love of Australian slang are brought to the stage with bold strokes.” The West Australian. “Loaded with witty one-liners, sight gags and plenty of audience participation.” Goulburn Post. Faithful adaptation of Lindsay’s classic book about pudding Albert, who reforms no matter how many times he is eaten. His colourful friends Bunyip the koala, Bill the sailor and Sam the penguin must defend him against thieves. This edition is the first to be commissioned for a cast of actors – except one puppet in the lead role. Cast: 14 and chorus. Orch: Flute, Clar, Guit, Piano, Key, Bass, Drum, Perc. Royalty: A.

SNUGGLEPOT AND CUDDLEPIE THE MUSICAL IN CONCERT. Words and Music by Peter Combe. Based on the Book by May Gibbs. “Fans of May Gibbs should be in gumnut heaven watching this delightful production” Newcastle Herald. May Gibbs’ royalties benefit disabled children. This sparkling musical has been staged more than 30 times by large choirs, musical societies and schools. From the Big Bad City to the shimmering Fish Folks ball, to the stormy seas, this epic tale is full of magical bushland characters. They include Nuts, Blossoms, musical frogs and the most grubby, ragged and nasty Banksia Men ever seen. First staged at the Adelaide Festival. Available as a musical cantata, dialogue edition or shortened primary school edition. Use sumptuous orchestrations with the flavour of the bush or use beautifully crafted new CD backing Track. Cast: 19 soloists from age of ten to ‘adult’ and choir. Orch: CDB or Flute/Pic, Oboe, Clar, Bassoon, Horn, 2 Trum, Tro, Kit drum, perc. Elec guitar, bass keyboard, 6 violins, 2 viola, cello. Royalty: B. WIND IN THE WILLOWS. By Juran Jones and John McKenna. Based on Kenneth Grahame’s classic. When Mole becomes tired of spring cleaning, he ventures out to the river where he meets Ratty. Together they embark on an adventure through the wild wood. Delightful music. Cast: 27 principals and chorus. Orch: Flu, Brass, Strings, Bass Guitar, Horn, Keyboard, Vibraphone, Bass, Cello. Royalty: B.

LARGE CAST MUSICALS FOR YOUNG PERFORMERS ALICE IN WONDERLAND. By Gabrielle Murphy. Alice sings and dances her way through Wonderland, where she meets the White Rabbit, the Caterpillar, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, the Cheshire Cat and the terrifying Queen of Hearts. Cast: 16 Singing roles. 17 speaking. Royalty: B PINOCCHIO. By Gabrielle Murphy. Pinocchio travels through Italy meeting the Blue Fairy, the cunning Fox and Cat, the evil puppet master Fire Eater, the naughty boys from The Land of Toys, Tunny the tuna, and the Cricket. Watch him learn about life and finally achieve his dream of becoming a real boy! Cast: 10 Singing 30 speaking. Royalty: B. JACK AND THE BEANSTALK. By Gabrielle Murphy.

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A flood forces young Jack to sell his cow but he’s wooed to traded it for magic beans. This whole of school musical features modern, traditional English folk and Bollywood song styles. Promotes themes of respect, teamwork and reaching goals. Cast: Whole school - 44 roles. Royalty: B THE 12 DANCING PRINCESSES (MUSICAL). By Natalie Trengove and Jim Fury. Based on the Brothers Grim fairy-tale about 12 beautiful princesses. Every night they go to bed locked securely in their bedroom but in the morning their dancing shoes are found to be worn through as if they’ve been dancing all night. Cast: 18F 6M and chorus.

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OPERETTA AND CLASSICS UPDATED ESSGEE’S PIRATES OF PENZANCE, H.M.S. PINAFORE, THE MIKADO Based on Gilbert and Sullivan’s all time classics. New orchestrations by Kevin Hocking. Additional Lyrics by Melvyn Morrow.

“A constant barrage of fun...one of the most delightful nights out.” “As Dazzling as the Best of Broadway.” “An unfolding caravan of delights.” Sparkling new adaptations of The Pirates of Penzance, The Mikado and HMS Pinafore as staged by Essgee Entertainment from 1994 to 2009. Features a unique funky female chorus known as the Singlettes - inspired by The Three Little Maids from The Mikado. All have fabulous megamix finales, tighter funnier scripts, swashbuckling choreography and direction you can copy from the DVD and modern orchestration for 6 parts or optional extras for Pirates. While the chorus numbers are modernized the most beautiful solos are untouched. NEW dance sequences, See choreography and comedy now available from the 2008/09 Professional production of The Mikado. Orch: 3 keyboards, percussion, bass, drums plus optional for Pirates 2 keys, 4 Woodwind, Horn in F, 3 trum, 2 trom, electric Bass, 3 Perc. Royalty: A. In the UK Pirates/Mikado is represented by StageScripts. HMS Pinafore – Josef Weinberger. USA – Stage Rights.

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A CHRISTMAS CAROL: A SEASONAL SAVOY OPERA. Adapted by Patrick Redmond. “Let the bells with-in the steeple. Ring with joy for all good people.” This gem marries the drama of Charles Dickens with the music of Gilbert and Sullivan. There is a smorgasbord of songs from The Yeoman of the Guard, The Pirates of Penzance, HMS Pinafore, Iolanthe, Trial by Jury, The Mikado, Patience and Ruddigore. Includes many rousing chorus numbers. Royalty: C.

LOLA MONTEZ. Music by Peter Stannard. Lyrics by Peter Benjamin. Book by Alan Burke.

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When Lola Montez left behind her celebrity lovers in Europe and toured Australia, the gold miners of Ballarat covered her stage with Gold nuggets. But the editor of the Ballarat Times gave her a panning. So she horsewhipped him in public. Lola Montez has been staged by more than 100 theatres across Australia. In the style of Rodgers and Hammerstein this musical treat has been enhanced by a new performance version. It includes the most recorded song in Aus. Musical theatre history (Be My Saturday Girl). Cast: 9 Prin, 7 small roles & ch. Orch: 13 parts. Royalty: 12.5%. Updated edition from Stephen Helper.

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: THE MUSICAL. By Bernard J Taylor and Jane Austen. “Glorious melodies (that) capture Jane Austen’s book.” Masquerade Magazine. Jane Austen described Elizabeth Bennet as quite the most delightful creature as ever appeared in print. This musical adaptation has been staged with great success in more than a dozen towns around the world. It has 11 fantastic roles for women (most with solos), from the dim Mrs Bennet, to her five daughters, to the formidable Lady Catherine and bitchy Caroline Bingley. Mr Collins is a classic role for comics. Cast: 11F. 6M chorus. Orch: Horn, Trum. Clar, 2 Violins, Cello, Bass, Perc, Oboe, Flute, Synth. Royalty: 12.5%.

THE MERRY WIDOW FROM BLUEGUM CREEK. Music By Franz Lehár. New Words and Lyrics by Frank Hatherley. The most popular and exquisitely beautiful operetta of the 20th Century now has comedy to match. This edition is endorsed by the Lehár estate. No music is changed. It’s still 1901 in Paris. But the embassy is from Down Under not the Balkans. The hapless French “don’t know what’s a chook or how to take a Captain Cook.” But they want to get their hooks into the Aussie Merry Widow. If she marries a ‘Frenchie’ the new Federation of Oz will go broke. The ambassador hopes “she can tell the difference between French tripe and prime Aussie beef.” Cast: 10 Aussies. 4 French. Chorus. Orch: Magnificent reduction by Stephen Gray. Can be staged: 5 Strings & 2 Key. Optional Wind, Brass, Perc. Royalty: C. UK - Josef Weinberger. DIE FLEDERMAUS. With EXTRA CHORUS – on stage for 40% of performance. Cast: 5M, 4F and large chorus. Orch: Reduced orchestration of 16 or full score for 25+ instruments. Royalty: E. ORPHEUS IN THE UNDERWORLD. New Translation with EXTRA CHORUS Orch: Min. 17. Royalty: E. CARMEN. Beautiful new English translation of this classic opera by Bizet. Royalty: E. LA BOHEME – THE MUSICAL. Adapted by Peter Novakovich from the Puccini Opera. Royalty: C.

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AUSTRALIAN COMEDY, DRAMA AND FARCE Royalty: C AUSTRALIA DAY. By Jonathan Biggins. “A charming comedy.” SMH. “Perfectly pitched jokefest.” The Australian. After touring as an Australia Day Ambassador in regional NSW, Jonathan Biggins’ initial scepticism about celebrating the national day melted like a lamington in the midday sun. It showed him the warmth, dedication and quiet patriotic pride of organisers. The experience whet his appetite to write a comedy aimed squarely at another hallowed institution - the committee. Cast: 4M 2F. THE BEAST. By Eddie Perfect. “An enjoyable, laugh-out-loud entertainment.” The Age. After surviving a near-death experience, a group of close friends embrace a tree-change, living a sustainable life in the country. But nature isn’t so welcoming, when the friends are faced with the pressing task of killing a young cow. First staged by the Melbourne Theatre Company and at the Sydney Opera House. Cast: 3M 4F. SHENANIGAN’S WAKE. By Daryl Peebles. Poor Seamus died of liver failure and it was his wish that his mates from the boozer send him off in a manner to which he was accustomed...suitably well plonked...hic! Alas the sobriety of the wake is shamefully disrupted as his wife gets into fisticuffs with his lover, and all manner of authorities turn up demanding cash that has slipped through his fingers over the years. Cast: 3M 3F. BARBECUE. By Daryl Peebles. Colin Cooper, a salt of the earth truckie, wins Lotto and moves into a rich suburb. He invited his neighbours and the audience over for a free snag. He loves the ‘Barbie’ because afterwards you don’t have to wash down the table, just run the Victa over it. Enter the snooty neighbours and the Mormon Missionaries. Cast: 5M 5F. GALLIPOLI: A MANUAL OF TRENCH WARFARE. By Clem Gorman. “May be a masterpiece.” David Malouf. A raw country boy and an older soldier share a sandbagged trench in Gallipoli in 1915. They find themselves battling not only the enemy, for whom they have a sneaking admiration, but also themselves. Their unique mateship helps them through the horrors of war. Cast: 5M. OPEN FOR INSPECTION. By Frank Hatherley. A modern farce that pokes fun at real estate madness. This breathless plot is inspired by the furious, headlong farces of Georges Feydeau and John Cleese. Helplessly out of control, the characters chase money, sex, and harbour glimpses to the bitter, hilarious end. Cast: 4M 4F. MANLY MATES. By Frank Hatherley. Riotous comedy about a former Premier, his corrupt Police Commissioner and their afternoon in the pub when everything goes wrong. Hatherley’s fiendish plot leads all the colourful characters into spiralling turmoil. And it’s all based on ‘Underbelly’-style fact. Cast: 7M 4F. MY HENRY LAWSON. By Frank Hatherley. Filled with the rousing verse of Banjo Patterson and Henry Lawson and their tumultuous real-life relationship. Cast: 2M 1F. BONDI LEGAL. By Tony Laumberg. Hapless lawyer Brad Pitt (no relation) fills in for a lawyer on holiday and is thrust unprepared into a complex case. Facing a scowling magistrate and a lawyer who resembles a Rottweiler, he has to overcome the odds. Cast: 6M 2F. THE GREAT DIVIDE. By Tony Laumberg. The lives of a well-to-do lawyer and his love-starved wife are turned upside down when a lively young Greek couple move in next door. A fence dispute ends up in court and each woman leaves her partner in disgust. Cast: 3M 2F. EMMA CELEBRAZIONE! By Graham Pitts. “A sure-fire box office hit.” The Australian. Italian immigrant Emma Ciccotosto is cooking for a family wedding feast, regaling the audience with tales of her feckless husband and venomous mother-in-law. At interval the audience tastes her delicious pasta and a Choir of Italian women assist with song and celebration. This play often sells out weeks before opening night. Cast: 2 or 3F, 1M & choir. Set: I Kitchen II Wedding. NEWK (THE JOHN NEWCOMBE STORY). By Kieran Carroll. Set at the tennis star’s 70th birthday the drama/comedy traces his journey from schoolboy to world number one and beyond. Cast: 1M.

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FARCE AND COMEDY. Royalty: C Devon Williamson nominates his top ten comedies.

The Jailhouse Frocks

Murder On The Menu

My Inlaws Are Outlaws

How To Train Your Husband

THE OLD PEOPLE ARE REVOLTING. Retirement village declares itself an independent kingdom to teach the world a lesson. 4F 1M. MURDER ON THE MENU. Pompous Shakespearean theatrical ghosts conspire to sabotage the re-opening of a theatre. 5F 3M. THE JAILHOUSE FROCKS. Dimwit country police officer is shocked by arrest of Mayor’s wife, cat lady and car crasher. 3F 2M. MY INLAWS ARE OUTLAWS. Mild mannered librarian must outwit contract killers hired by her mother-in-law. 4-6F 2-4M. CRAZY LADIES. School friends stage a reunion after 25 years. Friendships are rekindled and a janitor is kidnapped. 5F 1M. MENOPAUSE MADE ME DO IT. Crazy Ladies meet again. Kidnapper lures them to motel but underestimates his prey. 5F 1M. MY HUSBAND’S NUTS. Farmer won’t leave house due to agriculture phobia and World War 2 delusion. 3F 2M. TWAS THE FIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS. Horrible children who have been ruining Christmas for years meet their match. 4F 2M. HOW TO TRAIN YOUR HUSBAND. Three generations of Smith family go through Toddler, Cat and Dog training. 5F 2M. UNDERSTANDING WOMEN. Three blokes spend a weekend in the garden shed to work out the opposite sex. 3F 1M. Raymond Hopkins’ top 10 farcical comedies.

Looking For Love

Love Begins At 50

Love And Mistletoe

Make Time For Love

Author’s royalties go to Multiple Sclerosis Research LOVE BEGINS AT 50. When a husband in a loveless marriage organises a date the media turn up to his door. 7F 3M LOOKING FOR LOVE. Abandoned wife follows ‘six step miracle cure’ and wins her husband’s heart back and more. 5F 4M. LOVE AND MONEY. A family is robbed and tries to claim insurance leading to a world of mayhem. 4F 4M. LOVE ON THE BEACH. Lonely widower mistakes a vicar for the mature escort he booked. 6F 2M. THE LOVE NEST. Second honeymoon for a couple is ruined when guesthouse goes through bad patch. 7F M3. IT MUST BE LOVE. Wedding of the decade goes off the rails when the groom falls in love with the florist. 4F 6M. LOVE AND PERFECT HARMONY. In a local choir rehearsal are ruined by rivalry, pregnancy and, secret trysts. 5F M4. LOVE AND MISTLETOE. On Christmas Eve a daughter invites three women along as prospective partners for her father. 6F 3M. LOVE AT LAST. In a retirement village a mature cast tackle long term marriages and the pursuit of a thief. 7F 3M. MAKE TIME FOR LOVE. Pillar of society in loveless marriage plots to leave his wife to travel the world at the worst time. 7F 2M. New Releases

LUCKY SEVEN. By Mike Yeamans Family wins Lotto but Nana won’t disclose the ticket’s whereabouts until there have been a few changes around the place. 3F 4M. CURL UP AND DIE. By Anna Longaretti Ruth inherits her antiquated hair salon with an old girls’ weekly shampoo. She puts them on hold to enter a hairdressing competition. 7F 3M.

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COMIC PLAYS, PANTOMIMES & DINNER THEATRE By Judith Prior. Royalty: C READ THE FIRST SIX PAGES OF ALL OF JUDITH PRIOR’S SCRIPTS at www.davidspicer.com.au

Cinderella Meets The Mother-In-Law

Outback Debutante’s Ball

Jungle Juice

Sailing South

Judith’s Top 20 OUTBACK DEBUTANTE’S BALL. Desperate country town enlists two left feet Jackeroos to partner Debutantes. 9F 3M & 3M/F & Chorus. OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS. Elderly volunteers are shocked to discover the nice girls upstairs are exotic dancers. 5/6M 6/8F. THE LAST RESORT. Retirement Village plans for a fundraiser for a trip to the Casino get into a tangle. 3M 7F. JUNGLE JUICE. A big game hunter, witchdoctor, Tarzan, Jane, two rock stars and a gorilla meet in Jungle romp. 6F 5M & 1M/F. HACIENDA DEL TORO. Hidden treasure, bad Spanish accents, mock bull fights and much mirth in Mexican restaurant. 7F 5M. CINDERELLA MEETS THE MOTHER-IN-LAW. After the fairytale wedding Cinderella is shocked by her mother-in-law’s shoe fetish. 5-7F 6-8M. JEST AT THE WEST. Audience are patrons of the Silver Slipper saloon which is in financial trouble. 7F 5M & Chorus. JEST CALL ME COWBOY. Wacky Jest at West characters aspire to become movie stars. 7M 5F & Chorus. A WINK AT THE SPHINX. Pharoah tells daughter Fatima her betrothed is kidnapped, and she must marry old Physician. 5M 3F & Chorus. HAUNTED HALLOWEEN. Owner of small costume shop asks psychic sister to contact departed gangster husband. 5M 5F & Chorus. SAILING SOUTH. A rollicking romp on ship to Australia where Judge is shocked by female convicts. 6F 5M & Chorus. THAT’S YOUR FUNERAL. Harvey enlists mate Bazza to build his own coffin after discovering how expensive it is. 4M 4F. THE PIRATE PRINCE. Scottish Pirate King returns to Caribbean Island to dig up buried treasure after 25 years. 4M 5F & Chorus. LADY GODIVA. Medieval maids, men in tights, saucy servant wench and naughty peasant taxer in Coventary. 4M 4F & 1M/F. UNCLE JACK. Family wedding turns to disaster when black sheep bikie turns up and Vicar’s drink is spiked. 4M 4F & 1M or F. PHANTOM OF THE MUSIC HALL. Phantom in Old White Chapel Theatre is encouraged to join cast rehearsing Cinderella. 6F 5M & Chorus. JACK AND THE BAKED BEANSTALK. Aussie take on classic pantomime. 12 leads and panto cow. STRUDELFEST. Baron von Clap breaks leg at Alpine ski resort and asks audience to stuff chooks. 3M 8F. TRUE BLUE AUSSIE REVIEW. Medley of music, monologues, and short skits at local agricultural show. 3M 3F & Chorus. PUSS IN THONGS. An Australian angle on the timeless Puss In Boots classic of Charles Perrault.

SMALL AND MEDIUM CAST MUSICALS MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET. Adapted from the 1947 Lux Radio Broadcast by Lance Arthur Smith. Music by Jon Lorenz.

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When a department store Santa claims he’s the real Kris Kringle, his case gets taken all the way to the Supreme Court and a little girl’s belief makes the difference in the ‘miracle.’ With live Foley effects and a score of holiday carols, Miracle on 34th Street is a beloved musical that will melt even the most cynical of hearts. Cast: 2F, 3M, 1F Child, 1 Piano/Foley Artist, Ensemble (Flexible). SWEET FANNY ADAMS. By Peter Pinne and Don Battye. Set in the naughty 30s. Based on the real life tale of Tilly Devine as featured in Channel Nine’s Underbelly series. Fanny and Kitty are making their regular appearance at the court of Petty Sessions on charges of running a house of illrepute. The bent Judge, who receives commissions from both girls, gives them a small fine and lets them go on their merry way. Let the bawdy, riotous and deliciously ribald fun begin. Cast: 3M 3F. Royalty: B. IT HAPPENED IN TANJABLANCA or RED WHITE AND BOOGIE. By Peter Pinne and Don Battye. Based on a story by John Michael Howson. Echoes of Bogart, Dietrich and Carmen Miranda abound in this delicious send-up of dramatic Hollywood movies of the 40s. Set in the foyer of a seedy hotel in the North African city of Tanjablanca, the characters, waiting for the next clipper to Lisbon, are embroiled in a plot that involves stolen negatives from the Embassy and the murder of a rich international financier. A tap-dancing extravaganza which the critics called “thoroughly frivolous, thoroughly enjoyable”. Cast: 4M 4W and optional chorus of six. Royalty: B.

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MURDER MYSTERY SPOOF NEW

SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE GREAT ROYAL GOOSE CHASE. Book and Lyrics by Peter Sham. Music by Brad Carroll. A laugh-out-loud immersive musical theatre experience. When Buckingham Palace is robbed, it is up to the renowned Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson, and the audience to solve the crime and return the royal treasure to its rightful place. Cast: 5F 7M Orch: 3 to 7 parts. Royalty: B.

WATSON: THE LAST GREAT TALE OF THE LEGENDARY SHERLOCK HOLMES. By Jaime Robledo.

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Funny, moving, and theatrically inventive, this high-energy play balances witty comedy and dramatic mystery to recount the last great tale of the legendary Sherlock Holmes as seen through the eyes of his trusted friend and colleague, Dr. John H. Watson. Cast: 4F 7M. WATSON AND THE DARK ART OF HARRY HOUDINI. By Jaime Robledo.

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Watson and Holmes travel to New York on the trail of a brutal killer. They meet Harry Houdini who seems to know more than he’s telling. Cast: 5F 7M. WATSON: THE FINAL WAR. By Jaime Robledo.

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A game of cat and mouse of epic proportions as the sleuths look to thwart a villain against the backdrop of World War I. Cast: 4F 8M. AGATHA CRUSTY AND THE VILLAGE HALL MURDERS. By Derek Webb. “Lots of witty lines and funny scenes, but there is also a genuine murder plot.” Amateur Stage. Crime novelist Agatha Crusty (pronounced Croosty) gets caught up in a series of murders of members of a Village Hall committee. There are plenty of suspects and an incompetent police office to navigate, as the bodies begin to pile up. Cast: 4M 6F or 3M 7F. AGATHA CRUSTY AND THE HEALTH SPA MURDERS. By Derek Webb. Agatha decides that a spell at a health spa is just what she needs to recharge her batteries. Just as she is beginning to relax one of the group is found drowned, presumed murdered, in the Moor Mud Bath. Cast: 3M 7F. AGATHA CRUSTY AND THE MURDER MYSTERY DINNER. By Derek Webb. A murder mystery dinner at a remote Victorian house is cut off by a storm. Life imitates art when one of the guests is murdered even though all the guests are together. Cast: 5M 6F DAME AGATHA’S GREATEST CASE. By Robert Sheppard.

Bell Theatre Group

An eccentric selection of the rich and famous meet at a 1930’s country house weekend. Before anyone has had time to settle in a cabinet minister is murdered ‘totally without any warning’. Fortunately the famous amateur sleuth Agatha Christie is on hand to solve the crime. Optional G&S songs. Cast: 8M 9F.

MURDER AFOOT. By Knut Naerum. A cleverly written, fast moving murder mystery comedy.Dark clouds are gathering over The Arches, the stately mansion of brash, larger-than-life shoe millionaire, Titus Platt. During a thunderstorm Titus Platt is found murdered leaving a dying clue in the form of two chess pieces. Cast: 5M 5F. MURDER ON CUE. By Robyn Jennifer Miller. A murder mystery set in Maple Lodge, a retirement home for actors. Cast: 3M 6F.

JANE AUSTEN ADAPTATIONS PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. By Pamela Whelan “It is not only fans of Jane Austen’s much-loved novel centred on romantic manoeuvres in early 19th century England who will be delighted by this witty and excellently staged adaptation.” Newcastle Herald 2011. Mainly in one setting – the morning room of Longbourn. The dialogue and the characters’ movements and expressions have audience members seeing events and people in other locations. Cast: 11F 5M. See also PRIDE AND PREJUDICE THE MUSICAL By Benard J Taylor. Also by Pamela Whelan: PERSUASION. Cast: 8F 5M. SENSE AND SENSIBILITY. Cast: 6M 6F. MANSFIELD PARK. Cast: 7F 6M. EMMA. Cast: 5M 6F. AMATEUR RITES. By Tim Luscombe. A fast-paced, hilarious comedy of modern manners set at a suburban AmDram company staging a Jane Austen play. Ambitions and neuroses come to a perilous and uproarious climax in the white heat of the rehearsals for Northanger Abbey. Cast: 3M 6F.

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OUTRAGEOUS COMEDIES & MATURE CAST COMEDIES SHAZ AND NICK’S BIG GREEK WEDDING OR DIM TOULA. By Craig Wellington. Not just an outrageous comedy. This is an event. A dead Greek grandmother comes back to haunt her grandson Nick Kakamanospillipapadimiopoulis during his wedding reception because he has married an Aussie. “I say to him, Are you trying to kill your Grandmother? He was right. He kill me.” Cast: 9M 8F. Part proceeds to MS Society Tasmania. STIFF. A comedy by April Phillips. (Play or add songs to suit) This will make your audience die laughing. Angel Delight, the illegitimate daughter of a funeral parlour director, inherits her father’s business. Before she can sell she has to run the funeral parlour for five years. Unfortunately she knows nothing about the funeral business but a lot about prostitution. Nothing is off limits in this zany quickfire comedy about sex and death by misadventure. Cast: 5F 2/3M.

Chapel Off Chapel 2013

SWINGERS. By April Phillips Long suffering golf widows, tired of their retired husbands spending their spare time on the 19th hole, conspire to put some spice back into their lives. Can these old timers get their marriages out of the bunker? Cast: 3F 3M. DEATH & TAXE$. By April Phillips Dodgy deals, a fishy tax inspector, a nutty cop, murder, mayhem and a hairy Yak! Cast: 4M 4F. SPY CLUB. By Liane Mills. Set in the Spyglass Club frequented by a hot bed of Russian, American, and British businessmen, spies or gypsies such as Artie Choke, and Mona Littlemore. The audience laugh themselves silly and listen out for titles to James Bond movies. Cast: 8F 8M. CRUISE CLUB. By Liane Mills. Set sail for adventure on the cruise of a life-time to Bermuda aboard the beautiful Costa Lotta. It’s not all smooth sailing. Someone is trying to poison the passengers and nobody knows who will be next. Audience participation is a must. Cast: 5-8M 3-7F. HOTT PROPERTY. By Matt Byrne. “Had the audience in fits of laughter.” Weekend Notes. Bursts the Real Estate bubble, as white-shoed Red Hott, world-weary wife Smokin’ Hot, would-be model daughter Pipin’ Hott and her sleazy ambitious fiancé Terry Trott, try to find the right property for four very different couples! It’s an all-auction night out! Cast: 2M 2F. Hurunui Theatre Group NZ

ACT YOUR AGE… Musical Farce by Christopher Wortley. Celebrity Sanctuary is a clinic that offers relaxation for A Listers. It has, however, fallen on hard times. When the owner receives a call from “Victoria’s agent” they are delighted, but this quickly turns to concern as they realise that they cannot now provide all the facilities that are expected. Cast: 10F 4M + minor principals and chorus. Orch: Piano, keys, Drum. MD. Royalty: B.

SILLY OLD BUGGERS. By Gillian M Wadds. “A delicious look at aging. A warm, poignant and very amusing blend of songs and pithy dialogue”. The hit production of the 2009 Melb Comedy Festival. The four silly old buggers are a retired opera singer, merchant banker, truck driver and school principal determined to have some fun. Cast: 2M 2F. VIAGARA FALLS & THE 70-YEAR-OLD VIRGIN. By Alan Youngson and Janet Findlay.

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Misplaced unisex Viagra pills causes mayhem amongst “afflicted” residents in Serenity Gardens Retirement Village. Characters include a bride-to-be gran, her nervy 70 year old virgin groom, a mad Scot, a gay cop and an exotic doc. Cast: 4F 4M. MISS ABIGAIL’S GUIDE TO DATING, MATING & MARRIAGE! By Ken Davenport and Sarah Saltzberg. Let Miss Abigail take you back to a simpler time, before speed-dating! It’s Loveline meets Dr. Ruth as Miss Abigail shares her vast knowledge of every piece of relationship literature known to mankind. The audience participates in this hilarious variety show. Cast: 1M 1F. STAND AND DELIVER. By Janet Shaw. So funny it will split your stitches. Join a sex-mad nurse and four ladies in a maternity ward. Cast: 4M 10F.

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YOUTH PLAYS THE TIME MACHINE. Adapted by Mark Scharf.

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H.G. Wells’ classic tale about a Victorian inventor who builds a time machine and visits the far future is beautifully adapted into a ninety-minute play. Explores how individuals fit into society and asks whether technology always leads to progress and where it is taking humanity. Cast: 11 and ensemble. THE JUNGLE BOOK. Adapted by Briandaniel Oglesby.

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Mowgli struggles to fit in with the wolves, monkeys, and even the humans on his journey to discover where he belongs, in this new imagining of Rudyard Kipling’s classic. Masks, puppets, a trip to the Starbucks in the cell-phone-obsessed city make this new adaptation of The Jungle Book a delight. Cast: 11 and ensemble. PETER PAN’S TREASURE. Adapted by Helen Dickson.

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A fresh take on J.M Barrie’s classic sees Wendy, John and Michael Darling return from their adventures in Neverland to find the world changed. Peter Pan comes to the rescue, having fun with a band of clumsy pirates before facing Hook in a chilling showdown. This play with music has opportunities for young actors, dancers and gymnasts. Cast: 10 to 40. DEATH OF ROBIN HOOD. By J.S. Puller. A comedy of errors full of daring damsels, dashing sword fights, and the occasional moment of all out chaos. The minstrel Alan-a-Dale invents a character, Robin Hood, to take the fall for his friend’s crimes. But when the Sheriff and his wife become convinced that their lies are reality, Alan realizes that the only way to escape the story is by making it into a legend. Cast: 6 and chorus. THE INCREDIBLE HERE AND NOW. By Felicity Castagna. A play about cars and boys and having to grow up too soon. Michael is living in the shadow of his older brother Dom - the guy who grabs everyone’s attention. When he is gone Michael roams the streets, navigating life, friendship, love and family. Cast: 7F 6M (Doubling possible).

PANTOMIMES & CHILDREN’S MUSICALS Brisbane Arts Theatre

NEW ENGLISH PANTOMIMES. By Peter Denyer • Cinderella • Dick Whittington and his Cat • Jack and the Beanstalk • The Snow Queen • Snow White • Mother Goose • Aladdin • Peter Pan • Sinbad the Sailor • Beauty and the Beast • Robin Hood and The Babes in the Wood • The Sleeping Beauty • NEW: A Christmas Carol Peter Denyer is incredibly popular because his pantomimes are funny, well written and modern. And they have production notes about characterisation, costumes, staging and sets. Cast: Most have up to 17 principals plus chorus. Small casts available. Script only with suggested songs.

MUSICALS FOR CHILDREN. By Peter Pinne and Don Battye. • Jack and the Beanstalk • The Little Tin Soldier • The Emperor’s New Clothes • The Shoemaker and his Elves • Billabong Bill • Beauty and the Beast • Rumpelstiltskin Peter and Don wrote a series of delightful musicals for children which premiered at the Alexander Theatre in Melbourne. They’ve become classics revived all over the world. Each includes great humour and original music, with superb CD backing tracks. Critics raved “hummable entertaining theatre songs”, “..enchanting...full of fun, heroism and wickedness”. Cast: Usually eight or more principals and chorus. PANTOMIMES. By Warren McWilliams. • Frosted: Even funnier that the Disney edition with new gags and characters. Full length and junior edition. • Robin Hood: A minstrel who can’t sing joins the merry band. • Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs• The Princess And The Frog• Agatha Twisty And The Murder In Panto Land. MORE POPULAR PANTOMIMES FROM STAGE SCRIPTS • Cinderella by David Maun • Beauty And The Beast by Philip Meeks • A Little Panto On The Prairie by Richard Lock • Atlantis the panto by Paul Reakes • Dick Whittington by Philip Meeks or Tom Bright • Aladdin by Philip Meeks or Tom Bright • Snow White by Doreen Moger (Dwarves replaced by Garden Gnomes.) THE SLIPPER AND THE ROSE. By Robert and Richard Sherman. Bryan Forbes and Pip Burley. From the composers of Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang comes a new release based on the legend of Cinderella. The Slipper and the Rose has beautiful music, charm and lots of laughs. First released in 1976 as a movie which was nominated for two Academy Awards. Adapted for the stage in 1984. Cast: 13F 12M & Chorus. Orch: 9 or 18 part. Royalty: B (UK NODA).