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‘Audrey Hepburn and I Consider Our Assets’

Rod the therapist (Mitch Ralston), Liz (Kelly Cupo), Audrey (Hester Van Der Vyver), Dad (Paul Dawber), and Emad Liz’s ex-boyfriend (James Ao)
Rod the therapist (Mitch Ralston), Liz (Kelly Cupo), Audrey (Hester Van Der Vyver), Dad (Paul Dawber), and Emad Liz’s ex-boyfriend (James Ao)

Dates: Six performances:  29 Oct. – 7 Nov. 2015
Location: Melba Spiegeltent – 35 Johnston St Collingwood
Tickets: $35 to $55 – group discounts apply
Information & bookingswww.audreypopmusical.com

‘Audrey Hepburn and I Consider Our Assets’ is a new Australian musical set in Melbourne which will have its world premiere at the Melba Spiegeltent in Collingwood on 29 October 2015.

The musical features 14 original songs, eight performers backed by a four piece-band and a choir featuring members of the Grace Notes Singers.

Originally written as a poem by award-winning playwright Gayelene Carbis, (Best Funny Poem at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival), it developed into a play and over the last seven years has transitioned into a musical via a series of moved readings, workshops and audience and industry feedback.

The show is a humorous modern day story that questions love and our expectations with a very funny twist about the potential complications of online dating and family connections.

The story follows lead character Liz O’Sullivan, the girl from Glenhuntly, whose family is obsessed with Hollywood movies and Audrey Hepburn – her father’s ideal woman.  After a relationship breakup Liz is forced into therapy by her over- protective family. Her very handsome therapist Rod bears a striking resemblance to Hollywood heartthrob Rock Hudson – causing Liz to fantasise about what a real man is and why she doesn’t want to commit to marriage with her current partner Len who just wants a simple suburban life.

When Liz’s idol Audrey Hepburn ‘appears’ in Rod’s office offering advice on love, and how to find a real man – Liz completes her journey to self-acceptance. She realises her life is not about ‘What would Audrey do?’ – but the direction in life she needs to choose for herself.

Co-writer and Director Noel Anderson said, “An Australian musical is a rare beast especially one with original music. ‘Priscilla’, ‘Dusty’ and ‘Shout’ were all successful Australian shows but they used well-known pop tunes, they had no original score. Audrey is the real thing, like the classic musicals – ‘The King and I’, ‘Les Miserables’ or Stephen Sondheim’s ‘Follies’… only it’s being created right here in Melbourne, right now.”

“Creating an original musical has to be one of the most challenging projects you can embark upon in the Australian performing arts industry – however we are all very excited to finally see eight years of dedication bring Australia’s newest musical to the stage,” Noel Anderson

Written by Gayelene Carbis based on her original play; co-written and adapted by Noel Anderson, Geoff Main and Cerise De Gelder; Music & Lyrics Geoff Main, additional lyrics by Cerise De Gelder. Produced by Harlequin Ink Pty Ltd.

Hester Van Der Vyver as Audry Hepburn in world premier of  ‘Audrey Hepburn and I Consider Our Assets'
Hester Van Der Vyver as Audry Hepburn in world premier of ‘Audrey Hepburn and I Consider Our Assets’

Director: Noel Anderson

Musical Director: John Grant

Set Design: John Wonnacott

Choreographer: Caroline Hawke

Costumes: Lauren Ritchie

Cast: Kelly Cupo (Liz), Hester Van Der Vyver (Audrey), Paul Dawber (Dad), Nadia Andary (Mum), Mitch Ralston, (Rod the therapist), James AO (Emad the ex-boyfriend), Caroline Hawke (Caroline, Dad’s new wife), Benjamin James (Len the current boyfriend).
Band: The Real Man Band

Choir: Members of the Grace Notes Singers

Dates: Six performances from 29 Oct – 7 Nov.

 
Location: Melba Spiegeltent, 35 Johnston St Collingwood
Tickets: $35 to $55 – group discounts apply
Information & bookings: www.audreypopmusical.com

… a funny, lyrical and probing exploration of one woman’s journey to self-acceptance…