Adapted from the surprisingly relevant, classic comedy by Carlo Goldoni, Jack of Two Trades is a brand new, original, fast paced and laugh-out-loud musical theatre comedy to be presented in the Drama Theatre – Monash University for five performances from 19 October 2017.
Incredibly ridiculous, crude and silly, Jack of Two Trades embraces big characters full of soaring melodies, mistaken identities, disguises, trickery, declarations of love and everyone’s favourite F-words: fighting, farting, fornicating, foolishness, a whole lot of food … and even some feelings
Written and developed by Lucy O’Brien (composer) and Andrew Strano (book and lyrics), Jack of Two Trades is the inaugural commission of the Pratt Foundation Music Theatre Artists in Residence Program at Monash University – allowing audiences the chance to see something totally new evolving right before their eyes – it will be a significant milestone in the long development of any new musical theatre work.
“The development of successful musicals can take approximately five years – there is a lot of trial and error,” said Andrew Strano. “Through this wonderful program, Monash can provide an initial foundation to allow musical theatre writers to create and try ambitious new works – this is a crucial process that is often lacking in the creation of new works in Australia.”
Set in Melbourne during the 1990s and inspired by some of the greatest most over-blown rock and pop styles, Jack of Two Trades is directed by Nathan Gilkes, with musical direction by Dominic Woodhead, and features professional performers Laura Burzacott, Jane Clifton, Kayla Hamill, Eddie Muliaumaseali’i, and Karlis Zaid, alongside third year Monash University theatre and performance students, students from the Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music and the Jeanne Pratt Music Theatre Ensemble.
Director: Nathan Gilkes Featuring: Laura Burzacott, Jane Clifton, Kayla Hamill, Eddie Muliaumaseali’i, Karlis Zaid Musical Director: Dominic Woodhead Lighting and Set Designer: Rob Sowinski Sound Designer: Marcello Lo Ricco Costume Designer: Lucy Wilkins Stage Manager: Jacinta Anderson Composer: Lucy O’Brien Book and Lyrics: Andrew Strano
Jack of Two Trades
Drama Theatre – Monash University, 55 Scenic Boulevard, Clayton
Season: 19 – 22 October 2017
Information and Bookings: www.mapa.monash.edu
Image: Jack of Two Trades – photo by Sarah Walker