A new musical written by four Sydneysiders, Errol and Fidel has been selected to open this year’s New York Musical Festival – the most prestigious showcase for new work in the music theatre world.
The musical was selected from hundreds of submissions from around the world, and is the only overseas production to make the cut. It has now been chosen for the prestigious 10 July opening night on 42nd Street. Directed by Cuban-American director, Michael Bello, Errol and Fidel will be performed five times during the Festival.
Errol and Fidel tells the story of the bizarre (but true) relationship between iconic movie star, Errol Flynn, and Cuba’s numero uno rebel, Fidel Castro, at the height of that country’s revolution. Born in Hobart, Flynn was one of Hollywood’s biggest stars during its Golden Age, and also one of the most internationally famous Australians who ever lived.
Written by Boyd Anderson and Guy Anderson, music by Peter Kaldor and John Kaldor, lyrics by Boyd Anderson, Errol and Fidel is the team’s first attempt at a musical, and is based on Boyd Anderson’s 2010 novel, Errol, Fidel and the Cuban Rebel Girls. It includes 21 original songs in a mix of styles, from Cuban mambo to MGM showtune to Doo-Wop.
The musical captures a restless Flynn in the fading twilight of his film career as he chases a lost dream to be a genuine, real-life hero. Being Flynn, it all starts with a woman. He follows the mysterious Lola, who lures him into the wild Cuban mountains to meet rebel leader, el Gigante. As revolution rages around them, the stage is set for an explosive encounter.
“Errol and Fidel blends the mythology of Flynn and Castro with a dash of Hollywood romance and adventure, a good slug of CIA skulduggery, and a swordfight for good measure,” says co-writer Boyd Anderson. “It’s a story with two heroes, but of course there is only ever room for one.”
The 2017 New York Musical Festival runs 10 July – 6 August. For more information, visit: www.nymf.org for details.
Image: Guy Anderson and Michael Bello – courtesy of Errol and Fidel The Musical