A modern-day musical that looks at how we love and what it means to be connected, 100 Coffees Productions and Neil Gooding Productions presents the world premiere of The Life of Us at the Hayes Theatre Co this January.
The Life of Us follows the long-distance romance of Charlie and Ellie. Forced apart by circumstance, they maintain their relationship through technology, but how much connection can a person truly feel through a screen? As we watch their lives unfold and their relationships crumble, we begin to understand what we want isn’t always what we need.
With an extraordinary ability to express universal feelings of love and heartbreak into a deeply affecting and intimate musical, The Life Of Us features a Book by Ashleigh Taylor and Ben Bennett, Music & Lyrics by Ben Bennett, and mentored by the legendary Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, Godspell). Neil Gooding directs this new Australian ground-breaking musical which features the writers in the roles of Ellie and Charlie.
Ashleigh’s theatre credits include the role of Sandy in Grease the Arena Spectacular and starring in the world premiere of Pleasuredome The Musical alongside Lucy Lawless in New Zealand. Ben was most recently seen on stage in the world premiere of Muriel’s Wedding as well as performing the lead role of Johnny in American Idiot. They are joined by Christian Charisiou (The Last Five Years, Cry Baby) in the role of Mike, and Pippa Grandison (Elphaba – Wicked) in the role of Grace.
“Being selected for the ASCAP Musical Theatre Workshop in Los Angeles directed by Stephen Schwartz has been a game-changer,” said co-producer and co-writer Ashleigh Taylor. “We are the first Australians to have ever been selected and to sit in a room with such a legendary musical theatre writer and have him specifically guide us through each moment in our show is an experience I will never forget.”
“Literally, I have pages of notes that I still look over! His advice is so clever and detailed and has lifted our show to its highest potential. We have had the rare opportunity to learn from the best in the business and I can’t wait to bring the show to life at the Hayes Theatre.”
With a knockout, emotionally powerful score that will hook you from the first note, this original production is raw, heart-wrenching and honest. If you are, have been, or hope to be in love, this show is for you!
Director: Neil Gooding Featuring: Ben Bennett, Christian Charisiou, Pippa Grandison, Ashleigh Taylor Musical Director: Nicholas Griffin Orchestrator: Mitchell Sloan Choreographer: Kyla Bartholomeusz Lighting Designer: Veronique Benett Sound Designer: David Bergman Set & Costume Designer: Lauren Peters
The Life of Us
Hayes Theatre Co, 19 Greenknowe Avenue, Potts Point (Sydney)
Season continues to 9 February 2020
Information and Bookings: www.hayestheatre.com.au
Image: Ben Bennett and Ashleigh Taylor (supplied)