An exciting fresh Australian work written by Josh Connell, Jeremy Harland and James Greaves, Fresno: The Musical, will be presented at Chapel Off Chapel for a limited season from 26 February 2025.
Best described as a Cheers! Musical, written in the style of Come From Away – Fresno sets itself in a traditional Irish-American bar, that explores the life of a young bartender named JJ, and the network of friends, bar regulars and found family that surround him.
The musical also tackles many issues faced by young people in society today such as: the cost of living crisis; alcoholism; and the affects of gentrification. It is based in Fresno, California but written with a distinctly Australian humour which undercuts the idealisations of the American Dream and reinforces the Aussie love for an underdog.
The music “has been written with a classic musical theatre feel, reminiscent of old school story driver songs rather than the clunky interludes shoehorned in that do little for the narrative,” says the writers.
After a resounding success for it’s ‘In Concert’ development showing at The Butterfly Club in March 2024, Fresno is having its official debut at Chapel Off Chapel in February 2025.
“Bursting with a kind of charm that leaves the audience completely invested” – Australian Arts Review
Co-Director / Music Director: Josh Connell | Co-Director: Jeremy Harland | Featuring: Chanda Anderson Prior, Lilly Betts, Antoinette Davis, Cassidy Capraro, Jackson Cross, Lachie Edis, Bailey Griffiths, Naomi Leigh, Veronica Olesh, Douglas Rintoul, Henry Stephensen | Choreography: Sophie Graham-Jones | Set Design: Lachlan Edis | Costume Design: Perri Hobbs | Lighting Design: Lindon Blakey | Stage Manager: Samantha Stewart | Music Transcription: Daniel Tusjak
Fresno: The Musical
The Loft – Chapel Off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel Street, Prahran
Season: 26 February – 2 March 2025
Information and Bookings: www.chapeloffchapel.com.au
Image: photo by Shane Palmer