Calamity Jane

Hayes Theatre Co Calamity Jane Virginia GayFrom the famous 1950s Doris Day movie musical to the HBO series Deadwood, the courageous individuality of Calamity Jane has delighted audiences for decades. One Eyed Man Productions in association with Neglected Musicals and Hayes Theatre Co this toe-tapping, tune-humming hit for a limited season from 8 March 2017.

Legendary frontierswoman; notorious daredevil; profane storyteller; unwomanly radical – Calamity Jane is one of the most immediately recognizable figures of the old American West. With a fierce disregard for gender expectations and cultural limitations that was centuries ahead of her time, there’s no better time to revisit and reexamine this remarkable woman.

This stripped-back, rough-and-ready reimagining shucks off the buckskin and brings a barrelful of dirt and grit to the classic musical. Directed by Richard Carroll (Side Show), the production stars Virginia Gay (TV’s All Saints and Winners & Losers; Hayes Theatre Co’s High Society) as the magnetic, masculine heroine – joined by a ragtag band of acclaimed comedic actors and musicians who share all the other roles.

“I’m so excited to be back in the saddle with Calamity. We’ve got some of our old friends from the Neglected Musicals presentation returning and I’m very excited about the new cast joining the show,” said Virginia Gay. “It’s going to be rough and ready, dirty, ridiculous and as just about as Wild as the Wild West can get.”

Audiences will be thrust into the world of the Golden Garter Saloon – alive with whores, gamblers, and habitual jeopardy – and can expect an unruly and unpredictable ride. Performed with piano and a grab bag of other instruments, this production injects a raucous spontaneity into the uniquely intimate Hayes Theatre Co.

Featuring timeless standards such as The Deadwood Stage, Just Blew In From The Windy City, Black Hills of Dakota, and Secret Love, this new main-stage production was inspired by the sold-out Neglected Musicals presentation of Calamity Jane starring Virginia Gay in August 2016.

“Virginia is a sensational actress, and audiences will fall head over heels for her bold, charming, and unconventional embodiment of this beloved role,” said producer and director Richard Carroll. “I’m really excited to use the Hayes space in a new and inventive way for this stripped-back, no-holds-barred interpretation of Calamity Jane with a group of wonderfully ingenious and resourceful actors. Getting up close to the audience will give this classic show a whole new lease of life. Expect the unexpected!”

Director: Richard Carroll Featuring: Laura Bunting, Virginia Gay, Anthony Gooley, Sheridan Harbridge, Rob Johnson, Matthew Pearce, Tony Taylor Musical Director: Nigel Ubrihien Choreographer: Cameron Mitchell Production Designer: Lauren Peters Production Manager: Laura Daniel

Calamity Jane
Hayes Theatre Co. 19 Greenknowe Avenue, Potts Point
Season: 8 March – 1 April 2017
Information and Bookings: www.hayestheatre.com.au

Image: Virginia Gay as Calamity Jane (supplied)