StageArt have announce the cast for Falsettos, the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical which will play at Chapel off Chapel from 1 February as part of the 2018 Midsumma Festival.
Falsettos revolves around the life of a charming, intelligent, neurotic gay man named Marvin, his wife, lover, about-to-be-Bar-Mitzvahed son, their psychiatrist and the lesbians next door. When tragedy strikes and Marvin’s lover is diagnosed with AIDS during the 1980’s pandemic, all participants must put their differences aside and unite. It’s an achingly poignant, yet hilarious look at the infinite possibilities that make up a modern family… and a beautiful reminder that love can tell a million stories.
StageArt has gathered a stellar creative team to bring this controversial and powerful tale to life. Falsettos is directed by Tyran Parke (Big Fish, Ordinary Days, The Coronation of Poppea), who has amassed a huge amount of critically acclaimed credits over a relatively short period since turning his focus from acting to directing.
“I’m thrilled to be directing Falsettos, one of my all-time favourite shows, for StageArt,” says Parke. “The show has always been engaging and wonderfully entertaining but in current times, the idea of marriage and public recognition of different kinds of families brings an additional weight to the show, never felt previously.”
David Butler is also on board as Musical Director – whose extensive performance and coaching experience spans musical theatre, opera, television and contemporary voice. David Butler Studio has produced various musical concerts, events and independent productions including a 2014 national tour of Elaborate Lives, hosting audition workshops and masterclasses with New York based director Chuck Hudson, and a comedy fundraiser for the Victorian AIDS Council in 2016.
From an open call that attracted extraordinary artists nationally, StageArt announces the Falsettos cast: Previously announced is Don Winsor (My Fair Lady, Titanic, Mamma Mia!) as Marvin, the neurotic New Yorker, who is fighting to keep his family together in an unconventional way. Marvin’s ex-wife Trina will be played by Sarah Shahinian (Les Miserables, Oklahoma! – US National tours) who struggles to accept her ex-husband’s relationship with a man, Whizzer, played by Sam Ward (Jesus Christ Superstar, Les Miserables).
Despondent over the failure of her marriage, Trina visits psychiatrist Mendel, played by Nick Simpson-Deeks (four-time Green Room Award winner, The Play That Goes Wrong, Company), who is instantly smitten with her. Francesca Arena (In The Heights, Cats) plays Dr Charlotte who begins to worry about the mysterious illness spreading among young gay men in the city.
Her partner Cordelia, played by Jenni Little (High Fidelity, Kinky Boots), takes on the task of catering for the Bar Mitzvah of Marvin and Trina’s 13-year-old Jason, to be played by Ben Jason-Easton (Les Miserables, Jesus Christ Superstar). Rounding out the cast is Lachie Graham as Male Cover and Bianca Bruce as Female Cover.
Falsettos was written by William Finn and James Lapine, with Finn also composing the score and lyrics for the show’s Broadway debut in 1992. The show was nominated for seven Tony Awards in 1992, winning Best Original Score and Best Book of a Musical. It was then revived in 2016, earning five 2017 Tony Awards nominations, including Best Revival of a Musical.
Led by Katherine Armstrong and Robbie Carmellotti, StageArt continues to produce ground-breaking musicals that are rarely seen on Australian stages. The company strives to cast its shows with diversity and equality by showcasing the extraordinary talent that exists locally. Introducing Dean Drieberg and Don Winsor as associate producers and partnering with the Victorian Aids Council, Falsettos will be presented as part of the 2018 Midsumma Festival.
Falsettos
Chapel off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel Street, Prahran
Season: 1 – 11 February 2018
Information and Bookings: www.stageart.com.au
Image: Sam Ward, Don Winsor and Sarah Shahinian feature in Falsettos (supplied)