Pyjamas in Paradise

It’s billed as Australia’s answer to Grease - a home grown musical set by the poolside in Surfers Paradise in the 1950’s and 60’s. The World Premiere of Pyjamas in Paradise will burst onto the stage of the Gold Coast Arts Centre from Friday September 2 until September 10.

Pyjamas in Paradise is written by John-Michael Howson OAM – the co-creator of Shout! and Dusty, Stage Whispers correspondent and musical theatre legend Peter Pinne, and Emmy®Award winning Aussie ex-pat Ashley Irwin.

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, long before Schoolies appeared on the scene, pyjama parties attracted thousands of young people from all around Australia to the small resort town of Surfers Paradise. Their popularity put Surfers on the map.

The musical follows the story of Bruce Large – retired (kind of), fast talking (always), larger than life (definitely) and his controversial dream to turn ‘Surfers’ into paradise!

It’s set in a time where bikinis wereItsy Bitsy, love had peopleShakin All Overand everyone was desperate for aSummer Holiday.

The musical comedy includes classic hit songs from the era and original music which makesMeter Maids look like backup singers for the Supremes!

The musical is being produced by The Gold Coast Arts Centre under the direction of Tony Bartuccio.

Three professionals, Donna Lee, Jane Scali andSteven Tandy,will combine with some of the best local talent for the premiere.

Playing the lead role of Barry is NIDA Graduate Matt Ward. ‘This is a great opportunity to originate a role for the first time, I haven’t had that opportunity before. This production is an opportunity to work on a new Australian theatre piece.’

Bernadette Alizart will play the role of Bea Large, Bruce’s larger than life, charismatic wife who carries a pink poodle and drives a golf buggy. ‘Pyjamas in Paradise is an opportunity to work with the likes of Tony Bartuccio . I’m a huge fan of his. This is a story on the Gold Coast about the Gold Coast, it’s relevant to those who lived here during this era but also for those who didn’t, there are many parallels between the past and present. The costumes are fantastic, with awesome toe tapping tunes to boot.’

Alana Tierney has featured in many local musical theatre productions as well as wowing Spain with her dancing talents. ‘I'm thrilled to be working with and learning from Tony [Bartuccio], who has long been a dance idol of mine. It’s also a very rare opportunity to be part of a completely new project, so I feel very fortunate and excited to be bringing the character of 'Donna' to life.’

Creative Producer Brad Rush said whilst the rehearsal period has only just commenced, it is obvious to the creative team that magic is in the making. ‘Following an exhaustive audition process, we are thrilled to deliver to this premiere an experienced, energetic and talented cast. We have an incredible line-up of about 40 talented performers bringing to life the 1950s and 60s in Surfers Paradise.’

Arts Theatre, The Arts Centre Gold Coast. Fri 2 Sep – Sat 10 Sep, 2011. Bookings:www.theartscentregc.com.au or 07 5588 4000

To keep up with the latest news and reviews at Stage Whispers, click here to like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.