Calamity Jane for Hayes in 2017
Legendary frontierswoman; notorious daredevil; profane storyteller; unwomanly radical - Calamity Jane is one of the most immediately recognizable figures of the old American West.
From the famous 1950s Doris Day movie musical to the HBO series Deadwood, the courageous individuality of Calamity Jane has delighted audiences for decades. With a fierce disregard for gender expectations and cultural limitations that was centuries ahead of her time, there’s no better time to re-visit and re-examine 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. Audiences will be immersed in 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.
“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. “Its going to be rough and ready, dirty, ridiculous and as just about as Wild as the Wild West can get.”
“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!”
Featuring 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.
“This is the first Neglected Musical to go into full production,” said producer Michelle Guthrie. “The reaction to the presentations last August was immense; it’s wonderful that Richard Carroll is now taking this wonderful classic and fully realizing it in a new production.”
Table seating is available for this production. Knock back a beer in the Golden Garter saloon, and be a part of the action!
Cast includes: Laura Bunting, Virginia Gay, Sheridan Harbridge, Rob Johnson, and Tony Taylor
Director Richard Carroll
Musical Director Nigel Ubrihien
Choreographer Cameron Mitchell
Production Designer Lauren Peters
Producer Richard Carroll
Associate Producer Michelle Guthrie
Production Manager Laura Daniel
This production is presented by arrangement with JOSEF WEINBERGER LTD.
One Eyed Man Productions in association with
Neglected Musicals and Hayes Theatre Co present
VIRGINIA GAY in
CALAMITY JANE
Hayes March to 1 April Theatre Co 19 Greenknowe Ave Potts Point
Dates: 8 March to 1 April 2017
Times: Tuesday to Saturday at 8pm Saturday at 2pm Sunday at 3pm and 7pm
Tickets: Previews and Thursday matinees $55
Tuesday to Thursday evenings and Saturday & Sunday Matinees $60
Friday and Saturday evenings $68
Bookings: www.hayestheatre.com.auor phone 02 8065 7337
*including booking fees
Running time 2 hours and 15 minutes – Including intermission