Rolling Thunder Vietnam: Songs That Defined A Generation
New Australian concert drama Rolling Thunder Vietnam will have its world premiere in August 2014 at the start of a national tour.
Set in the Vietnam War era, the production showcases some of the greatest rock songs ever produced, featuring the music of Steppenwolf, Joe Cocker, Buffalo Springfield, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Gladys Knight, Billy Thorpe, The Rolling Stones and Curtis Mayfield just to name a few.
Rolling Thunder Vietnam brings to the stage a new generation of young musical talent under the music direction of Chong Lim (Dancing With The Stars, John Farnham Band).
The line-up of singer-actors comprises Wes Carr, Kimberley Hodgson, Tom Oliver, Matt Pearce, Vanessa Krummrnacher and Will Ewing.
Conscription, combat, protest and homecoming, Rolling Thunder Vietnam - Songs that Defined A Generation unites personal stories of young Vietnam War soldiers with classic songs of the era. This theatrical concert draws audiences inside the lives of men on the battlefront and their family and loved ones at home.
The Vietnam War was the world’s first televised war. More than any other conflict it produced some of the most popular and enduring songs of the 20th century.
With projected images and historic footage, Rolling Thunder Vietnam is written by Bryce Hallett (Freeway – The Chet Baker Journey) and directed by David Berthold (Holding the Man, Cosi). Based on extensive research, actual letters and first-hand interviews with Vietnam War veterans, the stories reveal strained and loving relationships, the danger of combat, the rise of the anti-war protest movement in the late‘60s and a bittersweet homecoming.
“The deeply personal stories have largely sprung from face-to-face interviews with Australian soldiers who lived in this era” said Bryce Hallett, Writer.
“I wanted the monologues between songs to be truthful and spare. Most of the songs in the show are essentially anti-war protest songs that brilliantly convey the rhythm, spirit and mood of the times. Many are epic in nature and the directness of the storytelling serves to bring a raw intimacy to the music.”
David Berthold, Director said, “This is music that sings out to every generation that believes in justice, equality, freedom and peace. We've shaped four very personal stories, inspired by real life experiences, into what I think is a musical event that will reach into the heart.”
The “songs that defined a generation” include Magic Carpet Ride, Fortunate Son, All Along the Watchtower, Help Me Make It Through The Night, Run Through the Jungle, Paint It Black, The Real Thing, Letter, People Get Ready, and Killing Me Softly With His Song.
Music in the '60s meant liberation, not only for battle-weary young soldiers, but for a generation of artists whose timely yet enduring songs held a mirror up to the chaos, and expressed themes of love, betrayal and loss.
Chong Lim, Musical Directorsaid, “The Vietnam War gave rise to gutsy rock rhythms and emotion-charged guitar riffs that evoked something of the wild energy of the conflict itself. The era of Woodstock, of Jimi Hendrix and Bob Dylan, also produced many sensitive and poignant songs which have become classics because they remain relevant. The irony is that out of the ugliness of war came songs of pure beauty."
Rolling Thunder Vietnam is presented by Blake Entertainmentin association with QPAC.
SEASON DETAILS
TOOWOOMBA
VENUE Empire Theatre
SEASON Friday 8 Aug 7.30pm, Saturday 9 Aug 7.30pm
TICKETS Empire Theatre on 1300 655 299 or www.empiretheatre.com.au
BRISBANE
VENUE Concert Hall, QPAC
SEASON Thursday 14 Aug 7.30pm Friday 15 Aug 7.30pm
TICKETS QTIX 136 246 or www.qtix.com.au
CALOUNDRA
VENUE The Events Centre
SEASON Saturday 16 Aug 7.30pm, Sunday 17 Aug 3pm
TICKETS The Events Centre 07 5491 4240 or www.theeventscentre.com.au
MELBOURNE
VENUE Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall
SEASON Friday 22 Aug 7.30pm, Saturday 23 Aug 2pm, Saturday 23 Aug 7.30pm
TICKETS ARTS CENTRE MELBOURNE 1300 182 183 or www.artscentremelbourne.com.au
SYDNEY
VENUE State Theatre
SEASON Friday 29 Aug 7.30pm, Saturday 30 Aug 7.30pm
TICKETS TICKETMASTER 1300 139 588 or www.ticketmaster.com.au
NEWCASTLE
VENUE Newcastle Civic Theatre
SEASON Wednesday 3 Sept 7.30pm
TICKETS CIVIC THEATRE ON 02 4929 1977 or www.ticketek.com.au
CANBERRA
VENUE Canberra Theatre
SEASON Sunday 7 Sept 2pm & 6pm
TICKETS Canberra Theatre on (02) 6275 2700 orwww.canberratheatrecentre.com.au or www.ticketek.com.au
PERTH
VENUE Crown Theatre, Burswood
SEASON Friday 12 Sept 7.30pm, Saturday 13 Sept 2pm & 7.30pm
TICKETS TICKETEK ON 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au
ADELAIDE
VENUE Thebarton Theatre
SEASON Friday 19 Sept 7.30pm, Saturday 20 Sept 7.30pm
TICKETS VENUETIX on 08 8225 8888 or www.venuetix.com.au