The Lovers
MusicLaura Murphy
LyricsLaura Murphy
BookLaura Murphy
BasisA Midsummer Night's Dream
by William Shakespeare
Premiere23 October 2022: The Playhouse, Sydney Opera House, Sydney

The Lovers is a musical by Laura Murphy based on William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.[1][2]

Premise

The Lovers is described as a fresh and magical pop-infused reimagining that refocuses the story with a modern perspective and questions our enduring search for true love.[3]

Production

The original production was performed from 23 October to 20 November 2022 at the Sydney Opera House, presented by Bell Shakespeare. Directed by Shaun Rennie, the original production featured a live four-piece band. It is the first musical performed by Bell Shakespeare.

Reception

The musical was generally well received, being described as "a thrilling piece of theatre" and "a great time".[4][5]

Awards

It was nominated for Best Production of a Musical and Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical (Natalie Abbott) at the 2022 Sydney Theatre Awards.[6]

Musical numbers

Principal cast

Role Actor
Helena Natalie Abbott
Demetrius Blake Appelqvist
Oberon Stellar Perry
Puck Monique Sallé
Hermia Brittanie Shipway
Lysander Jerrod Smith

References

  1. ^ Morris, Linda (21 October 2021). "Shakespeare gets the Gaga treatment in new Australian musical". The Sydney Morning Herald. Nine Entertainment Co. Retrieved 23 October 2021.
  2. ^ Maher, Alannah (22 October 2021). "Bell Shakespeare to turn A Midsummer Night's Dream into a magical pop musical". Time Out Sydney. Time Out Group. Retrieved 23 October 2021.
  3. ^ "The Lovers". Bell Shakespeare. Retrieved 12 April 2022.
  4. ^ Litson, Jo (29 October 2022). "The Lovers (Bell Shakespeare)". Limelight. Limelight Arts Media Pty Ltd. Retrieved 31 October 2022.
  5. ^ Tongue, Cassie (29 October 2022). "The Lovers review – Shakespeare musical charms, but doesn't always deliver". The Guardian. Retrieved 31 October 2022.
  6. ^ Blake, Jason (1 January 2023). "2022 Sydney Theatre Awards nominees announced". Limelight. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
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