I have very few showbiz type skills or talents… I can’t act, I can’t sing, I certainly can’t dance and I don’t think I’d be much good at the backstage skills either. It’s probably why I love being a good paying patron at all the shows, particularly musicals.
I’ve known the very talented Tania de Jong AM for many years and, when I ran into her recently, I heard about a great new Australian show she has had a big hand in bringing to life. I’m certainly going to see it in Melbourne and think that those of you who are able to see it in Melbourne or Sydney would love to know about it too.
Driftwood The Musical tells the inspirational story of the renowned Austrian/Australian sculptor Karl Duldig and his artist-inventor wife, Slawa Horowitz-Duldig. We follow their lives in pre-war Vienna, the family’s narrow escape from Nazi Austria, Slawa’s ingenious invention of the foldable umbrella, and the incredible chain of events that took place after miraculously escaping the Holocaust and rebuilding their careers as artists in Melbourne.
This epic story traversing three continents and three generations has been adapted for the stage by award-winning playwright Jane Bodie, based on the original memoir by Eva de Jong-Duldig. It features original music, lyrics and arrangements by Anthony Barnhill with lyrics by Tania de Jong and Jane Bodie. Acclaimed theatre-maker Gary Abrahams will direct the production.
The show had an extraordinary sell-out season in Melbourne in 2022 at Chapel Off Chapel with venue manager, Cate Crowley saying “Driftwood The Musical was one of the most successful new Australian works we have ever seen here at Chapel in our 27-year history. Houses were full and audiences were absolutely thrilled and heartened to see an original story so beautifully portrayed.”
Driftwood The Musical will be returning to Chapel Off Chapel from 3 – 20 May (by popular demand after last year’s sell-out season) and then touring to Sydney at Glen Street Theatre from 24 – 28 May, Riverside Theatres, Parramatta from 31 May – 4 June, Eternity Playhouse 7 – 18 June
Tickets for all performances are available at https://driftwoodthemusical.com.au
Recent Comments