Following three years in development, Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) will present a sizzling new musical, ‘Tivoli Lovely’, this November.
The musical will pay tribute to Australia’s theatrical past, written by former WAAPA graduate the multi-talented Eddie Perfect. It features an exciting ensemble cast of 40, complete with a live band.
Set in the present, and in 1954 (the golden age of the Tivoli, a popular circuit of Australian theatres staging variety shows) there’s Charlotte, 15, who visits former Tivoli dancer Kitty, 85, in her aged home as part of a school assignment. Through their conversations, Kitty reminisces on her time on the Tivoli circuit, her past loves, and being a member of the notorious Eleven Kevins dance act.
The original Tivoli featured many different kinds of entertainment – revue skits, opera, ballet, singing, acrobats, jugglers, clowns, tight rope dancers, whistlers, comics, magicians, musical comedy, performing animals, whip crackers, puppeteers, and Shakespeare!
The Tivoli circuit suffered a decline with the advent of television.
“‘Tivoli Lovely’ was inspired by a desire to create a new work of music theatre that strengthens our connection with Australia’s theatrical past. America had vaudeville, Britain had music hall, and Australia had the Tivoli,” Writer Eddie Perfect says. “Along with extensive research of the Tiv’s incredible origins and lore, I have collected many anecdotes, myths, legends and tall tales of Australian theatre by other incredible performers. As one who treads the boards myself, I feel proud to be a part of a rich, ongoing tradition that has provided art and entertained Australian audiences for generations.”
“These stories are as fantastical and wild as they are fragile and prone to extinction. We have our very own brand of show business here in Australia, and in writing Tivoli Lovely I hope to honour the ghosts of Australia’s extraordinary theatrical past, whilst celebrating our bright future with the next generation of performers.”
‘Tivoli Lovely’ is directed by multi award-winning director and former WAAPA graduate, Dean Bryant, with musical direction from Zara Stanton.
“Eddie has written a hilarious, wild, new Aussie dance musical,” Dean Bryant says. “It's been a treat to develop it over three years with the students, and audiences are going to see something truly original and exciting.”
Tickets are on sale now.
‘Tivoli Lovely’ plays State Theatre Centre of WA 7-14 November.
