The sell-out success of London's West End and NY's Broadway, hit musical 'Girl From The North Country' is headed to Australia for exclusive seasons in Sydney and Melbourne.
Written and directed by Conor McPherson, with music and lyrics by Bob Dylan, the production's story revolves around a group of wanderers who gather at a guesthouse in 1934 Minnesota.As they search for a future while hiding from the past, they wrestle with unspoken truths about the present.
'Girl From The North Country' captures the hope and heartbreak as written by Dylan himself: "May your heart always be joyful. May your song always be sung."
Starring Lisa McCune, Callum Francis, Zahra Newman, Peter Kowitz, Terence Crawford, Helen Dallimore, Peter Carroll, Christina O’Neill, Greg Stone, Grant Piro, Blake Erickson, Elizabeth Hay and James Smith, it features Dylan's boldly reimagined classics like 'Hurricane', 'I Want You', 'Slow Train Coming', 'Lay Lady Lay' and 'Like A Rolling Stone'.
Here, some of the cast share their favourite Dylan songs.
The Times They Are A-Changin'
Blake Erickson: Without realising it, Bob Dylan has been a part of my life for many years. His songs have been woven into our cultural fabric. I've always loved 'The Times They Are A-Changin''.
Slow Train
Christina O’Neill: Before working on the show, I only knew the hits. It's been lovely to be introduced to more of his work – he is a true poet. My favourite Dylan song is 'Slow Train', which is in our production. I adore the song and arrangement.
Forever Young
Elizabeth Hay: I was not a particular fan of Bob Dylan before this show, but I was surprised at how many songs I knew. My dad plays 'Forever Young' quite a lot, so I really like that one because it reminds me of him.
I Shall Be Released
Greg Stone: I've been a massive Dylan fan all my life. I saw him in concert in Perth 1978 during his 'reggae' period. I have numerous favourite songs, but I love his anthems like 'Times Are A Changin'' and 'I Shall Be Released'.
Ballad In Plain D
Terry Crawford: I consider the first time I heard Dylan as a significant turning point in my life. I stopped listening to a lot of other things and devoured Dylan's music, and I continue to do so.I have played and sung his songs – sometimes in radical interpretation – for decades, and play a Dylan song pretty much every time I pick up my guitar. Favourite songs?
Too many. Among them: 'The Lonesome Death Of Hattie Carroll', 'Mr Tambourine Man', 'To Ramona', 'Ballad In Plain D', 'Sign On The Window', 'Senor', 'Dark Eyes'. . . I should stop now.
Girl From The North Country 2022 Tour Dates
Theatre Royal Sydney - from 5 JanuaryComedy Theatre (Melbourne) - from 29 April
