From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
2017 musical
Vigil
is a one-woman
Australian
musical
with book and lyrics by
Steve Vizard
and music by
Joe Chindamo
.
Synopsis
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An exploration of mother-daughter relationships with comedy and drama, the musical concerns Liz, a prodigal daughter who returns to her mother's
hospital
ward on
Christmas Eve
after a long time overseas.
[1]
Commissioned by the
Adelaide Cabaret Festival
,
Vigil
was inspired by a family gathering around Vizard's recently deceased mother.
[2]
Productions
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The original production featured
Christie Whelan Browne
and was directed by Andy Packer. It premiered at the Space Theatre,
Adelaide Festival Centre
for the Adelaide Cabaret Festival in June 2017,
[3]
followed by a short
Melbourne
season at the Fairfax Studio,
Arts Centre Melbourne
in July 2017.
Reception
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]
Vigil
has been highly acclaimed.
The Age
described it as "a captivating new musical" and concluded that "with brilliant composition, writing, acting and vocals, with direction and design that augment intimacy at every point, the show makes you want to laugh and weep, sometimes both at once."
[1]
The
Herald Sun
, in a four and a half star review, said that "
Vigil
soars in the most spirited, life affirming way."
[4]
The Adelaide
Advertiser
called it "a dynamic, moving, frequently funny and catchy melody-packed showcase [for Whelan Browne]".
[3]
Limelight Magazine
said
Vigil
is "a rollicking, dark and affecting show, which is well conceived, craftily drawn and superbly executed."
[5]
At the Melbourne
Green Room Awards
in 2018,
Vigil
was nominated in the Music Theatre section for Production, Direction, Music Direction/Supervision and Lighting Design, with Whelan Browne winning as
Female Lead
.
[6]
References
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