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CAROLINE |
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| In Brief: | A musical play based on the life and times of Caroline Chisolm, the charismatic 19th Century social reformer. In the face of strong opposition she finds work and homes for Sydney's immigrant girls and charms Colonial authorities to reunite families across the globe. | |
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Music: |
Peter Pinne |
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Lyrics: |
Peter Pinne Don Battye |
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Book: |
Don Battye |
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| Based on: | Actual events | |
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Original Direction: |
Jon
Ewing (Director) |
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Cast Size: |
7F, 7M |
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Music Requirements: |
Small Group |
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Ideal For: |
- Community Theatres - Festivals - Medium-Scale Productions - Regional Theatres - Touring |
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Synopsis: |
One night in the Rocks area of Sydney Town in 1840, Caroline becomes aware of the plight of young women in the Colony, when she helps Flora escape the drunken advances of Tom. She vows to find her (and others like her) employment and a home. Her pleas for financial assistance fall on deaf ears from society and government, but eventually her charm wins over Governor Gipps who offers her a room 14' square as a refuge. Working from the room, she manages to place many girls in employment. Tom, now with a job, begs Caroline to help get his wife Ann to join him in Australia. With the help of her husband Archibald, Caroline then embarks on a scheme to reunite families. She sails to London and despite stiff opposition from Scots clergyman Reverend Lang, wins the support of Earl Grey with her dedication. Her immigrant ships begin their journeys to Australia, and families are happily united, including Tom and Ann, though most forget their financial responsibilities and the scheme flounders. Caroline almost gives up hope, but her faith pulls her through until finally her efforts are recognised by the government who save the Loan Society with a grant. |
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Credentials: |
The "Caroline" original cast recording was the first Australian musical to be released on the Dress Circle label, London. |
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Premiere: |
24/02/1971 - St Martins Theatre, Melbourne, Australia |
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Significant Performances: |
Caroline has been produced throughout Australia since the premiere season. | |
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Selected Quotes: |
"...rich in good songs, music that helps the action, fine choral effects." (Howard Palmer, The Sun)
"... strong on story and music" (Listener In)
"...praiseworthy ... the music sparkles." (Agnes Martin, Advocate) |
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Performance Availability: |
Available | |
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Contact: |
peter.pinne@australianmusicals.com Performance Rights held by: Warner/Chappell Music Australia Pty Ltd 39 Albany Street, Crows Nest, NSW 2065 Tel: 61-2-9779-4000 Fax: 61-2-9779-4099 |
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Other: |
Recordings: |
Original Cast LP W&G (WG/B/S/5515) 1971 |
| Publisher | Playlab (ISBN 0 908156 13 8) 1981 | |
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WWW.AUSTRALIANMUSICALS.COM |
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