KARIN von Strokirch has learned many songs in her time, but the mayor’s song in the upcoming sesquicentary play Armidale – Our Town is one of her biggest challenges yet.
She has to memorise the names of 56 mayors in historic sequence, sung to the tune of Waltzing Matilda.
“I’m almost at the point of singing it without the script and my kids are helping me rehearse,” Ms von Strokitch said.
Both children – Torsten who recites a poem by Judith Wright, and Disa who plays the cello – appear in the play.
Armidale – Our Town is directed by Barbara Albury and opens at the Armidale Town Hall on Friday for a weekend of performances.
Apart from Waltzing Matilda, all the songs and music that feature in the production have been composed by local musicians Chris Cunningham and Bob Thompson.
“We have combed the script, fishing for comic situations and the idea being for the songs to comment on what is happening in an ironic way,” said Mr Cunningham, who has played the viola with the Armidale Symphony Orchestra since 1982.
“There was plenty of material to play with and both Bob and I looked to extract the funny side out of the narrative and have adjusted the songs to the actors,” he said.
“The show is written by and for members of the community ”
Ms Albury says she is delighted with the composers’ efforts.
“They have captured the essence of the play and have come up with some very infectious songs with a bias towards the irreverent and funny,” she said.
“It’s a community effort. Ten of the songs in the show are original and it says a lot for the high calibre talent we have to call on in Armidale for a production like this.”
Bookings for this weekend’s performances on Friday night, Saturday and Sunday can be made at Carr’s NewsXpress in the mall or at www.armidalecivic.org.au
