The latest production for 2012 by the Armidale Drama & Musical Society is The Hatpin which opens at the Michael Hoskins Centre TAS on May 11, 2012 and is directed by George Torbay with musical direction by Bruce Menzies and produced by Neil Horton, the team responsible for previous sell-out productions Titanic and Urinetown.
The Hatpin premiered in Sydney in 2008 and later New York and is based on the true story of Amber Murray, an 18 year old single-mother who lived in Redfern in 1892. It is a compelling and dramatic Australian musical that deals with great friendship borne out of tragedy and the notions of motherhood and companionship under extraordinary pressure and self-liberty. The case of Amber Murray and her son led to great reforms for the plight of the single mother and was considered influential in bringing about the need for welfare support and the demand for a Child Protection Act.
The stellar cast features young soprano Caroline King as Amber and Carol Elder as Harriet Piper who befriends Amber on her journey for justice. Greg Balcombe and Emily Stocker play Charles and Agatha Makim who take ownership of babies for a fee and create a wonderfully dark dynamic with their young daughter Clara played by Emily Roberts. Amber attempts to enlist other mothers played by Mollie Galvin, Jodie Perry and Anita Brown and we learn of their own individual tragedy. The ensemble cast is a haunting and at times mocking Greek chorus and they feature in a number of individual roles such as Justice Stephens (Stuart Pavel), Thomas Williamson the cold hearted lawyer (Waine Grafton) and Will Schmidt as Constable Joyce who purses the Makins to bring them to justice. The evocative musical score is as ever under the expert direction of Bruce Menzies and pianist Robyn Bradley with the small orchestra comprising some of Armidale’s most accomplished musicians. This period piece is set beautifully amongst twisted walkways and drab damp housing courtesy of Pat Bradley and his team and then filled with the inspired and meticulously detailed costume design of Deborah Hunter. The evocative and moody lighting by Chris Snape completes the picture.
Multi-layered characters, stunning visuals and amazing music will give you chills that stay long after the performers have taken their bow. This acclaimed musical drama will leave you … breathless. Performances May 11 to May 26 at the Michael Hoskins Centre TAS. Evenings at 8pm, matinees at 2pm. Tickets at Dymocks (67714558) or online from www.trybooking.com/ZVX
