Moonshadow beams into Melbourne

Melbourne’s 2012 music theatre calendar is slowly piecing itself together. Although nothing has been announced officially, it is understood that Yusuf Islam’s (formerly Cat Stevens) new musical Moonshadow will open in May next year.   Co-written by Yusuf Islam and Rachel Wagstaff and featuring many of Islam’s well know songs including ‘Moonshadow’, ‘Wild World’ and ‘Father and Son’, the musical was workshopped in Melbourne in October, 2011.  The casting brief for the show sums up the message of this new work:

At a time where our fragile world seems on the verge of political-economic collapse and devastation and the youthful sixties’ spirit is back onstage again, Moonshadow is the musical we need right now. With Cat’s message songs of love and the search for universal happiness and understanding, the story is destined to enchant everyone who sees it.  Moonshadow is a beautiful musical, weaving together exciting new songs with most famous and beloved classics from Cat Stevens’ expansive back catalogue. With hits around every corner, such as Father and Son, Wild World, Morning Has Broken, Peace Train, and First Cut is the Deepest, this musical will not fail to send audiences out happily singing or whistling along to themselves.  Most excitingly, Yusuf has created a magical world as the backdrop for his story. A young boy, Stormy, lives in a realm locked in endless night. When he is visited by his mysterious Moonshadow, he is inspired to set off on a quest for the lost land of the sun. Danger lurks around every corner. As Stormy ventures closer and closer to the end of the world, even the moon begins to die… The narrative is compelling, the characters colourful, ominous, and entertaining, and the heartbeat of the musical entrancing. This is a story full of inspiration, soul, and hope.

In an interview with The Australian’s Lain Sheddon in 2010 Yusuf explained that, while musical theatre isn’t what most people imagine when they think of him and his music, his musical education began with theatrical classics.

“Because I grew up in the hub of entertainment in the West End, everything had to do with musicals and films and music,” he says. “I got infatuated by those kind of mediums. West Side Story was probably the biggest one in my life and that energised me and my friends towards musicals. Then the Beatles came along and demonstrated what was possible with a guitar.”

Original Article: Yusuf Islam is lured back by musical prospect It is understood that at least four of the leading roles in Moonshadow have already been cast, presumably from the recent workshop. However the remaining supporting roles and 16 ensemble/swing plots are yet to be filled. Auditions for this show are set to take place in February next year, with rehearsals expected to commence mid-April.

Opening night is currently planned for late May 2012, although nothing is set in stone at this stage.

Music & Lyrics: Cat Stevens
Story & Treatment:  Yusuf
Director: Anders Albien
Musical Director: Stephen Amos