New musical THE WHITE ROSE releases studio cast recording

The White Rose, a new musical written by young Australian music theatre writers and performers Isabella Dymalovski and Oliver Thomson, has released a studio cast recording. The EP features five songs from the musical, only previously heard in the 2023 concert presentation of the show, which played to a sold-out house at Gasworks Theatre.

ABOUT THE SHOW:

The White Rose is an epic tale of passion, injustice, and the unwavering fortitude of humanity. Based on a heart-wrenching true story set against the backdrop of the second world war, the musical follows five young friends grappling with the consequences of living in a country fuelled by hatred and violence. Universal in its emotional power, The White Rose highlights the endurance of hope in the darkest of times.

At the centre of the show are siblings Hans and Sophie Scholl, two young, passionate students, who unite with their university friends to mount one of the most daring resistance movements. The White Rose follows their fight for freedom, and in doing so, tells a story of the importance of family, friendship, and love.

What sets this interpretation apart is its inclusive portrayal of LGBTQIA+ issues, particularly exploring Hans Scholl’s sexuality and his forbidden love, which becomes a pivotal element in his journey from a conflicted leader of an oppressive government’s youth party, to a leader of the resistance movement. Unlike other versions that focus on select facts, this rendition aims to tell the complete truth of the Scholl siblings’ story, addressing their struggles comprehensively.

ABOUT THE CREATORS:

Isabella Dymalovski is known for her diverse roles both on and off stage. She has served as Composer, Musical Director, and Producer for The White Rose: In Concert and Assistant Stage Manager for Salty Theatre Company’s The Grinning Man. As a performer, Isabella graduated from Patricks School of the Arts’ Musical Theatre course in 2023, showcasing her talents as Audrey (Little Shop of Horrors) and Melpomene (Xanadu). She was a Resident Artist  (Broadway Unplugged) and Featured Artist (Homegrown).

Oliver Thomson trained at 16th Street Actors Studios. He made his professional stage debut in Opera Australia’s Tosca, understudying the role of the Shepherd Boy, and has studied playwriting under acclaimed writer, Joanna Murray-Smith. His debut play was shortlisted for the inaugural Cooper Prize for playwriting and was awarded a commendation. Oliver’s debut musical, The White Rose, premiered in 2023 in a one-night-only concert presentation, to a sold-out house and universal acclaim

EP DETAILS:

Streaming on all platforms as of Monday 29th July, The White Rose (2024 Studio Cast Recording) showcases a company of young, up-and-coming Australian musical theatre performers, and musicians:

Hans Scholl – Ashley Garner

Sophie Scholl – Jacqui Dwyer

Alexander Schmorell – Conor Neylon

Christoph Probst – Liam J. Kirkpatrick

Ensemble – Ethan Cooper, Isabella Dymalovski, Yasmin Hanane, Luisa Oro, Molly Scarff,   Archie Thomson, Oliver Thomson, Isabel Vella.

Musicians – Marcus Ho (Piano and Cello), Avelyn Reynolds (Violin), Charlie Wood (Drums).

Orchestrated by Ayda Akbal. Recorded, engineered, and mixed by Rohan Sfornica at Headgap Studios, and mastered by Lachlan Carrick.