World premiere tells an important story

A new musical about the origins of the ANZAC legend will bring to life the most iconic Australian story.

A new musical about the origins of the ANZAC legend will bring to life the most iconic Australian story.

Over 60 performers will appear in the World Premiere show at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith, NSW, from April 7.

It is April 1915. Europe is in the grip of the ‘war to end all wars’, while in Australia a group of men are about to embark on a journey that will make them legends.

3 Weeks in Spring: THE GALLIPOLI STORY, by Ian Gerrard (Book & Lyrics) and Russell Tredinnick (Music), is the story of the ANZAC soldiers and the loved ones they left behind – retold for modern audiences of all generations.

3 Weeks in Spring: THE GALLIPOLI STORY has been selected to feature in the New Musicals Australia showcase of new works at Parramatta’s Riverside Theatre on March 16, 2011. It is also receiving its full?length premiere, in concert version, at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith.

“We’re essentially telling two stories,” said Ian Gerrard, who came up with the idea for the musical five years ago.

“Firstly, there’s the story of the origins of the ANZAC legend, as seen through the eyes of Charles Bean, the journalist who was embedded with the troops at Gallipoli and who acts as the musical’s narrator.

“We’re looking at the journey these ordinary blokes who did extraordinary things in impossible circumstances underwent at Gallipoli. And we’re also looking at how the war impacted on their families, and on the likes of the nurses who cared for the injured. In the process, we address all the classic ANZAC elements – landing at the wrong place, the blame attached to Churchill, etc – and show why the story’s universal themes of hope and despair, idealism and cynicism, love and loss still have so much resonance with Australians today.”

3 Weeks in Spring: THE GALLIPOLI STORY is playing at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith, NSW, from April 7, 2011. Tickets cost $35 for adults, $25 for children and $110 for a family (2+2). To learn more, visit www.3weeksinspring.com.