Honey single work   musical theatre  
Adaptation of Smoky Joe's Cafe Bryce Courtenay , 2001 single work novel
Issue Details: First known date: 2007... 2007 Honey
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AbstractHistoryArchive Description

'Australia 1971, Thommo has returned from Vietnam War married his sweetheart Wendy, the marriage is going through some rough time, he can’t settle back into civilian life, and being forced to live with his mother in law doesn’t help! When his beautiful little girl Honey was born, he thinks he’s hit the jackpot! But after her 4th birthday Honey is diagnosed with Leukaemia and may need a bone-marrow transplant. Thommo and Wendy have no other family than Mum so there’s a million to one chance of finding a donor.

Out of the blue, under the guise of a reunion, Shorty Thommo’s ex Sargent rides up with a bunch of the blokes from Vietnam. Shorty reveals his plan to raise money to fight for Honey’s life. It may not be completely legal, but what choice do they have!

When Thommo “blabs” about the plan to Wendy, she wants to be part of it. There is no way she is going to leave the fate of her child to a bunch of screwed up Vietnam Vets. Reluctantly the boys agree, and with the special skills of Nam Tran, an ex Viet Cong, this motley crew become our unlikely heroes.

With the help of Wendy’s best friend Maureen, it’s decided they’ll make a drink that is an aphrodisiac “guaranteed to spice up your sex life”, and sell it to the social set as a non-addictive sweet summer drink!! Hash Honey!

It may be too late for Honey; she is now in a ‘bubble’ in a Sydney hospital. Thommo and Wendy are faced with the realisation that they may lose her.

But Shorty and the boys are not ready to give up...they convert a Kenworth truck into a mobile clinic. Escorted by 150 Vets on Harleys they search Australia for a donor for Honey, helping Vets and their families along the way. As planned, it sparks a media frenzy that brings the plight of the Vets to the public…the shit hits the fan in Canberra!

After almost a year on the road, they get that chance in a million!' (Sydney Stage Online)

Notes

  • Honey received the Glugs award for Best New Australian Play 2008.

Production Details

  • 2007: Rafferty's Theatre, Parramatta Riverside; 24 Oct. - 3 November

    • Producer/Director Gael Ballantyne; Music Director Greg Crease; Music Arranger Charlie Hull
    • Cast incl. Catherine McGraffin.

Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of

Last amended 25 Feb 2016 10:52:05
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