'The White Mouse, a musical inspired by the life of Nancy Wake, has a contemporary feel and is full of action, charismatic characters, poignant moments and dark irreverent humor. The music brims with emotion and subtle undertones of the 1940s. Like Nancy, it is brave, feisty and strong with rousing group songs juxtaposed with a sexy and dangerous tango number and moving ballads.
'It begins with a song about the resilience and spirit of France during the German occupation. When Nancy, as a grumpy old woman, barges through the singers and meets with her biographer, who has come to her Sydney home to interview her about her time with the Resistance. Nancy comes face to face with her younger self and we enter the Forest of Auvergne in 1944 where Nancy is being pursued as The White Mouse.
'The adventure builds and we meet characters such as Denis Rake, Nancy’s friend and radio operator, and Henri Tardivat the handsome local Resistance leader, who is hopelessly attracted to Nancy. As well as other characters, inspired by the men and women of the French Resistance.
'After many twists and turns and a generous helping of romance, Nancy reaches the peak of her power when she leads 2000 men in a successful battle against the Germans. Our story ends where it began, with Nancy and her biographer in Sydney tying up loose ends. Ultimately, as per her dying wish, Nancy is returned as ashes to the forest accompanied by a haunting love ballad.'
Source: The White Mouse website (http://www.thewhitemousemusical.com/#!theshow-/c1khm). (Sighted: 27/05/2016)
First performed on 25th January 2016 at the Caulfield RSL.
Excerpts from the production have been included in other contexts, including at Tete-a-Tait (Tait Performing Arts Association) in March 2016.
