'The musical follows Mary's life closely and her covers her childhood and work as a teacher in Penola, where it introduces Father Woods and shows how they together expanded the Sisters of St. Joseph.
'It portrays her excommunication, subsequent redemption and her trip to Rome and Scotland. When she returns to Australia, it shows continual challenges such as dealing with the social aftermath of the end of the gold rush.
'Interspersed throughout the show are many of her famous deeds such as the calming of the death-row murderer Fagan.
'The musical has been reviewed by archivists, historians and experts from the Catholic Church, including Mary MacKillop's Postulator, and is supported by the Sisters of St Joseph.
'It is designed for high school performances and above, has many female roles, a large chorus and numerous supporting roles. There are a number of dance opportunities (e.g. Scottish highland dancing, waltzes, Aboriginal dance), and the musical is fully scored for an orchestra of at least 24 instruments.'
Source: Mackillop: The Musical website, http://www.marymackillop.com.au/
Sighted: 07/07/2010
