Mackillop : The Musical single work   musical theatre  
Issue Details: First known date: 2008... 2008 Mackillop : The Musical
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AbstractHistoryArchive Description

'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

Production Details

  • First performed as a pared-down version with a backing track and eight performers at World Youth Day, Melbourne, Victoria, 2008.

    First produced by Artes Christi from 1-9 October 2010 as part of Sydney's celebrations leading up to Mary MacKillop's Canonisation.

Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of

Works about this Work

There's Something Musical About Mary Deborah Jones , 2010 single work review
— Appears in: The Australian , 4 October 2010; (p. 17)

— Review of Mackillop : The Musical Xavier Brouwer , 2008 single work musical theatre
Fair Lady Mary Set for Musical Debut Karl Quinn , 2010 single work column
— Appears in: The Age , 17 September 2010; (p. 9)
The Voice of a Saint and a Singer Tim Barlass , 2010 single work column
— Appears in: The Sun-Herald , 1 August 2010; (p. 27)
Moving Heaven and Earth Jacqueline Maley , 2010 single work column
— Appears in: The Age , 13 July 2010; (p. 18)
Anyone Want To Be a Singing Nun? Mary the Musical Prays for a Miracle Jacqueline Maley , 2010 single work column
— Appears in: The Sydney Morning Herald , 7 July 2010; (p. 3)
There's Something Musical About Mary Deborah Jones , 2010 single work review
— Appears in: The Australian , 4 October 2010; (p. 17)

— Review of Mackillop : The Musical Xavier Brouwer , 2008 single work musical theatre
Anyone Want To Be a Singing Nun? Mary the Musical Prays for a Miracle Jacqueline Maley , 2010 single work column
— Appears in: The Sydney Morning Herald , 7 July 2010; (p. 3)
Moving Heaven and Earth Jacqueline Maley , 2010 single work column
— Appears in: The Age , 13 July 2010; (p. 18)
The Voice of a Saint and a Singer Tim Barlass , 2010 single work column
— Appears in: The Sun-Herald , 1 August 2010; (p. 27)
Fair Lady Mary Set for Musical Debut Karl Quinn , 2010 single work column
— Appears in: The Age , 17 September 2010; (p. 9)
Last amended 21 Sep 2010 12:30:30
Settings:
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    Australia,
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    Scotland,
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    United Kingdom (UK),
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    Western Europe, Europe,
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    Holy See,
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    Italy,
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    Western Europe, Europe,
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