The world premiere of STELLA has unveiled its cast, bringing together a powerhouse line-up of Australian stage and screen talent to tell the remarkable story of Miles Franklin.
The production features Geraldine Hakewill (Ms Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries, Wakefield, Wanted), Johanna Allen (Phantom of the Opera, The Sound of Music, Sweeney Todd), Shubshri Kandiah (Cinderella, Aladdin, Fangirls, Beauty and the Beast), Joe Kosky (Play That Goes Wrong, School of Rock, Kinky Boots) and Kaya Byrne (Come From Away, A Christmas Carol, Groundhog Day The Musical).
STELLA will debut at Monash University’s Alexander Theatre from 12–20 June for a strictly limited season.
Literary icon Miles Franklin’s life, marked by poverty, entrenched sexism, personal loss and the upheaval of two world wars, has until now been overshadowed by the attention on her debut novel My Brilliant Career and the literary awards that carry her name – the Miles Franklin Award and The Stella Prize.
Seven years in the making, this new production draws on Franklin’s sharp, witty and distinctive voice, weaving her own words into the piece, balancing humour and heart. A genre-spanning score moves from Australian and Irish folk and bush ballads through to salsa, neo-classical, pop, punk rock and classic musical theatre, capturing the energy, resilience and adventurous spirit of one of Australia’s most iconic literary figures.
In keeping with Stella Miles Franklin’s own creative ethos of making art with limited resources, a cast of five never leaves the stage, bringing Stella’s epic life journey to life through multiple character and costume changes. Seven live musicians will also accompany the action, their on-stage presence adding to the sense of the work unfolding in real time.
Director Julia Robertson leads the creative team, alongside musical director Vicky Jacobs and book writer, composer and lyricist Monique diMattina, with set design by Nick Fry, costume by Isla Shaw, sound by David Letch and lighting by Sidney Younger. Together, they bring the extraordinary life of Stella Miles Franklin to the stage.
Monique diMattina said:
“There is so much inspiration, pride and joy for us in Stella’s story, yet most people know nothing about Stella’s life. Stella Miles Franklin left us so much in her extraordinary body of work – novels, plays and thousands of personal letters and diary entries. Stella has been a juicy companion over the seven years I’ve spent creating this musical. She is witty, courageous, loveable and edgy.”
Director Julia Robertson said:
“We are so fortunate to be working with a cast of exceptional calibre. Together, this ensemble will embody the epic sweep of a forty-year journey, bringing scale, versatility and emotional truth to every note of diMattina’s sophisticated score.”
The world premiere of STELLA is included on the VCE Theatre Studies curriculum, making it a valuable opportunity for students to experience a new Australian work inspired by one of the country’s most influential literary voices.
STELLA – A New Australian Musical
Friday 12 – Saturday 20 June
Alexander Theatre, The Ian Potter Centre of Performing Arts,
Monash University, Clayton
More information and tickets via stellathemusical.com
// Image supplied: Benny Capp
TINSEL and TAP SHOES 