Theatre Has A Nose For Hilarious Musical Based On Timeless Classic

A HIP and hilarious musical loosely based on the timeless play Cyrano de Bergerac will groove up the stage at Western Australia's Roleystone Theatre this March.

Written by Barry Wyner and directed by Madeleine Shaw and Tyler Eldridge, Calvin Berger is a story of unrequited feelings, love notes and physical insecurity among four high school students.

Calvin is smitten by the beautiful Rosanna but lacks confidence because of the size of his nose - while Rosanna is attracted to good-looking newcomer Matt, who is painfully shy and inarticulate, although he is also attracted to her.

Hoping to get closer to Rosanna through his eloquent love notes, Calvin offers to be Matt's speech writer while ignoring signals from another girl, his best friend Bret.

The musical premiered in the US in 2006 and received the Jerry Bock Award - Bock was a famed US musical theatre composer, responsible for Fiddler on the Roof.

"It's set in a US high school and is a light-hearted story about love and teenage insecurities with some fantastic humour and music," Shaw said.

"As this is my first venture into directing, obviously there are the challenges of working out solutions to problems I've not faced before.

"Given the cast also features younger performers, they also require a bit more attention."

With a diploma in music theatre to her credit, Shaw has had several performance opportunities with the City of Perth (singing for the mayor of Boston) and appearing in Musicals in Concert with Rachael Beck and a variety of cabaret shows.

She has also performed with the Old Mill, KADS, Stirling and Regal Theatres, ARENAarts and Koorliny Arts Centre in The Hatpin, The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, Gypsy, Grease, High School Musical and Cinderella, scoring numerous acting awards and nominations over the years.

"I've always wanted to direct and when I came across Calvin Berger I thought it would be a great choice - not only because of the great music and story but it also provides some fantastic roles for young performers," Shaw said.

Calvin Berger plays at 8pm March 10, 11, 15, 17, 18, 22, 24 and 25 with a 2pm matinee March 19. Tickets are $25, $20 concession - book on 9490 9306 or at www.roleystonetheatre.com.au.

Photo credit: Jon Lambert