A one-act revue-style musical, reminding us that when choosing to be silent we are actioning outcomes, the results of which are not always what we want, the National Theatre of Parramatta returns to the stage to present The Things I Could Never Tell Steven at the Riverside Theatres from 5 – 14 November 2020.
Throughout this cheeky and delightful musical, Steven remains a man of mystery, who we never get to meet. Yet we learn intimate details about Steven and his life, with stories shared by the four most important people in his life: his wife, Mother, Father and Ex.
Each share insight into the roguish and enigmatic Steven, desperate to seek his approval, be in his company and his life; ultimately who does Steven choose and who chooses him.
Written by Jye Bryant (Captain Moonlite, Sempre Libera, The Velveteen Rabbit), a prime example of Western Sydney talent and leader of a new generation of Australian music theatre, The Things I Could Never Tell Steven will be directed by Anthea Williams (Flight Paths, Winyanboga Yurringa, Since Ali Died), with musical direction from Ben Kiehne.
Bringing the production to life is celebrated actress and music theatre star, best known her portrayal of Glinda in the original West End production of Wicked, Helen Dallimore; powerhouse vocalist and actor Adam J Rennie (The Rocky Horror Show, Big Fish, Love Never Dies); award-winning vocal sensation Elenoa Rokobaro (High School Musical, Hairspray, Legally Blonde) and two-time Green Room Award Winner Ian Stenlake (Mamma Mia!, They’re Playing Our Song, Oklahoma!).
“We are so thrilled to have some of Australia’s finest music theatre artists on our stage,” said National Theatre of Parramatta Executive Producer, Joanne Kee. “I am looking forward to having so much talent in the room.”
“It’s also a little ironic that we chose to program a music theatre piece where the four characters never meet, thus no interactions on stage, perfect COVID programming! Yet our incredibly talented designer James Browne has managed to capture an intimacy and coherence for our star-studded cast.”
Jye Bryant is a Sydney-based, Australian Musical Theatre Composer, Lyricist, Producer and Author with a passion for Theatre, Education and Social Justice. Using a combination of witty lyrics and hummable melodies, his work aims to inspire positive social change through a unique blend of entertainment and education.
His works include: Captain Moonlite (2020), In God We Crust (2019), Sempre Libera (2019 & 2020), The Oldest Profession (2016), The Velveteen Rabbit (2013), In Bed With Jye [& Friends](2012), Rainbow Tears (2007) and many more.
Director: Anthea Williams Featuring: Helen Dallimore, Adam J Rennie, Elenoa Rokobaro, Ian Stenlake Music Director: Ben Kiehne Costume and Set Designer: James Browne Lighting Design: Verity Hampson Sound: David Grigg Playwright and Composer: Jye Bryant
The Things I Could Never Tell Steven
Lennox Theatre – Riverside Theatres, Corner Church and Market Streets, Parramatta
Season: 7 – 14 November 2020 (previews: 5 & 6 November)
Information and Bookings: www.riversideparramatta.com.au
Image: The Things I Could Never Tell Steven – courtesy of National Theatre of Parramatta