The Island of Doctor Moron explained

The Island of Doctor Moron is a rock musical written by Chris Dockrill, with music by his wife Lyn Dockrill.[1]

Production

The original version of the musical was performed at Kempsey High School, where Chris Dockrill had previously taught,[2] in 1998, but a refined version of the show had its official world premiere at The New Olympia Theatre[3] in Paddington, New South Wales on 4 November 2014. The theatre was previously the long-deserted Palace Academy Twin Cinema,[4] which the Dockrills bought, refurbished, and renamed in deference to its original 1919 name.[5] The season ran from 4 November to 6 December 2014, with the show's popularity growing to sell-out performances in the 250-seat theatre over the final two weeks.[6]

Musicians

The musicians for the world premiere production of The Island of Doctor Moron were:[7] Kelly Bryant - Backing VocalistJane Eller - Backing VocalistLyn Dockrill - Backing VocalistPaul Robert Burton - Acoustic Bass, GuitarleleMichael Hawke - Soprano, Alto, Tenor Sax/flute, harmonicaAndrew Toner - acoustic/electric guitarsAndrew Byrnes - drumsCraig Morrison – percussion

Production Team

The production team of the world premiere production of The Island of Doctor Moron were:[8] Executive Producer – Chris Dockrill Executive Musical Director - Lyn DockrillMusical Director - Paul Robert BurtonProduction manager - Luke DockrillArt and Design Director - Chris AustinAudio Engineer - Phil "Kez" KesbyChoreographer - David CammLighting Designer – Billy Mawer[9]

Recordings

A CD live cast recording of all songs in the show was produced in October–November, 2014 [10]

The Band consisted of:[10] [11] Andrew Toner - acoustic/electric guitarsAndrew Byrnes - drumsCraig Morrison - percussionPaul Robert Burton – Acoustic Bass, guitarlele and harmonicaMichael Hawke – Soprano, Alto, Tenor Sax/flute, harmonicaLead vocalists: Lyndell Arthur, James Berkley, Cramer Cain, Jess D’Souza, James Jonathon, Bree Langridge, Nana Matapule, Wayne McDaniel, Amanda Stella Webb Backing vocalists: Kelly Bryant, Lyn Dockrill, Jane Eller

Disc 1 (Songs from Act 1):[10]

1. Overture

2. Stranded – Lyndell Arthur

3. Valma's Drums

4. Mission Statement – Lead Vocals: Wayne McDaniel

5. What'd I Do? – Lead Vocals: Bree Langridge

6. Voodoo Zydecoo – Lead Vocals: Cramer Cain

7. Jungle Fever – Lead Vocals: Bree Langridge

8. Slave Market Junkie – Lead Vocals: James Jonathon

9. Moron Rules OK – Lead Vocals: James Berkley Harrison III

10. It Ain’t Easy Bein’ a Voodoo Queen – Lead Vocals: Bree Langridge

11. Doctor's Orders – Lead Vocals: Lyndell Arthur

Disc 2 (Songs from Act 2)

1. Reprise

2. House of Pain – Lead Vocals: Jessica D’Souza

3. Gaol House Blues – Lead Vocals: Amanda Stella Webb

4. Genetic Mutation – Vocals: James Berkley Harrison III, Lyndell Arthur, Nick Jones, Nana Matapule, Amanda Stella Webb and Jessica D’Souza

5. Pull of the Tide – Lead Vocals: Amanda Stella Webb

6. Animal Nights – Lead Vocals: James Jonathon

7. Reversion Blues – Lead Vocals: Nana Matapule

8. The Way I Feel For You – Lead Vocals: Amanda Stella Webb

9. Swamp Boogie - Lead Vocals: Wayne McDaniel

10. You Bring Out The Beast in Me – Lead Vocals: Amanda Stella Webb, Wayne McDaniel, Jessica D’Souza, Bree Langridge, Steve Maresca and James Berkley Harrison III

Synopsis

A raging storm at sea surrounds the audience, who follow the adventures of Edwyna and Douggie. The two are shipwrecked and befall multiple misfortunes, eventually ending up in the cave of Doctor Moron. There, they are mauled, cajoled, and played with by the doctor's strange experiments: mutated half-animal-half-human creatures. All narrative threads ultimately lead to Doctor Moron, his devoted woman, Mona, and his maniacal quest to unleash the beast in all humans.[8]

Cast

The cast of the world premiere production of The Island of Doctor Moron were :

Reception

An early review of a technical rehearsal, published three days prior to the opening of the show to the public was negative – "Not quite the next Rocky Horror",[12] however subsequent media responses based on the actual performances before paying audiences were all positive. The script and playing time was reduced by 22 minutes prior to opening night and production was tightened in the first week of the season.[13]

The show went on to receive positive responses from many sources, including from Alan Jones,[14] Alternative Media Group of Australia,[15] Australian Musician Magazine,[16] Canterbury Torch,[17] the Central Coast Express,[18] Central Sydney Magazine,[19] the Daily Telegraph,[20] Macleay Argus,[21] [22] Time Out Australia,[23] St George and Sutherland Shire Leader,[24] and the Wentworth Courier.[25]

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Kempsey Teacher Relaunches Paddington's Twin Academy Cinema As Theatre For His Musical, The Island Of Doctor Moron . Fairfax Media . Sydney Morning Herald . 3 September 2014 . 27 Aug 2016 . Street, Andrew P. . https://web.archive.org/web/20151214033251/http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/musicals/kempsey-teacher-relaunches-paddingtons-twin-academy-cinema-as-theatre-for-his-musical-the-island-of-doctor-moron-20140903-10bwbh.html . 14 December 2015 . live.
  2. News: Connaughton . Todd . 19 September 2014 . Stars align for musical launch . The Macleay Argus . Fairfax Regional Media . live . 27 Aug 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150721145250/http://www.macleayargus.com.au/story/2571187/stars-align-for-musical-launch/ . 21 July 2015.
  3. Web site: New Olympia Theatre . Time Out Group Ltd. . Time Out Sydney . 6 Nov 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150518095152/http://www.au.timeout.com/sydney/theatre/venues/7111/new-olympia-theatre . 18 May 2015 . dead.
  4. Web site: 1 July 2010 . Palace Academy Twin . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150518095156/http://www.au.timeout.com/sydney/film/venues/1746/palace-academy-twin . 18 May 2015 . 14 May 2015 . Time Out Sydney . Time Out Group Ltd..
  5. News: Paddington’s Academy Twin Cinema To Reopen For Bizarre Rock Musical . Concrete Playground . Concrete Playground . 22 August 2014 . 27 Aug 2016 . Shannon . Connellan . https://web.archive.org/web/20160303215209/http://concreteplayground.com/sydney/arts-entertainment/stage-arts-entertainment-2/paddingtons-academy-twin-cinema-to-reopen-for-bizarre-rock-musical/ . 3 March 2016 . live.
  6. News: Grand Last Days for Dr Moron . Fairfax Regional Media . Macleay Argus . 23 December 2014 . 27 Aug 2016 . Sean . Slatter . 9.
  7. Book: Dockrill . Mikaela . Program for The Island of Doctor Moron . 1 November 2014 . Island Grunt Pty . 21–24 . 14 May 2015.
  8. Book: Dockrill . Mikaela . Program for The Island of Doctor Moron . 1 November 2014 . Island Grunt Pty Ltd . 6–8 . 14 May 2015.
  9. Book: Dockrill . Mikaela . Program for The Island of Doctor Moron . 1 November 2014 . Island Grunt Pty Ltd . 9–18 . 14 May 2015.
  10. Web site: Dockrill. Mikaela. The Music. The Island of Doctor Moron. 14 May 2015.
  11. Web site: Dockrill. Mikaela. The Performers. The Island of Doctor Moron. 14 May 2015.
  12. News: Blake. Jason. Not quite the next Rocky Horro. 14 May 2015. Fairfax Media. 4 November 2014.
  13. Web site: Poole. Fiona. The Island of Doctor Moron takes to the stage. ABC Coffs Coast. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 14 May 2015.
  14. Web site: Jones. Alan. The Alan Jones Breakfast Show December 5, 2014. The Alan Jones Breakfast Show. 2GB. 14 May 2015.
  15. News: Cita . Carmen . 2 November 2014 . The Island of Doctor Moron . Alternative Media Group of Australia . City Hub . 14 May 2015.
  16. Web site: junocreative . 13 December 2014 . Doctor Moron's Gear! . 14 May 2015 . Australian Musician Magazine . Australian Music Association.
  17. News: Roberts . Mick . 26 November 2014 . Local TV star rocks out . Torch Publishing . Canterbury Torch . 14 May 2015.
  18. News: Priest . Pauline . 19 November 2014 . Doctor’s Island Ready to Rock . News Corp Australia . Central Coast Express . Central Coast Express . 14 May 2015.
  19. News: Whats On . What On . 26 November 2014 . The Island of Doctor Moron . News Corp Australia . Central Sydney Magazine . Central Sydney Magazine . 14 May 2015.
  20. News: Clement . Jessica . 6 November 2014 . High school teacher revives abandoned Oxford St theatre for The Island of Doctor Moron world premiere . News Corps . News Local . 14 May 2015.
  21. News: Connaughton . Todd . 25 November 2014 . Kempsey teacher's fans travel to see The Island of Dr Moron . Macleay Argus . Fairfax Regional Media . 14 May 2015.
  22. News: Slatter . Sean . 23 December 2014 . Grand Last Days for Dr Moron . Macleay Argus . Rural Press . 23 December 2014 . 14 May 2015.
  23. News: Hardy . Giles . 6 November 2014 . Broadway or Bust?! . The Intermedia Group . November . 14 May 2015.
  24. News: St George and Sutherland Shire Leader . St George and Sutherland Shire Leader . 22 November 2014 . Musical sets scene for work of Doctor Moron . Fairfax Media . 14 May 2015.
  25. News: Clement . Jessica . 6 November 2014 . High school teacher revives abandoned Oxford St theatre . News Corp . Wentworth Courier . Wentworth Courier . 14 May 2015.

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