Gogol musical premières at Hamilton theatre
The first act of an as yet unfinished three-act gothic musical will hit the stage for a one-off performance this weekend
A gothic musical will draw Spark week to a close this Saturday at Clarence St Theatre in Hamilton.
The production, Gogol, is based on short stories written by early 19th century Russian author, Nikolai Gogol.
The short stories are part of a published series called the Arabesques set in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Librettist John Mandelberg said the musical’s first and only act is connected to the Nevsky Prospekt short story. Another two acts are yet to be written.
“Next year we are going to develop it into a full-blown musical and then see where we can take it.”
Mandelberg made an adaptation of the text and wrote the lyrics to songs composed by David Sidwell and arranged by Wayne Senior.
There are five main performers, including a Nikolai Gogol character who will act as narrator alongside eight vocal ensemble singers and 10 musicians.
Mandelberg said the audience can expect to see a full-costumed concert performance with a projection of Nevsky Prospekt illustrations done by Russian artist, Mikhail Bychkov.
“We’ve called it a gothic musical because Nikolai Gogol’s stories are quite dark and you wouldn’t be surprised if people die.
“There’s a pretty nasty undertone of the dark side of the human psyche I suppose.”
The Wintec Media Arts tutor said he and Sidwell collaborated on the completing the first act on the understanding it would be performed as part of the Spark festival.
“Because it’s only a 50-minute piece, it’s not going to take up the whole evening if people wanted to go out and do other things,” he said.
Gogol is free at Clarence St Theatre on Saturday August 18 at 7pm.
