Michael Jackson's Sisterella Opens in Melbourne, Mar. 7 | Playbill

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News Michael Jackson's Sisterella Opens in Melbourne, Mar. 7 Broadway Shows are usually played out of town before hitting the famous street. Sisterella is really being played out of town. It opens in Melbourne, Australia, March 7.

Broadway Shows are usually played out of town before hitting the famous street. Sisterella is really being played out of town. It opens in Melbourne, Australia, March 7.

Sisterella, a musical by Larry Hart, previewed at the Pasadena Playhouse, Los Angeles in 1996. Australian Producer and Entrepreneur Kevin Jacobsen saw the show on one of his visits. Realising immediately its potential, he proceeded to buy the rights from Miramax. Kevin decided with Larry Hart, who in addition to writing the book, music and lyrics is also one of its stars, to present the world premiere of the completed show in Melbourne before scheduling it for Broadway.

Executive Producer Michael Jackson became involved when Larry presented the original music demos to him. Michael acquired the sound track rights and signed Larry to a solo record deal.

Choreographing the production will be Raymond Del Barrio, who plans to combine ballet with modern dance, waltzes, acrobats, moonwalks and other styles to fill the stage. The construction of sets, making of costumes and all the production needs will be generated in Melbourne. The cast numbers 36, crew and support approximately 65 and 200 people are involved with the manufacturing side.

The Cinderella spin-off takes place in New York in 1912. The curtain opens on the funeral procession of millionaire John Kensington who is survived by his daughter Ella, his second wife, Dahlia and his stepdaughters, Magnolia and Chrysanthemum. At the reading of the Will we find that the late John Kensington has left his entire fortune to Ella. As one may imagine Dahlia, the stepmother is perhaps a little upset. In an attempt to obtain the inheritance Dahlia plots with her psychiatrist to have Ella committed. Yes there is a fairy godperson, a handsome Prince and something different from the original story, a courtcase. Sisterella is opening in Melbourne's Regent Theatre on March 7. A letter has been received from Michael Jackson congratulating Larry Hart and Kevin Jacobsen on the upcoming production and saying he is looking forward to coming to see the show in Australia.

Season opens March 7. Venue: Regent Theatre Collins St. Melbourne. Bookings Ticketek 132 849. Group Bookings: Derek on (03)9299 9030.

-- By Peter Kemp
Australia Correspondent

 
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