Hall’s script provides few stage design instructions which allowed MTG’s design team space to develop a set based on Ball’s drawings. Composer Philip Norman’s music for the work ranges from solos to ensembles and is challenging, says Campbell. Several of the musical’s 14 characters are farm animals such as Dog and his sweetheart Jess, the fly-screen shredding, eel jagging, wild tomcat Horse, overweight corgi Prince Charles and intimidating sow Dolores, so “chorus” is not quite the right word.
“Every character is a voice in their own right. It’s a bit tongue-in-cheek and written to suit the characters. Much of the music is a take off on a lot of styles. There’s a suggestion of the blues, Andrews Sisters-like harmonies, barber shop a cappella and some of it you can relate to various pop tunes.
“It covers a wide range.”
The cast is strong and six days out until the War Memorial Theatre’s scalloped gold curtain goes up, the cast is ready for an audience. Like the comic strip, the show appeals to all ages, says Campbell.
Along with Wal, Dog, Cheeky and animal lover Cooch, is Aunt Dolly, played by MTG president Heather Derby.
“Aunt Dolly is typical of a woman in the 1960s and ‘70s,” says Derby.
“Her values are around keeping the home fires burning but she can be a bit of a martyr. When she comes to stay on the farm she likes everything to be ship-shape. She loves Wal and underneath it all wants him to be happy.”
Even so, Aunt Dolly doesn’t think Cheeky Hobson is the right person for Wal.
“Wal is a man of few words. The farm is his priority. He cares about Aunt Dolly and appreciates what she does but he does feel a little hen-pecked.
“Kids will love the animals but the innuendo will go over their heads.”
Campbell does not want to give too much away, but “typical farming stuff” happens on stage, she says.
“The pastoral community will relate to it.”
Musical Theatre Gisborne presents Footrot Flats: The Musical, at the War Memorial Theatre, July 18-21. Tickets $25-45 from Stephen Jones and ticketdirect.co.nz