Since kicking off its tour of major Queensland regional venues last year, Good Morning Vietnam, Music from the Vietnam War Era – Live in Concert! has been winning rave reviews from audiences and is set to come to Laycock St Community Theatre next month.
Musical Director and guitarist, Simon Gardner, said the show has been praised for its energetic, heart-felt nostalgia and the standout performances of its cast of singers and musicians.
“It’s a celebration of beautiful rock music but there is also a sense of melancholy, sadness, and the tragedy that war inflicts on peoples’ lives,” he said.
“All great music not only transcends an era but also defines it, and the rock music created during the Vietnam War period was ground-breaking in that it reflected immense unrest as well as the greatest powers of all – peace and love.”
The show reimagines the psychedelic pop, soul, folk music and stirring rock anthems of the 1960s and ‘70s.
It features songs by Creedence Clearwater Revival, Jimi Hendrix, Buffalo Springfield, Steppenwolf, The Moody Blues, Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, The Animals, The Doors, James Brown, The Rolling Stones, Marvin Gaye, Three Dog Night and others.
A projection design backdrop adds compelling storytelling and scenescape elements; depicting the flower power movement as well as images of the despair, protest and resistance that was flaring in the city streets of America and here in Australia during one of the most tumultuous events of the 20th century.
“I’m first and foremost a guitarist and I absolutely love playing these songs,” Gardner said.
“But I also see this as an opportunity to pay tribute, in the best way I can, to those who fought and died for us.
“It is an honour to be able to do this.”
Good Morning Vietnam, Music from the Vietnam War Era – Live in Concert! Plays at the Laycock St Community Theatre at 3pm on September 4.
Ticket details are available on the theatre website.
Source:
Media release, Aug 18
Melly Melody Entertainment