Written by and starring Cally Castell and Ruby Lyon Directed by Jennifer Ward-Lealand
EXPERIMENTAL KIWI MUSICAL WITH HEART AND SOUL
“Today is the day I’m going to change the past.”
Audrey, a passionate runner determined to outsmart the past, is on a journey to repair a
memory. It’s a memory that plagues her – the memory of the last conversation she had with
her sister, Jemma. Through explosive music and a kaleidoscope of intriguing characters, our
story follows Audrey as she navigates the murky labyrinth of grief. Can Audrey let go of the
ghost? Or can a runner never really give up the race…?
On the intimate stage of Backbeat Bar, this brand new two-hander original musical fuses
cabaret, gig theatre, and traditional musical theatre to explore themes of grief, loss, hope
and longing in progressive and provocative ways – sometimes dreamlike, often off-kilter,
with lashings of mischief. And So It Goes is rich, raw, and darkly comedic. Writers Cally
Castell and Ruby Lyon are excited to push the boundaries of storytelling through song, and
are particularly passionate about creating new musical theatre in New Zealand and finding
our unique kiwi voice.
Castell states: “I’ve always been drawn to writing about grief. The subtle and lingering regret
and pain that can live in our gut for years, colouring our every move, gnawing at us, laughing
with us, unresolved and potent. Some things can be only expressed through music. This
show is an example of that belief. And, as kiwis, how quick (or reluctant) are we to burst into
song?”
Theatre veteran Jennifer Ward-Lealand is at the helm as director, after mentoring Castell
and Lyon at The Actors’ Program in 2015. A stalwart of the theatre scene in Aotearoa, Ward-
Lealand brings her invaluable years of experience and craft to this project. Multi-talented
musician-actors Andy Manning and Alex Walker complete the cast on keys and percussion.
Ruby Lyon’s recent credits include the sellout devised show Flaps at The Basement, The
Rocky Horror Show in Hamilton, and has sung in many prolific concerts and events across the
North Island, including “The Lyon Sisters in Concert” and “An Evening With George Henare”.
Lyon currently filming a role on Shortland Street.
Cally Castell’s theatre credits include H.M.S. Pinafore (National Tour) and One Man Two
Guvnors at The Court Theatre, Short and Sweet Festival (Gala finalist), and Hotspot cabaret as a singer-songwriter. As a composer she most recently workshopped her original musical
Grace as part of the Christchurch International Musical Theatre Summer School, under the
mentorship of Luke Di Somma.
The creators have stated: “We are so excited to fuse together these different forms of
musical storytelling to create something a bit different and special. What we hope to have
made for our audience is a lighthouse for anyone riding the waves of grief. The waves will
come and go. And you are not alone.”
Presented as part of Auckland Fringe festival from 21st February – 12th March 2017.
For the full programme visit www.aucklandfringe.co.nz
