Skip to main content

Article: Black Box a New Musical!

You don’t know him, but he may have saved your life

BLACK BOX is Queenslander Paul Hodge’s ground-breaking new musical based on the extraordinary true story of David Warren, the Australian inventor who created the black box flight recorder that is now on every plane around the globe, and it will have its world premiere at QPAC’s Cremorne Theatre this May.

Driven by the death of his father in an unexplained plane crash when he was eight, BLACK BOX follows David as he fights for an invention that could record the final moments of a flight before it crashes – the black box. His obsession around this invention places his career, marriage and mind at risk. It’s a show about memory, and how we hold onto, and let go of, those we love 

BLACK BOX writer and composer, Paul Hodge, said, “David’s invention was inspired by his love of music. I wanted to create a theatre form that was as inventive as David’s idea, which led to the use of recorded voices and music, in the same way the black box gives recordings, to immerse the audience in David’s sound world.” Black box inventor David Warren will be played by internationally renowned singer and actor Michael Cormick, who has had leading roles around the world, including in Phantom of the Opera and Beauty and the Beast with Hugh Jackman. David’s wife, Ruth, will be played by Helpmann Award winner Helen Dallimore who as well as touring extensively throughout the UK and Australia was the original Glinda opposite Idina Menzel in the West End production of Wicked.

The auditory world that inspired David to create his life-saving invention shapes the audience’s experience
at BLACK BOX, which utilises pre-recorded voices and instruments to create a world of music and memory to tell his story. While Helen and Michael are on stage, the rest of the cast are present through a history- making audio experience. BLACK BOX is the first binaural musical with audience members wearing headphones that allow them to be totally immersed in a 360-degree world of sound. Binaural recording uses two microphones, arranged at the position of human ears to create a 3D stereo sound sensation for the listener of actually being in the room with the recorded actors and instruments. This world-premiere production will be directed by David Berthold.

Tickets on sale from qpac.com.au

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Review: Theory of Relativity // Footlights Theatrical

  Written by Jake Goodall If Person A moves along at 3 miles per hour, and Person B trails behind slightly slower at 2 miles per hour, Their paths do not intersect, nonetheless, does B change A's trajectory?  This intriguing question lies at the heart of Footlight Theatricals' latest production, Theory of Relativity, staged at the Pip Theatre, a captivating performance not to be missed in South East Queensland's vibrant theatre scene. Theory of Relativity weaves together a tapestry of seemingly disparate songs, scenes, and monologues, interconnecting to showcase the profound ties that bind humanity. Centered around themes of self-discovery and belonging, the narratives delve into the intricacies of love, identity, and the myriad experiences that shape our existence. From the highs and lows of romantic entanglements to the quirks of allergies, the diverse array of characters invites audiences on an unforgettable journey through the rich tapestry of human connection. Under th...
Post a Comment
Read more

Review: Chicago // Crossroads Live

Get ready to experience All That Jazz in Crossroads Live's production of Chicago at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre! This delectable production is a stunning recreation of the world-renowned Bob Fosse's original show based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins.  Every element of this production was cool and calculated, from the sultry costume design to the impressive lighting, the creative team has clearly worked hard to create this fantastic story. Most of this production is a recreation of the Broadway version giving Australia its very own slice of New York, and Crossroads Live's production lives up to the big white way.  Technical elements were stunning, utilisng patterned lights to create the jail cell, visitors room, and murder the lighting design really helped the audience to understand the setting and place in this bare staged production. In terms of set design, it was minimal, all the action happened in front of a massive bandstand (where the band actually was...
1 comment
Read more

Review: Carrie The Musical - Phoenix Ensemble

  Written by Gabriel Besa We’re back in high school but this time we’re attending Chamberlain High. Here, we meet any high school trope you can think of while also singing and dancing about the high school experience. Carrie: the Musical is based off the Stephen King novel that Phoenix Ensemble then brought to their stage. Phoenix Ensemble is full of creatives that have previously done shows like Footloose, Sweeney Todd, and The Spongebob Musical.  Carrie White is a misfit. At school, she's an outcast who's bullied by the popular crowd, and virtually invisible to everyone else. At home, she's at the mercy of her loving but cruelly over-protective mother. But Carrie's just discovered she's got a special power, and if pushed too far, she's not afraid to use it. Set in the present in the small New England town of Chamberlain, Maine, Carrie: The Musical features a book by Lawrence D. Cohen (screenwriter of the classic film), music by Academy Award winner Michael Gor...
Post a Comment
Read more