Waltzing the Wilarra
| Waltzing the Wilarra | |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
| Written by | David Milroy |
| Music by | David Milroy |
| Characters |
|
| Setting | Post-World War II; Perth |
| Premiere | |
| Date | 3 February 2011 |
| Place | Subiaco Arts Centre, Leederville, Perth |
| Directed by | Wesley Enoch |
Waltzing the Wilarra is an Australian musical play written and composed by David Milroy, set in a mixed-race dance club in post-World War II Perth.
Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company premiered the work, which performed from 3 February to 6 March 2011 at the Subiaco Arts Centre as part of the Perth International Arts Festival.[1]
Waltzing the Wilarra was very well received.[2][3] The West Australian called it "a terrific production" with "a powerful, charismatic cast" and that "the music throughout is instantly memorable".[4] PerthNow called it "a landmark production".[5]
The production received three 2011 WA Equity Guild Awards from nine nominations, including Best New Play and Best Design for its composition/music.[6] It was also nominated for three national Helpmann Awards in 2011 including Best Original Score.
A national tour production was produced in 2025, beginning at Frankston Arts Centre in Melbourne, Victoria on 3 July, and closing at Araluen Arts Centre in Alice Springs, Northern Territory on 22 October. The production was directed by Brittanie Shipway.[7][8]
Characters and cast
| Character | Perth | National tour |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 2025 | |
| Old Toss/Sandy Barr/Detective | Ernie Dingo | Leonard Mickelo |
| Mr. Mack | Kelton Pell | Jalen Sutcliffe |
| Charlie Runaway | Trevor Jamieson | Shaka Cook |
| Mrs. Cray | Irma Woods | Lisa Maza |
| Elsa | Ursula Yovich | Lorinda May Merrypor |
| Jack | Tim Solly | Clancy Enchelmaier |
| Fay Griver | Alexandra Jones | Juliette Coates |
| Athena/Young Harry/Levinia Templeton | Jessica Clarke | Hannah Underwood |
Musical numbers
- "Waltzing the Wilarra"
- "Little Birdy" – Mr. Mack
- "I've Got Eyes" – Elsa and Charlie
- "Desert Rats" – Jack
References
- ↑ Rimrod, Fran (7 February 2011). "A stellar cast explodes under the wilarra". The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Regional Media. Retrieved 1 October 2023.
- ↑ Laurie, Victoria (10 February 2011). "Waltzing the Wilarra". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on 30 March 2014. Retrieved 1 October 2023.
- ↑ Locke, Anna (7 February 2011). "Waltzing the Wilarra | Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company". Australian Stage Online. Retrieved 1 October 2023.
- ↑ Zampatti, David (7 February 2011). "Theatre Review: Waltzing the Wilarra by David Milroy". The West Australian. West Australian Newspapers Holdings. Retrieved 1 October 2023.
- ↑ Craddock, David (4 February 2011). "Waltzing the Wilarra lives up to the hype". PerthNow. News Limited. Retrieved 1 October 2023.
- ↑ Yeoman, William (8 November 2011). "Winners centrestage". The West Australian. West Australian Newspapers Holdings. Retrieved 1 October 2023.
- ↑ "Waltzing the Wilarra on the Road!". HIT Productions. 27 July 2025. Retrieved 20 June 2026.
- ↑ Stephens, Bill (16 August 2025). "Waltzing the Wilarra". Australian Arts Review. Retrieved 20 June 2026.