INTERNATIONALLY renowned composer Warren Wills presents the world premiere of his new musical Bowie & Mercury Rising in his hometown of Melbourne in July 2017 at Chapel off Chapel.
Bowie & Mercury Rising celebrates the music and lives of UK performers David Bowie and Freddie Mercury through the eyes of a London actress who searches for hope after Bowie’s death.
Played by Melbourne-based performer Thando Sikwila (pictured left), this actress’s journey of narrative, music and dance gives the audience insight into the life and times of two much-loved musical icons.
Singer/songwriter Sikwila made her professional theatre debut in StageArt’s Dreamgirls in 2015. She released her debut EP Digital Love Letters in 2016 and solidified her status as Melbourne’s newest R&B star with a sell-out show at Chapel off Chapel.
Talented Melbourne dancer Jessica Mortlock and award-winning musical director and composer Warren Wills (pictured together, above) star alongside Sikwila in Bowie & Mercury Rising.
Wills has worked as a musical director and composer of West End and Broadway shows over the past 30 years with credits on more than 50 productions.
Winner of the Carling London Best Musical Award, Wills makes his return to Chapel off Chapel with his new musical after two sell-out seasons of his hit show Genesis to Broadway.
Bowie & Mercury Rising re-imagines such classics as Heroes, Space Oddity, Life on Mars, The Show Must Go On, We are the Champions and many others.
Bowie’s musical director for 40 years, Mike Garson, has praised the creative flair Wills brings to his composition in Bowie & Mercury Rising.
“I was very impressed with Warren’s extremely creative variations on David’s Heroes,” Garson said. “He is one very talented gentleman.”
During his many years living and working in London, Wills worked closely with Garson, Queen lead guitarist Brian May, May’s wife actor Anita Dobson and Freddie Mercury’s boyfriend actor Peter Straker.
Following Bowie’s death in 2016 Wills said he felt compelled to write Bowie & Mercury Rising.
“I felt moved to present a new musical based on the stories and material,” Wills said. “It is by no means a tribute show, but rather a bravura, theatrical experience.”
Bowie & Mercury Rising
Venue: Chapel off Chapel
Dates: July 26, 27, 28 at 8pm, July 29 at 5pm and 8pm. July 30 at 6pm.
Tickets: $40, concession $35, group $30 for 10 or more.
Bookings: 03 8290 7000
www.chapeloffchapel.com.au
12 Little Chapel Street, Prahran VIC 3181
