Class of 77

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Class of 77 is an original Australian musical, written by David Hines, it premiered in 2006 at the Rockdale Town Hall, Sydney Australia.

Contents 1 Plot 1.1 Act 1 - 1977 1.2 Act 2 - 1992 1.3 European Adaptation 2 Characters 2.1 Main characters 2.2 Supporting characters 2.3 Original cast 3 The Band 4 Musical numbers 5 Productions 6 External links

[edit] Plot

[edit] Act 1 - 1977

Michael and Bruce reminisce their high school days while Michael is reluctant to attend their upcoming reunion due to never getting over a painful break up with High School sweetheart Jenny. Michael’s memories of high school are projected onstage. Michael, Jenny, Bruce and Linda (Jenny's best friend and Bruce's girlfriend) discuss the future in the school playground. Tension exists between the group who are clearly shifting in different directions post high school.

Mr Franklin’s science class introduces a Swedish exchange student Sven and an Australian version of Bill Gates: Kevin. Sven is exceedingly ignorant to any jeering and is thus endearing, while Kevin is constantly hassled by the three boofheads; Adam, Greg and Brian. Kevin assumes he is superior to everyone around him as is thus, annoying. The boofheads are working on Adam’s Holden Torana, which they plan to take to the High School Grad Ball. Judy, Helen and Susan call round and end up arranging a deal with the boys to take them to the Grad Ball. The tension between Michael and Jenny reach breaking point when they break up on the evening of the Grad Ball. Sven wreaks havoc at the Grad Ball when he finally lets his hair down; everyone is celebrating the end of High School while Michael and Jenny are unsure of the future.

[edit] Act 2 - 1992

Judy is the first person to arrive at the reunion. As each person enters, we discover dramatic changes in each person. Sven is now the Australian Swedish ambassador and still endearing. Kevin is now a multi millionaire and still an idiot. Michael and Jenny meet again for the first time in 14 years and finally discuss what happened to their relationship, resolving their problems with empathy for the other. Bruce and Linda also catch up and resolve old differences. The cast come together for a final photo, and as the reunion comes to a close they realise that looking back is OK, but the Golden Years are those up ahead...

[edit] European Adaptation

European audiences experience slight changes to the script. The setting is changed to England, with Jenny wanting to attend the Royal College in London and Michael keen on Leeds University. The Torana becomes a Ford Cortina and other minor changes are made.

[edit] Characters

[edit] Main characters

• Michael: The show’s moody male protagonist

• Jenny: The show’s restless female protagonist

• Bruce: Best friend of Michael and typical Aussie guy

• Linda: Free Spirit of the cast, best friend of Jenny and girlfriend to Bruce

• Kevin: One of those annoyingly smart people with a superiority complex

[edit] Supporting characters

• Sven: Endearing Swedish exchange student who has a limited grasp on the English language

• Adam: Leader of the boofheads and owner of a Green Holden Torana

• Greg: One of the boofheads and secretly in love with Sue

• Brian: One of the boofheads, secretly gay

• Judy: Leader of the girls

• Sue: One of the girls and secretly in love with Greg

• Helen: One of the girls and super flirt

• Mr. Franklin: Cool science teacher, advocate for the latest scientific trends

[edit] Original cast

• Michael: Jason Oxenham
• Jenny: Lauren Macready
• Bruce: Brendan Layton
• Linda: Melissa Spiteri
• Kevin: Kenneth Ogilvie

• Sven: Leon Spencer
• Adam: Tim Carey
• Greg: Mathew Dunne
• Brian: Brian Hodge
• Judy: Katie Bridges
• Sue: Tanya Monahan
• Helen: Cassanne Ayre
• Mr. Franklin: Patrick Ulloa

• Ensemble: Amanda Carlin, Brendan Comiskey, Chris Talbot, Daniel Jones, Gabby Paterson, Hollie McLean, Jenny Roy, Michelle Lorenze, Morgan Mitchell, Roxy China

[edit] The Band

• Musical Director/Piano David Hines
• Keyboard Dean Turner
• Guitar 1 Roland Moore
• Guitar 2 Andrew Jackaman
• Bass Gary Searle
• Drums Peter Hayward

[edit] Musical numbers

The following is a complete list of songs from the production.

ACT ONE

• Was A Time Michael with Company
• Girls Talk Jenny & Linda with Judy, Sue & Helen
• Brave New World Kevin with Company
• Me & My Torana Adam, Brian & Greg with Mark, Chris & Bruce
• Tomorrow Bruce & Michael
• Not the One Jenny
• A Girl Named Sue Greg & Sue
• Class of 77 Company

ACT TWO

• 15 years Judy
• We've Come a Long Way Kevin & Sven with Company
• The Magic in her Eyes Michael
• You Can't Stay Young Forever Bruce & Linda with Company
• Seventeen Michael & Jenny
• Golden Years Company

[edit] Productions

• March 2006 Rockdale Musical Society, Rockdale NSW Australia WORLD Premiere

• November 2006 Roleystone Theatre Company, Perth W.A Australia

• March 2007 St Catherines Catholic High School, Singleton NSW Australia

• May 2007 St Augustine's High School, Kyabram VIC Australia

• July 2007 Gillingham Theatre Company, Dorset, ENGLAND EUROPEAN Premiere

• July 2007 Hillston Central High School, Hillston NSW Australia

• August 2007 Blue Mountains College, Tapanui, New Zealand NEW ZEALAND Premiere

• August 2007 Springwood State High School, Brisbane QLD Australia

[edit] External links

• Class of 77 Official Website