| The Hatpin | |
|---|---|
Original cast recording cover |
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| Music | Peter Rutherford |
| Lyrics | James Millar |
| Book | James Millar |
| Productions | 2008 Sydney 2008 NYMF 2011 Melbourne Magnormos |
| Awards | 2009 Sydney Theatre Awards |
The Hatpin is a musical theatre production inspired by the true story of Amber Murray who in 1892 gave up her son to the Makin family in Sydney, Australia. Written and developed in 2006–2007, by James Millar (book and lyrics) and Peter Rutherford (composer), The Hatpin opened at the Seymour Centre in Sydney on 27 February 2008. The original Australian production starred Peter Cousens, Caroline O'Connor, Barry Crocker, and Melle Stewart.
The Hatpin made its US premiere on 15 September 2008 at the American Theatre of Actors in the Chernuchin Theatre as a participant of the New York Musical Theatre Festival. Caroline O'Connor followed The Hatpin overseas to reprise her role of Harriet Piper, as did Gemma-Ashley Kaplan, who returned to play Clara Makin.
In 2011 The Hatpin will make its Melbourne premiere with Magnormos at Theatre Works, St. Kilda directed by Shaun Kingma with musical direction by Sophie Thomas.
Contents |
The Hatpin is the true story of a single mother, Amber Murray, who advertised her baby in a newspaper trading column in the hope of saving his life...and ended up embroiled in one of the most captivating, moving and exciting criminal trials in Australian history. Using the moral support she gains from her friendship with the free spirited Harriet Piper, Amber fights the injustices of circumstance and tragedy to find hope and strength.