ROLLING THUNDER VIETNAM
This concert drama, which commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the Battle Of Long Tan, returns by popular demand only two years since it premiered to unsuspecting audiences and garnered raving reviews and standing ovations.
The show details the personal stories of four young Vietnam War soldiers, intertwined with the classic songs of the era by Billy Thorpe, Joe Cocker, Gladys Knight and The Rolling Stones amongst others. The conscription, combat, protest and eventual bitter-sweet homecoming are all examined, highlighting the effect this senseless political war had on soldiers and their families.
“Performances by a young and talented cast of singers including Ben Mingay, William Ewing and Tom Oliver are enhanced by an electrifying band. The songs and storytelling enhance each other and highlight the disruption and horror of war,” explained writer Bryce Hallett.
“I based the show on first-hand interviews with war veterans over many cold beers at pubs, and after writing for six months I had the first draft of the show. There are 20 potent songs in this production and in the selection process some of them immediately presented themselves. There were so many songs in that era and it was more of what to leave out rather than what to include.”
The concert starts with ‘Magic Carpet Ride’ by Steppenwolf and ends with ‘Bridge Over Troubled Waters’ by Simon & Garfunkel. Other songs include ‘I’ve Gotta’ Get Out Of This Place’ (the Animals), ‘Purple Haze’ (Jimi Hendrix) and ‘The Letter’ (Joe Cocker). This was the first televised war in history, so four large screens on stage appropriately project affecting images and historical news footage.
“There’s been a few changes to this show – I’ve clarified a few things, replaced a song and the costumes are more authentic, nothing major as the show worked beautifully the first time.”
“I never knew what the response to the first show would be but it was well received. Veterans sent emails saying they wanted the show back. There will be a lot of grey-heads in the audience as they grew up on those songs, but it should appeal to a spread of ages. This show about mateship and resilience of the human spirit, [it] isn’t preachy and doesn’t try to push a point of view, it makes no judgement, but the rock and roll clash on stage should have audiences exploding at the end,” concluded Hallett. (MMo)
Jul 29–30. State Theatre, 49 Market St, City. $80-$120. Tickets & info: rollingthundervietnam.com
