In 2010
SINGular Productions developed a new Australian musical revue titled
'It's a Dad Thing: The Musical', based on the play of the same name.
The play was written by 6 Australian artists (and dads) Liam Amor,
Michael Fry, Matt Green, Colin James, David Lander and Geoff Paine
in 1999. Adelaide musician Matthew Carey is the composer
of the piece and David Lampard, director of Six Foot
Something/SINGular Productions' 'Elegies: A Song Cycle' will direct
this piece. It's a Dad Thing examines parenthood from a strictly
male perspective; this can result in some serious and often
hysterical role-playing. The music illustrates that nothing can
prepare a father for the sensory impact, the burden and the
responsibility of a child. These young dads are searching in the
dark for the rules of being a good dad. The stories are heightened
and exaggerated but they are all true stories experienced by the
original writers and performers. The show features a group of 5
dads who come together to build a playground for a local working
bee. It's a fast-paced series of hilarious vignettes, with
monologues, sketches and songs.
OOTS (Out of the Square)
presented Development Workshops of this new musical in
2010: Friday 27th of August at The Arts Centre Pt
Noarlunga Friday 3d of September at Marion Cultural
Centre Saturday 4th September at Star Theatres -
Hilton Saturday 11th September at Golden Grove. This enabled
the cast and creative team a chance to present IT'S A DAD THING: THE
MUSICAL as a work in progress in front of a live audience. This
valuable opportunity enabled us to utilise direct audience feedback
into show development; to ensure the show is as current and
inclusive as possible.
In 2011, SINGular Productions presented 6 performances
of IT'S A DAD THING: THE MUSICAL at the Adelaide Fringe (March
2011 - Opera Studio). The production received critical acclaim,
good houses and was award Best Professional Musical at the Adelaide
Theatre Guide Awards, 2011.
Different Fields is about Adam James, a star Australian Rules footballer and a friend to a fatherless teenager named Casey, who idolizes him. However, James has a flaw. He is a gambler, and he allows himself to be blackmailed into throwing a finals game. There is a scandal brewing and the owner of his team offers to cover it up. But James decides to redeem himself. He admits his wrongdoing, both to Casey and the world, and quits the game. At the heart of the opera is a song that James sings called'Bright September Morning.' It is a hymn to the childhood joy of sports participation and performance that is often forgotten in big-time professional athletics.
Different Fields is a dramatic story of sinning, redemption and self-discovery. It is a story about how athletes often lose an idea of who they really are behind the exciting veneer of celebrity.
Different Fields is a melodic, accessible and contemporary piece that crosses the boundaries between sport and art, and is scripted to appeal equally to curious football fans and music theatre and opera supporters.
The production is directed by Jonathan Mill, with musical direction by Timothy Sexton. It features designs by Morag Cook and lighting designs by Sue Grey-Gardner.
The talented cast includes Peter Michell (as Adam), Benji Riggs and Lachlan Williams (sharing the role of Casey), Deborah Caddy, Kathryn Dineen, Adam Goodburn and John Greene.
'(This) opera adapts well to Australian Rules and kicks a bag of goals in this exciting South Australian premiere. 4 Stars.' Matt Byrne - Sunday Mail
'This is an intriguing production that is likely to appeal to both sports fans and theatre goers, and deserves a following as large as some of the football clubs.' Stephanie Johnson - Stage Whisper
'I commend you for developing a production around football, a topic not usually embraced by the arts!' Michael Harbison - Lord Mayor of Adelaide
'The living was the prize. The ending's not the story'
In a small corner of New York's Central Park, the splintered personality of American composer and lyricist William Finn assembles to reflect, mourn and celebrate the 'infinite joy' of life, and its flip side - death. Stories about lost friends, lovers, family, the victims of 9/11 - as well as pet dogs - are shared through rich, powerful and hypnotic songs that reflect and remind us of the beauty of every life that has ever been threaded through our own.
Written by William Finn (Falsettos and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) Elegies: A Song Cycle is quirky, vital and surprisingly fun.
The creation of this production has involved input from a broad range of established and emerging South Australian artists including Timothy Sexton (musical director), Elizabeth Campbell (performer), Adam Goodburn (producer / performer), David Lampard (producer / director / designer), Cherie Boogaart (performer), Mark Oates (performer) Paul Talbot (producer / performer / set construction), Dale Ringland (pianist) and Harmony Nicholas (photographer), making the piece an excellent showcase of local professional talent.
The production was of a very high quality, garnering excellent reviews and passionate audience feedback during its first run. The themes and ideas presented in the piece - both challenging and emotionally charged - have been proven to resonate and appeal to modern urban theatre goers.
'I wanted to let you know how much I appreciated Elegies. Last night after the show, I did not have words. I was so moved and affected that all I could say was that it was amazing. I appreciated your sensitivity to the subject matter. Having just lost my father a month ago, I found it especially moving and found myself having quiet weeps; but also lots of smiles and a few giggles.' An audience member.
'The (Elegies) production at the State Opera of SA Studio was such a compelling and brilliantly executed vehicle for the superb voices involved that I felt that on opening night, of all the really excellent works I'd seen during the past 9 years at the Studio, this was undoubtedly the one that realised excellence at all levels. This opinion was simply endorsed when I attended later in the week.' Jan Harris, President of Friends of the State Opera of South Australia
"I Love You You're Perfect Now Change" - performed as part of the Adelaide Fringe Festival in the Opera Studio of State Opera of South Australia (SOSA), Netley, on March 2 to 11 March, 2007.
The company's debut production, "I Love You You're Perfect Now Change" took a comedic look at the whole modern human mating game from first meeting, dating, marriage, children, old age and death. It is a sometimes touching but more often funny production, as the audience is forced to reflect on their own life experiences and consider the often absurd nature of modern relationships.
This witty musical revue features sixty roles, twenty delightful scenes and twenty-three wonderful songs all coming together to showcase a battle of the heterosexuals, celebrating the modern suburban mating game.
It was designed to be performed by a cast of four, who are challenged to develop the many roles in the play which was originally commissioned by the Elvis Presley Estate.
Playwright Jo DiPietro with composer Jimmy Roberts premiered this show in 1996. It is now the longest running off-Broadway show, recently celebrating its tenth anniversary.
The show is an witty parody with clever lyrics and engaging music. The sole musical requirements are a violin and a piano. The show attempts to connect directly with its audience by forgoing large orchestras, cast and theatres.
Creative personnel were:
Director - Jonathan Mill
Designer - Victoria Lamb
Musical Director - Nerissa Pearce
Lighting Designer - Marie Docking
Production Manager - Daniel Van Nek
The company's production, "I Love You You're Perfect Now Change" received critical acclaim, nominations and strong audience support via extended production seasons. This included:
Season success: This was a South Australian premiere (and only
the fourth time the piece has been performed in Australia). There
were 6 performances during March 2007 at SOSA as part of the
Fringe Festival. Attendances were built to or at near capacity
levels (180 seats) during the second weekend.
Revivals: There was a revival of the
production for 'ONE OH!' City of Onkaparinga as part of its 10th
Anniversary Celebrations: 26 October 2007, Noarlunga Theatre,
Ramsay Place. There was a regional tour of the production in
September/October 2008 as part of the Country Arts SA program.
Awards received: Adelaide Advertiser Oscart 2007: 'TRUE CHARMER Adam Goodburn, Johanna
Allen, Ben Rasheed and Deborah Caddy as 60 characters in I Love
You You're Perfect Now Change'
In 2010
SINGular Productions developed a new Australian musical revue titled
'It's a Dad Thing: The Musical', based on the play of the same name.
The play was written by 6 Australian artists (and dads) Liam Amor,
Michael Fry, Matt Green, Colin James, David Lander and Geoff Paine
in 1999. 
'The living was the prize. The ending's not the story'
The production was of a very high quality, garnering excellent reviews and passionate audience feedback during its first run. The themes and ideas presented in the piece - both challenging and emotionally charged - have been proven to resonate and appeal to modern urban theatre goers.
"I Love You You're Perfect Now Change" - performed as part of the Adelaide Fringe Festival in the Opera Studio of State Opera of South Australia (SOSA), Netley, on March 2 to 11 March, 2007.
Creative personnel were: