Penpals - A New Queer Musical
Script, Music & Lyrics by Megan Robinson
Based on an original concept by Megan Robinson and Sarah Campbell
Arranged by Hazel Alexander
Set in Australia in 1997, 'Penpals' follows the story of Callie and Pearce - two young women on opposite coasts who find a deep connection despite the distance between them.
Assigned as penpals through a school program, the two come to realise that their feelings have grown into much more than friendship. But how can they be sure that the other feels the same way?
From the tingles of first love to the inevitable gay panic and all that comes after, this new musical will have you laughing and crying as it explores the heart and heartache of young queer relationships.
Creative team
Producer: The Little Big Theatre Co
Director: Sarah Campbell
Musical Director: Hazel Alexander
Key Creative: Megan Robinson
Tech team
Stage Manager: Jemma Sproul
Tech Directors: Micah Heazlewood
& Sharelle Frazer
Lighting Programmer: Holly Nesbitt
Production Assistant: Georgia Togher
TechCrew: Peter Miller, Mitchell Bartie
Band
Keys: Hazel Alexander
Viola: Annabella Chen
Bass: Jae Ryder
Cast
Callie – Megan Robinson
Pearce – Danika Rojas
Levi – Toby Rowe
Rory – Danielle Lorzano
Olive – Rhiannon Lidbury
Mr Jacobs – Damien Noyce
Jai – Nikolas Zielinski
Swings:
Piper Farrell (Callie, Pearce)
Brea Macey(Rory, Olive
Ethan Malacaria(Levi, Mr J, Jai)
Feedback for Penpals
“a complex story told with fearless nuance and complete with fine acting plus local accent in its clever, forward-looking soundtrack“ - Sydney Arts Guide
“Perfectly cast leads never work alone to tell the twists and turns of any decent story. The pace and intricate hues of this well-directed storyline (big bravos to director Sarah Campbell for harnessing this huge, spinning world in the space)” - Sydney Arts Guide
“The songs are achingly relevant and entertaining… A soundtrack streamed & available is much needed. I was craving a re-listen very shortly after my first hearing of this gritty, glistening show’s first outing” - Sydney Arts Guide
“Penpals reignited my love for Australian theatre. Sarah's directing and design stand outdue to her meticulous attention to detail… ” - Gabrielle Rawlings (Jolly Good Musicals)
“Penpals is extraordinary. Megan Robinson has crafted a beautiful, funny and warm show with a top-notch score” - IGNITE
“I am completely and utterly gobsmacked. I will be thinking about this show for weeks” - Ellis Pinkerton
“Despite its uplifting message, the show is real and raw, and doesn’t put an unrealistic neat bow on the struggles that are faced by many people in the queer community” - Gabrielle Rawlings (Jolly Good Musicals)
“Megan Robinson’s writing and Sarah Campbell’s direction is beyond brillant. I can't wait to see what’s next” - Zara Thompson
“Penpals is a beautiful musical, it astounds me that an original new work can be so impactful” - Michael Mulvenna (Jolly Good Musicals)
“Penpals spoke so clearly to so many queer experiences” - Rhiannon Lidbury
“Megan Robinson’s writing is welcoming and utterly brilliant. Penpals is a heartfelt queer story that celebrates the power of vulnerability” - Aden Abeleda
“Penpals managed to so convincingly bring me along on a journey and life that I have never lived” - Jonathan Chang
