Woody Sez
There is nothing sweet about Woody, and there is nothing sweet about the songs he sings. But there is something more important for those who will listen.
John Steinbeck
Why see Woody Sez?
Woody Sez is a story of survival, passionate belief, timeless music, and the flawed and fated trail of a singular and determined American poet.
In January 2009 at the inauguration of Barack Obama, Pete Seeger joyfully led a crowd of hundreds of thousands in singing "This Land Is Your Land". The spirit of that song's writer, American Folk legend Woody Guthrie is celebrated in the new musical, Woody Sez.
Guthrie's music lives on and continues to inspire. The hundreds of musicians who acknowledge their debt to the man who performed with the slogan "This machine kills fascists" emblazoned on his guitar include the mighty Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Johnny Cash and our own Billy Bragg.
Weaving together Guthrie's enduring words and songs, Woody Sez paints a powerful portrait of this revered cult figure's fascinating and often tragic life. Considered the Godfather of American folk music, Guthrie was an altogether original protest singer, fighting for and lifting up the spirits of people beaten down by the hardships of The Great Depression.
Key Information
Audience
Woody Sez is suitable for audiences aged 12 and upwards.
Dates
Finished 2 Apr 2011
Cast
David Lutken as Woody
Darcie Deaville
Helen Russell
Andy Teirstein
Darcie Deaville
Helen Russell
Andy Teirstein
Creative
Directed by Nick Corley
Reviews
Customer reviews
5 reviews, average rating: (4.9 Stars)
David Beck
Inspiring show...
I'm a very experienced theatre goer who normally finds himself praying for the final curtain so i can get to the bar. This show, however, was captivating; warm, humble and comforting yet informative, inspiring and distinctly touching. It's the first time in ages i've been reluctant to get out of my seat!
There's nothing 'showy' or superficial about this production. The performers engage effortlessly with their material and communicate the songs and narrative with a natural, leisurely style that is so easy to get involved in. The leading man is exceptional; I could have watched him perform all week...great in all the obvious ways but he also had an emotional depth which made the tragic moments resoundingly poignant.
Perhaps most important, for someone who knew next to nothing about the subject, i went straight out and bought a few Woody Guthrie CD's as well as his book. I would imagine that this is the biggest compliment of all...
... Read more
Kim
Woody Sez, Brilliant show - Must see
This is a brilliant show. I did not know much at all about him, his story was told with songs which brought his life story and the struggle of the American depression to life. Great songs, great musicians and singers. Would and will recommend to all of my friends and the wider theatre community ... Read more
Catdung
Toe-tappingly thought provoking
This is a great show - the music, of course, is
catchy and very well performed (none of the tuning
issues that occur in so many of the "top" shows),
but it is also a very interesting look at one
man's perspective of American social history. This
in turn allows for greater appreciation of the
music too, as understanding the context in which
they were written brings greater understanding of
the music itself.
On a very simple level though, if you like toe-
tappingly good music played really well then go
and see this. You won't be disappointed! ... Read more
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