La Mama presents

Ben Cousins: A Rock Opera

Synopsis

An up-to-date, near-the-knuckle and no-holds-barred pop-parody musical in two acts, devised, performed and directed by critically acclaimed football satirist Kieran Butler (Collingwood ruined my Life, **** The Scotsman).

The narrative is based on the crucifixion, resurrection and redemption of Ben Cousins after his admission that he suffered from drug addiction. The show is a biting satire of society and the media - viewed through the prism of the AFL.

Cousins is cast as an anti-hero who prevails on account of his goodlooks, naivety and unquenchable appetite for a rollicking good time – to a thumping soundtrack of 70’s and 80’ pop song parodies – featuring live guitar and violin. Having returned to the AFL, Cousins embarks on a career in radio, writes for a newspaper, makes a movie and even releases a rock’n’roll single.

The show features Matt Walsh (Ben Cousins, Mike Fitzpatrick, Nathan Buckley), Michelle Wilson (Jelena Dokic, Caroline Wilson, Violin) and Sean Burke (Mick Malthouse). Butler holds down roles as the guitarist, the narrator, Ned Kelly, Damir Dokic, Andrew Demitriou and Eddie McGuire.

"Promises to be this year's most controversial musical" - Sunday Times

"Brilliantly scripted and performed" - The Age online

"An hilarious journey for any AFL fan... an epic adventure... very entertaining... intelligent... truthful... If you want to see witty one liners and sharp satire, 'Ben Cousins - a rock opera' is a must" - 3RRR

Please note that due to the first week of the three week season at La Mama (March 17 - April 4) being the week preceding the commencement of the 2010 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, online bookings are split between TryBooking (March 17 - 21) and Ticketmaster (March 24 - April 4).

http://www.bencousinsrockopera.info

http://www.lamama.com.au