Melbourne To Premiere Seekers Musical

Melbourne will host the world premiere of “Georgy Girl,” the musical set around songs of veteran Aussie folk-pop group The Seekers.

Photo: theseekers50th.com

It begins a run at Her Majesty’s Theatre in November, which currently hosts Baz Luhrmann’s “Strictly Ballroom The Musical.” There are hopes it could have a similar global appeal to the Abba-centred “Mamma Mia,” which has grossed $2 billion after playing to 54 million at more than 49 productions in 16 languages.

The major financial backer of “Georgy Girl” is Australian producer Richard East, one of the names behind “Mamma Mia.” The new musical’s director, Gary Young, was associate director of the Australian and Asian productions of “Mamma Mia.”

The music of The Seekers, fronted by jazz singer Judith Durham, has international appeal. They sold 60 million albums globally from the mid-1960s, notching up hits including the play’s namesake, as well as “I’ll Never Find Another You” and “The Carnival Is Over.”

The single “Georgy Girl” reached No. 2 in the United States in 1967. In 2010, top-selling Dutch violinist Andre Rieu asked them to record and tour with him. The four-piece act is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2013-14 with dates through Australia, New Zealand and England, winding up with two shows at London’s Royal Albert Hall.