The Lovers is described as a fresh and magical pop-infused reimagining that refocuses the story with a modern perspective and questions our enduring search for true love.[3]
Production
The original production was performed from 23 October to 20 November 2022 at the Sydney Opera House, presented by Bell Shakespeare. Directed by Shaun Rennie, the original production featured a live four-piece band. It is the first musical performed by Bell Shakespeare.
Reception
The musical was generally well received, being described as "a thrilling piece of theatre" and "a great time".[4][5]
Awards
It was nominated for Best Production of a Musical and Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical (Natalie Abbott) at the 2022 Sydney Theatre Awards.[6]
Musical numbers
Act I
"A Story About Love" – Oberon and the Lovers
"Love and Pop and Shakespeare" – Company and the Fairy Band
"Happy Be Theseus" – Company
"Perfect Little Princess" – Company
"Overfull of Self Affairs" – Company
"Start Over" – Lysander and Hermia
"Here Comes Helena" – Lysander, Hermia, and Helena
"Chasing My Tail" – Helena
"Down To Love" – Oberon
"The Magic Touch" – Puck, Oberon, and the Fairy Band
"I Am Invisible" – Oberon
"Helena Follows Her Nose" – Helena and Demetrius
"What I Cannot Have" – Demetrius, Helena, and the Fairy Band
"Chasing My Tail" (Reprise) – Helena and Oberon
"Hast Thou The Flower There?" – Oberon and Puck
"Euphoria" – Oberon
"The Magic Touch" (Reprise) – Oberon and Puck
"Wrap Around You" – Hermia, Lysander, and the Fairy Band
"Puck's Spell" – Puck
"What I Cannot Chase" – Helena and Demetrius
"Lysander Is In Love" – Lysander
"Keen Mockery" – Helena and Lysander
"Hiss Hiss Bitch" – Snake and Snake Minions
"Cruel Prey" – Hermia, Snake, and Snake Minions
"To Die For" – The Lovers
Act II
"Down To Love" (Reprise) – Oberon, Puck, and the Fairy Band
"Gimme Gimme" – The Lovers
"Thou Hast Mistaken Quite" – Oberon, Puck, Demetrius, and Hermia
"Euphoria" (Reprise) – Oberon
"What I Cannot Have" (Reprise) – Demetrius
"Oberon's Spell" – Oberon
"Gimme Gimme" (Reprise) – Oberon, Puck, Lysander, and Helena
"Demetrius Is In Love" – Demetrius
"Gimme Gimme A Boy Fight" – The Lovers
"Injurious Hermia!" – The Lovers and Snake
"Diss Diss Bitch" – Company
"How To Love" – Company
"Start Over" (Reprise) – The Lovers
"Down To Love" (Finale) – Company and the Fairy Band