The acclaimed musical song cycle Elegies For Angels Punks and Raging Queens is composed of free verse poems and songs reflecting the lives of people who have lived with and died from AIDS. There are over 30 poems, touching, dramatic, humorous; each poem represents a character who has died from AIDS. The songs reflect the feeling of the living… the people who have felt the loss of so many friends and loved ones.

Elegies… features songs and monologues inspired by the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt and Edgar Lee Masters' Spoon River Anthology. This dramatic musical theatre piece is part of Sydney Mardi Gras 2012, and features music by Janet Hood and lyrics and additional text by Bill Russell.

Producer Paul Holmes is thrilled that it is able to be part of the 2012 Mardi Gras Festival. “Even though this work was written nearly 20 years ago, it is still relevant today. AIDS is still with us – a lot has been done but so much is still needed. I find the work moving, funny and above all uplifting. It is an opportunity for 36 performers to create real people who have either died from AIDS or been affected by their deaths.”

ELEGIES FOR ANGELS, PUNKS AND RAGING QUEENS

By Bill Russell, music by Janet Hood

Directed by Brett Russell

Musical direction by Chris King

Produced by Paul Holmes Productions

Venue                                  Seymour Centre, cnr City Road and Cleveland Street, Chippendale

Charity Preview                Tuesday February 28 at 7pm

Season                                 Wednesday Feb 29 – Saturday March 3

Performance Times        Wed – Thurs 8pm; Fri 6pm & 9pm; Sat 4pm & 8pm

Prices                                    Adults $40; concessions $35 – General admission seating

Bookings                              seymourcentre.com or 9351 7940