What The World Needs Now: How The Inner West Connects

What would living in Sydney’s Inner West be like as a musical? Find out by going to see What The World Needs Now: How The Inner West Connects at The Hellenic Art Theatre. 

Presented by the Bridge On The River Choir, a community choir from St Peters, the show was co-written by members of the choir and Gary Smith, who directs the choir and runs Australia’s national clearinghouse for vocal music. 

Inspired by life in the Inner West, the show is a comic-tragedy that follows a community choir as it harmonises its way through challenges posed by a major infrastructure project and a love triangle involving three of the main characters. A band comprised of Sydney’s top musicians supplies the show’s tunes − popular hits from the 1960s guaranteed to get audience members’ toes tapping. 

Mr Smith said residents of the Inner West will easily relate to the tough living conditions suffered by the show’s characters, forming a connection among those who attend. 

“The reference to infrastructure projects forms the background to the action on stage. Theatre-goers will need to come and see the show to find out how,” Mr Smith said. “Our choir and our musical are great ways for people to come together, share their feelings and develop a sense of community while being involved in a creative and fun project.”  

Mr Smith predicts that people will respond to the show “with unbridled enthusiasm. It will be an enjoyable and uplifting experience for anyone who comes.” 

Jun 22-24. Hellenic Art Theatre, 35/142 Addison Road, Marrickville. $15-35+b.f.. Tickets & Info: www.trybooking.com/UMIM or Ph: 0414 869 352

By Erika Echternach