The Life Of Us

Imagine having early onset alzheimer’s disease and being involved in a new relationship. Now imagine that new relationship being long distance. How hard it must be to remember words, details, faces and time differences. The Life Of Us is a musical with heart that deals with these questions and more.

Based on the book by Ashleigh Taylor, with music and lyrics by Ben Bennett of Muriel’s Wedding fame. In fact these two began collaborating on this musical from the moment they met and have managed to get themselves noticed in L.A. before the show has had it’s run. Their production is the only new Australian musical to ever have been chosen for a workshop with American Society Of Composers, Authors, And Publishers (ASCAP).

 “I had a dream,” Ashleigh explained, “I had this idea for a musical a very long time ago and when I shared the idea with Ben he loved it. Originally it was about how the show should look but then became something much more. It became very true to life as we had our own long distance relationship.”

Life Of Us, definitely has much to offer. 

Stephen Schwartz certainly believed this when he saw the quality of their presentation and decided to mentor them. It was all in the pitch which began with the music. To apply to ASCAP hopefuls need to have four finished musical numbers and a workable draft. After their meeting with Schwartz the two had to rewrite and rethink some of their original material and the result is the fine tuned 90 minute musical which will debut at the Hayes Theatre in Potts Point. 

The idea of incorporating the very real dilemma of early onset alzheimer’s into a musical is sure to resonnate with anyone who’s forgotten what it’s like to be young and in love and for those of us struggling to remember why they walked into a room.

Until Feb 9. Hayes Theatre Co, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point. $52-$59+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.hayestheatre.com.au

By Renee Lou Dallow