Published on Wednesday, 14 July 2021 at 11:04:02 AM
Before Jennifer Hawkins, there was Geraldton’s Beryl Mills! The incredible true story of Australia’s first international beauty queen and trailblazing feminist is coming to life.
Based on the life of an unknown national heroine, Miss Westralia showcases the story of real life Geraldton girl Beryl Mills, the very first Miss Australia.
Set in 1926, the entertaining musical charts Beryl’s journey from a Geraldton sheep station to America where she embarks on her promotional tour as the “ideal” Australian woman.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said he looked forward to welcoming the musical to Geraldton and congratulated all involved.
“The show is witty and entertaining, and we’re thrilled to see it back on the road after the initial outbreak of COVID-19 saw the original tour dates postponed,” he said.
“Congratulations to everyone involved and in particular Euphorium Creative who were heavily involved in the show’s production.”
The musical has been described as a loving tribute to history, with a contemporary lens and wit, all with stunning songs that will have your toes tapping.
Euphorium Creative Director Jody Quadrio shared more on how the show came to be and why it’s an important story to share.
“Euphorium has been working alongside Western Sky Projects and the Queens Park Theatre (QPT) over the past three years to help bring to life the story of Geraldton’s own Miss Westralia, Beryl Mills,” she said.
“To see her story told now by professional stage actors on stage is an important moment for our community to celebrate our history and the important role women like Beryl play in it.
“We should all be proud of Beryl and her contribution to the advancement of women in society,” she continued.
“We hope that through the public storytelling of her experiences, we can start a conversation looking at how we can highlight, educate, and preserve both local history and in particular the contributions of women throughout history.”
Set against the glitz and glamour of the era and the dust and heat of regional Australia, the story combines musical theatre, comedy and historical drama.
The show will feature a red carpet event on Friday 16 July complete with VIP seating area and Most Glitz and Most Glamourous Awards for best dressed, as well as matinee session featuring a high tea beforehand on Saturday 17 July.
Other organisations are also on board, with local not for profit Women Inspiring Better Business (WIBB) hosting a WIBB Goes to the Theatre session and Euphorium Creative offering local creatives an opportunity a peek behind the curtain with their Miss Westralia: Behind the Scenes session.
The QPT foyer will come to life with fashion and historical memorabilia around women from the Midwest thanks to the Geraldton Historical Society, and posters from local indigenous artist Nola Gregory celebrating the “Because of Her, We Can” campaign.
Miss Westralia will be touring to seven locations around Western Australia with a total of ten performances.
The tour has been made possible by CircuitWest, Western Sky Projects and Blonde Moment Theatre. The project is also supported by the Government of Western Australia’s Creative Regions Program.
Tickets are available online at www.queensparktheatre.com.au or in person from the Geraldton Civic Centre on Cathedral Avenue.
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