UPDATE: Show has been cancelled.
Dahlin! It’s The Jeanne Little Show, written and directed by award-winning Melbourne playwright Kieran Carroll, is a touching biographical play in tribute to Jeanne Little.
Caroline Ferguson stars in the role of Jeanne Little, telling the story of the famous Australian entertainer in story and song.
The play traces Jeanne Little’s entire life, a story “from rags to riches”.
Its story focuses on many milestones of the famous entertainer’s life, from her challenging childhood, to her rise to fame, and her attempt to be both a mother and a television star.
“It is an enormous responsibility to portray such a well-loved icon of Australian entertainment,” Ms Ferguson said.
“I’ve also grown up with a very resourceful, creative, and glamorous mother of the same vintage and sensibility as Jeanne. As a child I witnessed the zeitgeist of the 70s and 80s for Australian women.”
Mr Carroll said that Jeanne Little was a household name in the 70s.
“I can remember watching her at my grandmother’s house,” he said.
It was important to Mr Carroll that Jeanne Little’s life was portrayed accurately but respectfully, as she was such a prominent, well-loved Australian television personality.
“Kieran Carroll’s script is extremely sensitive and respectful. His direction has also really helped make my portrayal of her truthful and real,” Ms Ferguson said.
Mr Carroll said that people are flawed in a lot of ways.
“You can’t always brush over those things and make a kind of glossy portrait,” he said.
“If there is a lesson from her, it’s to be fearless, take that leap, don’t worry what other people think, be an individual.
“There’s something about that that’s really inspiring.”
Dahlin! It’s The Jeanne Little Show will be performed at the Stratford Courthouse Theatre on Saturday, October 8. [Update: Cancelled]
For more information, head to www.stratfordcourthouse.com.au
*Isabella Godde is a Gippsland Grammar student, currently doing work experience with The Gippsland Times.
Caroline Ferguson as Jeanne Little.
