Quambatook (subtitled The Australian Folk Musical) is a Musical theatre piece written by Australian Simon Heath and John Williamson. It was directed by Bernie Zelvis. The musical is based on the early days of the Williamson family in Quambatook, Victoria, Australia and their quest to see Uluru.[1] Williamson announced the musical in September 2007[2] Drew Anthony was the choreographer.[3]

Quambatook
Original poster (2008)
MusicJohn Williamson
LyricsSimon Heath
Productions2008 Australia

It had its world premiere at the Evan Theatre, in Penrith, NSW on 7 February 2008 and received positive audience reaction.[1] The show had a limited 4-show run, ending on 10 February 2008.[4]

Plot

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Quambatook is set in 1955 and tells the story of 11-year-old Johnno who live in the small Victorian farming town of Quambatook. For years, he and his family have happily sat around the radio, listened, sang and played along with songs from "The Silver Haired Showman's" weekly radio show. But ever since Johnno heard the Showman describe his experiences in the Northern Territory at Uluru, he has had only one desire; to see and experience the big red rock for himself. Whether or not they make it to Uluru isn't important, Johnno's Mum tells him in the musical, the fact is "The Joy is in the Journey".[4]

Cast

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Concept album

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Quambatook
 
Cast recording by
Original Australian Cast
ReleasedFebruary 2008
Recorded2007
John Williamson albums chronology
Wildlife Warriors
(2006)
Quambatook
(2008)
Hillbilly Road
(2008)

A cast recording album was released in Australia in February 2008.

Track listing

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  1. "Sing You the Outback"
  2. "Bush Town"
  3. "My Little Ukulele"
  4. "Big Brother, Little Brother"
  5. "The Farming Game"
  6. "Big Bad Bushranger"
  7. "Aussie Balladeer"
  8. "My Dad Snores"
  9. "Big Bad Banksia Man"
  10. "Christmas Photo"
  11. "Ancient Mountains"
  12. "Christmas Waltz"
  13. "This Is Australia Calling"
  14. "Coolibah Blue"
  15. "Songs for My Guitar"
  16. "Headin' for the Rock (aka Alice Springs)"
  17. "The Joy Is in the Journey"
  18. "Papa Whisky November"
  19. "A Thousand Feet"
  20. "Raining on the Rock"
  21. "Old Man Emu"

References

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  1. ^ a b "John WILLIAMSON OAM (1979)". Country Music Hall of Fame. Retrieved 28 September 2018.
  2. ^ "QUAMBATOOK is a family musical". John Williamson - Official website. 22 September 2007. Retrieved 22 September 2007.
  3. ^ "Rhythm Untapped". Celebrity Speakers. Retrieved 28 September 2018.
  4. ^ a b "NEWS ARCHIVES December 2007". Country Music Bulletin. December 2007. Retrieved 28 September 2018.
  5. ^ "Braidwood Folk Music Club". music at the Creek. 2008. Retrieved 28 September 2018.
  6. ^ "John Williamson's Quambatook – The Australian Folk Musical" (PDF). JohnWilliamson.com.au. Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 March 2012. Retrieved 21 September 2014.