News Release

The Real Book of Mormon Musical Comes to Melbourne

 

With Melbourne's attention to Broadway hit, The Book of Mormon, a new musical, ‘From the Dust’ shines a light on the real Book of Mormon. It focuses on historical events from the book including the journey of a prophet Lehi and his family from Jerusalem to the New World and the visitation of Jesus Christ to the Americas.

Written by local composer, musician and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Scott Hamilton, ‘From the Dust’ originally premiered in September 2015 and was enthusiastically received by a sold-out audience.

Hamilton’s production includes a number of original songs, which he composed over a 19 year period. The music, scored for a twenty-piece orchestra by composer Dylan Hughes and conducted by Michele Menzie ranges from toe-tapping tunes to heartfelt ballads.

Hamilton's credits as a classical singer include performances with The Melbourne City Opera, The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and The Melbourne Chamber Choir. He also accompanies and teaches professionally. However, being able to bring The Book of Mormon to life and to share his beliefs through music has been important to him.

“Music speaks to me,” said Hamilton. “It is a wonderful medium for conveying messages on so many levels, particularly spiritual convictions and matters of the heart.”

“I hope that audiences will be touched by Lehi and his family's courage and sense of adventure, be warmed by their humanity and have their hearts stirred through word and music,” he continued. “I hope that the real message of The Book of Mormon as Another Testament of Jesus Christ will be felt.”

Since its premiere, ‘From the Dust’ has been developed extensively with new characters and songs. It is directed for the second time by Bridget Allen who has a strong background in entertainment, theatre production and television. The cast, which includes three members of the church, are music theatre graduates, students and professional performers.

“‘From The Dust’, is pure inspiration!” said Allen. “I feel and recognise the Lord’s influence in the compositions written by Scott Hamilton and am deeply impressed by not only the musical scores but also the lyrics. It has been gratifying to work closely with Scott, the cast members, the orchestra and conductor as well as the technical crew as we lay this inspired work at the feet of a discerning audience,” she said.

‘From the Dust’ is playing for two performances only on Saturday 23rd September at Karralyka Theatre in Ringwood, Victoria. All ticket proceeds will go to the Phnom Krom Village Pre-School in Cambodia. For more information, including session times and tickets, click here.

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