IT’S been 25 years and Tony Meggitt is keen to find the cast and crew of The Stadium, a show performed at the original Redland Community Cultural Centre (now RPAC).
Tony wrote, produced and performed in the musical comedy, which ran for 13 performances and gained for him an Australia Day award for the performing arts in 1988.
He said the show, which told the story of Johnny O’Keefe, attracted more than 2300 audience members and was well received.
“At the time it was the 20th anniversary of the death of Johnny O’Keefe. He was truly the king of rock ‘n’ roll and this was his full story told in a musical comedy.
Tony said The Stadium was a former boxing stadium at Rushcutter’s Bay with a seating capacity of 12,000 people who sat on bleachers and watched JO’K perform.
“He killed it. There were a lot of big name rock ‘n rollers who would not go on after he performed,” Tony said.
“He was well regarded even by his peers.
“This club was created based on his memory.”
Tony said he had now digitised the videos taken and was wondering if cast members would like a copy.
The show attracted a cast of 22, including Australian rock ‘n’ roll champions, under choreographer Sue
Harvey, director the late Terry Annersley and a six-piece band under Grant Mitchell of Cleveland State High school.
It featured nine JO’K songs and four original songs with lyrics by Tony and arrangements by Susan Hawkins.
“It was a great community event where the music was celebrated,” Tony said.
In writing the musical, Tony did a lot of research into Johnny O’Keefe and met his wife Marianne and daughter Vicky.
Special guest was JO’K’s original drummer John Catfish Purser.
“He used to say he wouldn’t sing if you were going to dance,” Tony said.
“His story isn’t just about him. It’s about the changing face of Australia.
“And the show was a hit. It’s something I feel proud of.”
Tony has been involved in various musical theatre companies, including Phoenix at Beenleigh and Savoyards at Wynnum and was the instigator of the Here’s to Life program.
“Performing is just like running a marathon. It gives you a buzz and that keeps you going,” he said.
