Thursday – Patrick 2
Paradise Road
Paradise Road is a bold, contemporary reimagining of Bruce Beresford’s 1997 film, brought to life with a folk/pop/rock score. Set in a Japanese internment camp during WWII, it tells the story of a diverse group of women who form a secret vocal orchestra, risking their lives to turn music and friendship into acts of revolution and survival. Performed by an ensemble of 10, this is an urgent, high-impact theatrical event that reframes history through marginalised voices, championing community as a force of defiance. More than a survival story, Paradise Road is a celebration of the enduring power of art to overcome and unite.
Contemporary Book Musical
Reading
We are currently seeking a producing venue to collaborate on a full workshop of Paradise Road in 2025, to develop the piece to its next stage.
Beyond the workshop, we are also looking for venue partners and producing partners to support an originating production in 2026 or 2027. We are keen to collaborate with organisations that share our vision for bold, contemporary new musical theatre and are interested in developing and staging work that reframes historical narratives, amplifies marginalised voices, and centres community.
We are open to discussions with theatres, commercial producers, and regional or London-based venues that can provide the necessary support—whether through co-producing opportunities, venue support, creative development input, or ideally, long-term investment in the production’s trajectory. Our goal is to create a launchpad for Paradise Road that will allow it to reach audiences both in the UK and beyond.
We would love to explore how we can align our ambitions with potential partners to bring this powerful and timely musical to the stage.
This production contains:
– Depictions of racist attitudes and racial persecution
– Depictions of incarceration
– References to violence
– Depictions of historical suffering and trauma
These themes are explored within a historical context and may be distressing to some audience members. Viewer discretion is advised.
Cast of 10, band of 5
Meet the Writers
Johan-Amatsakio
Johan Amatsakio (they/he) is a performer, writer, model, and drag artist “Lusty Lovelace.” Blending Indonesian heritage with theatre and drag,… Read more
Johan-Amatsakio
Johan Amatsakio (they/he) is a performer, writer, model, and drag artist “Lusty Lovelace.” Blending Indonesian heritage with theatre and drag, they explore BESEA identity, transness, and climate change. Their eco-conscious costumes enhance performances spanning lip-sync, dance, and spoken word. Credits include Mulan Rouge and Witches of Oz (The Vaults).
Hugo Chiarella
Hugo (he/him) is a London-based producer, writer, and director. Currently resident director of The Phantom of the Opera, he previously… Read more
Hugo Chiarella
Hugo (he/him) is a London-based producer, writer, and director. Currently resident director of The Phantom of the Opera, he previously worked on Les Misérables. He has created and produced theatre, musicals, and comedy, with credits including DreamSong, Evie May, and The Apologists, plus work featured on ABC and Funny or Die.
Maryhee Yoon
Maryhee Yoon (she/her) is a queer Korean American writer with a focus on telling ESEA stories. She is known for… Read more
Maryhee Yoon
Maryhee Yoon (she/her) is a queer Korean American writer with a focus on telling ESEA stories. She is known for co-writing Tokyo Rose, recipient of the Untapped Award 2019 and nominee for Visionary Honours Best New Musical 2022, which recently ran at The New National Theatre, Tokyo 2023.
Team
Producer: Hugo Chiarella
Writers: Johan Amatsakio & Maryhee Yoon
Director: Mingyu Lin
Arranger and Musical Supervisor: Nicola T. Chang
Director: Iskandar Sharazauddin
Musical Director: Amy Hsu
Cast:
Carley Stenson, Sarah Morisson, Monique Salle, Jacqui Sanchez, Aynrand Ferrer