THE film of the stage play, The Island of Doctor Moron, is set to make history as the first cinematic film of an original live Australian rock musical.
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The film will premiere at The Dendy Opera Quays cinema in Sydney on Wednesday March 23.
It will eventually find its way to screens on the Mid North Coast via the world famous Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Hobart, then cinemas in Melbourne, Brisbane and other capital cities.
It is also due to be screened in the USA and Europe later this year. The original rock musical was created by Chris Dockrill, former English and Drama Head teacher at Kempsey High School and his wife, Lyn, principal of West Kempsey Public School.
Mr Dockrill said ’Moron is a child of the Macleay Valley.
“We had busloads of people from the Macleay come down to see the live show and hope we get more coming down to share this very special event.
“We were originally planning to come the Mid North Coast to launch the film, “however, the opportunity to launch the film so close to the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge was irresistible.
“Dr Moron is an original Australian creation born in Kempsey. I think we make a special comment about the creative qualities of the Mid North Coast by launching so close to these two massive Aussie icons.”
Mr Dockrill is at pains to emphasise the nature of this unique film.
“Moron is not a glitzy Hollywood studio production and it does not intend to be,” he said.
“And it is not an imitation of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
“Moron is a film of a high-energy full-tilt rock musical performed live before a live audience. What you get when you see the film is the live show on steroids,” he said.
Adding further weight to the film premiere is the patronage of the acclaimed actor Jack Thompson who has been following the project since its inception.
“I remember Jack sitting next to me during a rehearsal of “It Ain’t Easy Bein’ a Voodoo Queen” Jack actually recorded the song on his phone. When it was over, he turned to me and said, ‘mate, this is amazing!”
Jack Thompson has seen enough theatre to know of what he speaks and he has a high opinion of The Island of Doctor Moron.
“It is unlike any musical I have seen,” he said.
“It’s fresh, it’s novel and it’s exciting. The producers of this film have captured the raw energy of the live show brilliantly. It’s pure magic. Do yourselves a favour and see it at least once.”
Kempsey’s mayor, Liz Campbell pledged her support for the premiere of the film.
“I will not miss this event. I saw the live show and can’t wait to see the film. I am also thrilled that the film will be launched in the iconic heart of Sydney, surrounded by The Opera House, Circular Quay, The International Terminal and the Bridge,” she said.
“I have closely followed the journey of Doctor Moron since the early days and am delighted that Chris and Lyn have achieved yet another unique accomplishment with this project.
“Their achievement can be nothing but a positive promotion of our wonderful Macleay Valley.”
Tickets to the launch of the film of “The Island of Dr Moron” can be purchased through Fan Force at https://fan-force.com/screenings/dr-moron-dendy-quays/