SOUTH PARK Meets DESPERATE HOUSE WIVES in Musical Comedy, Now thru 8/9

A BIG-hearted musical comedy comes to life at Roleystone Theatre this July, featuring agoraphobia, adultery, '80s nostalgia, kleptomania, strippers and a hysterical pregnancy.

Written by David Nehls and Betsy Kelso and directed by Lorna Mackie, The Great American Trailer Park Musical is set in Armadillo Acres, Florida's most exclusive park for mobile homes.

A new tenant wreaks havoc - stripper-on-the-run Pippi comes between the Dr Phil-loving, agoraphobic Jeannie and her tollbooth collector husband and it's up to their trailer park neighbours to save the marriage.

"This show is about love, friendship and the glorious drama that is life, set to some rocking country sounds," Mackie said. "It's been described as 'South Park meets Desperate Housewives'.

"I'm a huge fan of modern musicals and The Great American Trailer Park Musical has been on my radar for quite a while.

"Despite surface stereotypes and slapstick comedy, the show actually deals with some extremely complex themes and has a range of subtle layers to convey how the characters deal with real issues.

"I particularly love the very witty and well-written score and book and was delighted to get the opportunity to direct the show."

Acting since her teens in the UK, Mackie originally started as a soloist in a ladies' jazz group before performing in Calamity Jane, The Little Mermaid and Africa.

After emigrating to Australia, she worked with Marloo, Garrick, Roleystone and Blak Yak Theatres, performing in The Geometry of Love, Meals Warmed Up and Intermission Theatre, designing costumes for Some Enchanted Evening, Get Smart and The Admirable Crichton and stage managing Trainspotting.

In 2010, Mackie made her directorial debut with the musical Reefer Madness, scoring several Finley Award nominations, following it up with the best musical production award for Funny Business in 2011 and more nominations for Avenue Q in 2012.

The Great American Trailer Park Musical continues her love of alternative musicals - and she admits the style of show is unique, treading a fine line between conviction and melodrama.

"There will always be a temptation to verge into slapstick and just play for laughs whereas the true beauty of the show is the relationships between the characters and the moments of truth, which are truly sparkling," Mackie said.

The Great American Trailer Park Musical plays at 8pm today, July 18, 19, 23, 25, 26, 30, August 1, 2, 8, and 9 with a 2pm matinee also on July 26. All tickets are $25 - book on 9397 5730 or at www.roleystonetheatre.com.au.

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