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AbstractHistoryArchive Description
Described by Pinne and Battye as a 'folk musical,' the story concerns an unnamed young man (light tenor) who applies for a job travelling the country as a salesman. The product, however, is love. 'When you say sell love,' he asks the Sales Manager (baritone), 'do you mean sell sex?' 'I do,' replies the Sales Manager. 'You travel the country seeking women who wait for you to call. You'll take them old, you'll take them young, but you won't get involved at all. You won't get involved at all.'
Other characters are : the Wife (mezzo contralto) and the Spinster (soprano) both of whom are regular customers, and the Girl (soprano), who described as a victim.
Songs written for the work include : 'Gotta Get a Job Today,' 'Wanted One Man,' 'Job Application,' 'Potential,' 'Hearts and Flowers,' 'Lonely is a Town,' 'How Can I Tell,' 'Wanted One Girl,' 'City's Child,' and 'Love Travelling Salesman.'
Production Details
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Although there have been no known productions of Love Travelling Salesman staged to date, the Hanger Collection of the Fryer Library (University of Queensland) holds a manuscript copy of what appears to be a completed draft.
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This entry has been sourced from on-going historical research into Australian-written music theatre being conducted by Dr Clay Djubal.
