The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe

The 80s Broadway hit that defined an era returns to the stage. “ I am now creative consultant to these aliens from outer space; they come from another dimension. They’re a kinda cosmic fact-finding committee. Amongst other projects, they’ve been searching all over for signs of intelligent life. It’s a lot trickier than it sounds. ” – Trudy In 1985 Lily Tomlin’s legendary comic characters became a satirical classic when Jane Wagner stitched them into a show that became Broadway legend. It’s a wise-cracking parade of humanity, swirling around Trudy, a bag lady who doesn’t miss a trick. The aliens want her to prove there’s some redeeming feature to the species. She’s seen the lot, and, well, our report card ain’t looking grand. The great Robyn Nevin ( Neighbourhood Watch ) plays Trudy under the direction of showman Simon Phillips ( Grief is the Thing with Feathers ). Poignant, funny and above all entertaining, here’s something different. We read this when someone found it on a shelf and the wit, the humour, and the sheer theatricality was a refreshing delight. It’s a fine piece of writing from the first few years of the Reagan Presidency, when America – and so the world – began speeding into…well, whatever the hell this is we’re in now. It’s in a sure set of hands with Simon, and it’ll be a treat to watch four brilliant Australian women bring these creations to life. Zahra Newman is something of a legend. And anyone who saw Robyn as arabbi in Angels in America or as the lovably grumpy Anna in Neighbourhood Watch knows her Trudy will be one of the year’s highlights.