Today, we shared a delightful conversation with Rose Vallen, the visionary director behind Adrift in New York, an endearing melodrama set to grace the Arts Theatre Adelaide. With its timeless narrative of family, resilience, and justice, this production is destined to be filled with vibrant performances, evocative tunes, and authentic 1890s charm. Join us to cheer, boo, and be utterly captivated as this classic story unfolds on stage!
About Adrift in New York – A Melodrama!
What is this Production about?
Adrift in New York is a classic late-19th-century melodrama that tells a story of lost family, moral tests, and redemption amid the perils of the big city. It includes Gay 1890’s music hall numbers and opportunities for the audience to Boo the villain, Cheer the hero and sigh for the Heroine.
What’s challenging about bringing this script to life?
The challenge for me and the actors is to balance sincerity and irony. To play the truth of the story without descending into parody. The performances must be emotionally honest, even when the situations are heightened. Keeping the lid on some of the Actors has been hilarious and challenging.
Why did you want to be involved in this production?
I love Melodrama, I have performed in several over the years and they are always so much fun for the actors as well as the audience.
What sort of person is going to love this show?
If you love big-hearted, old-fashioned storytelling — where good triumphs over evil, emotions run high, and every twist leads to a gasp or a tear, performed by vibrant and eclectic bunch of actors who incite you to join in the action, sing-along to old time music hall numbers and have a lot of fun, this show is for you.
What will the audience be thinking about in the car as they drive home after this show?
Hopefully the audience will be still humming the music and chatting about their favourite character – was it the Villain, the Hero or the Heroine? But above all, they’ll leave with a sense of warmth — the pleasure of seeing virtue rewarded, love restored, and evil conquered by compassion.
What’s going to surprise people about this show?
It swings from tears to thrills to moral redemption in minutes — a mix that feels both over-the-top and genuinely moving. The sheer earnestness of its melodrama can be startling (and even charming) to contemporary viewers used to irony.
Who has the best costume?
Definitely all of the ladies have fabulous costumes, think authentic 1890’s gorgeous frocks. Thank you so much Sandy Whitelaw for lending us these fabulous outfits.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Melodrama Returns to the Stage: Adrift in New York Opens at Arts Theatre Adelaide. The Rep is proud to present Adrift in New York, a classic melodrama written by Addison Aulger, directed by the acclaimed Rose Vallen.
Synopsis
This heart-wrenching tale of fate, family, and resilience promises to captivate audiences with its timeless themes and fun theatrical flair. Set against the bustling backdrop of the Gay Nineties in New York and the deep south, Adrift in New York follows the journey of a young girl cast into the unforgiving streets, navigating hardship and hope in search of her lost family.
With villains to boo, heroes to cheer, and a story that tugs at the heartstrings, this production revives the golden age of melodrama with a fresh, local twist. And a good Melodrama often includes Music Hall-style acts to enhance the audience’s enjoyment and create a more exciting theatrical experience.
In this production, there will be well known songs and the amazing, hilarious spectacle of the famous Balloon Dance featuring the incomparable Lindy Le Cornu, who has made this artform her own!
Join us for an unforgettable night of fun, laughs, drama, emotion, and theatrical tradition. Adrift in New York is a must-see, feel-good production.
Where can patrons purchase tickets to this production?
To book tickets to Adrift in New York – A Melodrama!, please visit https://adelaiderep.com/season-2025/adrift-in-new-york.
Thank you so much for sharing your insights and passion with us. Best of luck with Adrift in New York; may the cheers be thunderous, the boos be hearty, and the audience leave with hearts full of joy and melodies in their heads!
Other production interviews can be viewed in our About The Production Series.
