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Frayne McCarthy

The Virgin Courtesan

In Renaissance Venice, a courageous young woman must strike a desperate bargain to save the man she loves, her family and her friends.

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Music
Blair Thomson
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Lyrics
Frayne McCarthy
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Book
Frayne McCarthy
in development
Book Musical
Drama
Period/Historic
2SLGBTQIA+
Genderqueer Characters
Star Vehicle
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"The Virgin Courtesan" is a thrilling piece of theatrical escapism that looks at some serious contemporary feminist issues through the historic lens of the Renaissance in Venice, Italy. The music--by the award-winning composer Blair Thomson--is sophisticated while always accessible, and above all, remarkably beautiful. Thomson's musical work is played by orchestras across the country, and he is the Montreal Symphony Orchestra's "go-to" guy for both new arrangements and new compositions.

"The Virgin Courtesan" is about a young woman's coming-of-age while trapped in the famous Venetian sex-trade industry. It's a harrowing tale of self-sacrifice, redemption, friendship, and (of course) love. We've already enjoyed one extensive two-week workshop through the generosity of Music Theatre Montreal and Producer Tara Bissett, and we are confident that we have a show that can be a wonderful success.

A red and white star
A red and white star
The show deals with the abuse and exploitation of women in Renaissance Venetian society, which is also readily recognized as troubling in today's world. It also celebrates the courage to self-identify as Gay.

notes about Development

From the Music Theatre Montreal Workshop presentation, here we see GG Loh (who also delightfully choreographed this scene) mocking the young expelled nun who has come to mop the floor at the local tavern/brothel! Catherine Savoie as Brianna, bears the abuse with quiet dignity, unaware that Roberto D'Este in disguise is watching her. Photo by Elena Cerrolaza.
From the Music Theatre Montreal Workshop presentation, here we see GG Loh (who also delightfully choreographed this scene) mocking the young expelled nun who has come to mop the floor at the local tavern/brothel! Catherine Savoie as Brianna, bears the abuse with quiet dignity, unaware that Roberto D'Este in disguise is watching her. Photo by Elena Cerrolaza.
Music Theatre Montreal Workshop Presentation. Catherine Savoie as Brianna takes in the start of the day in Venice. Photo by Elena Cerrolaza.
Music Theatre Montreal Workshop Presentation. Catherine Savoie as Brianna takes in the start of the day in Venice. Photo by Elena Cerrolaza.
Music Theatre Montreal Workshop Presentation. Caitlyn Lyndsay as Cousin Nina discusses the inevitability of arranged marriage with her cousin, Brianna, played by Catherine Savoie. Photo by Elena Cerrolaza
Music Theatre Montreal Workshop Presentation. Caitlyn Lyndsay as Cousin Nina discusses the inevitability of arranged marriage with her cousin, Brianna, played by Catherine Savoie. Photo by Elena Cerrolaza
Music Theatre Montreal Workshop Presentation. Catherine Savoie as Brianna is being prepared to be introduced into the world as The Virgin Courtesan of Venice. Photo by Elena Cerrolaza.
Music Theatre Montreal Workshop Presentation. Catherine Savoie as Brianna is being prepared to be introduced into the world as The Virgin Courtesan of Venice. Photo by Elena Cerrolaza.
roles
15+
Romantic, Contemporary Classical
acts
2
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