Works for Theatre

Peter Butler has been Musical director for many stage musicals as vocal and chorus coach, accompanist and conductor. These include West Side Story, Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Boyfriend, The Wiz, The Wizard of Oz, Suessical, Bye Bye Birdie, The Sentimental Bloke, 42nd Street, Wind in the Willows, Pirates of Penzance among others. He has also composed a number of original musicals with librettists Mark Garner and Lois Angus; a sample of which are represented below.

Caterpillar 1988

Synopsis: The Caterpillar, known indigenously as ‘Yepperenya’, creates the earth and all its features; valleys, rivers, mountains, birds etc. During the time that the caterpillar roamed the earth, all were living in harmony, but as troubles began it went into hiding. In the musical a child hears a voice saying that the caterpillar would reappear in 1988. Each state and territory immediately gears up for its emergence in their own state. Most only see it as an opportunity to exploit the creature for financial gain. Each state and territory was represented in a scene or song portraying their preparations for the re-emergence.  The children came up with the story line and subject of the song for their individual scenes. These were only slightly edited by the teachers. In the show, the caterpillar has the last laugh and emerges as a butterfly, much to everybody’s initial chagrin and ultimate great delight. 

Songs: 1. Technicolourpillar- Australian Capital Territory, 2. Caterpillar Cocktail - Queensland, 3. Blue Lake – South Australia, 4. Mystical Rock - Victoria, 5. Hurry! Dr. Jones – New South Wales, 6. Peaceful Island - Tasmania, 7. Lady Caterpillar – Western Australia, 8. Butterfly – Northern Territory, 

Recording: The complete Caterpillar songs were recorded by The Bendigo Middle Years Singers, conducted by Jennifer Schatzle, with pianist Peter Butler. 

The Blue Lake: In the sinkholes and the tunnels at the Murray river mouth, in the Blue Lake at Mount Gambier way down in the south, there live the creatures of the deep, the keepers of the night, in the pitch black caverns underground out of human sight. Within these watery passages that never see the light, he waits in hibernation un till the time is right. It's there that he will surface, in September right on cue. He'Il come out where the waters change from grey to blue. He'll bring about great changes, from what we understand.  He'll grant us any wish we choose just like the genie in the lamp. In the sinkholes…

The Land of Green Ginger 1989

Synopsis: Long ago in the land of China, the people celebrated the birth of Abu Ali, the heir to the Imperial throne. They were amazed at his ability to speak at birth. A genie—Abdul—was summoned to give Abu Ali a task to complete by his 21st birthday. The task entailed searching for the Land of Green Ginger, where he was to rescue a magician. The Land of Green Ginger was created initially so that the magician could take his surroundings with him wherever he went. Sadly, he accidentally turned himself into a tortoise, a problem that Abu Ali was to remedy. During the course of his task he competes with Tin Tac Ping Foo and Rub Dub ben Thud for the hand of the beautiful Silver Bud. The expedition is not without its pitfalls and surprises. 

Songs: 1. Land of China, 2. Royal Procession, 3. Finding a name, 4. Your Son!, 5. We have Pencil, 6. The slave of the lamp, 7. I have a son, 8. Land of Green Ginger, 9. What are we going to do?, 10. Maiden's dance, 11. Kadoo Kadunk Kadee, 12. Ping Foo #1, 13. Ping Foo #2, 14. March of Guards, 15. Gentle Breezes Blowing, 16. Gentle Breezes Reprise, 17. Call the Guards!, 18. We're Dragons!, 19. Young Genies Song, 20. Carpets, 21. Deep Dungeon, 22. The Real Test, 23. Way up High, 

Recording: The Musical was staged again in 2000 by The Strathfieldsaye Primary School, directed by Diane Millich. This recording of 'Gentle Breezes Blowing' by the character Silver Bud is taken from that production. Soloist: Jessica McClelland

Song:  Gentle Breezes Blowing: Silver Bud and the Maidens.

Resting in the garden, I see the blossoms fall, Listening to the evening, I hear the song birds call, Gazing at the flowers, Where fragrant perfume fills the air, I'm waiting for the footstep, Of a loved one on the stair. Gentle breezes blowing, Butterflies are free, Sadly they are knowing, That freedom’s not for me, Will he ever find me, Will he climb the wall, Will he face my father's wrath, To heed my call. Sing your evening birdsong, Sing it just for me, Shake your lovely blossoms, So gently from the tree, I am sitting waiting, I know that he will come, And the moment that I see him, I'll know that he's the one.

Over the Moon 1991

Synopsis: Over the moon is a set of nursery songs by composer Peter Butler based on poems by Lois Angus. The poems give the original tales a slightly edgy, modern twist. They were first presented in a staged production by students from Latrobe University Bendigo on the 1st of August 1991, to an audience of many hundreds of local primary students. As with all of Peter Butler’s compositions there are full scores and recordings available.

Songs: 1. Hey Diddle Diddle, 2. The Mad Hatter, 3. Polly Put the Kettle On, 4. Scrub-a Dub-a-Dub, 5. Jack Be Nimble, 6. Three Little Pigs, 7. Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary, 8. Hikory Dickory Dock, 9. Little Miss Muffet, 10. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, 11. Little Red Riding Hood, 12. Baa Baa Black Sheep, 13. Heckety Peckety My Red Hen, 14. Humpty Dumpty sat on a Wall, 15. Mary had a little Lamb, 16. Sleeping Beauty, 17. Hey Diddle Diddle

Recording: The following recordings played on a very out of tune piano, are taken from the rehearsal tape. They are sung and performed by Peter Butler.

Sleeping Beauty: There was a King. There was a Queen, There was a long long time in between. Then me Oh my! What do I spy, but a little bitty baby with a twinkle in her eye, Boopdedo, There was a ball, a welcome ball, and friends were invited one and all, and the party was a hoppin' and a boppin' along, with twelve fancy fairies singin' their song, Boopdedo, But one old Dude was as mean as can be , She fussed and she fumed. "You forgot about me, I'll curse that brat with a twinkle in her eye, when she reaches sixteen she'll fall down and die! Boopdedo! ,There was a needle, there was a scream, At sixteen years she fell into a dream, and the whole of the castle just buzzed with snores, For a hundred years they hummed and they hawed, Boopdedo, There were creepers. There were thorns, There were stretchings and wakings and yawns, When a real cool cat came achoppin' to the door, and kissed that Princess right on the jaw, Boopdedo., "Hey! What's goin' on?", Boopdedo, "Unhand my daughter! You CAD! Boopdedo, WOW Man! I mean WOW!, Boopdedo, "Someone clean up this place!", Boopdedo, "I'm starving! Ring for a pizza! 

Three Little Pigs: Three little pigs lived with their mumma in a cottage so cosy and warm. Three little pigs lived with their mumma in a cottage so cosy and warm.   Said pig number one, the time has come to build a little house of my own . Mumma gave a little sob and she gave a little sigh and she waved her little hankie,Bye bye bye bye bye.   Three little pigs lived with their mumma in a cottage so cosy and warm. Said pig number two, that's what I'll do I'll build a little house of my own. . Mumma gave a little sob and she gave a little sigh and she waved her little hankie, Bye bye bye bye bye.   Said pig number three, Hey wait for me to build a little house of my own. Mumma gave a little sob and she gave a little sigh and she waved her little hankie, Bye bye bye bye bye.   The first little pig built a house of straw. Warm and cosy as he was before,  and then ALONG! CAME! THE WOLF!   Little pig. Open the door. My tummy's empty and my feet are sore, No way Man! Said pig number ONE,  so clear off SCRAM! Before I tell my mum.   Then I'll Huff, and I'll Puff, and I'll Blow your house down.  Number one ran to pig number TWO. His house was made of wood, and sticks and glueand then ALONG! CAME! THE WOLF!   Little pigs. Open the door. My tummy's empty and my feet are sore,  No way Man! Said pigs ONE and TWO. CLEAR OFF SCRAM! GOODBYE! TOODLEOO!   Then I'll Huff, and I'll Puff, and I'll Blow your house down. ONE and TWO ran to pig number three. His House was bricks and mortar cement and a keyand then ALONG! CAME! THE WOLF!   Little pigs. Open the door. My tummy's empty and my feet are sore,  No way Man! Said ONE, TWO and THREE, so clear off SCRAM! and DON'T BOTHER METhen I'll Huff, and I'll Puff, and I'll Blow your house down.   Get the boiling water Get the pot fire in the belly stove, Roaring Hot! Down the chimney he came with a crash! Into the pot with a mighty SPLASH!   YOW!   Hello Mother, this is pig number three How would you like to come over for tea? Hmm?  

Motion Sickness 1995

Synopsis: This is a musical about committee meetings—hence the title. In particular, it is about an un-named university committee’s misguided attempt to create and stage a musical to raise funds for homeless students. There are five meeting in all, at which nothing is decided; every decision is instead made over the photocopier. The business manager has a gambling problem, another committee member has a pathological desire to obtain a chair—professorship. The Vice Chancellor is a ‘committee-speak’ tragic. The drama lecturer is determined to choreograph the show, and compose the music himself, in order to demonstrate his unrecognised ‘geniusness’. The show eventually opens in all its execrable glory, but is dramatically cut short by a bomb blast. As a result of all of ‘behind-the-scenes’ plotting and various attempts at sabotage, the only truly honourable and innocent committee member—Eunice; the mother of a student—finds herself charged with embezzlement, criminal damage and attempted murder. All is resolved at the eleventh hour however, when the V.C. openly and ineptly declares his love for Eunice, and all of the other crises are finally laid to rest.

Songs: Act One:1 Judgment Day, Marche funèbre, Chorus , 2 Poly-competent committee, Allegretto giocoso ,Committee , 3 When you need someone, Cantabile espressivo, Pam, Brian , 4. What's it all about?, Aria filosofica, Sean, Chorus , 5 Razzamatazz, Ostentato molto troppo ,Quentin, chorus , 6 I manage like a marvel, Aria di direttore, Vice-chancellor, 7 I must prevail, Allegro fuoco ,Sioux , 8 Pause and ponder, Valsa d'amore,V-C, Eunice, 9 Out of the ordinary, Entr'acte non ordinario, Chorus, Act Two:10 Panic, Presto molto agitato, Chorus, 11 That man has got to go,Allegretto con furia,Sioux, Rain Pam, Brian, Sean , 12 The thorn within our flesh, Aria pungente à cinque voce, Sioux, Rain Pam, Brian, Sean, 13 Pause and ponder (reprise), Valsa torbida , V-C, Eunice, 14 How can you love me?, Duetto triste, Sean, Rain, 15 We all support the motion, Allegretto pro moto, Brian, Chorus, 16 She's in trouble now, Fugato à quattro voce, Leads, chorus, 17 Judgment Day (reprise), Marche funèbre, Chorus, 18 Experience, Coro magnifico, Whole cast, 

If you go down in the woods today 1996

Synopsis: The Woodcutters, led by Aspen, are at loggerheads with the Grass People, led by Rye. The Woodcutters want to release the inner beauty of the trees, while their opposite want to retain the pristine forest. Enter the Auctioneer, who signals the forthcoming sale of a block of forest. What he hasn’t said however is that the winning bidder will be the one with the most convincing ideological argument. The Woman of the wood sets the cat among the pigeons and forewarns both parties that they need to prepare solid arguments. At the auction, both parties realise that their opponents have been pre-warned about the bidding and a massive battle ensues. However, all is not as it seems, Sedge (the Grass People’s second in charge) is in fact a spy from the Woodcutters camp. The head of the woodcutters—Cedar, is a spy for the Grass People, and to cap it off the Aspen has fallen in love with Rye. Needless to say the auctioneer narrowly avoids a lynching, the warring factions resolve their differences and the lovers seal their unions, through the timely intervention of the wise storyteller.

Songs: 1. Oh, the world will soon be sleeping (The velvet night’s descending), 2. We fancy this forest enchanting, 3. The sunlight lights on the green leaves, 4. Retreat into our secret realm, 5. Oh Horror! Discovered, 6. I find my thoughts are all of a daze, 7. What am I bid?, 8. Thank God! there’s no-one here yet., 9. Hymn to peace and love, 10. The poor farmer, 11. We’re off to the auction, 12. We're feeling very het up, 13. Alone, Alone!, 14. Really isn’t it strange, 15. Lo! The mighty liberator comes,  

The velvet night’s descending: Oh, the world will soon be sleeping, for the sun’s retired to snooze, and with stealthy footsteps creeping, comes the moon in silent shoes, and the magpie’s ceased her singing, in the shiny, silver trees, and the soundless owl is winging, through the hushing summer breeze. Oh, the workaday is ending, as the daylight drifts away, and the busy things we’re doing, must await another day. Weary grandma yawns and settles, into dreamingful repose, and her eyelids droop like petals, on the fading summer rose. Oh, the velvet night’s descending, making faces fade from view, leaving only lulling voices, lapping darkness me and you, Ahhh, lapping darkness me and you.

The Poor Farmer: Oh, once there lived a farmer and his wife, I've heard it told, for many years, with not a care encumbered, but finally, when both of them were very, very old, they realized their earthly days were numbered. Oh, fol derry dol, fol derry-derry dee, they realized their earthly days were numbered.  The farmer said, "I've had a long and happy life, I'd like to die in peace on my verandah, surrounded by my loved ones - you, my dearest, darling wife, our fluffy lamb, our goose, and faithful gander. Oh, fol derry dol, fol derry-derry dee, our fluffy lamb, our goose, and faithful gander.  Their story reached the hearing of the townsfolk far away. Those worthy ones, aflame with good intentions, got up a, deputation to explain to them the way to qualify for meals-on-wheels and pensions. Oh, fol derry dol, fol derry-derry dee, to qualify for meals on wheels and pensions.  A butcher said, "Just kill the gander, lamb and goose, with food in stock you can avoid a drama" An an'mal liberationist said, "Set the creatures loose: they've got more right to living than the farmer." Oh, fol derry dol, fol derry-derry dee, they've got more right to living than the farmer."  A social worker said, "Of course, you'll have to move away" your case is one with many complex facets. So give the goose and gander to the RSPCA, and you can pass the means test on your assets. Oh, fol derry dol, fol derry-derry dee, and you can pass the means test on your assets.  Between the three advisers there arose a fierce fight, and members of their factions soon made entry. For days on end they fought and argued far into the night, a film-crew came and made a documentary. Oh, fol derry dol, fol derry-derry dee, a film-crew came and made a documentary.  Then after days of battle, hiding from the hellish strife, with nothing more to eat than when it started, the lamb, the goose, the gander, and the farmer and his wife in mis'ry from this earthly life departed. Oh, fol derry dol, fol derry-derry dee, in mis'ry from this earthly life departed. Now I’m not very subtle, and I’m just a simple soul, but tragic is the way I see this story. For people don’t believe in leaving well enough alone, they cannot see that dignity is glory. Oh, fol derry dol, fol derry-derry dee, They cannot see that dignity is glory.

Court in the Act 1999

Synopsis: In the magistracy of Newstead, His Worship must preside over local recalcitrants, when he’d much rather to be chasing the tench in the local river. Constable O’Rourke presents cases of ‘rubbery underarms’, ‘sticking up’, ‘failure to pay a toll’ and ‘theft of a plum pudding’ among others. The local constable is not the only drink-affected party; the lawyer Mr Deakin and many of the local citizens are regulars at the local hostelry. Finally, a charge of public infraction against Amy Phillips for the assault of Constable Manson, upon closer scrutiny turns out to be nothing more than a lover’s tiff. Their heartfelt reconciliation in the courtroom moves the judge to tears, and draws the proceedings to a happy close.

Songs: 1. Song of settlement (Whole cast, except Magistrate)  2. Her Majesty's marvellous magistrate (Magistrate, Chorus)  3. The oath (Policeman)  4. Oh, ill-disciplined defendant (Chorus)  5. In my own special way (Lawyer)  6. I hear the fish are biting (Magistrate, Chorus)  7. Call Mrs Annie Grimes (Clerk, Lawyer)  8. Seize the day (James Whitby)  9. Oh, plum pudding (Magistrate, Policeman, Whitby, Chorus, Clerk)  10. Love Duet (Amy, Policeman)  11. Finale (Whole Cast)

I hear the fish are biting (Magistrate, Chorus) Oh, I hear the fish are biting, and they say the trout are out. The locals have all been skiting there's been a barramundi sighting, the Murray cod are up and fighting, in the waterways hereabout. I'd very much rather be angling, I'd rather be chasing the tench, than to listen to litigants wrangling while I'm warming my bum on the bench. Oh, the piscatorial surprises I've enjoyed on the bank at dawn! I recall how the redfin rises, and the salmon of such sizes, while I drowse through the damned assizes, with a magisterial yawn. I'd very much rather be angling, I'd rather be chasing the tench, than to listen to litigants wrangling while I'm warming my bum on the bench. I'd very much rather be angling, I'd rather be chasing the tench, than to listen to litigants wrangling while he's la la la, lalala, la lala la, while he's lalalalala (he's lalalalala) he's lalalalalalalalala on the bench. 

Seize the day (James Whitby) There's a tide in the affairs of men, which, taken at the flood, leads on to luck; omitted, leaves you floundering in the mud in shallows and in miseries. On such a sea afloat, you must take the current when it serves, or else you miss the boat. Act then, so the die is cast - he who hesitates is last, seize the day, don't count the cost - who procrastinates is lost. The ancient Hebrews, too, spoke of divine-appointed hours which men must seize with faith before the waning of their powers; and scholars such as Augustine and Socrates maintain that opportunity knocks once, and never calls again. Act then…You must take the opportunities that fortune sends along; if they're striking up the music, you should break out into song. When you see the iron is piping hot, then strike without delay; when you see the sun is shining, start to manufacture hay. Act then… There's a tide in the affairs of men, which, taken at the flood, leads on to luck; omitted, leaves you floundering in the mud in shallows and in miseries. On such a sea a-float, you must take the cur-rent when it serves, or else you miss the boat. Act then… The ancient He-brews, too, spoke of divine appointed hours which men must seize with faith be-fore the waning of their powers; and scholars such as Augustine and Socrates maintain that opportunity knocks once, and never calls again. Act then… You must take the opportunities that for-tune sends a-long; if they're striking up the mu-sic, you should break out in-to song. When you see the iron is pi-ping hot, then strike without de-lay; when you see the sun is shining, start to manufacture hay. Act then, so the die is cast - he who hesitates is last, seize the day, don't count the cost - who procrastinates is lost. 

Girt by Sea 2001

SYNOPSIS It is New Year's Eve, 1900. To celebrate the coming of the twentieth century and with it the federation of the colonies into the Commonwealth, the small seaside town of Girt-by-Sea is putting on a concert. It is easy enough to organize the programme, but not so easy is sorting out the personal rivalries, illicit affairs, and political protests that threaten to ruin the show. At the climax of the evening, the old gas lamps are turned off, and at the stroke of midnight, modern electric lights are turned on to symbolize the new century and the new country. But a lot can happen in those few minutes of darkness: Girt-by-Sea's welcome to federation is not quite what anyone had envisaged. 

Songs: 1. Constitutional Arithmetic Part 1 Cast, 2. Constitutional Arithmetic Part 2 Cast, 3. I’ll Gladly Lead Alfred Crump, 4. Lady M’s Song (Part I)  Lady Marguerite McCloghan, 5. Song of Revolution Constance, Matilda, William, George, 6. A lamb led to the slaughter Alfred Crump, 7. The Jewel in the Crown Cast, 8. Tarruppatty Tump tee tee Cast, 9. Sweet Mary May Cast, 10.  Let there be light Tom Woods, Cast, 

Sweet Mary May: Oh, I love a lass, she’s the fairest in the land, And her name’s Sweet Mary May, To woo her and wed her: Oh, wouldn’t it be grand, And to make her mine for aye? Chorus Oh, Mary May, Sweet Mary May, If I offer my heart, what will you say? Oh, please say yes, do not say me nay, for I love you so, Sweet Mary May. Oh, her hair is thick and as rich as burnished bronze, and it glows with a golden light, and her big soft eyes like the deep and silent ponds that shine on a moonlit night. (Chorus under) Tom: Oh, Betty dear, Sweet Betty dear, I’ve got my poem in my pocket here. Betty: How I long to hear what you have to say when the lights go out we’ll slip away Ch: How I long to take her gently in my arms, and hold her ever near, and to kiss her lips, with their rosy petal charms, and to whisper in her ear. (Chorus under) Constance: I’ve got the chains, and I’ve got the lock; oh, aren’t they in for a mighty shock. William: With my homemade bomb, I’ll cause dismay, when the lights go out, I’ll slip away. Ch: Oh, to let her hair with my fingers all entwine, and to feel her heart beat true, When she says to me she forever will be mine, Yes for all our long life through! (Chorus under) Matilda: Oh, Georgie sweet, my Georgie sweet, I’ll see you out the back, where we planned to meet. George: And I’ll be there with the horse and the dray, when the lights go out, we’ll slip away. Ch: Oh, my gold is none, my belongings very few, And I have no worldly worth, but if she blushes and softly says “I do”, I’ll be the richest man on earth. (Chorus under) Lady M: O, daughter mine, O, daughter mine, I’ve got a funny feeling I can’t define: I’ll be following closely, lest you start to stray, when the lights go out, don’t try to slip away. Chorus  Final

Petty Crimes 2002

Petty Crimes the musical, has never been staged. A number of the songs have been given concert performances.

Synopsis: The small township of Mulga West is experiencing a serious economic downturn with the closure of all bank and business branches and depots. Even the police station is under threat of closure. This is a particularly painful prospect, as it would entail the loss of the football team’s main scorer - senior Constable ‘Bruiser’ Molloy.  The council embarks on a daring enterprise to retain its constable, and sustain its regional community. Ron Petty is recruited to initiate a crime wave that would necessitate the retention of the local police presence. The scheme proves to be an ‘overwhelming’ success. Unfortunately, they get quite a bit more than they bargained for.

Songs: 1. Half-past three in the afternoon(Soloist and chorus), 2. Your call’s important, 3. Football song   (Bert, Janet, Kath, Wal, Chorus), 4. Recessional, 5. Dese bones(Progress Association, Chorus), 6. This Lady’s on a Roll (Lolly, Chorus), 7. All through the night(Whole cast), 8. Liberating property (Chorus), 9. Laughing song(Progress Association, Angela, Petty), 10. Tea at the vicarage—finale(Whole cast), 

Your call’s important. For calling us we thank you, yes, we’re grateful for your call. And for sure you can be sure you won’t have long to wait at all.  For the moment lines are busy, all consultants occupied, but because your call’s important we’re delighted to provide a range of options. Press one if you need some good advice; Press two if you want to know the price; Press three if a question will suffice, we’ll be with you in a trice; Press four if you have a fair complaint; Press five if you’re losing your restraint; Press six if you find you’re feeling feint, with the patience of a saint, Press seven if you don’t know what to do, Press eight if you feel like shooting through Press nine if you want to scream, and then To run through them once again Press ten State. Your call is so important, and to cheer you while you wait we will play some golden oldies and   the weather for the state: You left me crying in the chapel, and my tears are falling rain. Yes, today will be quite stormy, but tomorrow, fine again. Thanks for waiting while we’re busy, and your call is in the queue; we repeat: your call’s important; so once more let’s take you through the range of options. Press one … if you need, etc.

Bell Topper 2008

Synopsis: Bell Topper is the local name of the hill on which the California Gully Primary School sits. The musical presents the poignant story of the struggle of the California Gully community to establish a school in the late 1800s. They faced bureaucratic hurdles, local gamesmanship and rivalries. Featuring large choruses and dramatic tableaux, the show portrays different episodes in the saga. The Mothers’ auxiliary makes a feature appearance. Other scenes depict the Wesleyan Church connection, the influx of the Cornish and Californian miners, the ‘boys from sloyd’—the local bullies, and the ongoing struggle to secure a water supply to the school.

Songs: SCENE 1a: GOLD, GOLD, GOLD!, SCENE 1b: Percussion dance. GOLD-Reprise, SCENE 2: All things bright and beautiful, SCENE 3: Water, SCENE 4: Water-Reprise, SCENE 5: The Minister’s assistant, SCENE 6: Battle Dance, SCENE 7: Bell Topper, SCENE 8: Ask a woman, SCENE 9: Practical subjects, SCENE 10: Bullies, SCENE 11: Bell Topper - Reprise,