This month, a new musical based on Joan Lindsay’s classic 1967 Australian novel Picnic at Hanging Rock has its world premiere in New York.

Featuring book and lyrics by Australian playwright Hilary Bell and music by New York-based composer, singer-songwriter and producer Greta Gertler Gold (who was born in the US but grew up in Sydney), it opens off-Broadway, directed by Portia Krieger, Associate Director of Fun Home on Broadway.

Lindsay’s novel revolves around the disappearance of three schoolgirls and a teacher while they are picnicking at Hanging Rock (Ngannelong as it is called by the three local First Nations groups) in central Victoria on Valentine’s Day in 1900. The book was turned into a renowned 1975 film, directed by Peter Weir.

It was Gertler Gold who suggested a musical version. “To our astonishment the rights were available and affordable, so we leapt on them,” says Bell.

Asked what drew her to the novel, Gertler Gold says, “I’ve always loved writing for multiple women’s voices. I love the sound, and there are so many female characters. Also, the darkness and mystery of the story are a challenge, and I like unconventional musicals...