Lyric up to challenge
LEONGATHA Lyric Theatre has always had a reputation for taking risks and achieving great things.
Past shows such as Jesus Christ Superstar, Kiss Me, Kate and Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat have wowed audiences and have been critically acclaimed across Victoria.
In 2011 it will be no different with Leongatha Lyric Theatre staging one of its most challenging musical productions ever, Jekyll and Hyde.
The show opens on Friday, July 15 at 8pm at Mesley Hall, Leongatha.
This will be only the third time Jekyll and Hyde has been performed in Victoria and some of the cast are travelling over two hours so they can be part of this unique event.
The cast is believed to be the most experienced cast ever put on stage in Leongatha, with combined experience of more than 1000 productions, and 100 nominations and awards for their performances. The majority of the cast have undertaken leading roles and many have worked professionally in the industry.
The show is a musical adaptation of the timeless Robert Lewis Stevenson novel of the same name.
It follows the trials and tribulations of scientist Dr Jekyll and his unwavering pursuit to rid the human soul of evil thoughts and deeds.
The audience are introduced to the characters of London and experience how they deal with the unexplained absence of an estranged friend and the emergence of a crazed madman.
The show’s director Nathan Eva has returned to the company after completing his university studies.
While he was studying Nathan has also been performing in amateur theatre in Melbourne, his last show being Chorus Line for Panorama Theatre Company.
Nathan is familiar with Lyric, having been part of shows during his teenage years. He was a memorable actor in Grease, Jesus Christ Superstar, Kiss Me Kate and Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat as well as winning the Geoff Perrett rising star award in 2005.
Recently, Nathan directed and choreographed FAMDA’S The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee in which his sister Jemima starred.
This production was hugely successful and scooped the pool of many awards at the Gippsland Associated Theatre awards and Nathan gained recognition by the Music Theatre Guild of Victoria for his directing skills.
Nathan has family in Leongatha (Lyric president Mark Eva is his father) so Lyric loves to have the continuing connection with him.
The company is excited at having Andrea Carcassi play the dual roles of Henry Jekyll and Edward Hyde.
Andrea is a professional bass baritone and sings with opera companies in Australia, here and in Europe.
Andrea studied his craft at the Victorian College of the Arts and the University of New England, majoring in music performance and theatre and graduated in 2008 into a professional career.
He has had a busy year this year with more operatic work to follow Lyric’s show.
The company is delighted and privileged to have Andrea in the production.
Andrea’s leading lady in the production, Brodie Dorling, is a talented 19-year-old actress and singer from the Latrobe Valley. Brodie’s most recent role was that of Maria in The Sound of Music in the valley.
By contrast, in Jekyll and Hyde, Brodie plays the alluring Lucy Harris, a lady of the night. It will be exciting and rewarding to play opposite a singer and actor of the calibre of Andrea.
Elizabeth Barry, a Warragul resident and student of the Victorian College of the Arts, will play Jekyll’s fiancé Emma, whilst Terry Lay, a Lyric regular and favourite, will play Jekyll’s confidant John Utterson.
Directing the music is Colin Chandler.
Colin studied music performance at Victorian College of Arts and has been playing trumpet since age 10.
He has worked with prominent classical orchestras in Melbourne and also has clocked up about 40 amateur shows in bands and combos.
Colin lives locally and has been involved with the secondary schools music program.
Vocal direction will be overseen by Cheryl Connor.
Cheryl began her musical career at aged four with piano lessons from her mother.
Many years of singing and ballet lessons followed, leading to a love of musical theatre in which she played lead roles.
Her special interest in choirs led her to be a director of a several groups over the years.
Cheryl is warmly welcomed back to her fifth Lyric show.
Ticket sales for Jekyll and Hyde are at Mushroom Crafts, Bair Street, Leongatha. Phone 5662 3940 for bookings and enquiries, and get in quick because tickets will sell out quickly.
Stage ready: Brodie Dorling, Scott Miller and Christine Skicko feature in Leongatha Lyric Theatre's show.
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Posted by admin on Jul 5 2011. Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Community, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry
