don't feed the plants...

Anyone who knows me knows I love a good musical, so it was with great excitement that I ventured out to Albury last night with my good friend Beth in tow to see a production of Little Shop of Horrors, being performed by Livid Productions.
I'm relatively new to their productions, but what has struck me since I've begun frequenting Livid's shows is their capacity to take a unique approach to the staging of their musicals, whether it be artistic staging and costumes, or just an interesting take on the material.
Far from being a neo-50s costumed affair like the movie, they gave it a more modern, punky edge which i really liked, giving Skid Row an air of menace.
I could not fault the vocal and acting performances, particularly Seymour (Ben Colley-McKinley), Audrey (Bianca Schmutter) and the Dentist (Jason Parker, who also tackles voice duties as Audrey II).
The choice of staging the show in the more intimate Butter Factory theatre venue, rather than the Albury Performing Arts Centre, was also a plus for this production.
Livid also managed to make me envious, revealing in their program that they will be tackling the fantastic Monty Python musical, Spamalot, next year! Can't wait for that.

12 angry jurors

Everyone loves a good courtroom drama, and the Wangaratta Players are bringing one of the classics of the genre to life in the coming week, with their staging of the classic 12 Angry Jurors (better known as 12 Angry Men, but with a mixed gender jury!)

The cast (pictured opposite) features a diverse cast of new and seasoned performers, some of whom made a splash in the Players' last production, Cabaret.

Featuring many new and well known performers, the show opens on August 27 at 8pm, with shows being performed on August 28, September 3 and 4 at 8pm and a matinee on September 4 at 3pm. Tickets are available at Edgars Newsagency in Wangaratta on (03) 57213758.

farewell old friend

A lot can change in a month. In the past month, my world, and the world of theatre in my area, has changed forever with the sudden and tragic death of my close friend, housemate, and amateur theatre contemporary Andrew Willett.

Ever since we first met in rehearsals for the Wangaratta Players production of Oklahoma in 2000, a time when I also met my close friend Reg Carmody, he was a friend, confidant and driving force in my life.

He achieved so much in theatre in his lifetime and has helped so many people discover their talents and strengths and set them on a positive path in life.

His confidence, talent, and sheer leadership made him an indelible influence on theatre and within our circle of friends. All I will say is that I will miss you, friend, and I will continue to try and look, as you often instructed, "on the bright side of life".