By Cameron Weston
OVERTURE! Curtain! Lights!
The Williamstown Musical Theatre Company, a new face for an old player in the Hobsons Bay Arts scene, is about to make its debut – Broadway style.
The first offering from the WMTC, formed from the remnants of the Williamstown Light Opera Company, is Work in Progress, a musical variety show.
The show is on this weekend at the Williamstown Mechanics’ Institute, a venue that, like the WMTC itself, has recently undergone a major facelift.
Work in Progress director Anna Marinelli said there was a sense of excitement in the arts community about the rejuvenated theatre company.
“It has been great to see the company rise from the ashes like a veritable phoenix,” she said. She promise that Work in Progress would be a spectacular showcase of the performers’ talent and energy.
The show is designed as something of a homage to great musicals of the past but is also offers a taste of what can be expected from WMTC productions slated for the coming year.
The production will feature songs from decades of musical theatre including famous Broadway musicals like Cabaret, Calamity Jane, Kiss Me Kate and Chicago and jazz tunes and standards by the likes of Billie Holiday and Cole Porter.
The opening night has already sold out and bookings were strong for the rest of the season, Ms Marinelli said.
She said a state-wide casting call went out for the production, and a high quality cast and crew has been assembled.
“We were blown away with the level of talent we got at the auditions,” she said.
She said the cast and crew was eagerly anticipating the chance to be part of the inaugural production for the WMTC, in a venue that offers a unique experience for the performers and the audience alike.
“They are so excited to be involved in a brand-new theatre company,” she said.
And the excitement is understandable, as working conditions are set to improve for those who tread the boards at the Mechanics’ Institute.
Ms Marinelli said performers previously had to make costume changes in an area that was “backstage” in name only – a small “cottage” near the main building.
Performers had to dash outside, often through wind and rain, before running back to hit their cue.
“From a technical point of view, the new theatre is going to be very user friendly,” she said.
Ms Marinelli said many classic period features had been unearthed during the refurbishment and would be incorporated into the new interior.
Work in Progress is showing this Saturday (2pm and 7pm show) and Sunday (3pm show).
For booking information phone Ros on 0423 686 279.
