Time is ticking for fairytale production
Time is running out to purchase discounted tickets to Hawera’s upcoming musical fairytale Beauty and the Beast.
Early bird prices end on Monday April 1 and standard charges will begin to apply.
Director Samantha Turner said people often wondered how much major productions cost the Hawera Repertory Society to stage.
‘‘In the case of 2017’s Beauty and the Beast, it’s going to be over $100,000,’’ she said. ‘‘Hawera Repertory produces its own shows. The director controls all the artistic content of the show and the society supplies heads of department and all production requirements.’’
It can take up to two years for a budget to be accepted, ticket price set and the show dates confirmed. Beauty and the Beast will be on the Hawera Memorial Theatre stage from May 25 to June 3.
‘‘Around four to five months before the show is staged, auditions are advertised and held,’’ Turner said.
The 50 performers began rehearsing alongside show stars Krystal Leuthard (Belle) and Bergen Raikes (Beast) in January and Turner said they were required to commit three nights every week to preparing for their stage debut.
‘‘Casting successfully is one of the major hurdles. Once we’ve done that we have to pay advance royalties even though we haven’t sold any tickets yet.’’
Musical director Shaun Campbell said the effort put in to set construction, wardrobe design, advertising and orchestral development was a crucial component and ensured the production was ready on time.
‘‘About three weeks before opening, rehearsals move the theatre and we add in the lighting, sound and set pieces,’’ he said. ’’There can be up to 120 people at the theatre every night, including cast and crew, making each show happen.’’
Throughout the process everyone involved hoped ticket sales would be enough to produce and modest profit. ’’Without profit there can be no future shows or support for junior repertory,’’ Turner said. She hoped every performance would be a full house. ’’All ages — preschool through to senior citizens — will enjoy the songs, the dancing and the chance to get lost in a fairytale.’’
Tickets are available from www.ticketdirect.co.nz and at the South Taranaki i-Site. Seating choices can be made online.