Opera Queensland looks for Toowoomba locals

TOOWOOMBA singers will have their chance to shine when Opera Queensland holds Project G&S auditions for its star-studded production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Ruddigore, or the Witch’s Curse!.

Successful Toowoomba singers – 10 men and 10 women – will take part in a free intensive development program over eight weeks of rehearsals, honing their singing, dancing and stagecraft skills with a local chorus master and assistant director Sean Andrews.

Project G&S chorus members will form new friendships, meet creative contacts and learn a thing or two about gothic horror, humour and hijinks – before taking centre stage at the Empire Theatre on Thursday, August 23.

Opera Queensland will be working with a passionate Toowoomba chorus master, rehearsal co-ordinator and Toowoomba Regional Council to ensure the highest standard of performance and personal development opportunities are achieved for the 20 selected local singers.

With chorus ladies frocked up as bridesmaids and gentlemen donning cricket whites, successful auditionees will sing alongside Ruddigore’s impressive cast, including stage and screen actor Bryan Probets, multi-talented Kransky sister Christine Johnston, effervescent soprano Natalie Christie Peluso and Helpmann award winner Kanen Breen.

Opera Queensland manager of open stage Mark Taylor said he can’t wait for Project G&S to transform the lives of more Queenslanders when auditions kick off in February.

“This year I have the pleasure of working with Opera Queensland’s star music director, Narelle French, who will head the audition process,” Mr Taylor said.

“Narelle is one of Australia’s most respected and versatile pianists and musicians and I cannot wait for her to witness some of the great talent Toowoomba has to offer.”

Register for Project G&S by 5pm Thursday, February 8, at www.operaq.com.au/projectgs.

The Toowoomba audition will be held Monday and Tuesday, March 26 and 27, at the Empire Theatre.