Ararat performers ready for Curtains

The director of Ararat Musical Comedy Society’s production of Curtains, starting this weekend, said he had been ‘blown away’ by the ability of all involved in the show.

Andrew Evans said preparations for the comedy murder-mystery had been fantastic and as director he had been blessed with a ‘remarkable’ cast.

“I’ve been extraordinarily lucky to work with such a quality group of people,” he said.

“The acting, singing, dancing, everything is just superb. It’s a big show, with a great script and is really engaging.”

Curtains will open at Stawell Entertainment Centre on Saturday night and continue with a matinee performance on Sunday.

Other performances will be on June 1, 2 and 3. The show has a large list of principal performers including Grant Johnson, Joyce Clery, Bec Mckay, Russell Purdie, Christine Bulger, Derek Pope, Bryan Kennedy, Daryl Lowerson, Jack Ward, Craig Jackson, Maree Fraser-crop, Melissa Sanders and Rennie Hannan.

Ararat City Band is providing music for the show under leader Wade Carman, who also has a role in the ‘show within a show’ production. Dynamic Dance Ararat performers also feature.

Evans said the mix of talent, experience and age in the show was as good as it was broad.

“We have superb actors, wonderful singers, outstanding dancers and people on stage ranging in age from 11 or 12 to their 70s,” he said.

“The show really has all the elements that make for a great night of family entertainment.”

The Ararat group has scheduled its show at Stawell because Ararat Performing Arts Centre is undergoing redevelopment.

“We have a great location and a great venue, and people such as vocal director Leanne Mccready have put an enormous amount of work into the production,” Evans said.

“We have young people working on the sound board and a hardworking behind-the-scenes group. It is really a very big family.”

Tickets are available online at www.stagecenta.com and are also available from the venue on the night.