Electric performance guaranteed
Wimmera performers have been donning acid-wash and tight leather outfits in preparation for Horsham Arts Council’s latest production – Rock of Ages.
The eight-show production, starting at Horsham Town Hall on May 9 and finishing on May 18, features a rockin’ 80s playlist and nine new Horsham Arts Council members.
Council president Simon Dandy, playing ‘Hertz Klinneman’, said the production was like a live concert and he was excited for cast members to finally take to the stage after months of hard work.
“We have nine new members on stage who are new cast members at Horsham Arts Council,” he said.
“The lead role is played by Dylan Shalless from Ballarat. I think the audience will really appreciate we have a lot of local talent on show with this production.”
Rock of Ages follows small-town girl ‘Sherrie’ and city boy ‘Drew’, who meet on Los Angeles’ Sunset Strip and fall in love while chasing their performing-arts dreams.
Built on a back-drop of 1980s Hollywood and featuring famous glam metal outfits of the decade, the rock ’n’ roll fairytale ensures big drama, big hair and some of the biggest rock songs of the 80s.
Director Erin Boutcher, making her directorial debut for Horsham Arts Council, said Wimmera audiences could anticipate ‘electric energy’.
“I have seen Rock of Ages performed a few times and just thought, wow – the energy is so high right from the start,” she said.
“I think Horsham will love it. I know a lot of the rock music events here do really well.
“It is 80s music that everyone will know, so I just can’t wait for the audience to hear the songs. We are all really excited.”
People can visit www.horshamtownhall.com.au or call the town hall box office on 5382 9555 to book tickets.
Principal roles
Eleni Vettos Role: Regina What is your favourite song in the show and why? My favourite song would have to be ‘Hit Me With Your Best Shot’. The musical arrangement is really quirky, the scene is absolutely hilarious, and the choreography Liam and I perform is going to captivate every single audience member. If you were an 80s rock star, who would you be and why? Tina Turner. We are both sassy, highly energetic, bring a positive and loving vibe to the people around us and thrive on shaking our tail feathers on a stage. Most memorable 80s fashion statement? As a teenager I went through a massive 80s phase, so I think the most memorable fashion statement that stood out for me was the colour, denim and oversized outfits. Why should people come and see the show? It’s a show that many audience members will be able to rock along to. There are a range of fresh new faces and talent in the cast and live rock ’n’ roll music from a band that will not disappoint. Rachel Da Graca Costa
Role: Sherrie What is your favourite song in the show and why? Every time we rehearse a new song you will hear the words, ‘this is my favourite!’ It’s a tie between ‘Harden My Heart’ by Quarterflash, and ‘High Enough’ by Damn Yankees. But when you are competing against songs from Journey, Styx, Bon Jovi… tough decision. If you were an 80s rock star, who would you be and why? Stevie Nicks, part rocker, part hippy, part diva. She had both a killer solo career and gets to sing with Fleetwood Mac. Most memorable 80s fashion statement? I didn’t arrive until the 90s, but I do have a fondness for acid-wash and studded leather which will both feature in this show – a lot. Why should people come and see the show? Rock of Ages has brought together such an amazing cast of performers and each person brings with them something extra that is really going to make it memorable. This is not your usual ‘night at the theatre’, it’s about as close to a rock concert as any musical is going to get. I can guarantee the audience better prepare to have their minds blown.
Dylan Shalless Role: Drew Boley What is your favourite song in the show and why? ‘Here I Go Again’. What’s not to love about a rip-roaring end-of-act number with the full ensemble and principals all getting to sink their teeth into a high-energy rock-ballad? If you were an 80s rock star, who would you be and why? David Lee Roth, big antics and bigger hair, although honestly, I’d settle for any 80s rock star, because I just wanna rock! Most memorable 80s fashion statement? Tight leather pants. I used to have a pair and loved them more than any other item of clothing I’ve owned. Why should people come and see the show? For a rockin’ good time, an adorable love story and a flashback to the 80s like no other.
Liam Robertson Role: Franz Kleinmann What is your favourite song in the show and why? My favourite song would have to be ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ because it is the finale to the whole show and is such a feel-good song. If you were an 80s rock star, who would you be and why? As a 2000s child I’m nervous that I’ll accidentally say someone who wasn’t an 80s rock star, so I guess I don’t know which 80s rock star I’d choose to be. Most memorable 80s fashion statement? The best fashion statement of the 80s would have to be double denim. Why should people come and see the show? Because it is not only a hilarious show, but it also has hit songs from the 80s that everyone will know.