Ararat Les Mis cast creating history
A‘bucket-list’ production for many regional actors and audiences alike is set to be the biggest show Ararat Musical Comedy Society has staged.
On a grand-scale set singing ‘tear-jerking’ anthems, a cast of 60 will bring acclaimed musical Les Misérables to life at Ararat Town Hall across eight performances this month.
Stephen Armati, who plays lead character Jean Valjean, said the society and performers were fortunate to be part of one of the largest shows in theatre history.
“I’ve been performing for about 15 years and played big roles before, but this is at a whole other level,” he said.
“This is the biggest show the society has put on in its 40-plus years and is on a lot of performers’ bucket lists.
“A big show like this and sourcing actors is unfortunately something a lot of small towns find hard to put together, which is what makes this production so special.”
Armati, from Ballarat, has extensive theatre experience, performing in roles such as ‘Beast’ from Albury-wodonga Theatre Company’s Beauty and the Beast, and directing Jekyll and Hyde and Jesus Christ Superstar for Ballarat Lyrics Theatre.
Despite this, he admitted he had never
experienced a performance like Les Misérables, which he attributed to the production’s constant revitalization on live stage.
“This show has been around for a long time, but what makes it special for performers and audiences is the subtle changes that are constantly being made,” he said.
“So many people know this show so well, and they can be very unforgiving if you don’t do it justice.
“But the magic of theatre in my eyes is that every performance is different.
“I’ve been very impressed with the cast. They want to be here, and they are very proud of what they are creating. So am I.”
Ararat actor Russell Purdie, playing the role of Javert, said the magnitude and experiences of the cast helped to create not only a ‘phenomenal’ production for audiences, but also an inspiring and supportive environment for performers.
“We’re really fortunate we have people like Stephen Armati, who has experience in directing, because we can take those skills and use them well,” he said.
“And having such a big cast is great because you have support along the way.
“For me personally, I had a double bypass in November last year, which was something that came as a bit of a surprise for a lot of people.
“The show has been something I have been looking forward to and has driven my recovery – it’s kept me hanging on.”
As the cast and production team ‘refine and polish’ the show in preparation for opening night, Armati and Purdie said people should take advantage of such a rare and epic production in regional Victoria.
“This show has been three years in the planning, and I think it will be a sell-out,” Armati said.
“People will laugh, people will cry, they’ll be moved and challenged. There is definitely something for everyone.
“You don’t want to regret not coming along. This is a show that might not come back to the area for 10 years, see it while you can.”
People can buy tickets for the show, from June 15 to 30, online at www. stagecenta.com or by calling 02 6253 1454 Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm.