Snow White reinvisioned
Wimmera performers will help bring the age-old fairy tale Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to life ‘with a twist’ next month in a return to musical theatre.
Ararat Musical Comedy Society is planning multiple performances from mid-june in a long-awaited return to the stage after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The society will perform its own version of Snow White featured in Steampunk fashion – a genre that blends technology and fashion of the 19th century.
Society president Suellen Blackie said all cast and crew were ‘thrilled’ to make a return to musical theatre.
“In its almost 50-year history, the society has only ever been unable to perform on two occasions, once in 2007 when the Ararat Town Hall was undergoing one of its previous renovations, and last year, when the COVID-19 pandemic shut down all live theatre across the world, not just in Ararat,” she said.
“The cast and crew of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs are thrilled to finally return to the stage to perform in front of a live audience.”
Victorian-era costumes featuring top hats decorated with driving goggles and cogs, leather belts and boots will be the core theme of the production.
Mrs Blackie said music selected for the production would be similar to songs from modern musical theatre such as Dear Evan Hansen, Newsies, High School Musical, Spamalot and the Descendants.
The society has attracted cast and crew from across the region for the production, including from Ararat, Ballarat, Stawell, Horsham and Warracknabeal.
In the title role of Snow White is experienced performer Faye Johns.
Her band of dwarfs includes Abbey Rigby as Prof, Kathleen Johns, Grumpy, Asher Dunks, Cheeky, Tyler Wineberg, Snoozy, Tash Eilola, Sniffly, Zaf Harrison-davies, Blusher and Peta Chaplin, Loopy.
Jarita Barry will bring to life the evil Queen Morgiana and Tony Potter will play her offsider Herman the Henchman.
Young newcomer Harry Belcher will play the role of Muddles the Jester.
Grant Johnson will play Prince Lorenzo, while Maiara Barry-goncalves will portray Fairy Goodheart and Lily Reid her apprentice.
Other characters include Deidre Andrews as the story teller, Deb
Slorach as Mrs Bowler, Richard Draper as The Mirror, Jodie Holwell as Hector the Guard and Evee Cosgriff as Hereward the Guard. An ensemble will support the cast.
Six performances have been scheduled from Friday, June 18 to Sunday, June 27, including two matinees, at Stawell Entertainment Centre.
Tickets are available online at www.stagecenta.com or by callingstagecenta on 02 6253 1454.