Musikmakers’ latest show a sister act

Break a leg took a literal meaning for Musikmakers’ latest show.

Hamilton actress Giane Gardyne was cast as the leading female in the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, Oklahoma!

Three weeks from opening night, Giane broke her ankle during a dance competition, forcing her to pull out of the production.

In true Hollywood form, the race was on to find a new leading lady.

Urgent re-auditions were held, and among those who attended, was Giane’s sister Grier, who had already been cast as Gertie.

‘‘I knew Grier had the acting skills required, and like her sister, she is a trained dancer and singer,’’ director Jane Barnett said.

‘‘Grier was doing such a great job in her role as Gertie that I had to really think about re-casting her, but in the end, that was our best option.

‘‘That left me with the dilemma of how to fill the role of Gertie.’’

But as luck would have it, she cast into the ensemble a young actor who had played the role of Gertie in last year’s St Paul’s Collegiate School production of Oklahoma!

‘‘Emily Dela Rue did an excellent job at St Paul’s, I had seen the production, and so we invited her to take on the role for us,’’ Barnett said.

She is amazed at how quickly both her new leads have developed their roles. The company is now on-track to open as planned on Saturday night.

Perennial favourites Oh What a Beautiful Morning, Cain’t Say No, and People Will Say We’re In Love will feature in the show at Riverlea Theatre.

Oklahoma! has won four Laurence Olivier Awards, including Best Musical Production, as well as the 1999 International Emmy Award.

Set in a Western Indian territory just after the turn of the cen- tury, the play tells the story of a high-spirited rivalry between local farmers and cowboys.

Curly, a handsome cowboy, and Laurey, a winsome farm girl, play out their love story while being surrounded by a range of other interesting characters.

Family is the focus for the Musikmakers’ production. A family of four can attend for $95, and a family of three for $75, Barnett said.

Oklahoma! will run at Riverlea Theatre, 83 Riverlea Rd, from August 5-19. More details about performances and pricing can be found at www.iticket.co.nz.