$100,000 Disney fairytale
Rehearsals have begun for Hawera Repertory Society’s $100,000 musical extravaganza.
The cast of Beauty and the Beast began preparing for its May 25 to June 3 performance on January 15.
Director Sam Turner said the 50-strong Beauty and the Beast cast is enthusiastic about staging the high profile show.
‘‘Everyone’s working hard, doing their homework and coming to rehearsals prepared. They have the enthusiasm to be here and be part of the team,’’ she said.
She had asked performers to keep fit because the fast-paced show requires plenty of energy and stamina.
‘‘Some of the performers have heavy costumes built by Weta Workshops and weighing several kilograms each,’’ she said.
‘‘That’s the real challenge for a lot of them, wearing such heavy costumes and moving.’’
Krystal Leuthard will play female lead Belle to Bergen Raikes’ Beast.
Both are seasoned performers. Leuthard hails from New Plymouth and Raikes’ from Hawera.
‘‘Krystal has always wanted this role, she’s the whole package and Bergen is a baritone with a lovely rich sound and a warmth that the beast needs,’’ Turner said.
Well-known locals Charles Pittams, Mike Powell, Deb Thomas, Richard Baylis and Carole Hosie will take to the stage alongside a list of newcomers and repertory devotees.
For now, they’re focusing on choreography and vocal training.
Turner spent the better part of 18 months planning and preparing to bring the well-known children’s fairytale to life on stage at Hawera’s Memorial Theatre it has been a labour of love for her.
‘‘Disney. It’s a classic, it’s timeless, the music, the songs, the whole thing. It’s one of those shows that is everything.’’
While practices have only just begun, early bird tickets have been on sale since Monday January 30.
Turner hoped every performance would be a full house.
‘‘All ages, preschool through to senior citizens, will enjoy the songs, the dancing and the chance to get lost in a fairytale.’’
Tickets are available from online at Ticket Direct and at the South Taranaki i-Site.