Creating an epic production of Grease: The Arena Spectacular Live is both a challenge and a ‘‘fantastic'' opportunity for Taieri Musical Society and Doug Kamo's DKCM Ltd.
The massive show, to be staged at More FM Arena at the Edgar Centre in Dunedin on July 21 and 22, will bring a new and exciting interpretation to a musical theatre classic.
For director Doug Kamo and the production team, including choreographer Emma Holloway, vocal coach Michael Grant and costume designer Jennifer Hughson, the production is a golden opportunity to take a fresh look at Grease.
‘‘We are taking a musical with a cult following and giving it a complete makeover on a scale never before seen in this part of the world,'' Mr Kamo said.
That makeover starts with the creation of a set on a gigantic scale, complete with a huge multimedia component, as well as up to 1000 pieces of costuming and accessories.
Dunedin fashion designer Jennifer Hughson, who runs her own Pansy Couture label and has been involved in musical theatre since she was a teenager, both as a performer and behind the scenes, is delighted to be taking on this Herculean task.
‘‘The fantastic thing about the design for this production is that we have the chance to totally start from scratch - which is pretty much unheard of,'' Mrs Hughson said.
With 45 cast members to design for, some of whom would require several costume changes, the costumes would involve everything from the customised gear of the Pink Ladies and the T Birds through to ‘‘surrealist showgirl'' outfits for the Beauty School Dropout number.
The fresh, sexy take on the costumes would help to give a fresh feel to the well-loved characters, she said.
‘‘Each cast member will feel like their character as soon as they put their costume on.''.
Executive producer Tania Graham and Mr Kamo are also thrilled to have Dunedin rock stalwarts the Oxo Cubans on board for the Taieri Musical Society production, to create a solid, yet nimble base for the show.
‘‘We needed a group of exceptional session musicians who were able to make adjustments in the rehearsal room, on the fly ... and also ensure the end product was of the highest standard,'' Ms Graham said.
The audition process is about to get under way, starting with a series of workshops on February 22, 24 and 29, followed by auditions from March 3 to 6.
The workshops would give performers the chance to gain confidence with the show's routines before attending auditions, giving them every opportunity to put their best foot forward, Mr Kamo said.
• For information and audition packs, visit the website www.grease-arena.co.nz
