Eleven Wakatipu musicians should know in the next 24 hours if
they have been chosen to form the orchestra for the musical
Chicago, after a masterclass by the leader of the
National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art.
Accomplished pianist, arranger and composer Richard Marrett,
of Christchurch, and Chicago musical director Emma
Wilson welcomed 17 musical talents to a workshop on Saturday.
The hopefuls learned the essential elements of style and
techniques of the jazz-infused orchestral scores, then broke
into groups for analysis of the instruments available and the
best mixes for the orchestra.
It was the latest professional workshop organised by Showbiz
Queenstown. Visiting vocal coach Angela Johnson earlier this
month helped singing cast members recognise the different
vocal ranges the demanding musical required and the
techniques to sing correctly to avoid straining voices.
Chicago stars Nicole McLean (Velma), Fiona Stephenson
(Roxie), Rachael Gerard (Mama Morton), Rob Wells (Billy),
David Oakley (Amos) and K. R. Chuen (Mary Sunshine).
The Cell Block Widows will be played by Tania Carter, Amanda
Fearnehough, Zelia Horrell, Tiffany Menzies, Tiffany Mitchell
and Michelle Thayer.
The women's ensemble and cameos include Christiana Zhu,
Jacquie Ennis, Lisa Moore and Michelle Thayer.
The women's ensemble and dancers are Fiona Bracken, Kathleen
Brentwood, Helen Bird, Jodie Glintster, Paty Kirchoff, Jules
Molloy, Haley Purdon, Isabella Reid and Christina Wilson.
The men's ensemble and cameos include Gary Clearwater, Huffer
Campos, Kyle Thompson-Connell, Paul McLachlan, Peter
Laurenson, Sam Farr and Terence Fitzgerald.
Showbiz Queenstown continues rehearsals for its season of
Chicago, which will be in the Queenstown Memorial
Centre from May 16 to 25.
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.