‘Red carpet experience’

nz_most_trusted_2000.png

The Silverscreen Soiree cast rehearse at the Weston Community Church. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
The Silverscreen Soiree cast rehearse at the Weston Community Church. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Musical Theatre Oamaru (MTO) is bringing back old Hollywood glamour for its concert-style show Silverscreen Soiree — Songs from the Stage and Screen at the Scottish Hall next month.

After the success of their production of Oliver! earlier in the year, show production manager Karo Wilson said this was a different kind of show.

"We’ll be showcasing songs from musicals that have also been made into films, or vice-versa, films that have been made into musicals as well.

"There’s a really wide range of shows that we're pulling acts from. There will be favourites from Chicago, for example, and a songs from the older classical musicals, such as Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," she said.

Ms Wilson said there will be "an elegant and old-Hollywood vibe" for the audience to enjoy.

"We'd love for patrons to get dressed up in their finest as it’s going to be a real kind of red-carpet experience."

Show director Hannah Cruickshank produced and directed MTO’s Broadway on Thames last year and musical director Samuel Leaper expertly guided MTO’s biggest live orchestra in the production of Oliver! in July.

With eight junior cast and 22 in the main ensemble, Ms Wilson said audiences can expect to see lots of familiar faces, but a few new faces too.

"We're really excited to have discovered some new talent too — there's a few people that are coming and performing on stage for MTO for the first time and just watching them grow in confidence, that's what I find really awesome about this."

Introducing a love of musical theatre to new people is just a real joy, she said.

Ms Wilson joins Silverscreen Soiree for the first time as production manager after being involved with MTO "either on stage or behind the scenes" for the last eight years.

The show will run from December 4-6 at the Scottish Hall.