“We have a few people coming back to reprise roles, which is really exciting,” he said.
“I’ve got a few of my roles that I’m going back over – I’ll be playing Donkey from Shrek, Lonnie from Rock of Ages, and Mark from Rent.”
Mr Versteegen said the nature of some of the shows had prevented the original actors from reprising their roles.
“We’ve new people playing the two romantic leads of The Wedding Singer, the two original ones are a bit older now,” he said.
“And High School Musical – there was just no hope because the people who were originally cast are not teenagers anymore.”
The cast features local talent, people who have performed in churches, Carols by Candlelight, and the like, who are making their HAC debuts.
Ella Bailey, 12, is debuting in Annie, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, and Disney: When You Wish Upon A Star, as Simba, but is no stranger to the stage.
“I have performed in school productions and calisthenics competitions, and I’d like to get into more productions. I’m really excited,” she said.
Harlow Janetzki has a range of experience, from HAC’s Shrek and Pirates of Penzance, to dancing, and singing at Carols by Candlelight.
“I play young Sophie in Mama Mia, and am in ensembles in Annie, Joseph and Disney. I’m looking forward to performing in front of a big audience,” she said.
Mr Versteegen said the production had required a collaborative approach.
“We’ve reached out to some of our previous directors who are on board, with Debbie Boutcher the overall executive director,” he said.
“We’ve chosen a scene from every show, with either two or three musical numbers that flow from one show to the next. We had to try and find some moments to breathe, so there are some quieter ballads and duets.
“It’s not all big, high-energy, full-stage ensemble numbers, but it’s definitely like writing your own show because you have to pick moments for big ensemble numbers and quieter moments.
“It took a lot of collaboration with the previous directors to narrow down multiple great numbers to two or three.”
Presale tickets are available at Horsham Town Hall website www.horshamtownhall.com.au and box office for 7.30pm shows on May 9, 10, 14, 15 and 16; 1.30pm shows on May 10 and 11; and a 4pm show on May 17.
The entire January 29, 2025 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
The entire January 29, 2025 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!