Carmen Musical for West Gippsland
Warragul Theatre Company (Vic) has recommenced rehearsals in earnest for its major 2012 production - a musical theatre version of the famous Bizet opera “Carmen”, which will be performed at the West Gippsland Arts Centre in May 2012.
The cast features a mix of newcomers and seasoned performers from across West Gippsland, and features a large ensemble including children’s cast.
Playing the flamboyant gipsy Carmen is Kate Taylor (pictured), who co-choreographed last years production of Guys and Dolls but has been lured back on stage this year in what will be a signature and wide ranging role.
Josiah Brooks has again scored a leading man part as Carmen’s doomed lover Don José. In a total contrast to last year’s wise cracking Sky Masterton, in this show Jos will portray a man who loses all in the name of love. Brodie Dorling plays Micaela, the country girl who remains steadfast to Don Jose even as he proves unfaithful to her in his obsessive pursuit of Carmen. As Jos proved in Class Act Productions’ recent Oliver!, in which he played the violent criminal Bill Sykes, he is quite capable of bringing to life a dark and tormented character.
Dom Ryan plays the famous bullfighter Escamillo, the equivalent of the day to a Hollywood A-List celebrity – all the locals fawn over him, and he quite naturally laps up and expects the attention, especially of any lady who catches his eye. In the end Escamillo is the cause of the tragic split between Carmen and Don Jose.
Carmen’s two confidantes are played by Rebecca Bickerton (Frasquita) and Helen Lowe (Mercedes). Together they work with local smugglers Phil Coombs (Dancairo ) and Ryan McAllister (Ramendardo) in evading the law to bring in contraband from nearby Gibraltar. Their meeting place is the tavern run by Lillias Pastia (Michael Winterton), who, of course, is in on their illicit activities.
Attempting unsuccessfully to keep a lid on all this crime are the local military, the company of Dragoons led by Lieutenant Zuniga (Steve Howe). Zuniga is new to the streets of Seville but is shown the ropes by the experienced Corporal Morales (Tristan Vanyai).
The large ensemble cast variously play townspeople, soldiers, smugglers, inhabitants of the dingy tavern or the colourful characters in the bullfighting pageant.
Being performed in English, the show will be accessible in a way that Opera isn’t always.
Tickets for Carmen – the Musical, are now on sale from the West Gippsland Arts Centre (03) 56242456, or online at www.wgac.org.au. On opening night WTC will be holding a “Gala” opening night for the first time– a chance to dress up, and enjoy not only this dramatic work but also some tapas-style snacks, local wines and live music in the foyer after the show.
Photo credit: Satin Edge Photographers.
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