Roo Theatre Company
20th Birthday - September 2006

Austrlalia, 1879. A young marine lieutenant is directing rehearsals for "Recruiting Officer", the first play ever to be staged in this country. His production is handicapped by having only two copies of text, a cast of oppressed convicts including thieves, murderers and prostitutes (many of them illiterate), and a leading lady who may soon be hanged. Conditions are hardly ideal for good theatre, but it is Lieutenant Clark's assignment: to bring a little education and culture to this group of rough convicted criminals. Through the thoughts and deeds of the convicts and their captors, an amazing story of suffering is told of people struggling to make a new life for themselves in an uncharted and often frightening territory. This production of "The Recruiting Officer" is an historical fact, so too are the characters.

Cast: Include Kellie Higgins, Joel Elferink, Danny Priestly, Chris Jones, Jenni Evans

Technical:

"Lust" is the restoration comedy, "The Country Wife" by William Wycherley, put to music by the writers of A Slice of Saturday Night. There's nothing too deep or meaningful but plenty too have a good laugh. The theatre will be set out in Cabaret style with tables catering for any size group. The ideal BYO everything Christmas Party. There will be Dancing till late after the show.

Cast: Including Lisa Irving, Robyn Harrod, Troy Newberry, Maggie Gilbert, Roger Woodward

Technical:

Drawing on popular figures from classic fairytales, the story describes the perilous adventures of Pick and Nick, two elves expelled from Santa's workshop because they have no elf control. They then embark on a dastardly plan of revenge involving some favourite fairytale characters in this summer pantomime for all ages.

Cast: Including: Adam Pedley-Smith, Kellie Higgins and Gemma Parsons

Technical:

Roo Theatre scored a national theatrical coup earlier this year by scoring the first non-professional rights to the blockbuster Broadway sensation "A Chorus Line" which took the world by storm when it was first staged in 1976. After endless negotiations with agents Tams-Whitmark in New York , the Roo hit the jackpot and have been rehearsing non stop since early December. Auditions attracted some of Illawarra's most promising dancing, singing and acting talent and Gordon Streek has assembled a dynamic young cast just itching for the curtain to rise on opening night.

"A Chorus Line" is staged like an audition. Thirty six dancers are trying out for the dancing chorus in a major musical. Zach, the hard-boiled director and choreographer of the show reduces the number to seventeen applicants for eight jobs. One at a time they are made to step in front of the white line. Zack takes on godlike, inquisitional qualities as he leaves the stage and, sitting in the dark, puts these characters through a merciless interrogation of their lives, hopes, fears and fantasies.

Those expecting a replica of the recent Australian production will be suprised. In Roo Theatre style the show has been shaped into a new unique production. Director Gordon Streek has updated the time frame to the nineties and also set the story in Sydney rather than the original Broadway setting. American accents have been dropped and references changed to make this a more accessible, relevant and Australian production.

Cast: Include: Tammy Iddles, Steven Rostron, Francesca Gazzola, Jarred Doyle, Benitta Fernandez, Belinda Murphy, Alicia Poppett, Lauren Tapp, Laura Brown, Kristy Kelly, Todd Wilson, Martin Nowak, Daniel O'Connell, Brendon McDonnall, Kellie Higgins, Elizabeth Hezemans, Stephen Simpson, & Gordon Streek as Zack

Technical: Choreography by Tammy Iddles and Steven Rostron

Last night, Feb 14th, saw the opening of Australia's first non professional performance of "A Chorus Line". It's always interesting to see how well a musical, especially a dance musical transforms to being performed in a smaller venue with a less experienced cast. Roo Theatre Company's interpretation won through in spite of the very youthful cast, or possibly because of it. The energy, exuberance, and obvious talent kept the audience totally captivated. There appeared to be a slight slowing down in the second act, but that could also be attributed to the increasing drama in the script. Choral work was strong

The opening scene shows thirty six dancers being drilled in the dance routines required for the auditions. This was an extremely well choreographed and executed scene which started on a high and didn't falter. (A check in the program notes showed that while the cast were young, they were not short of dancing experience)

Zach (very well played by Gordon Streek), the hard-boiled director and choreographer of the show, chooses 17 of the original group from which he will eventually choose the final cast for his upcoming show. Zack is not only interested in the talents of the individuals, but also their characters. All part of creating a strong team. The way he goes about this is to put them through a merciless interrogation of their lives, hopes, fears and fantasies. This aspect of 'A Chorus Line' is what lifts it above most dance/musicals, and, I imagine will allow it to join West Side Story as favourite for dancer rich companies. (Musically however, it comes nowhere near W.Side.Story)

The 'Roo' cast were very evenly matched but I feel special mention should be made of Stephen Simpson, 'Al', who has a strong speaking voice, and projects and sings really well.
Another is Kristy Kelly, who plays Lara (the dance instructor). She has a brisk, precise dance technique which puts her into a league of her own. Top marks also to the costume dept.

All in all this production is well worth a visit (if you can get tickets)

Olav

Shakers is set in the 90's and takes a humorous look at all the different species found within the walls of a nightclub as seen through the eyes of four cynical and long suffering cocktail waitresses.
The play is cleverly performed with only four actors playing all the different characters who frequent the nightclub. Shakers is written by the same playwright as Bouncers.
This production is being done in cabaret style. Audiences are invited to BYO picnic basket and drinks, although delightful cocktails will be available during the evening from the "Shakers" cocktail bar.

Cast: Francesca Gazzola, Krystal Evans, Alicia Poppett, Belinda Murphy

Technical: Lighting: Martine Muller, Sound: Paul Davidson, Costumes: Jean Ogilvie

"Misfits" is a combination of two wonderful, highly original youth plays: Living With Lady Macbeth and Do We Ever See Grace? Both plays deal with the issue of being an outcast in society. Living With Lady Macbeth tells the story of a girl who simply can't fit into her school no matter how hard she tries. She tries out for the role of Lady Macbeth in the school production, against the advice of her mother, boyfriend, teacher and her best friend. In the face of public ridicule from the "popular girls" she rises to the challenge. This is a funny but hard hitting play with delightful characters.

"Do We Ever See Grace?" is a moving ensemble play about "discarded" people. The story centres around Grace, a homeless city bag-lady. We see the path of her life from a young and ambitious girl full of dreams to a life as one of society's forgotten faces. It is a play encompassing universal themes of prejudice and oppression with dark, humorous undertones.

A team of 40 young people, aged 11-20 years have directed, designed, advertised, musically directed and performed these plays.

Cast: Including:- Emma Formosa, Megan Pearse, Mitchell Ohlbach, Josh Sharkey, Darren Formosa, Brendan Irving, Kellie Higgins, Gemma Parsons, Suzy Griffith, Margot Doran, Joel Elferink, Amelia Ryan

Technical:

Caroline Chisolm was a pioneer woman of great energy, human sympathy and administrative ability who engrossed herself in the cause of social equity for women. In the 1850's Chisolm encouraged women to leave the hardship of their lives on the streets of Sydney for a new life in the bush. "Chisolms Women" examines the horrendous conditions and challenges these women met in accepting their new life.
The story of Caroline Chisolm has been extensively documented by local historians but rarely do we read or hear about the lives of her forgotten women. Writer and Director, Gordon Streek, has done detailed research into the stories and lifestyles of his subjects and has uncovered some historical gems about the people who shaped Shellharbour.
After months of workshops and playbuilding sessions, Gordon has produced a passionate dramatisation of our local history that is a story of courage and endurance.

Cast: Including: Jean Ogilvie, Robyn Harrod, Martine Muller, Lucy Mitchell, Troy Newberry, Lucy Worthington, George Papaconstantinos

Technical:

The youth involved, decided on the Fantastic Mr Fox following their successful production of The Pied Piper last year.
Shellharbour Council, youth worker, Nick Higgins said the Shellharbour Youth Production thought this play would appeal to a wide range of children and was one in which they could become involved in all aspects of production including dsign, costume and characters.

Technical:

This wicked comedy by Willy Russell finds Dennis on the eve of his fortieth birthday making a last ditch attempt to break away from his middle - class housing estate existence. Reaching breaking point at his party, he packs a rug sack to make his escape but all the party guests want to accompany him! Cabaret table seating for a side splitting night at the theatre.

Cast: Nick Higgins, Kylie Potter, Robyn Harrod, Roger Woodward

Technical: Lighting/Sound: Emily Parkes, Wendy Woodward

Willy Russell is an excellent playwright who manages to present social comment as highly comic and exhilarating entertainment. This Roo Theatre production was well done by a competent cast.

The play centres on Dennis, who is about to turn 40 and decides to make his last ditch escape from the conservative family life he has. Nick Higgins plays this part very well and while he is ably supported, It seemed a lot of the dialogue delivered from downstage, was inappropriately delivered front on to the audience. Nick, for the most part, was not guilty of this.

I did enjoy the evening, as did the rest of the audience, but consider the staging could have been better.
Olav

For those who love the 1961 film with Hayley Mills, you are in for a very special treat. This powerful musical, set in England in the 1950's, tells the story of two sisters and their brother who rescue three kittens from the local bully and go to hide them in their barn where they find a stranger lurking. They recognise him as Jesus and decide to tell nobody, but gradually word spreads through the children of the village. Anxious to protect Jesus from unbelieving adults, they keep his arrival a secret and besides, most of their parents are preoccupied with news of a dangerous convict loose in the area. Trouble starts when the village bully, Raymond, threatens to give the game away. This moving musical has been highly acclaimed around the world.

The show has been hailed by critics as "A touching exploration of childhood innocence and adult mendacity that loses nothing in it's movement from cinema.

Roo Theatre had a scoop with this one, as they got performing rights just before Andrew Lloyd Weber bought the show.

Cast: Amelia Ryan, Katie Crowl, Brendan Irving, Darren Formosa, Ian Maurer, Danny Priestly

Technical: Musical Director: Leonie Kirchmajer Assoc. Director Lisa Irving

That was a very special experience. So said my daughter as we left the opening night of Whistle Down the Wind. This was obviously the way the rest of the audience felt as well because, at the conclusion, it took no more than two seconds for the whole audience to be on their feet. The most spontaneous standing ovation I've ever seen. The film, starring Hayley Mills, is fairly well known and loved, but who would have imagined it would transpose so well to the stage as a musical. The script and musical score are good but the presentation has to be of a high standard to allow the quality through. Brendon McDonall has excelled himself with this production. From casting and costuming to lighting it was obvious that he and his production team pay attention to detail. Amelia Ryan as Cathy Bostock, the elder of the three Bostock children, handled her role extremely well and on top of that has a superb singing voice.The other two Bostock children, played by Katie Crowl and Darren Formosa were very convincing though Darren was inclined to speak a little too fast on occasion. Danny Priestley, as the Man (Jesus), has once again shown what a creditable actor he is. While being a bit on the young side for the role he nevertheless came up with a strong and convincing performance. Ian Maurer as Dad, Carmel Adie as the Auntie and Mitchell Ohlbach as the village bully are others who deserve special mention. The thirty or more children all came over as experienced actors, concentrating on the action and their respective characters. The North Country accents were well maintained throughout.With the exception of the Nativity scene, in which there was a bit of overplaying while attempting to be poor actors, they were very very good. None of the songs seemed to be particulary catchy, but neither were they inconsequential and in many cases did much to add dramatic effect. The children's choral numbers were however very stirring with good harmonies, and, as so often happened during the course of the show, had me amazed that so much great young talent could be brought together in this area. The small orchestra led by Leonie Kirchmajer was good, but there not being an orchestra pit, they were placed on the side which tended to break up the balance of voices and orchestra. This point cannot be taken as a criticism as there was nowhere else for them to go. Radio microphones were used by the leads which does often present problems. For a first night, there were remarkably few balance problems. There was a bit of interference from a radio station during the first act but this was rectified during interval. Tim Vandenburg deserves praise for handling one of the most difficult technical aspects of modern musicals. There were nine scene changes in each act, but these were carried out with minimal disruption to the flow of the play despite the lack of flying facilities. Congratulations to the set designers and stage crew. Lighting was good with very effective use of the cyclorama. All in all a superb show, and one that deserves to be well supported. For those who "only go to the Sydney shows", do yourself a favour and check out the considerable talent in your own backyard.
Olav Lehmann

A delightful children's musical play by the writer of The Selfish Shellfish andThe Gingerbread Man (previous hits for Roo Junior Theatre).

An ancient Oak stands on ground which is about ot be bulldozed to make way for a children's playground. The story is told from the point of view of the animal inhabitants of the Oak who join forces to try and save their "See-Saw Tree.

This is the first time 15 year old Kerrie Higgins has co-directed a performance such as this but as she first started with Roo when she was five years, she is now a veteran. Gordon Streek said she had handled the role like a professional.

Like it's director, the cast all come from the Roo Theatre's Youth acting workshops. Kellie

Technical:

An electrifying powerful drama by Arthur Miller. During the War Joe Keller and Herbert Deever ran a machine shop which made aeroplane parts. Deever was sent to prison because the firm turned out deffective parts, causing the death of many men. Keller, however went free and made a lot of money. The twin shadows of this catastrophe and the fact that the young Keller son was reported missing during the war are at the centre of the play. When George Deever returns from the war to find his father in prison and his father's partner free, the story becomes feverish in it's intensity.

Cast: Will Worthington, Troy Newberry, Chris Keller, Jean Ogilvie, Carmel Adie, Geoff Reed, Lisa Irving, Gary Crook, Lisa Whatley, Will Madden

Technical:

This was the play that brought Arthur Miller to the attention of the public as a dramatist worthy of note. It also brought him to the notice of McArthy's anti-communist team. Social comment was not appreciated especially when it was aimed at industrialists.

All My Sons is set in 1947, the year it opened at the Coronet Theater in New York where it ran for 328 performances. World War II was still very much in recent memory so the impact was very much greater than could be expected now.

Gordon Streek, thankfully, has gone to great pains to take the audience back to 1947. costumes, hairstyles, intro music and a solid set with slightly abstract trees. All in a style that could be expected at the time.

The drama begins very early and steadily increases in pulses to finish on the most dramatic high I have experienced in a long time. Will Worthington was absolutely brilliant as Joe. Not only was it a very professional performance but he also played it from the heart. It was worth seeing this play for his performance alone, but when the excellent performance of Jean Ogilvie, Troy Newberry, and Will Madden are included it ends up a "Must See Production". Minor roles were also well played.

I doubt if it will have the same impact on younger audiences as it does on those who remember the forties but a young couple whom I asked for comment, replied that though they didn't understand it all, were still very moved by the dramatic impact. I should say here that at the end of the play I just sat for a full couple of minutes as I returned from the emotionally charged high I'd been put through. I have no doubt the rest of the audience were similarly affected because they were still sitting there as well.

It's not often that a drama of this calibre is presented in the Illawarra and I urge anyone who appreciates live theatre to make a special point of getting down to the Harbour Theatre in Shellharbour before it's too late.

The musical of the film. Joe and Jerry witness the Valentine Day Massacre and are recognised by the gangsters. To escape them they join an all-women's band dressed in drag. Of course, Joe falls in love with Sugar but he's dressed as a woman and Sugar wants to marry a millionaire. Gerry, alias Daphne, is being pursued by an ageing millionaire and spends much of the show not knowing whether he is Arthur or Martha. Lots of fun and a great musical score!

Cabaret style - BYO everything

Cast: Nick Higgins, Francesca Gazzola, Joel Elferink, Ben Pfieffer

Technical:

The story follows the fortunes of The Owl & the Pussycat, who are off to get married and are in search of a ring and a vicar. Their journey leads them to a strange island where all sorts of fantastic characters appear in absurd situations - the Plum Pudding Flea (who should be booed at every appearance), poor sad Dong who has lost his one true love Jumbly Girl. A grumpy Pig, a Nutty Turkey, a Runcible Spoon, storms, traps and of course a wedding.

Booing the villains and cheering the heroes plays an important part in the final outcome of this story. This show really captures that clever pantomime magic.

Evening shows on 2,3,9 & 10th Jan.

Cast: Including: Danny Priestly, Elise Bedford, Kellie Higgins, Margot Doran, Tom Subjak

Technical:

Adam, the mountain man, wants a wife and goes into town and finds one.

His selection is the beautiful but feisty Millie and he takes her back home to his mountain home.

On her arrival she is greeted by Adam's six brothers, of whom he'd made no mention. As the play progresses, Millie's influence on the lads brings them to realise they are in need of their own brides, and so they go into town to find some, with hilarious results.

Can the boys get the girls? Can they out-dance and outwit the town's menfolk? Can the girls tame the mountain men?

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers features a talented all-singin' all dancin' cast which is sure to boot-scoot its way into your heart with tunes like Bless Your Beautiful Hide, Goin Courtin', Sobbin' Women, and Wonderful Wonderful Day.

Cast: Including: Stephen Simpson, Jennifer Corrin, Steven Rostron, Simon Greer, Terry Pirlo, Colin Coakes, Paul Krajewski, Adam D'Amato, Francesca Gazzola, Benitta Fernandez, Alicia Poppett Melissa Down, Lisa O'Connell, Kellie Higgins

Technical: Set Design: Gordon Streek, Costume design: Jean Ogilvie, Lighting Design: Peter Shaw, Sound Design: Tim Vandenburg, Stage Manager: Nick Higgins

Despite a few first night hitches, the first act went off well. The energy and vitality, I've come to expect from Roo Theatre, was there in abundance. There were however indications of too little rehearsal in some of the very demanding song and dance numbers and the orchestra was not the best I've heard.

Stephen Simpson, as Adam, handled his role well. He is very talented and has a strong stage presence. Unfortunately he tended to soften his vowels a little too much in the attempt to get a natural American accent. He was not alone in this respect, and this resulted in my having difficulty understanding some of the dialogue. My being slightly deaf doesn't help

Jennifer Corrin as Milly was very good all round, and, has good diction. She came over as giving the most professional performance though her role was not as demanding as Stephen Simpson's.

I remember thoroughly enjoying the film version when I saw it over 40 years ago, and often wondered why it was never a stage show. Well now I know. The second act just isn't strong enough to follow through the very energetic and catchy musical first Act.

At interval I was full of praise after having thoroughly enjoyed the first Act. At the end of the second Act, I went home feeling quite dissapointed.
Olav

The Twentieth Century. The Age of miracles. The miracle of the atom, of space conquest and the face lift. But the most fantastic miracle of them all.... The Golden Legion of Cleaning Women. You've never heard of them? Well that just proves how successful they were. But what is the conventional idea of a cleaning woman? She pursues the lowliest of tasks...down on her knees, cleaning up after others, collecting rubbish, cleaning ashtrays - so easy to look down on and most important, so easy to disregard. And that was how they came so close to achieving what Lenin, Mao Tse tung and Homer Simpson tried to do. The Golden Legion of Cleaning Women nearly revolutionised the world. Oh by the way, if you don't believe in Fairy stories simply because you've never come face to face with a fairy - just remember you've all met a cleaning woman at some time in your life... Cabaret Style * BYO Everything

Cast: Lisa Irving, Jean Ogilvie, Lesley Coombes, Deb Karagiannis, Shontelle Gawthorn, Geoff Reed, Troy Newberry, Francesca Gazzola, Laura Scrivano

Technical:

This is a wonderful Australian comedy that will appeal to the young and the young at heart.

Erica Yurken, age ten lives in the suburbs and has one sister who thinks she is a horse, another who is into metal welding, and a terminally unemployed brother. Her mother likese the smell of plastic flowers and has just met a wondrefukl truckie boyfriend at the parents Without Partners Social. So when the perfectly pretty, clever, well mannered, rich, only-child Alison Ashley is new to the school, well, wouldn't you just hate her too?

Technical:

Australian comedy Rock Musical co-written by Australia's favourite Aunty from the 70's (that's Aunty Jack - not Aunty ABC!). Join Terry Shakespeare as he sends up 'the happiest days of your life' in this parody of 'The Wee Scottish Play'

Cast: Mark Hall, Robert Cole, Michael Adams, Alicia Poppett, Lajos Hamers, Luke Rogers, Danny Vardenega

Technical: Sound: Tim Vandenburg

Immortal Shakespearean tragedy. A family in turmoil, murder, intrigue and treachery combine in the timeless tale of Hamlet, prince of Denmark. One of Shakespeare's most popular dramas, there are many aspects that make it relevant to today's society.

Cast: Troy Newberry, Lajos Hamers, Ian Maurer, Francesca Gazzola, Lisa Irving, Luke Rogers, Geoff Reed, Peter Shaw, Darren Parlett

Technical:

The Woolcott children are holy terrors, everyone says so. How Esther Woolcott only 21 herself and the second wife of Captain Woolcott, manages the brood of seven children is amazing. Her loving care acts as a buffer when the Captains anger is raised by their outlandish behaviour. Bunty, Pip and the little general, together with their sisters Judy, Meg, Baby and Nell embarrass their remote father in front of his commanding officer, wreck their weekly French lesson, and generally play up until eventually Judy, the ring leader, is banished to Miss Burton's Academy in the Blue Mountains. In no time the dicipline at the academy drives her to run away home.

Reunited with her family after a perilous journey, they all go to the country for a holiday. During a violent thunderstorm, Judy bravely saves the life of The Little general but loses her own. With breaking hearts, the family goes home to Sydney to pick up the threads of their lives.

Deffinitely a show for the whole family.

Cast: Including: Danielle De Laite, Annika Silvey, Penny Hartgerink, Elise Bedford, Alicia Poppett, Riley Richardson, Steven Rostron, Brendon Irving, Darren Formosa

Technical:

A very funny play about the lives, the laughs and loves of a group of women and one man attending a weekly tap class. The class' dancing improves to such a level that by the climax they perform at a grand charity show. They have been transformed into triumphant tappers!

Cast: Steven Rostrun, Laura Brown, Linda Campbell, Leslie Coombs, Suzie Dalceska, Francesca Gazzola, Alicia Poppet, Vanessa & Natasha Comelli, Jean Ogilvie & Doreen Bryers

Technical: Darren Parlett, Tony Susans, Troy Newberry, Geoff Reed

Set during the Vietnam War, 'Cosi' is the hilarious story of Lewis, a university drop out who takes a last-ditch job in a Melbourne Mental Asylum working with patients who are interested in the dramatic arts. He thinks that his work will involve staging a small variety show with the group, until a long term patient, Roy, insists that the production is nothing less than the grand staging of Mozart's opera, "Cosi Fan Tutte". It's an ambitious thought to say the least, after all, none of the patients can speak Italian or sing.

To make matters even worse, it is to be performed in a fire-gutted theatre with a leaking roof and faulty wiring, with a cast made up of aging pyromaniacs, obsessives and nymphomaniacs who really have other things on their minds.

, 'Cosi' is an All Youth Production being performed, produced and marketed entirely by Roo Senior Youth Theatre. In doing this, they hope to create an opportunity for young people to experience theatre production beyond performance.

Cast: Includes Adam Bayliss (LEWIS), Joel Elferink (ROY), Kellie Higgins (CHERRY), Luke Rogers (DOUG), Chris Jones (NICK/ZAC), Brendon McDonall (HENRY), Jenni Evans (LUCY/JUSTINE), Brenda Butler (RUTH) and Cerin McMillian (JULIE).

Technical:

Adventure and magic are the main ingredients in this popular tale about four young children evacuated during World War II to an old house in the country where they start playing games to relieve their boredom - and so begins their adventure in the magical land of Narnia, ruled by the evil White Witch

Cast: Melissa McKenzie, Nicole Julius,, Cara Walkham, Stephanie Puris, Tom Parsons, Juran Jones, Matthew MacKay, Adam Freestone, Pippa Castelli, Natalie Aspromonte, Laura Reid, Annie Reilly and a further 40 children

Technical:

The 'Club-A-Gogo' opens it's doors to Shellharbour audiences and transports us back to the swinging sixties, complete with music from that era. Relive the beehives, the boots and the bowl cuts, or experience it for the first time! A comedy that will have youin hysterics - while humming the tunes!

Cabaret Style, BYO everything

Cast: Steven Rostron, Francesca Gazzola, Alicia Poppett, Laura Brown, Nick Higgins, Lajos Hamers, Krystal Evans, Troy Newberry

Technical: Production Manager...Brendan Irving, Set Design..Nicole Tome, Lighting Shane Klein, Sound .."Mrs Burns"

The story begins in the small village of Werzdatden, where there lived a King and a Farmer - who happen to look remarkably identical. Extremely unhappy with their own lives, they decide to swap places and hope to live out their dreams - A King wishing for a normal life like everyone else and a Farmer who wants to escape the hardships of peasant . However, amongst the dungeons of the castle lurks a group of villians who plot to take over the throne and kill the King .... or is it now the Farmer ? To mke things even more complicated, the King's Scribe falls in love with the Farmer's daughter, but she is in love with the courageous super hero, The Aubergine Peregrine, who is actually the Scribe in disguise.

King For a Day! is an outrageous story with a musical score featuring some of the most famous and funkiest tunes to ever grace the airwaves over the past decades.

Cast: Including: Ashley Wright-Hands, Mitchell Ohlbach, Adam Pedley-Smith, Kylie Routledge, Gemma Parsons, Brendan, Matthew and Liana Irvine; Alicia and Phillip Dawson; Cathie and Sally Evans; Tyler, Brittany and Riley Richardson; Jessica and Sandra Soden; Amanda and Michelle Turner; Rachael and Natasha Rauch; Rebecca and Noelette Toole

Technical:

For those who love the 1961 film with Hayley Mills, you are in for a very special treat. This powerful musical, set in England in the 1950's, tells the story of two sisters and their brother who rescue three kittens from the local bully and go to hide them in their barn where they find a stranger lurking. They recognise him as Jesus and decide to tell nobody, but gradually word spreads through the children of the village. Anxious to protect Jesus from unbelieving adults, they keep his arrival a secret and besides, most of their parents are preoccupied with news of a dangerous convict loose in the area. Trouble starts when the village bully, Raymond, threatens to give the game away. This moving musical has been highly acclaimed around the world.

The show has been hailed by critics as "A touching exploration of childhood innocence and adult mendacity that loses nothing in it's movement from cinema.

This was smash hit for Roo when they staged it in Shellharbour in 1997. I have no doubt it will do equally well in Wollongong.
Olav

Cast: Including: Amelia Ryan - Cathy, Katie Crowl -Nan, Darren Formosa/Brendan Irving - Charles, Danny Priestly - The Man, Will Worthington - Dad

Technical: Lighting - Emily Parker and Harry, Sound - Tim Vandenburg, Stage Manager - Tessa Parsons

All's well that ends well. That is my summary of the first night of Whistle Down the Wind and I must emphasise first night. The IMB Theatre is not acoustically "kind" and requires vocal projection techniques not necessary in smaller venues such as the Harbour Theatre (home of the Roo Theatre Co.). The use of body microphones can assist, but too much dependance on these artificial aids present other problems not least of which would be the problem of sound "balance". The first act suffered quite severely from these problems and made it difficult to follow the plot for people not familiar with the play. To the great credit of the Director, Brendan McDonall, and the Sound Engineer, Tim Vandenburg, corrective measures were taken during the interval and the second act opened with good sound balance and clear enunciation from the actors. I have no doubt that coming performances will have a much improved first act so for the purpose of this review I'll concentrate on Act Two. Amelia Ryan as Cathy Bostock, the elder of the three Bostock children, is so perfect for this role. She looks the part, sings very well and is a very good actress with excellent diction. A memorable performance. Katie Crowl as the younger sister, Nan, has developed a depth of character that I found missing in the previous production. A very good performance. Danny Priestley, as the Man (Jesus), excelled. He has an excellent stage presence and during the Xmas (his birthday?) scene with the songs , "Angels" and "I Don't Know What They're Waiting to Hear", brought tears to the eyes of many. Other roles which I particulary noted were :- Mitchell Ohlbach as Raymond, the particularly nasty bully with good fluid movement and clear diction. Lajos Hamers as The Vicar and Will Worthington as Dad, both have good stage presence but Lajos was difficult to understand when growling through his dialogue and Will's accent was a little tooauthentic, making him difficult to understand. The North Country accents were well maintained throughout by even the youngest children, but this does carry the overhead of requiring very clear enunciation especially so with the acoustics prevailing in the IMB Theatre. The chorus numbers were excellent with the children coping really well despite sections of really close harmonies. The orchestra was good but needed some tightening The set was simple but effective and the crew were able to make fairly major scene changes with minimum disruption to the flow of the play. Costuming, lighting & make-up were all well done. Brendan McDonall and Lisa Irving are to be congratulated on taking on the daunting task of directing such a large cast, predominantly children, for a production in in an unknown and technically hostile environment. Their good use of the larger stage and excellent control/direction of the many children was highlighted by the very dramatic and effective scene where the children are trying to protect "The Man" from their elders. They have, and are, learning a lot, and learning it quickly. I sincerely hope that this production does well and so will encourage future appearances at the IPAC from this talented company.
Olav Lehmann

MGM's most beloved musical is brought to life in this stage adaption of Singin' In the Rain

The Roo Theatre Company is very excited about it's first musical comedy for 1999. Singin In the Rain, the stage show promises to recapture the magic of the original 1952 film starring Gene Kelly, in all it's singing and dancing glory.
Hit songs such as Make em Laugh, You Were Meant For Me, Broadway Melody and of course, the title song combined with fantastic dance routines, make this a must see production.

Set in the silent film hey-days of the late 1920's, Singin' In the Rain is the story of two special starlets at the Monumental Pictures. Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont are about as famous as they come and wildly poular with audiences all over the world. The bubble bursts when the first talking picture is made (The Jazz Singer), and every studio in Hollywood jumps on the bandwagon, installing sound equipment, not wanting to be left out. All would be well at Monumental were it not for Lina's voice that out shrills nails on a chalkboard. The comedy surrounding the ensuing pandemonium is unsurpassed in movie musical history, and is now recreated for the stage for the very first time in the Illawarra

Cast: Incuding - Steven Rostrun, Kellie Higgins, Francesca Gazzola, Linda Corrin, Adam Higgins, Ben Draisma, Cameron Malcher

Technical:

Roo Senior Youth Theatre are proud to bring to local audiences the World Premiere of a new ground breaking drama "Inheritance: A Requiem For A Friend" - Written and Directed by local professional playwright Allan Mackay.

A group of streetkids, fleeing the hideous crime they have committed, and the police, find refuge in an abandoned city factory. Trapped and helpless, they begin to tear at each other, seeking some escape from their prison, and a way to save one of their own - shot by the police and dying. Instead, they find a boy, giving his own life away to his despair of the world. The boy finds in these castaways a small world of mankind and looks to them for hope to save him. He finds only emptiness, children to whom no inheritance came.

The play raises the questions of not only how, but why such youths are driven to commit such an inhumane act and the hatred they hold towards others. Is it because of their Peers? The Media ? Or is it the abuse - physical, sexual, emotional, psychological- that is perpetrated against many adolescents every day and night through neglect by their families and the community? The play show us that the teaching of morality is a lesson that can only be taught through example, a lesson that has evidently not been 'inherited' by these youths.
This Project has been made possible with the assistance of The NSW Government - Ministry of Arts and The Regional Arts Fund - A Commonwealth Government initiative through the Australian Council, it's Arts Funding Board

Cast: Including: Josif Jovanovski, Alicia Poppett, Mitchell Ohlbach, Brenda Butler, Wojtek Krajewski, Holly Hutchinson, Luke Rogers, Jenni Evans, Charlie Chavez and Emma Darragh.

Technical: Lighting Designer - Emily Parker

A group of streetkids, fleeing the hideous crime they have committed, and the police, find refuge in an abandoned city factory. This is the core of the latest play by Allan McKay. It has been workshopped and developed by the Roo Senior Youth Theatre group under the guidance and direction of Allan Mackay to a level that for the most part is very high.
For intending patrons, please be aware that coarse language and disturbing themes are very much a part of this play.

The work and thought that has gone into developing the characters by the very talented cast was very evident. I was particulary impressed by Luke Rogers who not only displayed a depth of intensity in the suicidal character, Jesse, but also made excellent dramatic use of pauses and minimal movement. A really top performance. Brenda Butler as "Mouse" also attained good characterisation by the use subtle movement and vocal intonation. Also very good performances from Josif Jovanovski "Rider", Alicia Poppett "Mitch", and Wojtec Krajewski "Glen"

The set by Will Worthington was very appropriate, providing an atmosphere of refuge or prison. Also a noteworthy backcloth of the city scape. The lighting was well designed and executed.

I was initially a little annoyed at voice amplification being used, as this tended to break the tense atmosphere required. I noticed the sound level was brought down slightly as the play progressed, and also noted that some of the cast did require amplification. The quality of the sound system was however very good. Is this a new acquirement?. The very audible, and frequent ringing of an unanswered phone was distracting but I presume this problem has now been corrected (not the sound technicians responsibility I know, but it was a sound).

Certain cast members had a tendency to sway when talking and there was a moment when two were swaying in unison. Distracting.

Overall, this play, will not be forgotten. It's disturbing and thought provoking and many of the cast presented memorable performances. I have no doubt that Inheritance will be performed by other adventurous theatre groups in the future. It has good dramatic roles and structure, and also provides a lot of food for thought. I did however feel that the first act could do with some editing. However, once "Jesse" makes his presence known, the flow is good. Both acts build up very well to finish on dramatic highs. Well done Allan MacKay, cast and crew, and thanks to the NSW and Federal Arts councils for providing the impetus for this play to be written and staged.

Olav

This play is inspired by some of the people who have left the comfort of a lounge, or given up the sports field and ventured out on dark nights into the unknown depth of a drama class. Whar drives them to do it? Is it the creative spirit bubbling away inside them like a bottle of champagne that has been shaken up and suddenly bursts out, shooting toward the stars?

The play is based on a steel worker who attended drama classes with Gordon Streek. The only problem was that he had not told is wife what he was doing! When he came home adrenalin pumping through his veins, she thought he was having an affair!

Cast: Trevor Gosbell, Jenny Catterall, Roger Woodward, Lesley Coombes, Julie Burnett, George Papaconstantinos, Faith Cunningham, Liz Anderson

Technical: Lighting - Peter Bloem, Sound- Russell McGee, Set - Tony Susans

Written and directed by Gordon Streek, this play has a strong enough story line to carry it through as a straight comedy. The inclusion of music and dance enhances the play making it highly suitable for the Cabaret style show that it was. The choice of recorded and live music was good and also contributed to my having a thoroughly enjoyable evening. This is not coarse Theatre Restaurant style humour, though at times it could be considered slightly bawdy. Nothing was "overdone". Good script, well directed, and a lively cast. Trevor Gosbell as Ted, the Steel Worker by day and Aspiring Thespian by night, played his role well though at times I found his performance a bit wooden. The same could be said for Roger Woodward as the brother in law, Joe. Roger was inclined to address too much of his dialogue, front on, directly to the audience. Jenny Catterall as Sarah, the concerned and confused wife of Ted, played her role well (and had a good singing voice). Lesley Coombs as Ted's sister in law, Maureen, really got stuck into her role and was obviously loving it. A very warm and exuberant performance. Of the minor roles I was particularly impressed by Faith Cunningham. She was very convincing in her role as Elizabeth which apparently reflected much of her own past. A welcome "new face" who I feel could also do well in serious drama. Julie Burnett is also noted as being new to the stage but her performance indicated that "she's done this before". There are no week links in this cast. The very simple set proved effective as it allowed for easy transformation from one location to the next with assistance from "Lighting" I have purposely refrained from mentioning certain very effective scenes as their unexpected appearances are part of their effectiveness. The fact that I was one of the many students who attended Gordon's classes in Wollongong in the early 80's, may have contributed to my enjoyment of this production, but my daughter, who only vaguely recalls my weekly "nights out", also enjoyed it very much.

Olav

Adapted from the classic MGM film starring Judy Garland, this stage version brings to life all the magic and music so well known from the film. Songs include "Over The Rainbow", "We're Off To See The Wizard" , "Ding Dong, The Witch Is Dead", and "Follow The Yellow Brick Road"

Cast: Penny Hartgerink as Dorothy, Steven Bannister as Scarecrow, Jack Yabsley as Tinman, Russell McGhee as Cowardly Lion and Krystal Evans as Wicked Witch of the West

Technical:

It is 1962 and the world is worried about the Cuban missile crisis, except for Lewis, a youth on the cusp on manhood in a Melbourne housing commission suburb. He is preoccupied by flying saucers, much to the disgust of his friend Brian who can only think of losing his virginity. Lewis finds a natural soulmate in local tom-boy, Dulcie, who has her own confusions about approaching womanhood. And then out of nowhere Lewis' errant father returns to stay, as if he had never gone.

The play is a vivid and amusing evocation of a family and a neighbourhood whose increasingly strange behaviour Lewis is forced to interpret in the only way he can - the aliens must be among us!

Please note that this production deals with some sensitive issues and is recommended for mature audiences.

Cast: Narrator - Mark Keech, Lewis - Brendan Irving, Dulcie - Gemma Parsons, Norma - Kym Couzins, Grandma - Lesley Coombs, Eric - Will Worthington, Brian - Mitchell Ohlbach, Bev - Amy Murphy, Stan Irvin - Russell McGhee, Mrs Irvin - Cassy Tzanis, Beatrice - Holly Hutchinson, Mr Pisano - Darren Partlett, Uncle Richard - Darren Partlett,

Technical: Technical Director - Peter Shaw, Technical Operator - Emily Parker

This play, by Louis Nowra, was originally written for radio but has been very successfully transcribed for the stage, which could account for the very clear and effective dialogue. The title is, I think, a bit misleading. I know when I first heard of it I thought that it was probably written for school performances. The central characters may be teenagers but the theme is adult though also suitable for older teenagers. I was there on the preview night, but this was not evident in the overall performances or technical support. The few small glitches have already been forgotten. A good production. The central characters, Lewis and Dulcie were very well portrayed by Brendan Irving and Gemma Parsons. Their very opposite characters were totally believable as was the rapport they had with each other. I was particularly impressed with Brendan's slight underplaying of the awkward and uncertain Lewis. It had the effect of strengthening the role. Mark Keech, who played the Narrator (the adult Lewis), maintained a non obtrusive, but effective part that supplemented the character played by Brendan Good characterisation from Kym Couzin and Will Worthington as Lewis' parents, Troy Newberry as Dulcie's step father, and Lesley Coombs as Lewis' grandmother though she had some trouble maintaining her scottish accent. There were times when I thought enunciation could have been better. This problem was not as apparent in the second act. I left the theatre feeling I'd been treated to a well written play which had been very well presented. Definitely worth going to. Don't be put off by the title.
Olav Lehmann

Murder and mayhem with Clue. The musical based on the Cluedo board game.

Was it Colonel Mustard in the Ballroom with the lead piping? Mrs. Peacock in the conservatory with the candlestick? The murderer, room and weapon are chosen at random at the beginning of the show from an oversize deck of cards and placed in the familiar 'confidential' envelope. The conclusion will follow that precise outcome, with clues given throughout and suspects trying to avoid the onstage interrogation. With 216 potential endings to the show it's up to the audience to match wits with each other to solve the crime and win the game - a prize for each night's first correct solution.

Cabaret table seating - BYO everything!

Cast: Mrs. Peacock (Lucy Worthington), Professor Plum (Steven Rostron), Miss Scarlet (Alicia Poppett), Colonel Mustard (Steven Bannister), Mrs. White (Adam Pedley-Smith) and Mr. Green (Luke Rogers). Your host for the evening is Mr. Boddy (Troy Newberry) and his murderer will be uncovered by a hard-nosed detective (Francesca Gazzola). Technical:

Paul Jennings' delightful, quirky, funny, spine-tingling stories of the bizarre and the ridiculous have made him one of Australia's most popular authors of children's books. His clever adaptations of his stories have also worked brilliantly in the award winning television series "Round The Twist". Australian playwright, Richard Tulloch, who created "Hating Alison Ashley - The Play", has adapted a collection of Jennings' stories into an hilarious and outrageous stage production.

Cast: Abraham de Souza, Sally Evans, Kylie Routledge, Mitchell Ohlbach & Trevor Gosbell.

Technical: STAGE MANAGER Laura Scrivano, CREW /DESIGNER Luke Rogers

Stage Fright! Is a compilation of Paul Jennings short stories, adapted for the stage by Richard Tulloch, ( probably best known for his stage adaption of "Hating Alison Ashley"). I would say that the play is aimed at the 7 to 13 year age group, but this production was great fun and can be enjoyed by the whole family. Mitchell Ohlbach was excellent in the multi faceted role of Nigel The Punk, which allowed him to display comedy and pathos in addition to his usual "bully boy" character. A very nice performance from Trevor Gosbell as well. He added maturity and contrast. The whole cast were highly charged, worked well together, and were enjoying their roles. The technical side of this play was very effective and competent. Of the many sound and lighting cues, I wasn't aware of any misses. The same can be said of the many stage props antics and weird entrances. Costuming and set were also very effective. My overall impression was that the cast and crew had worked very hard preparing for this production. That hard work paid off. Congratulations to Luke Rogers who, as Director, was the driving force. I note from the program notes that Luke has been accepted at Theatre Nepean and wish him well.
Olav

A boy commits a brutal and cruel crime, he is placed in the care of Martina Dysart, a Child Psychologist whose job is to find out what drove this young man to blind six horses. Is he a monster or an ordinary young man driven to an extreme act under the pressure of family and a society which cannot tolerate different behaviour?

The story is told in flashback and uses Freudian imagery to a startling effect.

Please note: The content of the play makes it suitable for mature audiences only. Equus contains some nudity however, these scenes are dealt with in the most tasteful manner.

Cast: Cathy Bates, Michael Lo Monaco, Trevor Gosbell, Michael McLean, Leanette Ellis, Will Furney, Rebecca Rose, Linda Campbell, Alicia Poppett, Anthony Field, Darren Parlett

Technical:

Cathy Bates has once again demonstrated that she is the First Lady of dramatic acting in the Illawarra. As Martina Dysart, the psychiatrist who reluctantly accepts the very mentally disturbed Alan Strang as a client, she is entirely convincing from start to dramatic end. Fortunately Michael Lo Monaco, who plays the disturbed young man, institutionalised after blinding six horses, has the natural acting ability to play opposite Cathy Bates and come over very well.

The inter action between these two characters is essential for the play to have it's desired dramatic effect. This has thankfully been achieved. Unfortunately, some of the supporting cast were not strong enough to support the suspense. This was particularly apparent in the first Act.

I have heard that the way the horses are presented is also essential for the presentation of this difficult but good psycho drama. Well that was no problem with this production. The horse masks and scant leather costuming clearly symbolised the frequent references to horse hide.

When the musical, "Hair", opened in 1969, it shocked and also legitimised full frontal nudity as a mainstream theatrical happening. Peter Shaffer, was at this stage already an established and respected playwright and this relaxation of censorship in legitimate theatre allowed him the freedom to write "Equus". The play requires nudity for the full understanding and impact of the psychiatric problems Alan Strang is going through. It is NOT a smutty play. And let me say that I'm inclined to be a bit of a prude.

However, in the first act, when Alan Strang enacts his basically erotic ride on the horse, Prince, I found the scene tended to be confronting. Subdued lighting would, I feel, be more artistic. The second act scene where Alan Strang is seduced by the stable girl was done with very low levels of lighting and this possibly enhanced the desired effect.

The Second Act was very strong. Michael had become completely involved in his character, Alan Strang, (and I suspect, recovered from a certain nervousness of first appearing unclad). I thought this act was extremely well done. Fear, trepidation, suspense, surprise. It was all there, and, at a good pace.

Of the minor roles, Alicia Poppett, Trevor Gosbell and William Furney put in good performances.

The set and lighting were effective. The Gregorian style chanting, as intro music seemed out of place as one of the conflicts was with Christianity not the Catholic Church.

Congratulations to Steen and the Roo Theatre Co. for having the "Guts" to present this good, but touchy play.

This review is of the first night (Friday 25th February). I expect the First Act will now have tightened up. I hope this production is supported by the the theatre going public, and this includes Wollongong residents. It may have it's weak moments, but the strengths, especially in Act 2, make it very worth while.

Olav Lehmann

Mary's two best friends are amazed when she announces she is expecting , I mean Mary is not the sort of girl you'd expect to be expecting! And then there's her boyfriend Joe - trouble is that Joe's never done the you-know-what to have her in that condition. It seems that no-one else has either. But this has happened once before, hasn't it?

Presented in Roo's popular cabaret style. So bring your drinks, eats and enjoy a table full of giggles and guffaws.

Cast: Juliet Scrine, Erin Mascord, William Furney, Rebecca Rose

Technical:

The story of two ordinary people discarded by the lean mean 90's world. As a glossy resort grows in place of the old steelworkers, Barbara and Den make some incongruous atempts to adjust to the new demands of the times. Barbara, doggedly optimistic, Den, painfully resentful, together assault the unfamiliar heartlessness in outbursts of emotional power and with a stubborn humour weather the chaos around them.

Cast: Michael McLean, Lajos Hamers, Lisa Irving, Kym Couzin, Margot Doran, Lesley Coombs

Technical:

Ginger Meggs and the Missing Link is based on a day in the life of Ginger. Urged on by his mate Benny he borrows his Dad's state of the art computer fishing rod, along the way he tries to woo his sweetheart Min, with a choc top at the movies, gets into a scrap with Tiger Kelly, falls into the creek, loses his clothes and finds the missing daughter of a millionaire.

Ginger Meggs the comic strip was born in 1922 and it's believed the original boy was aged about ten to twelve years of age. But both the cartoon strip, which is still syndicated to 60 newspapers around Australia, and the musical move with the times.

This is a joint venture by Shellharbour City Council and Roo Youth Theatre

Cast: Including: Matthe Lathlean, Dylan lasek, Amy Ogden, Amanda Tarleton

Technical: Musically engineered by Thomas Johnson

The production seeks to present a fresh and contemporary view of the traditional tale.

Cast: Including: Alicia Dawson, Katie Krowl, Penny Hartgerink, Kylie Routledge, Gary Tominez, Shane Rutton, Max Smede, Marta Fisher, Annika Silvey, Jace Armstrong,

Technical:

"A Chorus Line" is staged like an audition. Seventeen dancers are trying out for the dancing chorus in a major musical. Zach, the hard-boiled director and choreographer of the show reduces the number to seventeen applicants for eight jobs. One at a time they are made to step in front of the white line. Zack takes on godlike, inquisitional qualities as he leaves the stage and, sitting in the dark, puts these characters through a merciless interrogation of their lives, hopes, fears and fantasies.

Cast: Zach - Troy Newberry; Laura (Zach's assistant) - Jane Simpson;
Don - Danny Vardanega, Maggie - Danielle Hornsby, Mike - Steven Rostron, Connie - Kristin Agnoli, Greg - Tony Nicholls, Cassie - Lisa O'Connell, Sheila - Marissa Barton, Bobby - Gordon Nolan, Bebe - Benitta Fernandez, Judy - Laura Brown, Richie - Robby Fernandez, Al - Scott Dibley , Kristine - Gemma Parsons, Val - Alicia Poppett, Mark - Brendan Irving, Paul - Peter Crago, Diana - Francesca Gazzola

The Ensemble
Kate Allott-Walsh, Tanya Bilaniwskyj, Jeffrey Crawford, Julie Cummings, Samantha Gillam

Technical: Choreography by Steven Rostron

Imagine a lounge singer who makes Bob Downe sound like Anthony Warlow, backed by a very mixed bag of performers (among them an anti-war hippy, a racist comedienne, and a country-and-western singer) and send them off to the Vietnam War to "entertain the troops. Add a very dodgy Vietnamese entrepreneur. his two song and-dance henchwomen, a Viet Cong operative going undercover as a cabaret singer, and a commando who doesn't seem to know a surfboard from an SLR. Throw all this into a pot with the script from "Apocalypse Now and a pinch of "South Pacific" - stir until it boils over with laughs and you have Pearls Before Swine

A musical comedy cabaret show. Bring Your Own everything

Cast: Including: adam Pedley-Smith, Kate Walsh-allot, Michael Bond, Nicole Smede, Darren Parleti, Steen

Technical:

What would the January school holidays be without the annual Roo Theatre Summer Panto? This year's mad cap production is the classic tale Cinderella but with all the pantomime twists. Written by David Woods (The Selfish Shellfish, The See-saw Tree) the script is full of zany over the top characters, audience participation, cream pies, slap stick, sing-a-longs and of course a pantomime horse!

Cast: Including - Tess Hathaway (Cinderella), Adam Dalton (Prince Charming), Mitchel Olbach (The Baron), Alicia Dawson (The Fairy Godmother) Pamela Mete, Amy Murphy (The Ugly Stepsisters) Juran Jones as King Septimus. Sally Evans as Queen Ermitrude and Adam Parkes as William.

Technical:

Review by "The Messenger"

The enchanting fantasy, fairytale of Cinderella presented by Roo Youth Theatre as their summer pantomime, was just as enjoyable as reading the famous Brothers Grimm story written all those centuries ago, but more fun.

The reason for this was the modern script by David Wood, along with good performances by the actors, and the wonderful jazzy and up beat music composed by Mr John McKenna.

Not only was the show fantastic by actually seeing this wonderful children's fairy tale live with your own eyes it didn't just stop there. Site gags, musical numbers which all had lyrics which were enjoyable and also carried a nice tune. The audience participation involved members of the audience getting up and dancing the " Funky Monkey " and singing along to the pantomime song "Zip A Dee Do Dah".

The physical and technical elements of the pantomime were also of a high standard. This included some very effective lighting effects, being very colourful and relevant to the era the show was written for. With the addition of some of the Illawarra's most promising young actors plus a very well constructed script and musical score, the show was destined to be a success before the curtains opened.

The two main elements which really stood out were the brilliant and professional performances by some of the main, and minor, characters and also the fantastic musical score which was composed by the musical director himself, Mr John McKenna.

Many of the lead characters really played their parts well, those included Amy Murphy and Pamela Mete as the two horrible ugly step sisters Donna and Bella, these two really suited the part and both looked like they were having a great time on stage which reflected in their performances. The two Adam's in the cast being Adam Dalton as Prince Charming and Adam Parkes as William the butler both had great singing voices and also moved well on stage.

King Septimus played by Juran Jones really brought the scenes that he was in together. Some parts did get a bit boring after a while but his strength and power on stage was really felt by the audience. Last but not least, the stand out performer in a cameo role was Rocky Ruperto who played the Black Mouse. He really shone with his comical genius even though he didn't have any lines, his mime work and expressions were terrific to watch.

A large part of the success that Cinderella endured came from the musical numbers by John McKenna. From jazz to love ballads and then to comical bumbling the tunes really made the show that more catchy and enjoyable. Two songs in particular which were really well constructed were the jazzy " Funky Monkey " sung by the chorus and " The Glass Slipper" sung by Cinderella and her Prince. John really did an excellent job as the one man band as well as being Musical Director, along with Crystal Evans as Director and Mitchell Ohlbach as her assistant ( he also plays the Baron).

The show was a great success for the cast and production team, and a great asset to get The Roo Theatre Company off to a flying start in 2001, I can't wait until their next show " Pippin" opens in mid February.

A bizarre group of travelling players tell the tongue-in-cheek story of Pippin, son of the 8th-Century King Charlemagne, who is on a quest to find his true calling in life. Designed with a distinctly 90's tribal feel.

Cast: Will Worthington, Domonic Turner, Arthur Brigg, Linda Campbell, Diana Brown, Nicole Smede, Jai Markham,

Technical:

"This is arguably Willy Russell's finest piece. With his grasp of humour and ear for language it never fails to entertain. It's 2 protagonists, the cynical professor - Frank , and the vivacious Rita represent one of the great relationships of contemporary theatre. The play also speaks to us about personal growth and death and the choices we make. In a time when public education is under threat and higher education devalued, Rita's Liverpool could be compared to John Howard's Australia."

Cast: Will Worthington, Lucy Worthington

Technical:

This production has class. From the solid and highly effective box set to the final line the audience was treated to a good evening's entertainment. Willy Russell's sharp wit and well-drawn characters were beautifully handled by Will and Lucy Worthington.

Olav Lehmann

"One People - One Destiny", the story of the Federation of Australia told in music, dance and drama. See the Wongawilli Bush Band, brass bands, huge puppets, aboriginal dancers, bush dancing, historic film footage, multi-cultural groups, and much more!!!

The story of Federation will untold before you, narrated by star of "Grassroots" and winner of the AFI award for Best Actor, local lad, Geoff Morrell.

Cast: Geoff Morrell, Trent Bowater, NSW Police Concert Band, Wollongong Harmony Chorus, 40 Multicultural groups, NSW Irish Pipe Band etc.

Technical:

The action takes place in Truvy's beauty salon in the town of Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies who are "anybody" have their hair done. Helped by her eager new assistant, Annelle ( who is not sure whether or not she is still married) the outspoken wise cracking Truvy dispenses shampoo and free advice to her customers

. Every Saturday morning the clients are restricted to the "local ladies" a group of close friends. Ouiser, (I'm not crazy I've just been in a bad mood for forty years), Clairee, the former first lady of Chinquapin who is an eccentric millionaire with a raging sweet tooth, M'Lynn, a strong minded social worker whose daughter Shelby (who liked to twirl fire batons to the tune of Hawaii five O) is about to marry a "good ole boy"

. Filled with hilarious repartee and memorable one liners, the play moves towards tragedy when, in the second act, the spunky Shelby (who is a diabetic) risks pregancy and forfeits her life. The sudden realisation of their mortality affests the orthers, but also draws on the underlying strength - and love - which gives the play and it's characters the special quality to make them truly touching, funny and marvelously amiable company in good times and bad.

Cast: Wendy Cowie, Rebecca Rose, Janet Bitter, Fleur Lee, Diana Brown, Linda Louise Campbell

Technical: S.M.-Tessa Parsons, Lighting - Melinda Coates

Inside Mrs Joe Bradshaw - 45 year-old mother of two grown children is the former Shirley Valentine longing to get out. Her hope and self-confidence badly shattered by school, marriage and life, she is reduced to talking to the kitchen wall whilst preparing her husband's evening meal - to be on the table as he opens the front door every night. As she sips a glass of wine she dreams of drinking in a country where the grape is grown.

Her feminist friend offers her a holiday in Greece and, with great trepidation and a lot of forward planning, Shirley seizes the opportunity and goes, to encounter a totally different lifestyle. Shirley, breaking out of the mould cast for her by society, is brilliantly shown with humour, warm sympathy and human insight by the author of Educating Rita and Blood Brothers.

Cast: Lesley Coombs

Technical:

One of the English classics of children's literature and first dramatised by A.A. Milne.
Its animal characters--principally Mole, Rat, Badger, and Toad--combine captivating human traits with authentic animal habits. It is a story that adults have enjoyed as much as children.

It has been staged in the October school holidays to allow everyone to enjoy the insane Toad, who has an inexhaustible need to go fast, buying numerous boats, horses, and cars and always ending in disaster.

Cast: Including Adam O'Brien, James Gleeson, Juran Jones, Bevan Clegg, Claire Chapman

Technical:

Things are about to get a little supernatural for the young residents of Sh’larba in this brand new work by award-winning playwright PP Cranney. Developed in collaboration with members of the Roo Youth Theatre, Sh’larba is a funny, satirical look at what its like to be young and living in the Illawarra area.

SH’LARBA is a mythical place (boasting not-too-subtle similarities with a certain south Illawarra city) that has been colonised by the skaties, the surfies, the homies, the hoons, the theatre crowd, the teenyboppers, and a few others who don’t quite know where they fit in yet. Into this safe little community comes a stranger, Martin, an inner-city Goth who is forced to move to the area when his father gets a job with BHP. Martin has a fondness for dressing in black, painting his nails, and wearing make-up, and as one local observes, "In Sh’larba, you’d probably need a permit to look like that."

Martin’s arrival sparks a wave of hysteria among the youth of Sh’larba and the rumour mill starts working overtime. Who is he? What is he? Why does he dress like that? He must be a vampire! In the face of his difference, and with the looming new Lum-di-dah housing estate and closure of the skate park, the young people are forced to question their intolerance, and unite to begin the journey towards self-knowledge. After all, their sense of identity is at stake. Cultural identity. Personal identity. Spiritual identity. Political identity. Sexual identity. It’s tough being young in Sh’larba, but even worse when you have nothing pink to wear to Shellies. It’s Buffy meets The Simpsons meets Heartbreak High in this innovative and honest new play that takes a light-hearted look at the problems facing our youth of today. Sh’larba is a must-see for everyone who has grown up, or is growing up, in a non-metropolitan area.

Sh’larba was born out of a grant received from NSW Ministry for the Arts to develop a premiere theatre work as a celebration of youth culture in the Southern Illawarra area. The grant was a big coup for the company, providing the funds to employ three professional theatre artists to collaborate with a group of emerging young writers and actors from the local area. The play has been written by AWGIE-award winning playwright PP Cranney after an extensive development process with young contributors. Pat has extensive professional experience in youth community theatre, including the award-winning plays Home and Rated X for the Shopfront Youth Theatre in Sydney. Director Brendon McDonall, a professional Sydney-based actor, returns to the Roo for this special project after graduating from Theatre Nepean this year. Brendon has directed many productions for Roo including the acclaimed musical Whistle Down the Wind in 1997 (and its subsequent tour to Illawarra Performing Arts Centre in 1999). The production is designed by John Senczuk, currently Head of Performance for the Faculty of Creative Arts at the University of Wollongong. John is a designer, writer and director of international standing who has worked for many theatre companies including Sydney Theatre Company, Ensemble Theatre, Griffin Theatre and Theatre South.

Technical: Designed by John Senczuk

"No Experience is wasted, its what you make of it" - Martin. Sh’larba

It is a joy when expectations are exceeded. This certainly was the case with Roo Theatre’s production of PP Cranney's Sh’larba. An excellent cast, a solid script supported by an equally solid production team made for a thoroughly entertaining evening of youth theatre.

Successfully unpretentious with a touch of the spectacular, the director showed a refined use of space and dramatic control. The opening of the show was amazing, a whirlwind of movement and sound, as the actors captivated the attention of the audience. Wheeling a wooden box the size of a room, a band of vampires, hissing and clawing at the audience and air, slipped around one another like snakes in a pit. A hunch back made his way through the melee, sat at a piano and moved the energy level into a fever pitch. The box opened to show fang clad Sam Reid, who we would get to know as Martin, the misunderstood boy who’s parents had just moved to Sh’larba. Sam stuck pose after ghoulish pose, captivating the eye with Rocky Horror Show like camp and confidence. This gave one of the play’s first truly theatrical moments.

Brendon McDonall directed with a postmodern flare. Not afraid to break the momentum of a narrative script using colloquial language, Brendon gave the show’s artistic theme many unexpected turns. At one time resembling a teenage television soap opera, the next a gothic horror, Brendon was at his best when painting in bold colours. The sacrifice of the virgin scene, as Lisa (Gemma Parsons) was wheeled on stage pinned ghostly white against the back of a piano, was a sensational moment. The play could have done with much more of this, though was restricted by the text. As a first production the script needed a heavier editorial hand. Both acts had many scenes that could have made their point more efficiently. Dialogue at times became over burdened with unnecessary plot development, the Youth Centre scene toward the end of the first act being one example. Here I found myself staying with the play out of loyalty to its fine beginning, though at the same time wondering when the pace would resume and the early promising signs come to fruition. Having said this, Nikki’s speech to the youth council – wonderfully performed by Sally Evans – was written with a subtle ironic hand, sending up modern political spin doctoring, campaign engineering, and the role of the media.

The text held a well researched mirror to, albeit only certain elements of, suburban youth culture. An issue piece questioning the value of large scale suburban development, the play was of course much more than this. Exposing the complexities of identity creation and interpretation, particularly well represented by the character of Martin and Lisa, Sh’larba also looked at family dynamics, the construction of teenage relationships, and the need to look at life beyond given perceptions. In the end, the play’s strongest impression was that of the diversity of life within the apparently soulless landscape of modern suburban culture.

One of the most endearing elements of the production was the writer’s fine sense of humor. The play really was very funny. This of course could not have worked with out careful direction and the cast’s timely delivery. Adam Parks as Jeff gave a wonderfully light and amusing performance. His face full of expression and life, giving well timed throwaway witticisms, he brought a goofy joy to the stage. He needed, however, along with almost all members of the cast, to work on line annunciation and pace of delivery. Dialogue often required greater clarity that could have been brought out by vocal development and a mediated approach. In contrast, Gemma Parsons showed maturity and skill in all areas of her performance. Sally Evans (Nikki) was also a shining light of energy and ability. Another noteworthy performance was that of young Christopher Hoban, playing Lisa’s brother. Christopher could not have been more than 8 or 9 years old, and was a joy to watch. Certainly a bright future if his obvious potential develops.

Overall, it was pleasing to see youth theatre alive and well at the Roo Theatre. They must be doing something right to train such talented actors. While the play’s, and the audience’s, focus was lost at times through some lengthy scenes, for the most part interest and energy was well maintained. Use of space within a simple, yet effective set was maximised and always well balanced. The play itself topical and engaging, particularly for a youth market. A worth while experience.
Arne Sjostedt

Aladdin tells the story of the switchback ride of Aladdin's fortunes, from poverty-striken laundry boy to wealthy suitor of the Emporer's daughter. Robbed of both his new found wealth and his promised bride, Aladdin travels afar to rescue his Princess and claim her hand in marriage.

Cast: Aladdin: Mitchell Ohlbach, Princess SoShi: Claire-Frances Chapman, Widow Twanky: Russell McGee, Emperor: James Philpot, Abanaza: Roger Woodward, PC Ping: James Gleeson, PC Pong: Juran Jones, Wishee Washee: Sally Evans, Genie: Daniel Stefanovksi, Slave of the Ring: Adam O'Brien,

Technical:

Reviewed by Arne Sjostedt.

First and foremost Roo's January Panto was a showpiece for its stunning array of young performance students. With many large scale song and dance numbers, it seemed everybody was given a go. This was extremely pleasing, filling the stage with colour and movement. A highlight being the sock puppet number, with many an animated sock to be seen.

Lively stage effects, including pyrotechnics and innovative light design, against what was to me a very interesting set (the abundance of mission brown aside) ensured there was always something to look at. James Philpot's entrance as The Emperor of China, pushing a pram, with his daughter So-Shi (Claire Chapman) tied to a long rope following behind him, was made all the more successful by the beautifully lit back drop of distant imperial China glowing behind the doors from which he had entered. Unfortunately some of the more eye catching effects were let down by equally dull moments. Too often there were lights were there shouldn't be, or no light where there should have been some - causing a loss of detail and clarity. Personal preference, but something that could have been tighter.

Complements should certainly go to each of the adult performers, Russell McGee (Widow Twankey), Roger Woodward (Abanaza), and the Emperor, James Philpot. Each showed extensive experience and theatrical skill. Roger did not miss a beat, his diction and poise standing out, while Russell was simply stunning as Twankey (and in golden Blundstones would have been the bell of any ball). Sally Evans was a delight as Wishee Washee, and is a performer with an impressive stage presence for someone her age.

The characters of PC Ping and Pong, played by James Gleeson and Juran Jones respectively, provided consistent comic relief. Juran seemed the more relaxed of the two, giving a natural performance. James showed great skill as a character actor, though needs to work on settling down, cutting unnecessary movement, and looking at the people he is addressing on stage.

Aladin (Mitchell Ohlbach) was played with confidence, however could certainly have benefited, again, by looking more often at those he spoke to. I also found he tended to hold his head to high, this ruining his profile and restricting the voice to his head and throat. As The Slave of the Ring, Adam O'Brien was a stand out performer, and could have done with a more challenging role. Finally, Claire Chapman was well cast as So-Shi, the Emperor's daughter. Her vocal solo altered the entire atmosphere of the theatre. A rare experience, and unexpected.

Overall the show was full of good natured fun. The excellent script (adapted by Peter Denyer) kept the afternoon rolling along at an enjoyable pace, as the well orchestrated cast filled in and out, singing and dancing, full of smiles and infectious energy. The Ethiopian Sand Dance was a favorite, along with the giant puppet show, and Russell Stevens as the amazingly intelligent charade playing monkey. Thank you Roo for a lovely afternoon, and well done to the highly trained cast and crew.

Directed by Mitchell Ohlbach, who brought to you Roo Theatre's The Wind In The Willows mid last year, along with the same fantastic production team, this show is destined to be a hit! With a cast of 29, aged between 9 & 25, filling all the familiar roles from this classic fairytale.

You will see a delightful telling of the story about the beautiful young princess (Snow White), who has been repressed by her aunt (The Queen). You will enjoy watching the queen's prime minister (Sir Pompous) as he and his two bumbling side-kicks (Sir Silly and Sir Clumsy) fret about trying to keep out of trouble with their queen, whilst trying to save Snow White. When you add to this a mirror that will only speak in rhyme, and three very unique ladies in waiting, the royal court has never been the same!

There are of course the seven lovable dwarfs, who have exchanged their Hi Ho, Hi Ho's for an enchanting song about breakfast. Wait until all these characters along with Prince Charming, a crazy witch, and some forest nymphs take you away from the everyday drum of life, into a place of enchantment, love, and even … magic. You will enjoy watching Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs no matter if you're a child seeing it for the first time, or a child at heart who has known the story for many years.

Cast: Emilia Shelton (Snow White), Jessica Cohen (Queen), Michelle Clegg (Witch), Robert Bruce (Sir Pompous), James Gleeson (Prince), Matthew Lathlean (Mirror), Amy Ogden (Lucinda), Ashleigh Ray (Mathilda), Lily Souryaphanh (Penelope), Adam Jackson (Sir Clumsy), Adam O'Brien (Sir Silly)

Dwarfs:
Jenny Walker (Cutter), Rocky Ruperto(Picker), Steven Neale (Packer), Quentin Armstrong (Mouse), Gordan Despotovski (Keeper), Noletta Toole(Grinder), Ainsley Oates (Woeful)

Technical: Jenni Evans (Costume Designer), Tim Carter (Stage Manager, Lighting Designer), Tim Vanderberg (Sound Designer)

In this play, the serious contemporary issue of pollution is looked at from the point of view of the shellfish involved. The fight of Urchin, Mussel, Starfish, Seagull and the selfish shellfish himself, ---H.C, to avoid becoming the innocent victims of pollution caused by the collision of two ships at sea, is delightfully told, with the audience being encouraged to participate in the battles with Sludge and The Great Slick.

The cast of 16, to accommodate for two casts, have been working intensively to bring you this wonderful tale for the whole family to enjoy. This show boasts some of the Roo's best "Youth performers", so there's no need to feel bored these School Holidays as this show is fun and entertaining.

After the success of previous joint productions with Shellharbour City Council such as "The Pied Piper ", "Fantastic Mr. Fox " and 'Ginger Meggs " this production is sure to be just as good, if not, even better. It is funny and dramatic and will be entertaining for the whole family, young and old.

Technical:

By arrangement with Hal Leonard Pty Ltd agent for Music Theatre International (NY)

Remember that poor, clumsy looking Seymour Krelbourne and his fascination with weird and interesting exotic plants?
And, of course, the attitude pumped, talking plant Audrey II - so named in honour of Audrey - Seymour's long standing crush and eventual girlfriend.
Include the semi-sadist dentist, a money hungry florist and three backing singers who just seem to be everywhere and this is one amazing musical!
Just to top it off, one of the most memorable scores ever. including all your favourites like - Dentist, Feed me, Skid Row and of course Suddenly Seymour.

Cast: MITCHELL OHLBACH, Kady Watsford, Adam Jackson, Brendon Taylor, Kriten Brickell, Jessica Cohen, Claire Chapman, Adam O'Brien

Technical:

Two weeks with the Queen is the story of Colin Mudford's adventure to England where he discovers his morals, and importantly identifies with who he is.

Because of Colin's age and lack of knowledge in understanding the conditions of his brother's cancer, Colin is determined to get the best doctor in the world to cure his brother.

Within two weeks, Colin discovers that Luke's cancer cannot be cured when a kind doctor informs Colin gently that "He will die." In Colin's process of discovery, he realizes he has to accept life, and then realizes how much he loves his brother. He learns and understands that he shouldn't take things for granted.

Later in the novel, Colin meets Ted, a kind-hearted man whose partner Griff is dying of Aids. In a short space of time, Colin grows up and realizes that other people suffer from loss too, and realizes how lucky he is in some ways.

Colin learns from Griff to value life, and discovers at his tender age how to deal with homosexuality, death and cancer. Beginning to grow up, Colin realizes that things are not always what they seem. He sees how cruel people can be when Ted is jumped by "A couple of hoons" because he is "In love with Griff."

Colin experiences Griff's death and from the advice of a nurse realizes he should be home with his brother. "I think it's the families that make all the difference, if they all rally around, it seems to help."

Colin, in his process of discovery finds out his belonging is at home, he always had his belonging, he just needed to find out how much he valued his life to appreciate it.

In the end, Colin finds that a lot of things are waiting to be discovered, and they're usually sitting right in front of you!

Technical:

Telling the story of our loveable Jack and his family in the struggle against the troublesome Giant Blunderbone. Throw in Jill, Miss Muffet, Bo Peep, a desperate king, a beautiful princess and a fairy. Add of course the usual pantomime dame.

Backed by a diverse musical score.

Cast: Annika Silvey, Tim Carter, Casey Brickell, Emilia Shelton, Jane Warrington, Alison Watsford, Kristen Brickell, Juran Jones

Technical:

A dramatic realisation of the theories of Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, The Shadow Box explores the reaction of friends, families and individuals living in death's shadow.
Their struggle to come to terms with life's greatest certainty leave we who are yet to face that experience not sad, but revitalised and impassioned ...... eager to grasp the gift of each day with greater determination to use the time that we have to live and love fully.

This great play which won both a Tony Award and a Pulitzer Prize contains much humour, passion and warmth.

Cast: Joe - Michael Godbee, Steve - Adam Parkes, Maggie - Josipa Knezevic, Brian - Ben Verdon, Mark - Ivan Sumelj, Beverly - Amy Perkins, Felicity - Sandra Druce, Agnes - Grace Puglisi, Interviewer - Olav Lehmann

Technical: Stage Manager - Brendon Taylor, Lighting/Sound Design - Timothy Carter

This production focuses on fate and the nature of humanity, for those unfamiliar with the tale it is one which challenges and questions ... How would you act?

The Roo have updated the tale with a contemporary edge. While Shakspeare's original text is kept, tights and codpieces have been thrown out the window and replaced by leather jackets and jeans. "We've given the actors a comtempory look with medieval influence, focusing on the image of the warrior. We've then put this image into a universal context which is recognisable to a modern audience" says production designer Jenni Evans. The characters fight with swords, knives and guns and work with a minimalist set, focusing on telling a story which could happen anywhere, at any time. According to Sally, "Using contemporary social and political figures, the cast have been able to identify traits within their own characters which exist in our society, enabling them to find realism in their roles".

Separate school performances are also available, schools can gain more information by contacting Sally on 0402 619 280

Cast: Adam O'Brien as Macbeth, Jodi McAlister as Lady Macbeth, James Gleeson as Macduff and Micheal Gavin as Banquo.

Technical:

A classic line from a classic musical, and that musical is Godspell. This musical was written in 1971 and traces and tells of the last couple of days of Jesus Christ. The show is written in a way that allows a lot of personal interpretation in to the characters that are portrayed on stage.

Cast: Stephen: Gordan Nolan, David: John Nieborak, Lamar: Danny Priestly, Herb: James Russell, Gilmer: Gabby Harding, Robin: Marissa Nolan, Peggy: Linda Corrin, Jeffrey: Jamie Woods, Sonia: Kate Wash, Sky: Carleen Shaw, Jessy: Amy Gawthorne

Technical: Stage Manager-Taya Woodward, Technical Director -Tim Carter, Costume Design- Rachel White, Production Assistant -Megan Musgrove

SHE has long been the 'darliiiing' of television with her wacky fashion creations and wisecracks. Jeanne Little will present the life of Marilyn Monroe at Roo. Jeannie does not impersonate Monroe, she simply tells her story and performs her songs. The show tells of Monroe's early years as Norma Jean Baker, the illegitimate Hollywood child who became the sex goddess Marilyn Monroe. For a once in a lifetime experience make sure you get along to see Jeanne.

Technical:

A perfect couple, a promising politician, an idle dandy, a secret from the past, all entwined with a beautiful powerful woman.

Set in 1895, this brilliant comedy of manners follows the story of the Chilterns and their ideals, morals, social engagements, friends and foes.

Lady Chiltern knows she is married to an ideal husband, admired and respected by all. But Sir Robert Chiltern has a dirty secret in his past which could ruin both his wife's and all good society's opinion of him forever. Mrs Cheveley, a woman on the prowl for money and men, has found it out and now holds Sir Robert in the palm of her hand. It's up to the fun-loving dandy, Viscount Goring to solve the dilemma, and up until now his greatest concern has been deciding which flower best suits his lapels! With the wit of Oscar Wilde this twisted tale weaves its way through social scandal, blackmail, deception, shady deals and the odd proposal as it asks the question who is the ideal husband? And while we're on the subject who really wants to be one?

Cabaret Seating

Cast: Ivan J. Sumelj, Dani Feltman, Sally Evans, Chantel Pickett, James Gleeson, Emma Meldrum, Timothy M. Carter, Geoff Platts, Monika Scarrabelotti, Jessica Rowen and Chris Gagnuss.

Technical: Costume design - Sally Evans, Furniture construction - Geoff Platts

The Roo Theatre Youth Committee will stage a Youth Showcase . The showcase will enable all our members to direct, arrange and participate in theatrical works.

Technical:

Sir Robin of Loxly's famous legend becomes a great adventure panto. Wicked Prince John, with the help of the Sheriff Of Nottingham plans to seize the throne of England while the King is away on the crusades. But he has not taken into account the determination of Robin Hood and his Merry Men to stop him.

Cast: Carlene Shaw as Robin Hood
Juran Jones as The Sheriff
Alicia Quinn as Maid Marion
Daniel Stefanovski as Dame Dishy Dolly Brown
Adam Jackson as Prince John
Kim Bruce as Mystic Mog
Lee Butler as Friar Tuckin
Claire Langtry as Ping
Blake Tonkin as Pong
and Jessica Soden as Will Scarlet.

Technical: S.M. - Adam Freestone.

When Jonathan Harker travelled to Castle Dracula on business, he thought that he would be discussing business with Count Dracula After a nightmare encounter with three vampire women he returns to England only to find that Dracula has followed him. The beautiful Lucy Westenra falls victim to the insidious Count and despite the efforts of her three suitors John Seward , Quincey Morris and Arthur Holmwood, she dies and becomes a vampire, killing the lunatic Renfield . This is just the beginning in a chain of events and in a race against time, Jonathan and his friends, guided by Professor Van Helsing fight to save Jonathan's wife Mina from Dracula's evil thrall.

With an all-youth cast and production team, including Assistant Director James Gleeson, Stage Manager Jessica Barnes and Production Designer Jessica Lord, Dracula promises to be one of the most innovative shows the Illawarra has ever seen. Jodi McAlister's new adaptation of the script has kept true to Bram Stoker's novel but has expanded on some aspects, notably Dracula's tragic past and his relationship with his vampire daughters.

Cast: Jamie Pye-Respondek, Adam O'Brien, Ann-Maree Hickman, Alison Swann, Anna Kunz, Jessica Cohen, Lachlan McCarroll, Mitch Catteral, Nicole Nunan, Paul Dimitrievich, Monika Scarabelotti, Brendon Taylor

Technical: Stage Manager Jessica Barnes and Production Designer Jessica Lord,

Reviewed By sep12345@hotmail.com

(Admission: This reviewer has strong ties to Roo theatre)

Roo Theatre's youth production of Dracula opened ominously on Friday 13th February with a midnight showing later the same night. This is horror without the diversions of melodrama. Only one use of the gothic organ background music and all of the lightning and thunder completed in the first two scenes.

Resisting the temptation to make this a comedy the actors brought horror to the stage effectively.

The opening scene has director McAlister playing Dracula's wife who kills herself for love.

Adam O'Brien's Count Dracula is played with a flourish. He pervades a tired, resigned evil, not showing any great pleasure in his pursuit of blood. Wrapped in a black cape O'Brien's narrowed eyes sets the tone for the play.

Jamie Pye-Respondek (Jonathon Harker), as the tie between the past and present looked the part. Monika Scarrabelotti (Mrs Harker) was strong and quietly powerful as Dracula's last victim

Jessica Cohen's portrayal of Lucy Westernra allows us to see the progression from the naïve socialite in Whitby who draws suitors like flies, to Dracula's ghostly adoring slave.

Brendon Taylor, as Lucy's fiancé (Hon Arthur Holmwood) gave a totally believable and restrained performance. His stage presence was immediately accepted as being the character he portrayed.

Lucy's failed suitors played by Lachlan Mc Carroll (Dr Seward) and "Jimmy Stewart" look alike (Quincey Morris) Mitch Catterall took time to settle into their roles and will gain confidence through the run of the show

Paul Dimitrievich began his performance as Dr Abraham Van Hesling, Professor of mental illness, with some nervousness. Newly added to the cast he became stronger and more believable as the play moved into Act 2 showing a very strong voice and stage presence.

Nicole Nunan played Renfield, a crazed woman locked in Doctor Seward's asylum, relishing the role.

Ann-Maree Hickman, Alison Swan and Anna Kunz played Draculas devotees like Persian cats, seductively slinking, and insidiously spitting venom with satisfaction.

The set was well designed and the use of the floor was very affective whilst allowing Dracula to observe the mortals from the top stage.

Scene changes were effective if a little distracting in the silence

Lighting and sound were affective and did not interfere with the telling of the story.

The story, deeply attached to dialogue, requires clear speech spoken loudly but under pressure to remain in character and the nervousness of opening night a lot of the dialogue was withheld from the audience by some of the cast.

• Did the cast stay in character? Yes.
• Did the horror work? My partner said I grabbed their arm a couple of times so it must have.
• Was the production true to genre? Yes. This is no melodrama.

• The foreboding gothic set
• Adam O'Brien's portrayal of Count Dracula and his no nonsense attacking of the necks of his victims.
• Paul Dimitrievich's second act portrayal of Dr Hesling
• The highly choreographed fight scene.
• The dramatic tension held through the last ¾ of the play.

Reviewed By sep12345@hotmail.com

The play is set in a hospital and revolves around a doctor who has an unexpectedvisit from a nurse - the woman he had a secret afair with 18 years earlier. When the nurse delivers the news that he has a son, an intricate web of lies begins to unravel as the doctor tries to keep his wife, and the rest of the hospital, from learning of his 'little indiscretion"

Cast: Nick Higgins, Jean Ogilvie, Jace Armstrong, Lisa Perrit, Neil Murphy, Mark Bakewell, Sue Connell, Judy Harrington, Steven Wilton, Gordon Streek, Roger Woodward

Technical: Production Manager-Chantel Pickett, S.M. - Kimberly Holm & Helen Dang, Lighting - Adam O'Brien,

The year is 1933 and Broadway writers Jones and Barry have announced
they're doing a new musical - Pretty Lady. The buzz is that famous Broadway maestro Julian Marsh will be producing and directing, and showgirl-hopefuls throughout New York City are eager for the fame and fortune this opportunity could bring! But there's one hopeful who's more eager - and more talented - than the rest, and this could just be her big break.
42nd Street, the story of Allentown-girl Peggy Sawyer's rapid rise to fame, was originally a Warner Bros film that revitalized the Hollywood musical. It was later turned into a well-loved stage adaptation by David Merrick and it is this version that The Roo Theatre Company have chosen for their latest production.
The show tells the story of Peggy getting her first break as a chorus girl as a result of dancing in the street in front of the producer Julian Marsh. As innocent Peggy makes her way into the cut-throat world of the Broadway musical, she has to deal with backstage jealousies, bad luck, and mobsters. But as in all the best backstage stories, the good young girl wins out in the end through sheet guts and talent!
You know the show has worked its magic when Julian Marsh delivers the immortal line "Sawyer, you're going out a youngster, but you've got to come back a star" and a shiver goes down your spine.

Cast: Dorothy Brock: Clare Greer, Peggy Sawyer:Amy Harrison, Maggie Jones: Pat Green, Ann Reily: Emilia Shelton, Julian Marsh: John Wiseman, Bert Barry: Gordon Streek, Andy Lee: Troy Lester, Billy Lawler: Jason Stephenson, Mac: James Russell, Pat Denning: Roger Green, Abner Dillon: Alan Collis

Technical: S.M. - Michael Glover, Lighting - Adam O'Brien, Sound - Paul Greer, Costumes - James Worner

Billie Holiday ! Arguably the greatest jazz-singer of all time ... certainly one of the most admired and revered jazz-singers of all time. In fact, jazz-singing in the modern sense begins with Billie Holiday. Her singing conveys sorrie of the deepest and richest experiences that singing...any kind of singing can convey, On musical values alone, Holiday has never been rivalled in jazz.

Her influence is pervasive. She remains the inspiration for many aspiring jazz-singers today. Holiday had a singular voice steeped in aching emotion and fuelled by an uncanny, natural sense of swing. She sang about her very, very sad life ... a truly disastrous life. The songs she chose reflected her struggles with

love, racism, abuse and poverty. One writer aptly coined the phrase "from life to song" to describe Billie's singing.

Her life started in Baltimore on the 7" April,1915 as Eleanora Fagan. Her mother, Sadie was only 13 when she gave birth. Billie's grandfather was one of 17 children of a black Virginia slave and a white Irish plantation owner.

Billie was institutionalised at ten after being raped. VVith circumstances like this, she drifted into prostitution as a teenager. Her parents' move to New York, to try and escape the poverty and crime had a positive result. Billie found work as a singer. She firmly believed that she would one day make a name for herself and escape the poverly that seemed to be part of the life of her people.

She made her singing debut in an obscure Harlem night-club ... borrowing her professional name from screen-star, Billie Dove. She was an immediate hit ... this beautiful young girl ... with this sparkling voice. Built into her singing was an innate sense of swing and phrasing. It ai] seemed to come so naturally to her.

Billie Holiday a musical legend died an untimely death at 44.

Cast: Marie Wilson with Matt Baker (piano), Ed Gaston (bass) and Laurie Thompson (drums)

Technical:

Sad, humorous and true to life it tells the story of some underprivileged schoolchildren who are taken on a day's outing by their teachers. The children boisterously rampage through many stopping points. A joyous celebration of the joys and agonies of growing up, but also a sharp pointer to the depressing present and future, for a day out is as much as these children can expect.

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Cast: Includes Adam O’Brien, Adam Jackson, Kim Bruce, Ainsley Oates and Nicole Rankin.

Technical:

Roo Theatre is proud to be associated with a fundraising night for the Wollongong Self Advocacy Group – an organisation under the umbrella of the Disability Trust.

This upbeat, uptempo floor show includes singing, dancing and spectacular costumes to the songs of Ricky Martin, Kylie Monogue and the Village People - as well as music from movies such as Chicago and Moulin Rouge.

Cast: Kathleen Thomas (vocals) Jason Stephenson (vocals) Troy Lester (dance) Terry Pirlo (dance) Kelly Wilets (dance) and Hayley Ramsay (dance)

Technical:

Eric Swan (aided by his Uncle George and unbeknown to his wife Linda) has pocketed thousands of pounds through fraudulent DSS claims. When Norman Bassett (the lodger) opens the door to Mr. Jenkins the DSS Inspector, deceptive mayhem follows-- as do the undertaker, bereavement counsellor, psychiatrist, Norman’s fiancée, a corpse, the ominous Ms Cowper and a rather rebellious washing machine!! A frantic Linda consults the doctor regarding the discovery of her husband’s bra, corset and stockings.

Cast: Neil Reilly, Jenny Catterall, Margaret Lukian, Mark Bakewell, Roger Green, Tom Hadley, Carlene Shaw, Jean Ogilvie, Les Smith and Gabrielle Harding

Technical: S.M. -Gabi Harding, Lighting & Sound -Bevan Clegg & Adam O'Brien, Set Design - Gordon Streek

A boozy comedy of wedding-eve nerves, set in the Men and Ladies loos of a tacky club where Dave and Linda, unbeknownst to each other, are holding their respective stag and hens parties.

Dave, legless on a mix of drinks, -Spends his evening with his head in the toilet while his mates demonstrate a combination of fear, lust and bravado.

Linda's chums, alternately sentimental and sceptical about marriage, turn nasty when the bride starts dancing with an ex - lover, Peter.

Will the marriage take place? Will Linda run off with her ex - lover? Will Dave sober up in time to see what is happening with Linda?

Will the girls pick up on the Hens night? Will the boys get lucky with some of the crumpet running around?

Find out in Willy Russell's funny look at pre - wedding rituals "Stags and Hens.

The show will be performed in Cabaret style
BYOE (Bring Your Own Everything)

Cast: Danny Priestly, Cate Crowe, Jamie Wood, Melanie Mula, Ivan J Sumelj , CassieTzanis, Adam O'Brien, Aimee Gawthorn, Lachlan McCarroll ,Gabi Harding, Andrew Cormack, Suzi Russell

Technical: Stage Manager - Suzi Russell, Light Design - Adam O'Brien, Set Design - Richard Hart, Costumes - Jean Ogilvie, Lighting Operator - Bevan Clegg, Sound Operator _ Kim Holm

Roo Theatre’s students will showcase their talent at our Annual Dance, Drama and Choir Showcases during November and early December.

Showcase times are as follows:-
Hayley’s Dance Class Showcase Monday 22nd November 6:00pm
Kate’s Drama Class Showcase Friday 10th December 7:30pm
Saturday 11th December 7:30pm
Jessica’s Roo Theatre Choir will perform at all three Showcases. This is an important time for our students and a chance to perform on “the big stage”.

Technical:

Cast: Josh Blottin, Dylan Edwards, Adam O'Brien, Jordan Peterson, Robert Popov, Annika Silvey, Leonie Smith, Daniel Stefanovski, Alison Worrell, Jean Ogilvie

Technical:

The story centres on the convict Jean Valjean, a victim of society who has been imprisoned for 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread. A hardened and astute criminal upon his release, he eventually softens and reforms, becoming a successful industrialist and mayor of a northern town. Yet he is stalked obsessively by the detective Javert for an impulsive, regretted former crime, and Jean Valjean eventually sacrifices himself for the sake of his adopted daughter, Cosette, and her husband, Marius. Les Misérables is a vast panorama of Parisian society and its underworld.

Cast: Jamie Wood, Scott Dibley, Jennifer Gray, Lisa O'Connell, Jason Stephenson, Jessica Cohen, Danny Priestley, Will Worthington, Kate Walsh, James Belcher, Mitchell Christie, Emily Markham, Danielle Turner

Technical:

An exciting play set in a northern town of England. Little Voice (LV) lives alone with her mother, Mari, whose sole purpose is to find another man. Mari’s imposing presence drives the shy LV into spending her time in her bedroom listening to her beloved father’s records.
When small-time impresario Ray Say, hears LV’s faultless impersonation of famous singers he recognises the gold in her voice and determines to exploit it, but the whirlwind rush for success breaks LV. Later, however, she learns to sing in her own voice.

Cast: Neil Reilly (Ray Say), Mark Bakewell (Mr Boo), Lynne Lear (Mari Hoff), Kirsten Jones (LV), Susan Thoms (Sadie), James Reilly (Billy), and Steve Rutten (Phone Man).

Technical: S.M. - Kimberly Holm, Lighting Design-Bevan Clegg, Sound - Adam Struthers, Set Design - Neil Reilly

Ebenezer Scrooge is a penny-pinching miser in the first degree. He cares nothing for the people around him and mankind exists only for the money that can be made through exploitation and intimidation. He particularly detests Christmas which he views as 'a time for finding yourself a year older, and not an hour richer'. Scrooge is visited, on Christmas Eve, by the ghost of his former partner Jacob Marley who died seven Christmas Eves ago.

Marley, a miser from the same mold as Scrooge, is suffering the consequences in the afterlife and hopes to help Scrooge avoid his fate. He tells Scrooge that he will be haunted by three spirits. These three spirits, the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future, succeed in showing Scrooge the error of his ways. His glorious reformation complete, Christmas morning finds Scrooge sending a Christmas turkey to his long-suffering clerk, Bob Cratchit, and spending Christmas day in the company of his nephew, Fred, whom he had earlier spurned.

Scrooge's new-found benevolence continues as he raises Cratchit's salary and vows to assist his family, which includes Bob's crippled son, Tiny Tim. In the end Dickens reports that Scrooge became ' as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man, as the good old city knew'.

Cast: Adam O’Brien (Scrooge), Dylan Edwards (Bob Cratchit), Daniel Carney (Fred), Natasha Parry (Mrs. Cratchit), James Regan (The Narrator), Steven Naumovski (Jacob Marley), Kim Holm (Christmas Past), Nathan Jankowski (Christmas Present), Wayne Nunes (Christmas Future), Rory O’Driscoll (Tiny Tim)

Technical: Technical Director - Bevan Clegg

A critically acclaimed Broadway classic featuring quirky characters, charmingly predictable situations, and a nostalgic score of rousing marches, barbershop quartets, and sentimental ballads that have become poplar standards. Family entertainment at its best!

Cast: Harold Hill: Colin Coakes, Marion Paroo: Nicole Mobey, Marcellus Washburn: Matthew Ford, Widow Paroo: Wendy Glover, Mayor Shinn: Rodger Woodward, Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn: Pat Green, Zaneeta Shinn: Emilia Shelton, Tommy Djilas: Troy Lester, Winthrop Paroo: Joshua Harrison & Ryan , Amaryllis: Emily Markham & Lara Warwick, Ethel Tofflemier: Larissa Clarkson, Charlie Cowell: Steven Warwick
Barbershop Quartet: James Russell, Glen Lester, John Mckenna, James Reagan
Chorus: Cilla Aslanadis, Michael Barrett, Neil Barton, Courtney Brell, Jordan Brell, Diana Brown, Elias Brown, Michelle Clegg, Laura Crocco, Gabbi Harding, Rebecca Glover, Ashley Goodwin, Shaneal Goodwin, Kassandra Hobbs, Helena Johnston, Elaine Kidd, Marnie King, Karen Langton, Ruth Langton, Shari Lester, Jessica Magrin, Liana Mammone, Paula Mammone, Jessica Mann, Ainsley Oates, Kelcie Oates, Lauren Parker, Christina Paterno, Luke Salvatucci, Jessica Shaw, Sharna Shelton, Rebecca Toole, Danielle Turner, Tara Voulgaris, Kieron Warwick, Jacob Wieck, Amy Wieck, Debbie Wieck,

Technical: Stage Manager – Michael Glover, Lighting -Adam O' Brien

A traditional style pantomime broadly based on the stories of Robin Hood.

Cast: Jack (Mitchell Christie & Isabelle Dunster), Jill (Kayla Magrin & Abbey Lamont), Nurse Glucose (Nathan Jankowski), The Sheriff (Juran Jones), Robin Hood (Adam Fisher), Maid Marion (Jade Slater), Toyle & Trubble (Laura Crocco & Casey Stevenson), Friar Tuck (Glen Lester), Will Scarlett (James Regan), The Fairy (Debbie Wieck)

Technical:

Set during the Vietnam War, 'Cosi' is the hilarious story of Lewis, a university drop out who takes a last-ditch job in a Melbourne Mental Asylum working with patients who are interested in the dramatic arts. He thinks that his work will involve staging a small variety show with the group, until a long term patient, Roy, insists that the production is nothing less than the grand staging of Mozart's opera, "Cosi Fan Tutte". It's an ambitious thought to say the least, after all, none of the patients can speak Italian or sing.

To make matters even worse, it is to be performed in a fire-gutted theatre with a leaking roof and faulty wiring, with a cast made up of aging pyromaniacs, obsessives and nymphomaniacs who really have other things on their minds.

, 'Cosi' is an All Youth Production being performed, produced and marketed entirely by Roo Senior Youth Theatre. In doing this, they hope to create an opportunity for young people to experience theatre production beyond performance.

Cast: Daniel Alexander, Zoe Bodycott, Andrew Cormack, Farnaz Fanaion, Lloyd Fermino, Aimee Gawthorne, Juran Jones, Adam O'Brien, Michelle Platts, Casey Stevenson, Jay Trew

Technical:

"Quarry'' is a spectacular musical event documenting the early history of Kiama's quarrying, celebrating the lives of the hard-wording quarry workers and their families who helped to establish and make Kiama the town that it is today.

"Quarry" has particular relevance this year because Roo is working in conjunction with the National Trust Heritage Festival, April Ist to l6th and the theme this year is "Industrial Sites - Our Working Lives". Kiama's quarries were one of the first industrialised sites in Australia.

Technical:

The N.S.W Premiere Production of ...

The New Musical from the creators of the hit musicals 'The Witches of Eastwick' and 'The Fix'!

This girl loves ghoul rock and roll Off Broadway musical is set in the atomic 1950s at Enrico Fermi High, where the law is laid down by a zany, tyrannical principal. Pretty senior Toffee has fallen for the class bad boy. Family pressure forces her to end the romance, and he charges off on his motorcycle to the nuclear waste dump. He returns glowing and determined to reclaim Toffee's heart. He still wants to graduate, but most of all he wants to take Toffee to the prom. The principal orders him to drop dead while a scandal reporter seizes on him as the freak du jour. History comes to his rescue while a tuneful selection of original songs in the style of 50s hits keeps the action rocking across the stage. "A blast.... Slick fun for the whole nuclear family." N.Y. Daily News. "Stays safely on the sunny side of the macabre.... A gentle send up of the teenage romance films ... given a radioactive glow of novelty." N.Y. Times. "If you like Grease ... you [will] like Zombie Prom." N.Y. Daily News.

Cast: FEATURING: Nico Farmila, Ainsley Oates, Lynne Lear, Jamie Wood, Melissa Shelton, Kristen Brickell, Rachae Thwaite, Adam Fisher, Rohan Herring

Technical:

Based on the hugely popular TV comedy series, the stage version of 'Allo 'Allo follows the adventures of Rene, the hapless cafe owner in war-torn occupied France, as he and his wife, Edith, struggle to keep for themselves a priceless portrait stolen by the Nazis and kept in a sausage in their cellar. Rene is hiding two British airmen and is endeavouring, with the help of the resistance, to repatriate them. However, communications with London through a wireless disguised as a cockatoo add to the many embarrasments he endures in the company of his patrons. Matters come to a head with the news that the Fuhrer is to visit the town and the cafe becomes filled with tricksters intending to impersonate Hitler before the event. Rene will need all the wit he can muster to save his cafe......and his life!

Technical: