Wellington Operatic Society’s autumn show this year, ‘Once Upon a Musical’, promises to take audiences on a fast-paced tour of 32 of the stage’s best shows. Keynote songs from each one are picked out to deliver the vivid entertainment that is Op Soc’s trademark.
The programme includes such show-stoppers as ‘Razzle Dazzle’ from ‘Chicago’, ‘Wouldn’t it be Lovely’ from ‘My Fair lady’ and ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’ from ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ and the range of musicals visited embraces ‘Matilda’, ‘Les Miserables’, ‘Rent’, ‘Miss Saigon’, ‘Bugsy Malone’, ‘Shrek’, ‘We Will Rock You’, ‘Fame’, ‘Mary Poppins’ – and LOTS more! Everyone – from children to senior citizens – will enjoy this tour.
Directing and choreographing the show this year is Ashleigh Payne whose performance training began (not so long ago) with Genesis Youth Theatre. He has since graduated to the senior ranks, most recently with Wellington Pantomime Group in January’s production of ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ playing the role of Toto. He was also responsible for the impressive choreography for the pantomime. For ‘Once Upon a Musical’ he has assembled a cast of both young players and experienced regulars.
This promises to be a delighful evening of musical entertainment, guaranteed to light up the autumn night and send audiences home singing.
‘Once Upon a Musical’ is at The Arts Centre, Eight Acre Lane, Wellington from Tuesday 8 November to Saturday 12 November at 7.30pm with a matinee on 12 November at 2.30pm. Tickets are on sale from the Box Office at Odette’s Tea Room in the High Street, Wellington.
May I correct the statement about Ashleigh Choreographing the Pantomime.
Ashleigh is currently choreographing the forthcoming Pantomime of “Puss in Boots”, but Christina Green was responsible for choreography of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”.