A group of talented young people has discovered that Blue Mountains Musical Society (BMMS) is a great way to meet people of all ages, and to learn about stagecraft and performance.
Students from Springwood, Faulconbridge and Winmalee public schools, Blue Mountains Grammar School, St Columba's Catholic College, Springwood High and Blaxland High, have been cast in the upcoming BMMS production of Gypsy. As members of the cast of varying ages, the students are working very hard to learn the energetic songs and choreography for the show which opens at the Blue Mountains Theatre on October 19.
Maeve Magner from Blue Mountains Grammar School and Jasmine Vogel from Faulconbridge Public School, who play Baby June and Baby Louise respectively in the show, were very excited when they received the news that not only were they cast in Gypsy, but that they had received featured roles. The girls both love singing, dancing and performing.
Jasmine (11), was bitten by the performing bug when she was cast in the BMMS production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat in 2016.
"I love how everyone turns up happy and excited to rehearsals," she said.
"They are all so friendly and willing to help each other to learn and perfect their scenes."
Gypsy is 13-year-old Maeve's first show with BMMS, but she has wanted to perform with the society since she saw her first BMMS show, Oliver, in 2010.
"I was surprised, thankful and very excited when I found out I made it into the cast of Gypsy," said Maeve.
"I am so excited to be able to perform for so many people. I just love singing, dancing and acting."
Directed by Aarin Starkey, with musical director Matthew Herne, choreographer Catrin Phillips, and tap choreographer Bec Blackwell, Gypsy is the story of a mother's intense drive to make her daughters into the theatrical stars that she herself was never able to become. Rose comes up with all sorts of harebrained schemes to achieve her goal, and these, combined with the great music, fun and frivolity of the show will have audiences singing, laughing and clapping along. There are also some very touching scenes that will make everyone reach for the tissues, but not for long, because the beautiful sounds and harmonies from the 35-strong ensemble are sure to make everyone smile.
Blue Mountains Musical Society has a long-standing reputation for delivering high-quality productions that its audiences love. The society has given many young performers their first taste of working on a major production, some of whom have gone on to have professional careers in the theatre.
Gypsy will be performed from October 19 to November 3 at the Blue Mountains Theatre. Tickets are available online at www.bmms.org.au, by phoning 02 4723 5050 or in person at the venue. The cost is $46 for adults, $42 for concessions and $36 for children.
