Strike a pose: Paige Rudd, Klara Fennell, Emma Pummeroy, Grace Newman, Harper Raverty and Djembe Martin. Photos: Tamara Cadd Photography Echuca
Cue the lights, the music and at long last, lift the curtains — Initial Stages’ rendition of Chicago is going ahead.
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Following three attempts at producing the show, each blighted by COVID-19 restrictions, the performance is set to be a significant one.
Chicago will be the first and final show of the year for the Initial Stages crew, as after 18 years the theatre company is shutting its doors.
The youth theatre group has been a place for young creatives to participate in the arts, with members travelling from Kyabram, Echuca, Cobram and Tocumwal to be a part of it.
Initial Stages director Helen Janke said the impacts of the pandemic on the theatre industry were unprecedented.
“It’s been a really hard couple of years for theatre and live performances. COVID’s taken the shine off things; theatre is stressful but COVID adds a whole other level,” she said.
“This is our third attempt and while this one will get across the line it’s been a whole new era to see if we get there, it’s constantly been a case of we may or we may not.
“Never in 18 years have I had to think, ‘will the show go ahead?’”
The hit musical Chicago is set to hit the stage of Mooroopna’s Riverlinks WestSide this week, running from Thursday, January 20, to Saturday, January 22, with an additional 2pm matinee show on the final day.
Show’s on: Grace Newman and Tom Nethersole getting into character. Photos: Tamara Cadd Photography Echuca
While tickets have been selling fast, Mrs Janke said they were initially worried people would be deterred due to the current climate.
“The theatre has been affected so greatly by restrictions, yet we’re the least affected by COVID in terms of linked cases,” Mrs Janke said.
"The cast are making dedicated choices and staying away from parties and social situations so they can just perform their final show, and the venue is a really well controlled space when it comes to COVID.“
The Riverlinks venue enforces current guidelines with a COVID-19 marshall on site, sanitising stations provided and mandatory masks and vaccinated patrons.
Taking months of preparation followed by an intensive week of rehearsals, the show is sure to bring the razzle dazzle in more ways than one.
Mrs Janke said the stage’s set was sourced from Adelaide and props had been brought in from Melbourne.
The 27 group members are set to give their absolute all for their last show, with some having been a part of the theatre company for more than eight years.
Mrs Janke said the last performance would be a bittersweet send-off, as the theatre company had become a home for artistic youth from across the Goulburn Valley and beyond to perform, grow and learn the art of theatre over the past 18 years.
“There’s lots of mixed emotions but the show is just spectacular,” she said.
“The cast are going to be just stunning, because it’s their last production they’re giving 120 per cent.“
Tickets are selling fast. They are available for purchase via the Riverlinks website. For more information, visit the Initial Stages Facebook page.
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