Second time lucky: The 2021 cast of Annie in rehearsals.
After two years in the making and a pandemic and flood later, the Seymour Performers Workshop is set to present Annie.
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The irrepressible comic strip heroine will take centre stage in Seymour next month in one of the world's best-loved musicals.
The production was originally scheduled for November 2021 and rehearsals had already started when it became clear the show would need to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many of the cast from the original production were able to return this year, along with some new faces. Cast and crew have been hard at work over the past few months preparing for the November 12 opening.
Unfortunately, both of their rehearsal and storage venues, The School House Theatre in Tallarook St and the Les Bell Pavilion in Kings Park, were inundated by floodwaters this month.
Many of the company’s costumes, sets, props and curtains have been destroyed and neither venue can be used while clean-up and repairs get under way.
Help at hand: Members of the Australian Defence Force assist SPW members at The Schoolhouse Theatre.
Seymour Performers Workshop president Brett Harvey said it was a difficult time.
“We have a big task ahead of us as we need to completely empty both venues and relocate any of the costumes, sets and equipment that were able to be salvaged,” he said.
“We also had to dismantle our theatrette in The Schoolhouse Theatre and put this in to temporary storage.
“We have been overwhelmed by the show of support from the community and would like to extend our heartful thanks to the amazing band of volunteers who have been assisting us with this very smelly, dusty and damp task.
“A number of local organisations and businesses have stepped in to offer us temporary storage and rehearsal space and we are most grateful for this.
“A special shout out to the members of the Australian Defence Force from Puckapunyal who helped us move piles of costumes, equipment and staging — an incredible effort.”
Mr Harvey also thanked SPW members and friends, Seymour Veterinary Surgery, Seymour Dental Clinic, MH Truck and Trailer Repairs, Seymour Ag Society, Kings Park committee members, Seymour Scout Group, Seymour Anglican Christ Church, Seymour College and the Seymour Flexible Learning Centre for their help.
“This truly is a wonderful and generous community,” he said.
Show director Peter Read said the show must go on.
“Despite these latest setbacks, we’re pushing forward and have a busy few weeks ahead of us as we polish up the production and get ready for opening night,” Mr Read said.
“We encourage everyone to come along, show your support and enjoy this feel-good, family-friendly musical.
“After some pretty challenging times for us all, we all need a smile.”
Annie will be performed at the Seymour Community Arts Centre from November 12-20. Tickets are available atwww.spworkshop.or.auor by phoning 0492 860 331.
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