By Michael Doran
Following their sell-out show last year, Healesville U3a are returning for a fifth year with a new, original musical comedy production, Pirates to Rock ‘N’ Roll.
The musical comedy is a journey from pirates to rock and roll and features many unique performers who will bring their own style in a variety of acts.
There will be singing, dancing and acting all rolled into great entertainment and to meet demand an extra show has been added this year.
The dialogue was written by Lois Thwaites, who also made the costumes and did choreography. “I just get some random ideas that come into my head, find some words to match and work from there,” she said.
“I started on the script about 12 months ago and rehearsals began in February. We have a cast of 30 working with director, Peter Bonney.”
Without giving much away she said’ “Its funny, quick witted and a bit risqué with cruising down the Yarra, and a bit of Healesville and Yarra Glen rivalry thrown in. It might remind people of ‘Are you being served’ with some of the humour.”
A sneaky peek into rehearsal revealed some ferocious looking pirates, Olivia Newton-John lookalikes and a motley crew of deck hands, all with loud voices.
The Healesville group believe there is no other U3a doing this type of performance and say there is a part for anyone who wants to be involved in next year’s show.
Lois Thwaites said the production is a total team effort, with performers, actors, singers, dancers and technicians all making the show work.
This year there will be two performances at the Healesville Memorial Hall, on 25 November and 1 December, both starting at 2pm.
There will be an interval with refreshments available for purchase. Tickets are $10 and are available at the Memorial Hall ticketing office, contact 1300 368 333.
