An opportunity to showcase talent

Continued from page 1.

Four of the five divas are Mums who are juggling work, life balance with the rehearsal schedule.

For Kim, an Office and Logistics Manager of Johnson’s Barge Service Ltd, the work life chat in her house is a quick conversation.

“Mum is doing the show, see ya later,” she laughs. “I do have an elder daughter so that certainly helps.”

Immigration advisor Megan Rosene says both her kids like the stage and says it’s nice to have Mum go off and do it and realising it’s not just a kid’s thing.

“It’s something that adults do too,” she says. “A lot of our practices start at 7pm during weeknights. We still get together before and after school and have dinner and time with them.”

Real Estate agent Georgia Ryan says after five years of dedicating herself to the profession the time was right to be part of the production.

“I’ve been asked to audition for these types of shows for a few years and I never did. I’m a massive fan of Priscilla. I knew the music and I wanted to give it a crack. Both work and my partner are hugely supportive,” she says.

Kim says the role of the divas could be compared to the ‘mothers of the show’ who have a physical presence throughout the show.

“They are up on stage a lot of the time overlooking what is going on and providing a substantial part of the singing.” Megan says they’ve been described to them as ‘the puppeteers’ but suggests they’re actually creating all the mischief and chaos.”

The key learnings at this stage of the rehearsal process are the singing and dancing component.

“It’s about being able to sing and dance really well and getting the balance right,” says Megan.

“We are actually singing three part harmonies. Unison singing and dancing is quite different to harmony singing and dancing.

Harmonising is a skill in itself.”

The production is known for its classic disco hits which will be familiar to Marlburians and a peek into their one’s formative years.

Solo vocals include Georgia singing It’s Raining Men, Krystal with I Say a Little Prayer, Megan, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, Sara, I Will Survive and Kim performing Venus and What’s Love Got to Do with It.

Winemaker Krystal says developing her own interpretation on the songs is fundamental to telling the story. Being given a ‘creative licence’ from Vocal Director Con

O’Brien to ‘own their own solos’ she says has allowed for greater autonomy and self-discovery.

Megan’s take on being a Diva is best summed up when she says it allows ‘older ladies’ the opportunity to showcase their talents on stage.

“It’s not all about being young, thin and pretty. It doesn’t matter what age or stage you are at. The musical version of this show is uplifting.”

Tickets are available from the ASB Theatre. The season runs from May 17 – 27 with the inclusion of three matinee shows.