News

August 2008

Rehearsals for 40th Anniversary Concert

Rehearsals have now begun for our November 2008, 40th Anniversary concert, West End Nights II. There is still time to get involved - please come along to a rehearsal if you would be interested in joining us for this very special concert.

July 2008

Praise for 42nd Street

The full houses and the applause said it all. People had eagerly awaited the next production by the acclaimed Wimborne Musical Theatre, and they weren't to be disappointed.

It's an exacting show, and the commitment and efforts of so many members of the society to become proficient tap dancers was more than evident. They were joined by eight talented youngsters from the Footlight Dance Academy which has classes in Merley, Colehill and Corfe Mullen.

Director Roy Joseph has won many awards and this production could well add top his collection.

'Good, they've got live music,' said one member of the audience. This was under the directorship of Grahame Laurence who has been in the music business for more than 40 years.

The oh-so-vital choreography was provided by professional Suzi DeVilliers who also appeared as Teacher Sandy Lee.

There were some stunning performances, and as in previous productions by Wimborne Musical Theatre (WMT) heaps of praise must go to Heather Pretlove as one-time star Dorothy Brock, Sharron Pearcy as Maggie Jones and Sally Ager as Ann Reilly.

This talented trio becomes a quartet with newcomer to WMT Lisa Hopton having put in a stunning performance as Peggy Sawyer, who takes over the lead in the show, when Dorothy breaks her ankle.

Lisa, who has all the vibrancy and fizz of a young Doris Day, has appeared in the West End and in many TV adverts.

The part of the director Julian Marsh was in the safe hands of Phil Evans, one of the society's most popular performers, whilst 16-year-old Jackie-Ross Lavender as Billy Lawlor, the juvenile lead, is a promising young player.

With powerful support from the other 11 members of the cast and the 15-strong chorus, 42nd Street presented a feel-good fun evening of which the theatre group should be rightly proud.

MB (Stour and Avon Magazine, 4th July 2008)

June 2008

Broadway Hit for Anniversary Show

Wimborne Musical Theatre has chosen the hit Broadway show 42nd Street for its 40th anniversary production, coming to the Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne next week. It's the story of Julian Marsh, a famous director who has all but lost his shirt on his last show, hit by the Depression and changes in taste. He is about to risk everything he has on a new show Pretty Lady, and is auditioning "resting" chorus boys and girls ready for the try-outs in Atlantic City and Philadelphia. The show started its life as a novel, and was then filmed in 1933. It wasn't until 47 years later that it was revived as a stage show, and since then it has become a staple for professional and amateur productions around the English speaking world.

The Wimbonre society has brought together director Roy Joseph, MD Grahame Laurence and choreographer Suzi DeVilliers to mount this exciting and challenging show, which will be performed from Tuesday 24th to Saturday 28th June. The 33 strong cast is augmented by eight dancers, and all have been rehearsing tap since last autumn. The leading roloes are taken by Phil Evans as Julian Marsh with Heather Pretlove as the Grand Dame Dorothy Brock, Lisa Hopton as the ingenue Peggy, Jackie-Ross Lavender as the romantic hero Billy Lawlor and Sharron Pearcy as Maggie Jones. The big numbers include Shuffle off to Buffalo, We're in the Money, the title song and the immortal Lullaby of Broadway. The WMT production of 42nd Street is on at the Tivoli from Tuesday 24th to Saturday 28th June, nightly at 7.30 with a 2.30 Saturday Matinee.

(Stour and Avon Magazine, 20th June 2008)

January 2008

Rehearsals for Anniversary Show

Wimborne Musical Theatre begin rehearsals for their 40th anniversary production, 42nd Street, at Merley Community Centre on Thursday.

Anyone who'd like to take part in what the company describe as a lavish new version of one of the best-loved musicals is invited to put in an appearance.

"We are always looking for talented singers, actors and dancers to join our already experienced company and if you'd prefer to take part backstage we'd love to see you too!" says company member Stacey Mitchell.

All adult performers are welcome, particularly those with experience of basic tap dancing. For more information call 01202 659425.

42nd Street will be performed from Tuesday June 24, to Saturday 28, at the Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne. Tickets will be on sale soon.

Bournemouth Echo, 8th January 2008

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