New twist on theatre favourites

Photos: Ben McShea, of BEAK PHOTOGRAPHICS

Young performers will be in the spotlight when ROAR Academy and Redcliffe Musical Theatre (RMT) Youth stage three big shows this summer.

It starts with Rock of Ages (high school edition) from December 10-12, a hilarious rock musical send-up of the ’80s, which will be staged at Theatre 102 by ROAR’s Senior Broadway group (up to 18 years of age).

Set in LA’s infamous Sunset Strip in 1987, Rock of Ages tells the story of Drew, a city boy from South Detroit and Sherrie, a small-town girl, who both end up in LA to chase their dreams of making it big.

The show takes the audience back to a time of big bands with big egos playing big guitar solos and sporting even bigger hair.

ROAR’s Junior Broadway performers, up to 14 years of age, will bring Disney’s Aladdin Jnr to life at Theatre 102 from January 21-23.

The family favourite will delight audiences of all ages and include the characters they know and love.

Grease will be staged by RMT Youth (14-20 years) at Redcliffe Entertainment Centre from February 4-6.

Almost 40 years since its Broadway debut, the young cast will put their own twist on the show, which will reach a whole new generation and be supported by a five-piece rock band lead by local guitar maestro Lachy Stewart.

Favourites such as You’re the One That I Want, Summer Nights, Beauty School Dropout and Greased Lightnin’ are sure to thrill audiences.

Rising stars shine

ROAR and RMT Youth Principal Madeleine Johns says she is excited to see young performers take centre stage in these three big shows.

“That’s what ROAR and RMT are all about, giving young performers opportunities on stage,” she says. “There’s no point learning technical stuff if you can’t put it all together on stage.”

A couple of adult cast members including Thomas Armstrong-Robley as Teen Angel and Madeleine Johns as Ms Lynch will perform in Grease and mentor the youngsters.

“We’ll take on an old classic – everyone loves the music from Grease – and present it from and to a new generation,” Johns says.

The last time they staged the show at Redcliffe Entertainment Centre was in 2015 and since then, there has been a whole new cohort of high school students – on stage and in the audience.

What can audiences expect? “Youthful enthusiasm and a new take on all three of the shows,” Johns says.

“It’s important the community comes out and supports young people on stage. We want people to enjoy the fun and magical illusion of theatre.”

SHOW DETAILS

Rock of Ages

When: December 10, 7.30pm; December 11, 2pm and 7.30pm; December 12, 2pm

Where: Theatre 102, 102 Anzac Ave, Redcliffe

Tickets: roaracademy.com/whats-on

Disney’s Aladdin Jnr

When: January 21, 7pm; January 22, 2pm and 7pm; January 23, 6pm

Where: Theatre 102, 102 Anzac Ave, Redcliffe

Tickets: roaracademy.com/whats-on

Grease

When: February 4, 7pm; February 5, 2pm and 7pm; February 6, 2pm

Where: The Redcliffe Entertainment Centre, Downs St, Redcliffe

Tickets: roaracademy.com/whats-on