CMCB cast, crew ready to rock musical premiere

STUDENTS from Catherine McAuley College Bendigo are deep into final rehearsals for what promises to be a spectacular rendition of jukebox musical Rock of Ages, which premieres next Thursday 4 June at Ulumbarra Theatre.

Created by American writer, director and producer Chris D’Arienzo and debuting at the Vanguard Hollywood nightclub in Los Angeles in 2005, the highly-acclaimed stage show features a parade of eighties classic hits.

Among these are I wanna rock (Twisted Sister), We built this city (Starship), I want to know what love is (Foreigner), I can’t fight this feeling (REO Speedwagon) and Every rose has its thorn (Guns N’ Roses).

Stage manager and year 11 student Sadie Field, who is taking up the tough task of wrangling 88 performers and 32 backstage crew, said preparations are ahead of schedule.

“We’ve made great time and everyone’s been working really, really well together,” she said.

“It’s a bit of a challenge, but the teachers are a great support and everyone has been really receptive because we’re aware that we’re working as a big team to get a joint project happening.

“It’s going as well as it can.”

She said the cast and crew are very much looking forward to strutting their stuff at the world-class Ulumbarra Theatre.

“It’s great – performing there, the kids love it, the facilities are amazing and it’s such a nice feeling to go from rehearsing in a small space to a massive theatre,” she said.

“It’s a really good exercise for them to get out of their comfort zones and push themselves to do something that we all know they can achieve.”

With an invite-only matinee for aged care residents and primary students on Thursday, and evening performances on Thursday and Friday, Field said it’s a fun but tiring experience.

“It’s so intensive, by the end we’ll have perfected the show,” she said.

“It’s always nerve-wracking standing on stage with the curtain down and knowing as soon as it comes up all eyes will be on you – but, these kids are incredibly well-supported and we’ve been able to make a really good community in production that allows them to be scared and be nervous.

“They’re able to perform when they’re scared, they’re able to do things scared – and that’s a really important thing that a lot of them can benefit from.”

Catherine McAuley College: Rock of Ages takes place next Thursday 4 June and Friday 5 June at Ulumbarra Theatre.