Long road to upcoming stage roles worth it

But the Avenel couple wouldn’t have it any other way.

‘‘We both love it,’’ Rob said.

‘‘It’s rewarding when you get to perform but the whole journey and process is too.’’

Rob and Kathy know the road to Shepparton all too well, having starred in previous shows with the group.

In Shepparton Theatre Arts Group’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar, which opens next week, Rob plays Pontius Pilate while Kathy Daly stars as Simon Zealotes.

Director Trish Deakin described Rob’s performance as ‘‘menacing and compelling with just the right mix of confusion, desperation and, in the end, resignation for the inevitable decision he is forced to make in condemning Jesus’’.

‘‘I hope to bring a sense of vulnerability to Pilate,’’ Rob said.

‘‘He doesn’t want to put Jesus on the cross ... so I want to bring that honest emotion to it.’’

On the other hand, Simon is loyal, supportive of the cause and wishes to inspire Jesus to seize political power if he wants it.

‘‘Kathy’s energetic song, Simon Zealotes, showcases her vocal abilities and leaves no doubt that she is the right choice for this role,’’ Trish said.

‘‘The audition process for this production was conducted with gender neutrality being observed, meaning we were looking to cast the roles to those who encompassed all of the character traits, vocal abilities and physicality required, regardless of the actor’s gender.’’

Kathy, who grew up listening to the JCS soundtrack, said the role was about the experience and connection with Jesus.

‘‘I’m excited to be playing Simon and his rock gospel song really suits my voice range,’’ she said.

‘‘I’m hoping to bring passion to the role and a relatable character for the audience to show the connection of humanity to Jesus.’’

Furniture retailer Rob and Kathy, who is an English teacher at Kilmore’s Assumption College, are no strangers to the stage and actually met through theatre.

Involved in Seymour Performers Workshop and Broadford Amateur Theatre Society (BATS), Rob also directed last year’s production of Curtains (BATS), which Kathy starred in.

‘‘It’s always a privilege to work with a big group like STAG and have the opportunity to enjoy my hobby,’’ Rob said.

‘‘Everyone pitches in and has a job to do. It certainly brings the best out in me.’’

‘‘I love the music and the cast. It’s an incredible group to work with,’’ Kathy said.

Trish said Rob and Kathy had proved to be vital members of the cast.

‘‘I’m always impressed when talented, artistic people living in country areas are willing to travel hundreds or thousands of kilometres over the rehearsal period to be part of a show,’’ she said.

‘‘You know, then, that their commitment level is high and they are focussed and dedicated to giving everything to their roles.’’

Jesus Christ Superstar will be held at Riverlinks Westside from May 2 to 5.

Tickets are on sale on STAG’s website or riverlinksvenues.com.au