In the mix: Kelly Elder will play Violet Newstead in Numurkah Singers Theatre’s upcoming production.
Photo by
Joshua Miles
Shepparton singer Kelly Elder, who is enthusiastically rehearsing for her first lead role as head secretary Violet Newstead in Numurkah Singers Theatre’s production of 9 to 5, said the part was relatable because she does office work in real life.
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“It hasn’t crossed my mind to poison my boss’ coffee, though,” Ms Elder said with a laugh.
She said she auditioned specifically for the role of Violet, but would have been happy with anything.
“When Jane (Willis, the director) called to say I had the part I was screaming down the phone at her very excitedly,” Ms Elder said.
The show is an adaptation of the movie 9 to 5, featuring the music of Dolly Parton.
Veteran director Jane Willis said the show, which will premiere this month, has been in production since the beginning of February with the cast of around 20 performing three to four days every week for two hours at a time.
What a way to make a living: The cast of 9 to 5 is growing increasingly excited as opening night approaches.
Photo by
Joshua Miles
Ms Willis said 9 to 5 was set in the late 1970s and highlighted the inequalities for women in the workplace, in an entertaining way.
“We’ve got our three main female characters who set about to make things better for themselves in the office and, unfortunately, their boss gets caught up in it,” Ms Willis said.
“There’s some really great songs in there and the cast has been practising really hard; they’re sounding fantastic.”
Leading roles: Kat Taylor as Judy, Kelly Elder as Violet and JC Scadden as Doralee are the three main characters in Numurkah Singers Theatre’s production of 9 to 5.
Photo by
Joshua Miles
Ms Willis describes the production as a comedy-drama.
Some performers travel from as far as Cobram and Shepparton for rehearsals, which have now ramped up with an extra five-hour session each Sunday night added to their schedule.
“Because we’re getting so close to the show and putting it together, it’s not just rehearsing this bit here and that bit there, it all has to merge together and the longer rehearsals are good for that,” Ms Willis said.
“Come and see the show; it’s funny, it’s entertaining and you’ll have a good night.”
Rehearsals: Leigh Johnson, as Franklin, and Wendy Platt, as Roz, can’t wait to hit the stage in character for Numurkah Singers Theatre’s 9 to 5.
Photo by
Joshua Miles
Numurkah Singers Theatre celebrated its 60th anniversary last year.
“We are open to anybody and everybody who would like to audition or be part of production, lighting, painting, costumes, all that sort of stuff,” Ms Willis said.
“Anybody can come and audition for shows, you don’t need to be a member.”
• 9 to 5 will be performed on May 17, 18, 19, 24 and 25 at Numurkah Town Hall.
