Everyone knows of the classic musical Wizard of Oz. It’s the musical that teaches us that you can’t take what you’ve got for granted; that over the rainbow seems like the place to be, but the view from down on the ground is just as wonderful. But I’m not here to talk about Dorothy and Toto, I’m here to talk about those Witches that live over the rainbow, better yet, in the wonderful village of Oz. And you know exactly what musical I’m talking about… Wicked!

I believe the key to developing a well-liked story is the message behind it. But what is the message in Wicked? Is it that we shouldn’t judge one another, or that there is two sides to every story or that love is blind? Well yes, it’s all of them. But what connects to me, is the underlying notion that if you’re passionate about something, and believe in it, then never give up!

Elphaba wanted justice and fairness towards animals. She wanted this so much that she let her image be tampered with just to stay faithful to what she believed in. To me, this is a powerful and meaningful message to all, but especially those involved in the arts. Every ‘musical theatre nerd’ would be able quote, sing and dance every line, lyric and move from Wicked. They know it well enough to know the plots, characters, accents, original casts and the meanings. Despite knowing and loving the message in Wicked, a lot of performers still end up giving up their art for various reasons. 

I get it, it’s hard, it’s costly and you need to be so lucky to land that role. But do you remember when you were little and you’d just sing or dance just because you loved it? You weren’t being paid and you didn’t even need to be good at it, but you still did it. As a 5 year old dreamer, that was something you were passionate about, so you just did it. My message is that you shouldn’t give up your passion, even if it's because your worried about your image, or what people say, or money. Do what you love, even if you turn green.

My name is Kaitlyn Maxwell, and I am so excited to be the intern director for Redcliffe Musical Theatre’s Queensland Community Theatre Premiere production of WICKED. With only two rehearsals down, there is some seriously beautiful sounds and such professionalism stemming from all of our cast. I’m excited to learn about what it takes to direct a production. Acting is something that I am very passionate about and so I’m hoping to help my fellow actors work on character development and nurture their growth. How does your character talk, walk, what are their traits, do they have natural or realistic gestures and expressions, etc? I want to help the actors get into great depths with their roles. My main forte is comedy, so I can’t wait to play around with some of the more comedic scenes. This cast has some great comedic timing already, so I cannot wait to work with them further. I hope to gain the skills to direct a show of my own someday, and I really am learning from the best.

I cannot wait to see how far this show goes, this show is already ‘Popular’ and will surely ‘Defy Gravity’. ‘Thank Goodness’ Redcliffe Musical Theatre is staging this production!

by Madeleine Johns (President)

A mysterious happening? No just the set of Mary Poppins bumping into the Ipswich Civic Centre.

Key production team members Bruce Noy (Technical Director), Jonathan Johns (Staging Director) and Madeleine Johns (Director) from the RMT Mary Poppins team were there today to help our colleagues from Ipswich Musical Theatre Company (and CLOC) to accomplish the mission ahead of opening night of Mary Poppins this Saturday September 12th. Chookas to director Ruth Gabriel and President Ken Mundt from IMTC and the cast and crew for Saturday night!!

RMT are getting VERY excited about Mary Poppins coming to Redcliffe in March 2016. We will be using the CLOC set and costumes - so helping out our colleagues at their bump-in will be really helpful when we come to our bump-in late February (only 5 and a half months away!) We have taken lots of pictures – to help us remember what to do when we unpack the container! But we will have the wonderful Bernard and Gemma from CLOC to show us the way.

There are SO many interesting and intriguing set pieces and props for this production – it really is “A Jolly Holiday with Mary”. But we won’t spoil the magic for you by revealing how Mary does all her amazing tricks – you’ll just have to come to the Redcliffe Cultural Centre March 4 to 20 in 2016 to see for yourself!

One of the keys to the success of this musical is undoubtedly the music, it is truly a soundtrack that has captivated generation after generation. So for a production of Grease it is imperative to have someone capable in command of recreating the iconic sounds of the 1950's while still adding a personal flare and stamping a production with unique touches and individuality.

At the helm of music in this production is Lucas D. Lynch who is a current student of Classical Piano at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and as well as his studies is repetiteur for Queensland Ballet and Queensland Dance of Excellence. He has worked with RMT since 2012 in which he was assistant-conductor for The Pirates of Penzance before going on to work on productions such as The Phantom of the Opera,  
 Jesus Christ Superstar, The Wizard of Oz, Pirates of Penzance (ROAR) and Cinderella.  


I myself have had the pleasure of working with Lucas since Pirates in 2012 and have worked with him closely over the past, he is a real mastermind and will continue to work at the highest level in musical direction when he graduates later this year. I'm so thrilled to have him as a part of the team for this production and as my partner in this and so many other ventures, wait until you hear the rocking band he has assembled. I've worked with many orchestra's over the years and this ensemble of musicians gave me chills when I first heard them a few weeks ago. So without further delay, I give you my sit down with the wonderful Lucas D. Lynch... 

Lucas, you come from a classical background studying at the Queensland Conservatorium, how is it musically directing a rock musical? 

Coming from years and years of studying classical music and now musically directing a rock show, has proved a challenge. I've had to work hard with the score and challenge myself to work freer with the music. However, rock is not totally foreign to me as I was principle keyboard from the recent RMT production of JC Superstar and having a family background in modern music did help too (thanks dad!).



You've worked on a few musicals now, what makes this cast different to work with ?



This cast is an absolute wonder! Right at the beginning I knew most of them from various situations, but with a bunch of new faces and this group, it truly is a Musical Director's dream cast. They are very responsive and have great input to their characters. I still continue to commend them in their efforts as I try to push for something beyond their expectations as singers. They know I'm hard to please as I constantly expect the best... But they continue to do produce wonderful things to which I'm always so impressed! 


What are your favourite parts of this show to work on?


My favourite parts of the show is working with the entire ensemble on the big numbers. Nothing is more impressive then a big body of sound, especially by this great cast. However, if I'm to play favourites for a moment, the greatest feeling comes from working with individual leads on the sentimental (or power hit) solos and work as a team to find that sound. I speak to the readers when I say, just you wait for Shonagh Hale's heart ripping performance of "There are worse things..." and Genevieve Tree's "Hopelessly Devoted".


Why should audiences come and see this incarnation of Grease? 

The audience needs to see the sheer level of talent from this amazing YOUTH group. Come see our brilliant band, our great set and costumes. Come watch all the pieces of the puzzle come together for a performance that you won't forget. All this great work has been masterminded by my work partner-in-crime Thomas Armstrong-Robley. Come see our vision!



You can catch Lucas with his rock orchestra along with Adam Goodall as Danny, Genevieve Tree as Sandy and the rest of the gang from Rydell High this June 12th & 13th only. Tickets on sale NOW, for more information click below.

One of the greatest parts of this experience for me has been the chance to rekindle with old cast-mates and young performers who have now blossomed into mature & seasoned performers.  This weeks blog shines the spotlight on two integral members of the Grease team who are well known to Redcliffe Musical Theatre audiences and who I have worked with on in shows since 2011. Four years on and we are working together closely developing their roles and preparing them to deliver show-stopping performances as Kenickie & Rizzo respectively, I speak of course of Alex Kuchmenko and Shonagh Hale.

Audiences will recognise Alex from his recent stint as Bobby C (U/S) in 'Saturday Night Fever' or perhaps some may recognise him from his days in drag as the ugly step-mother in Cinderella the Pantomime. Alex now steps into the role of Kenickie and really breaths new life into the character, it is a wonderful thing to see a young man whom I've watched for numerous years mature both as an artist and as a person. Now to work with him on Grease after playing his role myself is a real treat for me as a director, I have absolute belief that Alex will surpass my turn as Kenickie and really take his part to places yet untouched and I am thrilled to continue to watch his growth in this show and whatever he decides to do going forward.

Shonagh Hale is also no stranger RMT audiences, she has had successful turns in Joseph, Grease & Saturday Night Fever. I have known Shonagh personally for close to ten years now and have had the pleasure of working with her on stage since late 2010. At only 14, Shonagh was originally cast as an U/S for The Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat but soon enough found herself stepping up into the full-time cast and delivering a performance way beyond her age. What makes working with Shonagh in this production such a pleasure is the fact that we have actually worked together on this show before, Shonagh understudied Rizzo back in 2012 and delivered two knockout performances in the role to great reviews. Getting to share the stage with her back then has really cemented the trust between us and as you'll see from her performance in this adaptation, Shonagh has developed immensely in the past 2 years.  

This past weekend I sat with Alex and Shonagh to talk about the show and what it takes to bring this dysfunctional couple to life. 

So Alex, you play Kenickie tell us a bit about him..

Alex: Kenickie is second in command to Danny in the T-Birds, although at times he tries to take full leadership of the group, especially when Danny isn’t present. He is a natural leader, and almost unconsciously bosses the group around at times. Kenickie avoids any moments at which there is a possibility that he could expose his soft side; he has built an alpha male image around himself, which he is proud to expose to the world. He isn’t a hero; in fact he is far from it. Instead, he houses traits such as being obnoxious, rude, loud, and rough. Despite displaying these traits, he is the one keeping Danny’s head on straight. The only thing that could break Kenickie’s suave is fear, which is seldom an issue for him. But when it does, there’s no Mr. Tough Guy anymore, which is when the audience gets a glimpse of who Kenickie is inside. 

Shonagh, you understudied Rizzo in the 2012 production, what have you been up to since then?

Shonagh: The last few years have been both hectic and a breather - I had a three year break from musical theatre. That being said I was given the awesome opportunity to be a featured vocalist in the 2013 production of Creative Generation. Other than that, I've just focused on working and graduating and making the best of myself in other areas. 

So 2 years on and the role now belongs to you, how are you finding it back in the pink jacket, what's easier or harder this time? 

Shonagh: I am absolutely, crazily adoring being in the pink jacket again and more so to be playing Rizzo. She is fiery, brutal and so gorgeously complex. I would say playing her has become easier as I feel she's a rougher, angrier extension of my own self. I think I've grown a lot as a person the last few years so I find her much easier to understand and I'm not so shy or naive anymore. I would say the most difficult aspect of playing her is that I've put a lot of expectations on myself to delve into her complexities and play her justice. Riz is not sunshine and rainbows - she's crass, rude and has very few redeeming qualities yet still manages to retain a certain charm and you hate to love her. THAT is what I want the audience to feel.

You are the youngest of the four leads, what have you found challenging about this?

Alex: Being the youngest of the leads, I’ve found it’s difficult thinking in the way they do; they’ve lived other aspects of life which I’m soon to endeavour into – this doesn’t stop me from becoming Kenickie, the rough, tough, Alpha Male he is, in fact it has been beneficial to work around an older lead cast – they have given me insight as to what it is like being an 18 year old, the hardship of finance, being on the brink of adolescence... I’ve been around older friends for a year now, all who have taught me various things, some more than others, and the little things I’ve learnt are now being put into practice in this role.
  
How are you finding this new cast to work with?

Shonagh: This cast is one in a million. I am absolutely in love with each and every one of the individuals in this show. I really don't want to use the word kids - these are amazing, mature young individuals and I feel blessed to be a part of such an encouraging and energetic group of people. I walk in to and leave each and every rehearsal with a smile on my face and a warmth in my heart because of these incredible youths.  

What is your favourite part of the show to perform?

Alex: When Kenickie reveals that yes, in fact, he does have a soft side. Finding the balance of still being Number One and showing the vulnerability behind him is a great challenge, and it gives a very unique colour to the character… for me it’s the cherry on top; All the other T-Birds have already shown their soft sides, and finally Kenickie breaks, really adding a sense of sincerity and honesty to him.

What are you liking about this production? 

Alex: It's working with a young team of thespians; the young, witty and creative minds have brought this production to a prestigious level of performance. No aspect has been missed, Acting, singing and dancing are being fine tuned, polished and refined to perfection. Aside from the rehearsal aspect, the production team and cast have bonded so closely, which makes us so much more comfortable in the space. No one feels awkward performing; everyone supports each other, and that is a key element which I feel many productions often lack.

One more question for you both, what do you like about your Kenickie/Rizzo?

Shonagh: I think my kenickie is sensational. I believe Alex is on the way to becoming a fantastic seasoned performer for someone so young and he's developing a vast repertoire. His dedication to Kenickie and portraying him in the most honest way is wondrous and as I've known him for several years now, it has been incredible to watch him grow and I am very proud to see how he has developed into such a passionate, talented performer. Alex can go wherever he wants with his stagecraft - it is going to be amazing to see what more he has to offer to the stage not just as kenickie but in whatever roles he takes on in the future. 

Alex: At times I forget Shonagh is Shonagh. Her dedication to Rizzo is just unbelievable, or should I say fully believable. When the blocking begins, she instantly transforms into rizzo, the way she walks, talks and interacts with the others. She goes from her kind, caring self to a sassy, risky, bend-the-rules chick from the 50’s. Her talent is incredible, she never shy’s down from any challenge, whatever is thrown at her, she takes it and makes it her own. She brings a unique energy to the stage, which energises everyone to give an even stronger performance. I’ve seen various performances of Grease where each Rizzo gives a great performance, although they have lacked something. That something is honesty. Shonagh brings such honesty and sincerity, which hits the audience right in the feels. Rizzo, I’m blown away every time I see you perform. See you on stage, Kid.

You can catch Alex & Shonagh along with Adam Goodall as Danny, Genevieve Tree as Sandy and the rest of the gang from Rydell High this June 12th & 13th only. Tickets on sale NOW, for more information click below.

" Hello readers and welcome to 'The Directors Corner' where over the 6 weeks myself, the cast and production team of Grease shall be giving you a glimpse into the behind the scenes of RMT Youth's inaugural production, so come with us as we give you a sneak peak of what it takes to bring Rydell High back to Redcliffe. "

We start our story roughly 2 years and 8 months ago when I found myself picking up the script and score to one of the worlds most popular musicals for the first time, there I was behind the steering wheel of Greased Lightning and surrounded by a wealth of talented performers who would soon become treasured friends. The experience of performing in Grease back in December of 2012 and watching the infectious effect on audiences as we rocked through hit after hit was one that it would not soon be forgotten by the performers or by those who saw it.  I cannot explain to you the reason the world clings to this piece of musical theatre so dearly or why it continues to sell out around the world but perhaps it doesn't need explaining, some things are simply destined to be a part of lives and need to be passed down from generation to generation. 

So when talks began with myself, Madeleine Johns (Executive Producer) and Lucas D. Lynch (Musical Director) to create the RMT Youth Initiative, we mulled over options for a premiere production which would launch the concept with high energy and a spotlight on young performers. Soon enough it became clear to us that one show stood above the rest as engaging, exciting and relevant for the young adults who would go on to perform it, was of course Grease. So we put the word out and received an overwhelming response, held a highly energetic information night and sat through 3 days of auditions to find our cast and my what a cast we found.  If I had to describe this cast using 1 word it would be 'balance', to me this cast combines a perfect combination of seasoned performers with new discoveries, treads the line of fun and hard work and ultimately has created a wonderfully positive working environment. The cast features local performers who I'm sure will be recognised by many but it is also wonderful to welcome so many new performers into the RMT family, performers who travel from as far as Ipswich and the Sunshine Coast to partake in this production. Two performers who know all about the travel involved are the fierce Nathan Hollingworth and our one-liner machine Kaitlyn Maxwell who play Johnny Casino and Jan respectively, I sat down with these two newcomers to the Redcliffe stage to ask them all about themselves and the show.

So, tell us a bit about yourself...  

Nathan: My name is Nathaniel Hollingworth! Nathan is fine There's not much about me other than the fact that I love to perform. I can be a bit of a bookworm, LOVE Greek Theatre, absolute night owl (hate morning rehearsals) and piña coladas
 
Kaitlyn: Hola! I'm kaitlyn I'm a wannabe comedian and actress. I like cars and dogs. In fact all of my animals are named after cars or car parts. I'm a cook and barista at the Lone Pine Koala Santurary and my best friend is a koala named Barry who lives next door to my locker.

What is your performing experience? 

Nathan: I've been performing from a very young age! Mostly singing and acting, it wasn't until recently I've found a passion for dance and I've really embraced it and love everything about it! I'm very much a character actor having played roles like Sebastian (Little Mermaid), Lumiere (Beauty + Beast) and the Cowardly Lion (The Wiz).

Kaitlyn: My first performance was a play called Cinderbella, which was a "fractured fairytale" production which combined plots and story lines from Cinderella and beauty and the beast. My first musical was Grease (2012) and I played Marty. Last year I played Tess in Camp rock, and I played Mrs Clause in a Christmas pantomime called "Spaced Out Santa". I was delighted to find out the actor who played Santa was 66 years old, I was stoked... I've also been in a couple of school based plays such as "wolf lullaby" "Aprils fools" and "snagged". My first paid role was the lead in a short film called "the jester".

How have you found it joining RMT for Grease?

Nathan: Having joined Redcliffe Musical Theatre I was rather nervous, not knowing how anyone in your cast can be daunting, especially when you have some pretty intense choreography with them or harmonies to hold with people you've never sung with before. However the cast of Grease are so inviting and embraced the newbies like we had always been apart of the family, we were just hiding in the cupboard.

Kaitlyn: I've loved it, I've never been in a production where everyone is a triple threat. I thought id hate coming to rehearsals at a stage, because of the drive... But I've got nothing but amazing things to say about this production and the team involved!

What is your favourite part of the show to watch or perform?

Kaitlyn: I'm absolutely loving Rizzo's version of Look At Me I'm Sandra Dee. Us pink ladies have all developed such a wonderful bond both on stage and off and since we have that natural chemistry everything looks and feels so much better. I love the Grease Lighting scene and choreography, I think it looks and sounds wonderful. But I cannot wait for the finishing touches of the Prom scene! The Hand jive is going to be great! I can't wait for this show to be polished and clean, but also want it to take it's time because I don't want it to come to an end!

Nathan: It's hard to pick because I'm loving so much of it! I think what I love most is not the iconic songs that everyone knows from Grease but the ones people don't really walk around singing. Songs like "Raining on Prom Night", "Shakin at the High School Hop" and "Those Magic Changes". Because they aren't iconic we have so much free reign to make it our own and the singers have really taken that on and have blown me away.

You can catch Nathan & Kaitlyn along with Adam Goodall as Danny, Genevieve Tree as Sandy and the rest of the gang from Rydell High this June 12th & 13th only. Tickets on sale NOW, for more information click below. 

by Rebecca Clark (ROAR Student)

by Jai Jackson (ROAR Student)

Overall this is an amazing show because of all the hard work, sweat (which there was a lot of) and tears that went into it. Being the world community theatre premiere of this show, Redcliffe Musical Theatre blew the audience away and did this show great justice.

Firstly I want to complement the dancing in this show. It was the most fantastic dancing I’ve ever seen. The whole ensemble did an amazing job but my favourite dancers were Adam Goodall, Michelle ‘Rebel’ Murenec, Simon Chamberlain, Stuart Boardman, Brodie Jones, William Motunuu, Rana Sabben, John Chant, Jarrad Langtree, Thomas Antonio, Taylah Hopkins, Nikki Glowaki and just about everyone else. Now I know that’s a lot but they all stood out so much. I did see a couple dancers who didn't smile and there were a couple of dancers who would look at others to find out the dance moves , putting them a beat or two off.

All the acting in the show was amazing, from the emotions to the accents. Although, sometimes an Aussie accent would appear and there were times when someone would stand on stage for a long time and do nothing but stand. I loved how all fight scenes were realistic, so much so I thought they actually punched or tackled who they were fighting. I also heard there were some bruises, meaning the actors were really into it. Lyons played the Annette to the best point and portrayed being high very well.  I actually thought she was high at times. Murenec portrayed all of her emotion perfectly and Chamberlain played his cowardice character really well. Even though Simon is in actuality a very strong, confident man. Adam Goodall played the main man very well.  The family scenes were portrayed almost as if they were a real family, with an abusive dad, ambitious mother, pastor brother, dancing son, and quiet sister.

All singing was fantastic, from the harmonies to the high notes, to even the simplest of arrangements. Although a bit pitchy at times, the singing was mostly perfection. Morgan Eldridge and James Reid were especially amazing when they were together. They helped move the story along.  The band boosted the songs 110%. The set, production and effects were all so good. Everything ran smoothly and the sets design made it so much easier to make scene changes. The effects, at times, were a bit slow, but by the end were so impressive I jumped out of my seat to clap, cheer and dance through the finale. 

**Spoiler Alert**
This production was one of my favourites and the finale was so good. The ending with Tony, Adam and Simon, semi shirtless, singing ‘tragedy’ and then ‘you should be dancing’ got everyone on their feet and interacting. It was the perfect finale. The show does include adult themes but not as bad as one might think. Overall I give the show 4 out of 5 stars, because of all the amazing work and how the audience reacted to all the amazing songs and dances that there were. Thank you for reading and I hope you see the show. 

by Ashleigh Law (ROAR Student)

The World Community Theatre Premiere of Saturday Night Fever! Sounds big, exciting and a whole lot of fun. Redcliffe Musical Theatre have produced a show that’s just as good as it sounds. Singing and dancing its way through big musical numbers such as, You Should Be Dancing, Stayin’ Alive and Night Fever, the thirty strong cast produced an exciting show that had the whole audience on their feet, dancing away.

One stand out performer was Adam Goodall (Tony Manero). This 19 year old local portrayed his emotions well and had a firm grasp on the singing and dancing side of the show. His acting skills were commendable and was “way too good for a 19 year old” as some audience members remarked. Another who really stood out was Lily Ruve (Doreen). She stole the show before even opening her mouth, with her lovesick attitude for Tony. Her accent was perfect and she really embraced the “geekiness” of her character.

Solid performances were given by Simon Chamberlain as Bobby C, a young man struggling to decide what to do with his life, the leading ladies Rebel Lyons as Annette, and Michelle “Rebel” Murenec as Stephanie, who both had wonderful singing voices. Doug Harper (Fosco) and Stuart Boardman(Double J) portrayed their characters well. For once I am going to have to disagree with “Tony”. Sorry Rana, you gave a great performance but William Motunuu and Brodie Jones deserved the first place award. These two had great energy and new the dances well. They were both stand out performers and obviously trust each other, to be doing some of the dancing they were. Great Job!

Costumes, lighting and set were all excellent and helped create the 70’s mood. The set was extremely versatile and the excellent lighting helped accentuate the amazing performance given. Costumes were excellent and suited the era it was it in. The small band of ten sounded twice their size and played well. Take a bow guys! Altogether Saturday Night fever was an excellent show, performed at a high standard. The actors are to be commended as well as all backstage, lighting, costume crew and others involved with this great show. Congratulations Madeleine, you have produced a winner!

by James Reid (Guest Blogger)

My name is James Reid and I perform as a pit and club singer in the upcoming production of Saturday Night Fever. As a latecomer to the cast I've missed a lot of the earlier rehearsals. This means I still don't know a lot of names. What it also means is that I have walked into an almost completed show with my jaw dragging on the ground at the talent in the room. As one of the "older" generation, I grew up with the Bee Gees. I even owned the vinyl of Saturday Night Fever (for you youngens, vinyl is what we used to listen to before Mr CD and Mr MP3 changed the music world). To be able to sing these songs with the vocal and musical talent we have at RMT is a great thrill. And of course I get to work with our wonderful Musical Director, Sherree. Enough said!

by Camilla Niebling (Guest Blogger)

What could be more iconic for Saturday Night Fever consuming than Tony Manero’s white suit? Together, with the stance and the attitude, it has become one of the most memorable images in movie history. However, that is the movie and as a part of the costuming team, our mission is to transfer that look to the stage for all cast members.

If you looked at the world of fashion today, most people would automatically think more of women’s fashion. It is definitely more highly advertised and thought of with a higher regard compared to men’s where you can just slap on a t-shirt and jeans and pretty much go wherever you please. The 70s however, was an era where men’s fashion was definitely just as important as women’s. In this show for us, that is certainly more the case considering the sense of presence that Tony and the Faces have when they enter the disco every Saturday night. They have to own the stage and the way they look is a massive part of that for not only the audience but for the actor playing the role as well. Imagine being a bold and aggressive character only to be dressed in flouncy light blues or pinks or alternatively, being a shyer character only to be dressed in bright red or orange. Our job as costumers is to help the actors make the transition into becoming their characters and we have a great team together to help us do that.

Due to the nature of the show, with this having reasonably heavy dance requirements, we have had to look at making sure that whatever the performers are wearing can take the strain of movement. It is because of this we have brought in Debbie Burleigh from Debbie’s Activewear whom specialises in making costumes for ice skaters and gymnasts. Debbie has worked with RMT previously on shows such as Phantom of the Opera but it is in Saturday Night Fever that her knowledge and skills are coming to the fore front (If you have seen any of Redcliffe Musical Theatre’s promo photos featuring Tony is his white suit, yeah, that was her).

Also back with us is Barbara Bloodworth who has worked with RMT on more shows than one would care to count. She knows RMT and how they operate like the back of her hand and having her wisdom and guidance is invaluable to any production. Then then there is me, shifting between performer as Ensemble/Stephanie Mangano Understudy and costume consultant after only having previous experience with costumes for Harvest Rain’s production of Spamalot in 2014 (where I didn’t even know how to tread a sewing machine when I first started) and costume designer for Underground Productions “The Pillowman” this year.

The task for costuming in every show is unique and Saturday Night Fever is no different. Taking inspiration from the film, mixing it with iconic 70s style and bringing it to the stage is no easy feat, but is certainly is a whole lot of fun.