Horowhenua StarIt’s not all afghans with chocolate icing and walnuts during rehearsals – there is a massive amount of work going on behind the scenes in preparation to get a show to stage at Levin Performing Arts Centre.
Horowhenua Star was given a sneak peek ahead of opening night of Half-Time next Friday night (August 22) and was blown away by the effort, teamwork and planning needed ahead of curtain call.
Stephanie Greenslade as Dorothy in Half-Time, on stage next week at Levin Performing Arts Society. Photo Paul Williams
It’s not as easy as just learning a few lines. There’s live music that has to synchronise with the script, lighting that needs to hit the spot, a sound desk keeping a close ear on things, costume, make-up, choreography, and a production team that helps to bring it all together.
And someone needs to bring the afghans.
Show director Lorraine Lepper says the entire cast are a joy to work with – both young and old – and had put in a huge amount of effort for which they should be proud.
“The old adage of never to work with children or animals on stage really should have a rider that says ‘and seniors’,” she says, jokingly.
There were a few hiccups during rehearsals, but that’s always to be expected, and that’s what they’re for. Lorraine expected it all to come right on the night.
A feature of the Half-Time script plot is that it unites theatre performers of all ages on stage. It’s based on the true story of 10 dancers who audition to perform at the half-time break of a major basketball game.
After making the cut they learn they won’t be dancing styles they are accustomed to, like tap, salsa or swing – instead they have to dance a style they’ve never heard of before – hip-hop.
There are some good performances from the cast. Julian Heyes is brave in his stirring delivery of a solo song as the character Ron, as is Kim Stevensen in her portrayal of Mae.
Stephanie Greenslade is brilliant as Dorothy and cuts some mean shapes towards the end, while the rest of the cast could be proud of the effort and their performances, too.
Half-Time opens at Levin Performing Arts Centre in Queens Street East on August 22 and runs until September 6.
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