Flying High for Spiderwoman
Bankstown Theatre Company’s production of the Kander and Ebb musical Kiss of the Spiderwoman posed unique casting problems for director/choreographer Edward Rooke.
“I want a chorus of men who look like they could be a believable bunch of South American gaol inmates. I need them big and small, young and mature. They must look interesting – and they must be able to dance,” he said.
Amazingly, not only did he end up with a fabulously talented line up of principals including Gavin Leahy as Molina, Nelson Padilla as Valentin and the delicious Rozlyne Howell as the Spiderwoman, he found his ensemble of men. “It’s hard enough to find male dancers at the best of times,” Edward said, “but men who can dance and look right is amazing.”
Wardrobe Master Tony Attard is looking forward to creating the costumes. “Kiss of the Spiderwoman has everything,” he said. “There’s the glamorous leading lady, slinky and sequined and a bunch of guys who need to look dangerous”.
Wardrobe Assistant Betty Cairncross is quick to add, “and the ladies are golng to love them. They range from big, bold and beafy to trim, taut and terrific”.
Leading lady, Rozlyne says that she’s enjoying pulling out all stops. “It’s not often you get to work with a great troupe of athletic dancers. When they lift me I know I’m in safe hands”.
The season of Kiss of the Spiderwoman opens at Bankstown Arts Centre (NSW) on Friday 15th March 2013 at 8pm and runs for 8 performances (Saturday, 16th March 1pm and 5pm, Sunday, 17th March 1pm, Friday 22nd March 8pm, Saturday 23rd March 1pm and 5pm and Sunday 24th March at 1pm)
Bookings 9676 1191 or online at www.bankstowntheatrecompany.com
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