Horsham Arts Council prepares for opening night in new Horsham Town Hall

President Simon Dandy said cast and crew started rehearsals in the new Horsham Town Hall this week, where the show will premiere on Friday night.

“It’s a new theatre, a big cast, so there are a few teething problems – but it’s coming together,” he said.

He said the arts council will feature musical numbers from 34 shows it has performed since 1966.

“The variety is excellent,” he said.

“Say you didn’t like a particular show, it’s okay, it moves quickly into the next show.”

The spectacular will feature old and new productions from classics including Oklahoma, Paint Your Wagon, The King and I and South Pacific to more modern shows including Grease, Jesus Christ Superstar, Chicago and Anything Goes.

Mr Dandy said it was a big effort by Debbie Boutcher, Jessica Wilson and Stacey Brennan to put together the show.

“It was a massive task have 34 shows and then say which songs,” he said.

“When you look at one particular show there could be 20 songs you could pick.

“There are dance songs, some are slower, some are comedic.

“They’ve done an amazing job.”

Mr Dandy said one moment to look out for during the show would be a rendition of the song Memory from the show Cats to be performed by Venetia Elbourne-Hobbs and Erin Boutcher.

“It’s a show stopping moment,” he said.

Mr Dandy said the cast and crew – a group of about 120 people aged 10 to 70 – were excited for opening night.

“It’s like footy training – you just want the game to start,” he said.

“Ticket sales are going well, we’re going to have good audiences.

“The work is paying off.”

The Horsham Arts Council 50th anniversary show will run five shows starting Friday night at the Horsham Town Hall.

Tickets are available from www.horshamtownhall.com.au. 

Mr Dandy said past and present members were invited to a reunion at the arts council shed after the final performance on February 13. 

He said people could email 50reunion@horshamartscouncil.com in regards to the reunion.