THERE are less than three weeks until Horsham Arts Council's latest production, Rock of Ages, hits the stage.
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Eight performances of the popular rock musical will be staged at the Horsham Town Hall from May 9 to 18.
Council president Simon Dandy said cast and crew members were gearing up.
"This is going to be a pretty epic production that will appeal to a lot of people. It's a show for people who don't like traditional theatre will still really enjoy. I know they won't be disappointed," he said.
Rock of Ages features a range of classic rock songs by artists such as Journey, Bon Jovi and Def Leppard.
It follows small town girl who travels to Hollywood to achieve her dreams of becoming a singer. There she meets an aspiring rocker who works as a busboy in a club called the Bourbon Room.
The musical was adapted into a film in 2012.
Lead roles have both gone to newcomers of the council, with Dylan Shalless playing the part of Drew, and Rachel Da Graca Costa taking on the role of Sherrie.
"Dylan is from Ballarat and was the understudy for the lead when Ballarat Lyric Theatre did Rock of Ages a few years ago. He decided to audition for our show and is unreal; it's a pretty huge commitment for him because we're rehearsing three times a week," Mr Dandy said.
"He was also the lead in Ballarat Lyric Theatre's Jekyll & Hyde in March, so he's been managing two shows at once. Rachel has lived in Horsham for just over a year, but has never joined the council until now. She's done plenty of theatre in the past and is amazing. It's great to have two people who have really earned their roles."
Little Shop of Horrors leads Chris Versteegen and Belinda Elliott are playing the roles of Lonny and the Mayor respectively, while Brady King will play Stacee Jaxx, Jess Wilson will play Justice Charlier and Benji Dixon will play Dennis Dupree.
Rock of Ages will be the Horsham Arts Council directorial debut for Erin Boutcher, who directed St Brigid's College production of The Little Mermaid last year.
The council's production crew will extend the town hall stage over the first two rows to allow more space for musical numbers.
"It will give us extra room and we wanted to try something different. It also allows the actors to get closer to the audience to give it more of a rock concert feel," Mr Dandy said.
Contrary to tradition, the show's band will be on stage during the performances and will interact with cast members.
"They are absolutely integral to the show as it is set in a nightclub, so the band are basically characters. We see them rock out like you would at a rock concert. The songs are hits that everyone knows," he said.
A Gala Night will be held on Friday, May 10 for the council's sponsors. VIP tickets will also be available to provide an extra experience for audience members.
"People will be able to go up on the stage and have a drink at the Bourbon Room. Basically they get to be among the sets before the show and interact with cast members," he said.
Mr Dandy said tickets could be purchased from the Horsham Town Hall website.
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