Valley Performers having a hoot of a time as rehearsals continue Nambucca Valley Nambucca Valley - popup ad Nambucca Valley News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - June 25, 2023 In rehearsals for Villain in the Valley are Valley Performers Kirsty Bush, Ruth Stuart and Marie Indja. REHEARSALS for the melodrama, Villain in the Valley, by local theatre group Valley Performers have been a hoot, and work is progressing well. The thespians are polishing up their theatre/dinner show which goes on at Macksville Ex.Services Club in mid-July. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au “The Monday and Wednesday rehearsals have been very productive and creative because the playwright, Gary McCarver encourages the actors to adapt, edit and improvise the script, giving it a local touch,” Valley Performers President/Director Ruth Stuart told News Of The Area. “Melodramas originally were about local people and towns. “So, we set the play in Macksville, Kansas, in the US’s Stafford County, so we could still draw upon all those colourful American Western characters while mixing the local content into it.” The group has found it challenging finding male actors, a sheriff in particular, but newly found member Clint Waaka has stepped into the sheriff’s shoes with convincing aplomb. “I’ve really enjoyed welcoming new people into our cast and crew,” said Ruth. “It’s always exciting to see how they enrich the group with existing members mentoring them. “It’s a delight to see the whole cast grow together and have fun experimenting with the script. “I have learned a lot about the Wild West and their lingo and the accent. “The cast has created the stereotypical characters found in melodrama and mixed it with that colourful American Western drawl,” she said. The group has also found it enjoyable including music for the melodrama and then adding a few songs along the way. “This is something new for some of the actors, but adding a musical score highlights the melodramatic moments and the script screamed out for some songs. “We’ve been boot scootin’ our way around the stage.” The audience can expect a rootin’ tootin’ western-style melodrama. “They will experience a colourful night filled with diverse fun characters with lots of audience participation, and that’s without the mouth-watering meal provided by the Macksville Ex-Services Club. “Also, dressing up in western-style clothes will make them feel part of the show and dress-ups are always fun… but they must leave their guns at home,” quipped Ruth. By Andrea FERRARI The shenanigans and the seriousness – the show will go on with Valley Performers Valley Performers’ Peter Williams, Lucas Searle, Terry West and Karen Forbes. Valley Performers’ Villain in the Valley director Ruth Stuart with most of the cast: Annika King, Lucas Searle, Carolyn Blackadder, Terry West, Sally Heather, Clint Waaka, Karen Forbes and Peter Connie.
