Bairnsdale Production Line Theatre Company’s October production of The Heartbreak Choir is steadily taking shape, with both costumes and set construction now adding depth and texture to the work unfolding in the rehearsal room.
The play, written by acclaimed Australian playwright Aidan Fennessy, is set in a small-town community hall.
It follows a group of locals who form a small break-away choir and through music, rediscover laughter, resilience and connection.
Costumes, curated by costume designer Elizabeth Steven’s, are beginning to take shape and enable the cast to fully inhabit their characters. Mack’s staple attire of farm-worn gumboots with flannelette shirt, and Totty’s unexplained penchant for hi-vis, are just two examples of the small but telling character traits that ground The Heartbreak Choir in a recognisably Australian setting. It’s little details like these that truly transform rehearsals, giving the cast the ability to step directly into the lives of their characters.
The task of recreating the quintessential Australian community hall has fallen to set designer and builder Roy Rooney, along with long time company handyman, Geoff Bown.
Roy’s hope is to bring the modest, lived-in charm of a country hall to life and it feel instantly familiar to those who’ve experienced country life.
“This unassuming but vital space serves as the backdrop to life, both in the real world and in this play about community”, Roy said.
Well-known local dance teacher Michelle McLean, who is playing the role of choir master Barbara, commented on the progress saying, “it’s remarkable how quickly the addition of costumes and set has elevated the energy of the cast. Our little choir feels real, the space feels lived-in, and the story is really coming together”.
With six performances only, The Heartbreak Choir will open at The Forge Theatre on Friday, October 17, running across two weekends and closing with a matinee on Sunday, October 26.
As is tradition, opening night profits will be donated to a local charity, and this year’s worthy recipient is Bairnsdale Neighbourhood House.
Audiences attending opening night will receive a complimentary glass of bubbly with their ticket and a scrumptious supper provided by regular Production Line sponsor, New Leaf Cafe, will be available in the foyer.
Early bird tickets are available until September 19. Further information can be found on the Forge Theatre and Production Line websites and Facebook pages.
