Hopes that a cautious approach will pay dividends

• Published date: 30 September 2022
• Publication title: Oamaru Mail

Musical Theatre Oamaru (MTO) is staging four performances of Andrew Lloyd Webber in Concert from October 6-8

A variety of singers from Oamaru and two from Twizel will present a mixture of numbers from the legendary British composer.

They have been rehearsing at home until earlier this week to prevent the spread of winter illnesses.

MTO president Melissa Yockney said the group was being cautious after it lost four performers and the MC for its June concert to COVID-19 or flu just a few days before the show was due to begin.

‘‘We’re playing cautiously,’’ Miss Yockney said.

The singers are now pooling their talents at combined rehearsals in the lead-up to the new show.

It will be staged in three acts, featuring Bruna Williams on her return to the group in a cameo acting role as the go-between.

Performers from the June concert include Tim Blackler and Hannah Cruickshank, who will sing a duet from The Phantom of the Opera. Newcomers are also joining the troupe.

Alan Rakiraki is directing the show and Sonya Creedy is the vocal coach.

The Scottish Hall will again be transformed into a lounge bar setting, with comfortable chairs and couches, carpet on the floor, and food platters and drinks available.

That ambience was appreciated by the June audiences, Miss Yockney said.

‘‘We’ve also been...