REHEARSAL… Music Director Nicholas Gentile and UpStage Australia Director Jessica Westcott (at piano) at Sunday’s choir rehearsal for Overture. Nicholas will be conducting a 40-piece orchestra made up of professional and student musicians, as well as a massed choir of 150 choristers, featuring children and adults from across the Central West.
When an overture begins, the actors take their places and wait for the curtain to rise.
It is almost time for the curtain rise for the majestic Overture event on 2nd April at the Cooke Park Pavilion in Parkes when Australia’s top performers will be on stage with local talent for a night of unforgettable entertainment.
And no, it is not going to be a night of opera. “We are catering for all tastes,” said producer Harriet Snaith at the choir rehearsal on Sunday.
“The program includes one aria and the rest ranges from modern pop to musical theatre, and includes songs from Frozen, Shrek, Phantom of the Opera, a Mama Mia medley, The Sound of Music, Wicked and more.”
It is also the perfect opportunity to use your Dine & Discover vouchers for a night out to celebrate the other side of the pandemic in a COVID-safe environment.
“We would like to make it our ‘Day on the Green’ event”, said Cr Neil Westcott. “We hope this event would set Parkes up as a wonderful place for entertainment in the region. So, bring your picnic rug, food and drink and enjoy an amazing evening with the family.”
Come and support local talent with junior performers Amy Ross and Lexi Herden in leading roles sharing the stage with top Australian stars Lucy Durack and Josh Piterman, and two singers from Grenfell and Bathurst.
By Maggi Barnard