JULY 2012
Big North
Classifieds and Careers
B9-B10
B Section
FREE PRESS
■ PRINCE GEORGE PLAYHOUSE
Spurlock lightens up for role
Te re s a M A LLA M / Fre e Pre s s
Amanda Spurlock as Ulla during rehearsals on the set of The Producers at the PG Playhouse.
The Producers - July 26 to Aug. 4 TERESA MALLAM arts@pgfreepress.com
Actress Amanda Spurlock will find out if blondes really do have more fun. The natural brunette dons a blonde wig – bring on the blonde jokes, she has a sense of humour – for her leading lady role in Judy Russell’s production of The Producers. The musical comedy is an adaptation of the Mel Brooks’ 1968 film. Spurlock is well known on the local musical theatre scene for her work on several Excalibur productions including Miss Saigon and Beauty and the Beast. She’s back on stage after spending a year studying theatre in New York City. “Max and Leo meet me [as Ulla] when I come to audition for a part. I think Ulla is more confident of her effect on men than on her singing and dancing ability. But she gets the part – maybe because she’s the only woman under 85 years old to come to their studio in a long time.” Spurlock laughs and explains it’s part of the storyline. A little old lady has invested her money in the theatre. Indeed, the story centres around two theatrical producers who scheme to get rich with a Broadway flop by pocketing the profits. They reason that producing a bad play with terrible script, no-talent actors and even worse director is bound to fail – thereby saving on costs. The role of Ulla, which has changed from “blonde bimbo” in the movie version to a more three-dimensional character, provides lots of opportunity for Spurlock to show her flair for comedy. “This is a completely different role from anything I’ve ever done before... and I guess I’ll also find out if blondes really do have more fun.” Fellow cast member Gil Botelho plays conniving producer Max Bialystock
along with Owen Selkirk as mousy accountant Leo Bloom, Bill Russell as Roger Debris, Andrew Russell as Franz Liebkind, Nigel McInnis as Carmen Ghia and Murray Gable as the Bum. Robin Norman is stage manager, choreographer is Kristen Helfrich. Rehearsals began in May and producer Judy Russell says the fun never stops. Not until – being the producer – she says it does. That’s kind of an inside joke, and to understand it, you have to see the show and its strong characters. “I am so loving working on a real musical comedy again,” said Russell. “It reminds me of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum or Nunsense. Pure shameless fun on a level that you just don’t get very often.” The local cast of triple-threat talented actors, dancers and singers has “had a ball” getting ready to bring The Producers to the stage, she said. “We laugh constantly in rehearsal, and yet, there is still room for great singing, dancing and some very theatrical moments. “The Producers was the first show I ever saw on Broadway and it is fittingly all about being on Broadway.” The show is one of Russell’s personal favourites. “I think this is the quirkiest show we’ve ever produced and we are so happy to do this with a fabulously dedicated cast which brings amazing talent and energy to every rehearsal. You always know when you look forward to rehearsals that the show is going to be fantastic.” Judy Russell’s production of The Producers runs July 26 to August 4 at the Prince George Playhouse. Tickets are on sale at Studio 2880 ticket office, 2880 15th Ave. or by calling 250-563-2880.
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