focusinterview. Cast in rehearsal: Kerrie Davey, Donna Brett, Alycia Ferguson, Zoe Erbacher, Neva Trinajstic. Photo courtesy of Cleavers Images.
SECRET BRIDESMAIDS’ Business
B R U C E
W I S E M A N
President of the Taree Arts Council, Bruce Wiseman is a prolific actor and director, with more than 43 Arts Council shows under his belt. Now Bruce is co-directing Secret Bridesmaids’ Business, a humorous yet thought-provoking production starring some phenomenal local talent, which you’ll be able to see at the Manning Entertainment Centre this month …
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i Bruce. Please fill us in about how you first became involved with theatrical productions ... what was the first production you were involved with, and what theatrical training have you had? Back in the early 1970s, suffering from chronic shyness and a speech problem, I went along to an Arts Council production of South Pacific in the Taree High School Hall and wondered if being in one might help with my confidence. I saw they were auditioning for a new show Pajama Game, and that was the start. I have gone on to appear in 43 Arts Council shows in either leading, supporting or chorus roles. I have worked backstage for many other productions and have directed two previous plays. I have also performed for and stage managed with other local companies and organisations such as Mirage Theatre, Clockwork Theatre, Manning Valley Young Performers & MEC Player. I was the co-ordinator of the Taree Armchair Theatre Playreading group for many years and performed in their productions. I currently sing with the chamber choir Kantibile. I was a board member of Arts Mid North Coast for a period and co-ordinated the Taree City Festival for several years. I have always attended as many acting workshops as possible, trying to hone my skills and have attended Directors’ Workshops in Sydney. One of the joys of theatre is that you never stop learning. This year I had the honour of being given the Visual & Performing Arts Award at the Manning Winter Festival for
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n In true Australia et style, Secr siness Bridesmaids’ Bu out ab ay pl is a funny truth, e lik es su is s seriou love x, se loyalty, denial , ...” ip and friendsh
“ Outstanding Contributor to the Performing Arts. How have your experiences with theatre/ stage productions evolved since the early days? Up until the building of the Manning Entertainment Centre, the majority of the Arts Council’s productions were staged in the Taree High school hall, with its small stage, small wings, flat floor, cramped cast facilities, cold showers and having to bring in all lighting and sound equipment. Moving into a fully equipped theatre was amazing! The technical advances over the years have also been a huge advantage. We are now able to stage productions such Cats, Miss Saigon, Les Miserables, to name a few. What do you feel has been your biggest achievement in the performing arts world to date – the moment you’re most proud of? I suppose providing entertainment to the people and finding something you were told you were good at. Some of my favourite roles have been playing Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady, the first musical to be staged at the new Manning Entertainment Centre, playing multiple chorus roles in Les Miserables, my all-time favourite musical, playing Scrooge in A Xmas Carol for Mirage Theatre and playing Gus, the Theatre Cat, in Cats. Tell us a bit about the Taree Arts Council – what are the aims of this organisation, and what’s your role there? I am now a Life Member of Taree Arts Council, currently in my second year as President, having also served as Vice President and Publicity Officer. The Taree Arts Council aims to provide an
opportunity for local talent to be trained in all aspects of theatre and provide affordable live entertainment to the residents of the Manning Valley. You’re currently directing the Taree Arts Council’s production of Secret Bridesmaids’ Business. In a nutshell ... give us a synopsis of the play. When/where is it set, what’s the storyline (without giving too much away!) and what are some of the main themes/moral of the story? Secret Bridesmaids’ Business is set in Melbourne, now. It’s the night before Meg Bacon’s wedding. She’s waited 33 years for this, and now she is going to love every moment. Meg’s bridesmaids, Lucy and Angela, stumble upon some information that has the potential to shatter Meg’s dreams. Should they tell her or not? Never far from reality, Secret Bridesmaids’ Business exposes the insanity that can be created as the wedding juggernaut threatens to swerve out of control. Marriage may be a wonderful thing, but after a night like this … well, could it really be worth it ? Who will be playing the lead roles in the production? Meg Bacon, the bride, played by Alycia Ferguson; Colleen Bacon, mother of the bride, played by Donna Brett; Angela Dixon, matron of honour, played by Neva Trinajstic; Lucy Dean, bridesmaid, played by Kerrie Davy; Naomi Bartlett, Meg’s friend, played by Amy Crozier; James Davis, the groom, played by Corey Smith; Hotel Staff played by Zoe Erbacher.
Readers can go to see Secret Bridesmaids’ Business at the Manning Entertainment Centre in Taree. What dates/ times will it be staged? Six performances: 7th, 14th, 15th November @ 8pm. Matinees 8th, 9th, 15th Nov @ 2pm. How much are tickets to the performance, and where can they be purchased? Tickets are: adults $36.50, concession $31.50 , groups of 10 or more $31.50. Available from Movies Games & More, 208212 Victoria St, Taree or book online @ www. gtcc.nsw.gov.au/mec No booking fee applies if you book online. Why do you feel people will enjoy the performance? In true Australian style, Secret Bridesmaids’ Business is a funny play about serious issues like truth, loyalty, denial, sex, love and friendship. Final words … We advise that due to some use of colourful language and adult themes, this production is not really suitable for young people under the age of 16. My Co-director for this show is Paul Eade. Paul is currently Vice-President of the Arts Council and a Life Member. He has previously directed Nunsense and The Full Monty. Paul’s input, commitment and talent, along with a wonderful ensemble cast has made this an extremely enjoyable experience. Thanks Bruce.