“THE STAR” Tuesday, November 1, 2016 - PAGE 29
The Good Life
Your LOCAL guide to Art and Entertainment
Taste the fun of Hairspray A HIT musical from the sixties will be presented by Leongatha Lyric Theatre in July next year. But for now, director Louise Adkins is seeking a fun loving cast to bring the show of Hairspray to life. Lyric is particularly in need of non-Caucasian performers to help tell the story of racial tension and inequality as people of diverse backgrounds try to find themselves in the 1960s. An information session will be held on Sunday, November 13 at 5pm at the Eagger Studio, Watson Road, Leongatha, and prospective cast members are urged to come along. Workshops will be held at 6pm and 7pm that Sunday, and also at 6pm and 7pm on Monday, November 14. Auditions will be held on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, November 16, 17 and 18 from 6pm, with callbacks on Saturday, November 19 from 1pm. “It’s a huge show, it’s great fun, and it’s got lots of lead and support roles,” Ms Adkins of Inverloch said.
“There is a buzz in the schools about it at the moment. We’re just trying to ensure we can get the diverse cast together.” People with dancing and singing skills are welcome, but Lyric is also willing to instruct people who are new to stagecraft. Ms Adkins will direct the show, drawing on previous experience acting in Lyric’s Gypsy, and as codirector and choreographer of Wonthaggi Theatrical Group’s State award winning Jesus Christ Superstar, as well as various onstage and off stage roles at both local theatre companies. Her daughters Rachel, Sophie and Katelyn will choreograph, and the amazingly talented Colin Mitchell will design the set. “This production is bringing together a fun and energetic production team ready to put on a fantastic show for Lyric,” Ms Adkins said. “This high energy comedy shows that when big hair meets big dreams anything can happen and you Family contribution: from left, Inverloch’s Louise Adkins will direct Leongatha Lyric don’t have to fit in to win.” Hairspray will be Lyric’s major show for 2017 Theatre’s Hairspray, and her daughters Rachel, Sophie and Katelyn will choreograph the and will be performed in July. production.
Roses bloom in Leongatha THE 45th annual Leongatha Rose Spectacular will be held on November 11 and 12. All proceeds from the event will go to Vision Australia. Opening from 12 noon on Friday, November 11, all roses in the show will be judged by four professionals. Three judges are journeying from Melbourne and one is from Neerim South. All are qualified rose judges. The showcase in Leongatha’s Memorial Hall will also include the fourth feature rose. This year’s feature rose is Countrywoman, a tribute to the valued Country Women’s Association. The association has many active members who support the rose show year after year. Countrywoman was bred by Bunyip’s successful amateur breeder Greg Dawson. It has large, pale yellow flowers with a strong fragrance. The Red Cross will be on hand during the show providing refreshments. Another exciting feature of this year’s show is the open garden. Glenys and Barry Paterson of Leongatha will be opening their Parr Street garden for visitors to explore on both days from 10am to 4pm. The Patersons have lived in Parr Street for 37 years, but have discovered their gardening passion in the last
20 years. The garden is two acres and is filled with character. With nearly 300 roses, the garden is a must see. As you wander around you will see stunning water features, Japanese maples, pathways, nice seating, a touch of colour, and lovely mature trees.
“Barry and I have shared the work and have worked well as a team. Gardening has become one of our favourite hobbies,” Glenys said. Visitors are encouraged to park in Parr Street and look out for a dog-shaped mailbox, which will lead the way to the garden.
Stunning: visit Glenys and Barry Paterson’s Leongatha open garden during the Leongatha Rose Spectacular.
Access to the hall and to the gardens will cost $5 each. Community groups are encouraged to become involved in the show and set up their own arrangements for judging. Entry is easy and participants may enter their arrangements on the day. Simply pick your flowers, bring them to the hall, and a friendly committee member will show you how to enter, stage them and put them on the bench. Don’t forget to pick up a schedule for this year’s rose show at either The Star office, Hays Jewellers or Harvest Laneway.