Meet Oliver and the crew
The time is drawing closer to Protea Stage Productions' next production, entitled “The Musical Adventures of Oliver Twist”, which will be staged, from June 10 at Tom Newby School.
The City Times caught up with some of the key roleplayers, including Michael Shane Brownhill (director), Nicole Truby (choreographer), Camilla Kinman (musical director) and Jamie Truby (Oliver Twist), to understand what to expect from the play.
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Brownhill, a Rynfield resident, is also an actor and has been a director since 2012, when he was responsible for the play Robin Hood.
Brownhill said:
I first saw this production staged by Protea in 2005 and since then I have always wanted to perform in it, let alone direct.
When I was given the opportunity to direct the first show of 2016, Oliver was the first one that popped into my head and thus I jumped at the opportunity.
Oliver Twist is based on the Dickens novel and introduces some characters with whom not many people are familiar.
Although it has all the well-known songs, the storyline is slightly different to what people are used to.
I also co-directed Mary Poppins in 2011, Aladdin in 2013 and directed a show that was performed at The Fringe Theatre, at the Joburg Theatre, back in 2014.
Until last month, I was actually a car salesman, but, in May, I opened up my own academy, called Footlights Drama Academy, so that I can relay my passion to those who also share it.
Kinman said:
I am a Brentwood Park resident have been acting in Protea Stage Productions plays since the age of 13.
My first play, in 2006, was Peter Pan and I was none other than, Peter Pan.
This is my first time as a musical director, but I have the idea of making every song from the 17 songs in this production unique.
It is nerve-wracking that I cannot act, but I have accustomed myself to being the musical director and I would definitely do it again if given the opportunity.
The 17 songs include all-time favourites such as: “Consider yourself”, “Who will buy?”, “As long as he needs me” and “Food glorious food”.
Nicole Truby said:
I started dancing at the age of five, at the Pam School of Dance, in Morehill.
Dancing sets me emotionally and physically alive and I want to create that feeling in this production.
I joined Protea when I was seven, in the Oliver Twist play, so it feels like I am going back to my roots to be able to choreograph the dance for the same play years later.
The various songs in the play create different feelings; for example, “Who will buy?”, is a song that includes all 60 cast members, which shows harmony.
It is challenging to have a harmonious rhythm when there is a big cast, but I have choreographed dance before and the end result is beautiful.
Jamie Truby said:
I auditioned for the role of Dodger, but Michael thought I suited the part of Oliver better and I love the role now.
When acting, the actor needs to become the character he is playing and when that happens, the story becomes more real.
I enjoy playing Oliver, because he always wants to stay out of trouble, but always finds himself in it.
Acting gives me a chance to live a day in someone else’s shoes and, if the future holds acting for me as a career, I would like to act in the Rocky Horror Picture Show.
The play will run every Friday and Saturday night at 7.30pm, and on Saturday and Sunday afternoons at 2.30pm, until June 26.
Ticket prices are R60 for adults and R40 for under 12s and pensioners.
For tickets, email to admin@proteastage.org.za, or contact Brownhill on 082 877 5832.
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