Bay Theatre Players director, Candy Burgess has made the decision to postpone this year's major musical production, The Drowsy Chaperone, until April 2021.
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With the uncertainty of COVID, the untenable start-stop nature of rehearsals and with the wellbeing of cast, crew and audience at the forefront of her mind, Candy has rescheduled opening night to April 9, 2021.
A spokesperson for the Bay Theatre Players said, "While Candy is disappointed to be unable to bring her musical to the stage this year, she is heartened by the news that many professional shows are opening in Sydney from November 2020.
The show is in very good shape, especially considering our reduced ability to rehearse
- Bay Theatre Players director, Candy Burgess
"While there are no guarantees, Candy says she is confident the players will open to full houses next year, or a longer run will allow the performance to play to reduced two square metre rule audience numbers if necessary."
The cast and crew have been working consistently over the last few weeks, in the theatre and at home, which has the show at a good level of progress to date.
Rehearsals will continue in small groups over the next few months before a summer break, and back into full cast rehearsals and technical runs in early 2021.
"The show is in very good shape, especially considering our reduced ability to rehearse," Burgess said.
"The cast are happily complying with the 'new rules' and enjoying their stage time.
"We had a wonderful rehearsal a few nights ago when the few cast not needed onstage watched their fellow cast mates. The response was very heartening, especially to me as director, when there was much laughter and applause," she said.
"It was a great rehearsal this past weekend, with the Drowsy Chaperone herself on stage, with our other leading lady, Janet Van De Graaff."
Narell Murdoch plays the title role in The Drowsy Chaperone, a fantastically hilarious character, who clearly enjoys a drink or two, with a signature number in the show titled "As We Stumble Along".
Anna Smart plays Broadway starlet, Janet Van De Graaff, who looks to her chaperone for guidance and instruction about love, marriage and giving up her career on the stage.
Audiences will have to wait until April 2021 to see what sort of advice The Drowsy Chaperone imparts - It's hilarious.
Keep up to date with The Drowsy Chaperone, and all other Theatre activities, on Facebook, Instagram and the website, www.baytheatreplayers.org.au
As the NSW Government allows the reopening of community activities, Bay Theatre Players will, in line with restrictions, restart various theatre groups.
All activities will comply with current NSW Health Directives including social distancing and the four sq/m per person requirement.