They are renowned for being precious, melodramatic and vain but one group of Wollongong actors is set to turn those stereotypes on their heads with a humorous parody of theatre's finest hits.
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Newstar Theatrical is hoping to woo crowds and elicit more than a chuckle with its rendition of the musical spoof smash Forbidden Broadway when it shows at the ITeC Theatre in Coniston on June 5 and 6.
The two-hour production, which features eight Illawarra actors and accompanist Lisa Baraldi, includes a cheeky take on Broadway favourites like Phantom of the Opera, Annie, Wicked and RENT.
International theatre performer and Bulli-based director Greg Shand was delighted to join the show, unable to pass up the opportunity to poke fun at some of the iconic musicals he has performed in during his 35-year career.
"Lisa Baraldi, who has played in a number of shows I have directed and choreographed, asked me whether I would [become involved] and I said yes, because I had wanted to do it for a number of years," Shand said.
"There will be a dig at Cats, Les Miserables and Chicago - which I've been in - and impersonations of Liza Minelli and Carol Channing, with some hilarious results. Being in the industry we take ourselves so seriously, knowing we're doing these fabulous musicals. But I think every so often we need to stand back and have a good laugh at ourselves as well, and that's why I love the show."
The ever-evolving original Off-Broadway production, created and written by Gerard Alessandrini, recently closed its doors after 32 years, nearly 10,000 performances, 11 hit albums, and national and international tours.
Visit newstartheatrical.com for ticket prices and information.