Musical celebrates 50-year history

Taieri Musical Society members (from left) vice-president Blair Hughson, Ovation show director Helen Horsnell and committee member Bruce McDowell browse over programmes from past shows at they look forward to the society’s 50th anniversary celebrations in October. Photo: Brenda Harwood

Fresh from major stage success, Taieri Musical Society is going back to its community roots as it prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary in October.

The society will look back over its proud history in a high-energy show, Ovation: 50 Years of Musical Theatre on the Taieri, written and directed by stalwart member Helen Horsnell.

Society president and Ovation production manager Chris Hinch said the society would return to its ‘‘spiritual home’’, Mosgiel’s Coronation Hall, for the celebrations.

After staging a series of large­scale shows, including Mama Mia, Grease: The Arena Spectacular, and Mary Poppins, produced in partnership with Doug Kamo’s DKCM, it was ‘‘delightful’’ to go back to the smaller theatre, Hinch said.

‘‘These shows were the largest we have ever done, and it was quite an experience for all of us,’’ he said.

The Ovation show would give the society the chance to look back to its origins as the Outram Musical Society 50 years ago, and to celebrate its many successes since then.

‘‘Ovation is a compilation which pays tribute to songs from way back when through to recent shows, and also shows we would like to do in the future,’’ Hinch said.

Working alongside Horsnell to create the show were award­winning choreographer Emma Holloway and musical director Sam van Betuw.

‘‘It has been great putting it together, because we can cover so many shows,’’ Horsnell said.

‘‘And it is nice to come back to our roots and include more young people in the performance.’’

Ovation will feature the largest cast of any Taieri Musical Society show, with 58 performers to take the stage in adult and youth companies.

The show will be MCed by singers Harriet Moir and Charlotte McKay, who will be offering a humorous take on what happens on and off stage during a musical show.

Alongside the Ovation season, there will be displays of memorabilia and photographs dating back across the 50 years.

As it prepares for the celebration, the society is looking for memorabilia from past members and supporters to include in the display.

Anyone who has items to display is asked to contact the society by email on secretary@taierimusical.org.nz

★ Ovation: 50 Years of Musical Theatre on the Taieri will be staged from October 4 to 13 at Coronation Hall, Mosgiel. Tickets are on sale now.