Eleven Wakatipu musicians should know in the next 24 hours if they have been chosen to form the orchestra for the musical Chicago, after a masterclass by the leader of the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art.
Accomplished pianist, arranger and composer Richard Marrett, of Christchurch, and Chicago musical director Emma Wilson welcomed 17 musical talents to a workshop on Saturday.
The hopefuls learned the essential elements of style and techniques of the jazz-infused orchestral scores, then broke into groups for analysis of the instruments available and the best mixes for the orchestra.
It was the latest professional workshop organised by Showbiz Queenstown. Visiting vocal coach Angela Johnson earlier this month helped singing cast members recognise the different vocal ranges the demanding musical required and the techniques to sing correctly to avoid straining voices.
Chicago stars Nicole McLean (Velma), Fiona Stephenson (Roxie), Rachael Gerard (Mama Morton), Rob Wells (Billy), David Oakley (Amos) and K. R. Chuen (Mary Sunshine).
The Cell Block Widows will be played by Tania Carter, Amanda Fearnehough, Zelia Horrell, Tiffany Menzies, Tiffany Mitchell and Michelle Thayer.
The women's ensemble and cameos include Christiana Zhu, Jacquie Ennis, Lisa Moore and Michelle Thayer.
The women's ensemble and dancers are Fiona Bracken, Kathleen Brentwood, Helen Bird, Jodie Glintster, Paty Kirchoff, Jules Molloy, Haley Purdon, Isabella Reid and Christina Wilson.
The men's ensemble and cameos include Gary Clearwater, Huffer Campos, Kyle Thompson-Connell, Paul McLachlan, Peter Laurenson, Sam Farr and Terence Fitzgerald.
Showbiz Queenstown continues rehearsals for its season of Chicago, which will be in the Queenstown Memorial Centre from May 16 to 25.
