Sophie Baldwin, The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper

It is only 15 days until the curtain opens on the Golden Rivers Theatre Group’s spring production of The Emperor’s New Clothes.

And it is going to be amazing according to performer and committee member Russ Allen.

Rehearsals have ramped up to three times a week as performers polish up their roles and brush up on their lines.

Around 30 cast and crew from a variety of ages across the wider community are involved in this year’s production.

Based on the classic story by Hans Christian Andersen, with adaptation and lyrics by Jim Eiler and music by Jim Eiler and Jeanne Bargy, The Emperor’s New Clothes will be held at the Faulkner Pavilion, 61 Cobwell Street, Barham over two weekends, starting Friday October 4 at 7pm.

Without giving too much away, Russ said the production is a musical comedy featuring live music.

“A couple of the roles have quite a bit of dialogue and singing, and the young people in these roles are just amazing – the confidence they have on stage is just fantastic and something I never would have had at the age,” Russ said.

Russ has been involved in the theatre company since 2013 and at 70 years, is one of the older participants.

He started out behind the scenes on the committee and has worked his way up to performing on stage.

He will feature as a herald in the upcoming production as well as helping out with the backdrop and set.

He said the theatre provides an escape from the troubles of the world and he loves being part of such a supportive and encouraging team.

“I love the challenge of being on stage and getting creative with the role, and when you grow into the part, there is a real sense of satisfaction,” Russ said.

“The theatre brings people from all walks of life together and offers something that is an alternative to sport, which is so important, particularly for young members of the community.”

He said you don’t have to sing, dance or act on stage to be involved in the theatre company.

“There are other avenues like lighting, ticketing and sound.

“There are a lot of roles outside performing and it is such a great community to be involved in.”

Performances will be held on Friday, October 4 and Saturday, October 5 at 7.30pm, and Sunday, October 6 at 2pm, and the following weekend, Friday, October 11 and Saturday, October 12 at 7.30pm, and Sunday, October 13 at 2pm.

Tickets will be available at www.grtg.com.au or from Betta Electrical in Cohuna or the Barham Library Tuesday from 3.30pm to 4.30pm.

The Emperor’s New Clothes synopsis

A chap, obviously an emperor from some far-off kingdom, was seen checking out various fashion shops in the township of Barham. Upon further investigation, it was revealed that he was, in fact, Emperor Maximillion visiting Barham with his beautiful and clever wife, Empress Carlotta.

When asked about his shopping, he replied that he was seeking quality clothes to promote his image at home from merely being called ‘Maximillion the Most’ to ‘Maximillion the Magnificent’ by his loyal subjects.

Asked if he had bought anything yet, he replied, “I’ve seen some fabulous items in these Barham shops, but Empress Carlotta says that the kingdom is a bit strapped for cash and that I have more shoes than Imelda Marcos anyway!”

He added he would have more to say on these issues at the Golden Rivers Theatre on the first two weekends in October.

Those who met him said he seemed to be a lovely chap from a very unusual kingdom.

This article appeared in The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 19 September 2024.