ABBA fans will get the chance to see some familiar faces in the 2020 production of Mamma Mia.
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Gunnedah optometrist Alison Stuart and Telstra tech Tyson Hubbard have been cast in the ensemble of the Tamworth Musical Society's latest musical.
The pair are thrilled to share the stage once again after their musical debut in Gunnedah Conservatorium's production of Chicago last year.
Ms Stuart has since performed in the conservatorium's play The Narcissist, and Mr Hubbard completed his schooling at Farrer in Tamworth.
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Ms Stuart said members of the ensemble had an important role to play because "they create the world" for the lead roles.
"You've got to have people around the [leads] to respond to them," she said.
"The director Peter Ross said the ensemble is busy and everyone will get a chance to be up front and have their moment. I like his attitude."
Ms Stuart said she hadn't considered acting or singing until the conservatorium announced plans to produce Chicago.
She tried out because she wanted to support the return of theatre in Gunnedah, and director Larni Christie told her to consider auditioning for the role of Roxy.
"I wanted to see it happen, whether I was on stage or behind it; I knew it was the start of something for Gunnedah," Ms Stuart said.
"I had kids aged 4 and 2 and I was looking for something just for me, just for pleasure.
"I didn't think I'd be the one [to play Roxy] because I had no experience. It was so unexpected, which is also why it was such an amazing experience.
"It was really fun and exciting ... it was totally different to being a mum.
"I love how the community came together and how so many people were inspired by the show, and contributed to the show ... I loved what it did for the town."
Mr Hubbard also likes knowing "you are going to be part of something bigger than yourself" and said "you can't be still" when ABBA is playing.
"The song itself, [Mamma Mia], makes you want to just get up and sing," he said.
"It's the best feeling knowing you are going to preform in front of the community you grew up in. It's one more step to being on the stage in the big city."
Mr Hubbard started singing and dancing at a young age and has performed in major events including Capers and Schools Spectacular.
"I can't see my life without music or performing," he said.
"My main goal in life is to become a professional performer and later down the track, teach in schools to spread [the message] that music can give a voice to people."
- Rehearsals for Mamma Mia start in January next year.