Mamma Mia the musical has been postponed, but Gunnedah talent Alison Stuart and Tyson Hubbard says it will be "the perfect antidote" when it opens in March, 2021.
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Tamworth Musical Society's production of the ABBA extraordinaire was scheduled for May but has to be put back since the federal government announced limits of 100 people indoors on Wednesday.
Mamma Mia director and Capitol Theatre's entertainment venues manager, Peter Ross, made the postponement announcement the same day.
"When the restrictions on indoor gatherings were still at 500, Peter thought we might still be able to go ahead because the Capitol Theatre seats 400, but it wasn't long before that changed and the restrictions changed to 100 and forced him to make a decision to postpone the show," Ms Stuart said.
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Ms Stuart said cast and crew met last night to find out what that meant for them and videoed all of the dances they have choreographed to date and "a lot of the scenes and blockings, so when we pick up again - rehearsals should be starting around November - we will have those videos to use as a reference".
Ms Stuart said she was "very disappointed but not surprised" about the decision.
"What we hope is that on the other side of this pandemic, that's changing all of our lives at the moment, when we come out the other side, something bright and colourful and happy like Mama Mia is going to be the perfect antidote," she said.
"And we hope that what will happen is that everyone comes to see it and it's uplifting and joyful and helps to bring people together again when that's possible."
Ms Stuart and Mr Hubbard are in the ensemble of Mamma Mia and have been spending plenty of time on the road attending an increasing number of rehearsals.
"We were travelling over twice a week at first ... in addition to this, we started Sunday afternoon rehearsals at the start of this month ... so it's a lot of time on the road and away from our families but we are doing this because we love it," Ms Stuart said.
"To quote one of the numbers in the show: 'Without a song or a dance what are we?'."
The locals are singing backing vocals in most songs, feature in dances and "generally help to create the world the characters are living in".
"At one point I'm a Greek tavern worker. Later, I'm part of a raucous hen's party. There's lots to do," Ms Stuart said.
"They can't believe Tys and I drive all the way from Gunnedah to be a part of it."
The optometrist said dancing is Mr Hubbard's "strong suit" and he's "loving every moment" of the musical.
"I have to say this is the most dancing I have done for a musical ever. I'm walking out of every rehearsal in a sweat," Mr Hubbard said.
"We have lost a couple of people due to personal reasons and commitments, but we all our putting our best foot forward to makes this a hit.
"I've met new people who I didn't know in Tamworth had a musical hobby, and put dedication into what they do. Being surrounded by these people has been the best thing for me right now. I do try and stay focused on everything the dance teachers, music teachers and directors so I can put my best into this performances."
When we come out the other side, something bright and colourful and happy like Mama Mia is going to be the perfect antidote.
- Alison Stuart
Ms Stuart said it was "interesting to watch all the different components come together".
"Often the ensemble will spend time in one room learning backing vocals for a song, while in another room some of the cast might be practising dialogue and blocking (stage movements). After that we might learn some dance moves and then put it all together," she said.
"It's like a great big puzzle. The director, Peter Ross, along with musical director Tim Godden and choreographer Kristi Cini, can really see the big picture and are doing an amazing job building the show.
"I really look forward to rehearsals and seeing everyone there. The energy is so positive and has been right from the start.
"This is a show - and a bunch of people - with a lot of heart. We can't wait to welcome everyone to the island."