Footlights’ column gives us a snapshot into what is happening in the run up to ‘West Side Story’, their Northcott show, first show this Wednesday the 29th.
This week’s Footlights’ blog introduces The American Jet Boys! The boys are very quick-tempered and determined to take control of the streets of New York. Watch the clip to see what they have been doing in ‘rehearsals’.
Footlights’ column gives us a snapshot into what is happening in the run up to ‘West Side Story’, their Northcott show, first show this Wednesday the 29th.
This week’s Footlights’ blog introduces 3rd year Drama student Jess Reed who plays wannabe Jet, Anybody’s.
Hi, I am Joanna Tew one of the producers for West Side Story. I was terrified at the start of this process, facing the challenge of being a student producer, but with such a terrific team it’s been incredible. West Side Story is a challenging show requiring its actors to sing, dance and act (the true triple threat). The cast are pushing themselves to the max at the moment, perfecting every single spin, punch and high note in the show. Luckily no one has broken a leg or lost their voice. (yet). It’s really hard to believe that after nearly nine months of preparation next week is show week! On Monday the entire production team will be moving into the theatre to get through the heavy hours of technical set up that will prepare us for opening night. We have a very big company 31 actors, 30 musicians and a production crew of around 40 people and keeping track of them all is very daunting but we are all so excited for opening night. Thank you for following this weeks Footlights blog and we all hope to see you at West Side Story.
Footlight’s weekly column gives an insight into everything happening in the run up to ‘West Side Story’, their Northcott show.
First up, meet the Jet Girls. Watch them in practice and listen to them talk about their training so far:
Now a word from the show’s director:
From the left: Steph Kraft, Alice Cousins, Sarah Ashton, Jen Valentine, Liisa Ration, Ellie Taylor-Roberts. Image credit: Sam Lloyd
Hello! My name is Jordan Murphy and I am the director of this year’s University of Exeter Footlights Northcott show, Bernstein and Sondheim’s well known musical, ‘West Side Story’. Alongside myself, I have an extremely creative and enthusiastic team; Amy Collins (President/Co-Producer), Joanna Tew (Vice President/Co-Producer), Cheski Granger (Vocal Coach), Jack Campey (Musical Director) and Aaron McCrossan (Choreographer). It isn’t just these guys that are fuelling the show, we have a huge production team working along side us raring to go.
So far this term we have made very exciting progress, with an incredible turnout for auditions, seeing over 180 people for the 30 roles on offer. It was an intense process, the directorial team witnessed a vast amount of talented people and it was extremely tough to select who was recalled and who wasn’t. On that note, Footlights would like to extend a massive thank you to all that came to audition, it really was a tough decision and we enjoyed meeting each and every one of you. After the lengthy, stressful yet extremely exciting process of casting the show, we had our perfect cast!
Liisa Raitio Image credit: Sam Lloyd
Jordan Murphy, Director.
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