Audience should prepare for a hot night out

Rehearsals are under way for the Dannevirke High School production of Disco Inferno which opens in the Town Hall on Wednesday, August 10. Photo / Christine McKay

Get ready to hit that floor and Burn Baby Burn at the Dannevirke High School's production of Disco Inferno opening on Wednesday, August 10.

With a cast of 52 and others behind the scenes, director Shasta Pene is delighted with how rehearsals are going.

"If I didn't love this I wouldn't do it, I'd be home sitting in front of the fire," she told the Dannevirke News, as a power cut interrupted rehearsals last week.

"But I'm loving it and thoroughly enjoy working with the kids. We have a real cohort of arts and dance here at the high school and I think we have a responsibility to provide a production every year. It's my duty to provide this opportunity for students who love being part of a production."

Ms Pene said she loves watching the change in students when they become part of a production.

"It's great seeing them become better than they thought they could be," she said. "We have students who will take to the stage for the first time and the power of a group is huge, creating something better than they ever thought it could be."

The commitment to the production is huge, with Ms Pene and the cast and crew putting in 70 per cent of their time out of school hours.

"When students are willing to come out to bring all their talent to rehearsals. "I just have to craft it," she said. "At the end of the day it's wonderful to see something they love coming to fruition, but for me it's important the show is very polished and professional."

The secret weapons students have, youth and energy, is needed in bucket-loads for this fast-paced production, which will likely leave the audience breathless.

"But this is a team effort and there are so many behind the scenes helping to create the wow factor."

Disco Inferno is a 1970s hit musical which tells the comical story of Jack, a wannabe star played by Elijah Graham, who after failing audition after audition, is granted one wish in exchange for his soul, by the lovely devil's sidekick, Lady Marmalade, played by Ellie Joselyn.

The story is set in the club Disco Inferno and the humorous predicament Jack finds himself in alongside his girlfriend Jane, played by Lauren Carr is a romp through the great music and dance of the iconic disco era.

The Town Hall will be pumping to iconic songs like Boogie Wonderland, Blame it on the Boogie, Celebration and I Will Survive.

Amy MacDonald, from Evolve Performing Arts Centre, is the choreographer and the students are enjoying learning the dance moves of the disco era.

-Tickets are on sale from the Dannevirke High School office, Just Gifts and Lumino Dentists: $20 for adults, $15 for students, with a special family discount of $50 for two adults and two children. Tables will be available to sit at downstairs to encourage those who want to get up and boogie.