Dannevirke: Sounding out musicians to play Chess

Gary Mitchelmore (pictured) musical director for Chess, is searching for musicians to fill the empty places for the company's production. Photo / Christine McKay

For the first time in seven years the Dannevirke Theatre Company will be using a full orchestra in a major production.

Not since Annie has an orchestra added to the drama of a production and the theatre company's president, Gary Mitchelmore, a musician himself, is keen to see one formed and ready for next year's production of Chess.

"After Annie most of those musicians left, but in the past three or four years musicians have moved to town and already there are people putting their hand up for the orchestra for Chess.

"We have some very talented musicians here, including a couple of exceptionally competent violinists, a cello master and a national band flugelhorn player.

"We've also got a group of outstanding local musicians, but I would like more people as well. There are empty orchestra seats to fill."

With a lot of work needed to get an orchestra ready for next year's production Mr Mitchelmore, who is the show's musical director, said they need to be assembling now.

"We need to have names to put on various instruments and once we identify what we have, I can then move ahead on our rehearsal schedule."

Mr Mitchelmore hopes to have his orchestra together in the next two or three weeks.

The theatre company has the rights secured for Chess, but funding still needs to be put in place.

Already the company has received a generous donation from patron Gwen Fairbrother, but with a major production like Chess requiring a budget of close to $50,000, it's a substantial commitment on behalf of the theatre company.

"We need the backing of the community," Mr Mitchelmore said. "We need bums on seats, but before that can happen we need financial support from businesses to stage the show."

Chess will be unique in that it will be produced in-house.

"We're doing it ourselves," Melissa Martin, the show's director, said.

In the past the theatre company has paid directors and on occasions actors in lead roles, but now the directing team is in-house.

"We're not being paid and are doing it for the love of it and the benefit of the arts," Miss Martin said.

-If you would like to be part of the orchestra for Chess contact Gary Mitchelmore on 374 8736 or see him at Lumino the Dentists on Allardice St.