Rotorua Musical Theatre secretary Richard Marshall said the theatre was full of people who were there because they loved it. Photo / Ben Fraser
Rotorua Musical Theatre secretary Richard Marshall said the theatre was full of people who were there because they loved it. Photo / Ben Fraser
The passion behind the people is what makes the Rotorua Musical Theatre so special, one of its long-serving members says.
Theatre secretary Richard Marshall has been involved since he performed as a child in Evita more than 20 years ago, and says a standout characteristic of the theatre is thateveryone loves it and wants to be there.
The theatre recently won the arts and culture section at the TrustPower Spirit of Rotorua Awards. While the group is accustomed to being the stars of the show, Mr Marshall admitted the award came as a surprise. "It is recognition for all the hard work that everyone does."
The theatre is well established in Rotorua - first putting on shows in the 1940s. These days it generally puts on three a year, and tries to do a major show every couple of years.
They have clocked up more than 115 shows and they're always working on or planning for the future.
Their latest show Downtown! will hit the stage on December 1, with auditions for Hair next month and planning already under way for the next big show, Mamma Mia, which will be performed in 2015.
Mr Marshall said of the 100 or so members, some were involved "year after year" and others had just joined. " We're always looking for new people."
