EVER since the demise of musical theatre groups in Goulburn about a decade ago, those who love this form of entertainment have been in mourning.
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But once again the hills will be ‘alive with the sound of music’ ... well, Rocky Hill, anyway.
Yes, the Rocky Hill Musical Theatre Company has been formed and, no, ‘you can’t stop the music’ that will spill forth from this lively bunch, who held their first meeting on Sunday.
Goulburn had previously had two musical societies: the Argyle Society and the Goulburn Musical Society.
While neither group folded as such, they both went into lengthy hibernations.
The lack of a venue suitable to musical theatre was a significant reason that both groups went into hiatus.
Since their demise, many of the people involved have expressed withdrawal symptoms they’ve been suffering in the absence of an active musical theatre group in town.
Recent talk of a new Performing Arts Centre reignited interest and Sunday’s meeting followed a call put out on Facebook to form a new group.
On Sunday, the group elected a steering committee, which is in the process of incorporation, and it consists of a large group of enthusiasts.
President of the steering committee, Goulburn Mulwaree councillor Alfie Walker, said the group was looking at potential venues and potential shows.
“One is dependent on the other,” Cr Walker said.
“We are looking venues that are available.
“What is exciting is that there is a real enthusiasm from older people associated with those previous musical groups.
“They have been missing musical theatre in the city.”
Cr Walker said that, as well as putting on at least two productions a year, the new group hoped to impart skills to up-and-coming talent.
“We aim to make training available to younger people to train them in the skills of musical theatre,” Cr Walker said.
“It would be great to harness the talent of young people coming through and it is great to have Andrew and Catriona Wood involved with the group to harness the talent coming through Mulwaree High musical program, for instance.”
The Goulburn Regional Conservatorium has also been responsible for producing a lot of junior talent in the city.
Cr Walker said the group was looking at doing a fundraiser show earlier in the year to possibly assist with staging a show with a larger cast show later in the year.
The new group will cater for both mainstream musicals as well as the more operatic style of Gilbert and Sullivan type shows.
Cr Walker said the significance of choosing Rocky Hill for a name came from it being a meeting place.
“It is an icon for the area: the rotating light provides a sense of belonging for people living here and it is a landmark that we have in common,” Cr Walker said.
“Rocky Hill has always been a meeting place for bringing people together.”
He thanked the Lieder Theatre for filling the space for musical theatre in the intervening years.
Last year the Lieder ran two wellattended productions, Hear the Lieder Sing and You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.
The next meeting of the Rocky Hill Musical Theatre Company will be on February 9 at the Goulburn Club. All are welcome to attend.