Methven Theatre Company members say everything is coming together perfectly as they prepare to stage Footrot Flats.
The musical opens on Thursday next week at the Mt Hutt Memorial Hall.
Sixteen thespians have been rehearsing since June to bring the iconic comic book characters to life.
Company stalwarts Matt Markham and Linda Young are director and musical director respectively.
‘‘We’re really happy with how things are progressing,’’ Markham said.
‘‘While a different storyline to the Footrots Flats movie, we promise it is equally hilarious.’’
Playing Wal is Jason Ree, appearing in his eighth show with Methven Theatre Company, while his university student son Jake Ree plays Cooch.
‘‘The biggest challenge is the lines, lots and lots of lines. Oh, and songs. Lots and lots of songs,’’ Jason said.
Jake said being involved had been a great way to have fun while he’s back in Methven. And it gave him the pleasure of verbally sparring on stage with his dad. Shyan Hughes, who plays Pongo, said the dry humour of the cartoon series attracted her to audition. “I feel this character was written for me. She’s cheeky, a bit bratty, and sometimes… twists the truth a tad. And never wears shoes,” Hughes said.
The show features all kinds of hi-jinks as Cooch, along with Dog and Aunt Dolly, try to save Wal from being wooed away from his farm by the voluptuous Cheeky Hobson.
Markham said tickets were selling fast.
‘‘Much more so than for the previous two years, which we put down to the iconic status of Footrot Flats and its wide appeal to all ages.’’
- Footrot Flats opens September 5 at the Mt Hutt Memorial Hall and runs for three nights to September 7. Tickets at Cafe 45 in Methven (cash only) or book via Ashburton Event Centre, ticket office or online.
