STEPPING OUT

1999

Directed by Gail Ross, Nigel Dick 

"It was a very big decision" said Gail explaining the choice between auditioning or taking on the roles of co-director and choreographer. "I'm glad I chose the other side of the footlights this time as it's been a valuable learning experience seeing how the various departments within Players function and work together." (this red-haired dancing dynamo sadly left us much too soon, and is pictured here at auditions, putting the would-be tappers through their paces) 

It follows the lives of vastly different people at their weekly dance class; the difficult process of moulding them into a slick troupe (the Mavis Turner Tappers) before their daunting challenge of a public performance.

Nigel said auditions were "an absolute hoot" with heaps of talent among the 27 hopefuls for the 10 roles. "We ran several tap classes before auditions to familiarise people with the routines."

Cast included Lynne Metz (Mavis) Gail Spinaze (pianist) with Mary Dudman, Penny Green, Lyn Greer and Ken Peterson as Geoffrey, the only male character learning to dance, with News Mail reviewer saying " it's hard to imagine anyone else in the role"....."Gail Ross as choreographer also deserves special mention as once the characters mastered the final scene it must have been extremely difficult to "unteach" them for the earlier clumsy routines"

"Her co-director is theatre mainstay Nigel Dick and this slick production has his involvement written all over it."

Lynne Metz instructing Ken Peterson and the rest of the tappers

Back Row:  Heather West, Catriona James-McGovern,  Penny Green, Lynne Greer & Mary Dudman     

Front Row:  Shannon Kunst, Ken Peterson & Candice Story-Blow

Director, Gail Ross, taking the cast through their steps