A BOROUGH amateur dramatic and musical theatre group is getting ready to light up the stage with a show that celebrates music from the best of stage and screen.
EBOS (East Berkshire Operatic Society)’s performance of From Stage to Screen captures songs that have delighted audiences for decades.
The Wokingham based group says there have been countless musicals across time which have lit up the stage in live performances, and then gone on to dazzle audiences on the silver screen.
The production showcases melodies that began their life on stage, before being catapulted to fame via the movies.
It also highlights other numbers that never made it from stage to screen, or songs that were added to the films for a little something extra.
The show’s cast of 14 will perform numbers from musicals including: Rent, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Hello Dolly, Hairspray, Chicago, and Grease.
Director Hannah Coe said: “I’ve been a huge fan of the movie musical genre, ever since I saw Moulin Rouge at the age of 11.
“So I was delighted when EBOS gave me the chance to direct this show.
“We have 24 songs from a range of musicals, including some of the older classics such as My Fair Lady, The King And I, and West Side Story.
“But there are plenty of newer musicals in the show too, with songs from Hairspray, Tick, Tick…..Boom!, and Matilda.”
The company has had only eight weeks to rehearse the music.
“I’ve loved working on something so fast, it’s been very intensive,” said Ms Coe.
“The show is a mix of solos, small groups with harmonies, and some songs that involve the whole cast.
“10 of our performers are new to EBOS, and this is their first opportunity to shine on our stage.
“I’ve loved working with them all, and I’m sure that everyone who comes to see Stage To Screen will end up loving the movie music genre, if they didn’t already before.”
Founded in 1952 EBOS produces a minimum of four shows a year,
Musical theatre performances and dramas take place in the Wilde Theatre at South Hill Park, Bracknell and in the group’s 70 seat Pinewood Theatre, in Wokingham.
As well as being a place for budding performers, the Pinewood venue has its own workshop and properties store.
The group say they are always on the lookout for new members to join their technical crew, to help build sets, to operate sound and lighting and to assist with stage management.
The wardrobe team is also keen to welcome anyone interested in designing and creating costumes.
The event takes place at the Pinewood Theatre, on Wednesday, October 11 to Saturday, October 14.
Doors open at 7.45pm, with tickets available for £13.
Anyone interested in joining EBOS should email: [email protected]
For tickets and information, visit: www.ebos.org.uk or log onto the group’s Facebook page.