Bairnsdale audiences will be well familiar with the stars of Bairnsdale Production Line Theatre Company’s Anything Goes, set to take to the stage on Friday, May 3.
Leading the talented cast in the role of Reno Sweeny is Michaela Keddie, who was first introduced to local theatre fans as Rizzo in 2022’s Grease. Following that up with assistant director duties last year for School of Rock, Michaela has fast become a valuable member of the company.
Michaela says Anything Goes has been a dream since being cast in the ensemble of her high school production of the show 10 years ago.
“I instantly fell in love with the music, the highs and lows, the comedy, the dancing, it was fantastic,” she said.
But Michaela says it was the character of Reno and her “strength, fierceness and willingness to do anything to help a friend that had her instantly become one of my dream roles. Not to mention her epic songs.”
Joining Michaela on stage in the role of Billy Crocker is Kyle Mandry, adding to an already long list of legendary roles with Production Line including The Wedding Singer’s Robbie Hart and last year’s brilliant turn as Dewey Finn in the afore mentioned School of Rock. Billy might not be a role as well known to audiences as those Kyle has stamped his name on, but they can be sure they’ll remember him after Kyle brings the love-smitten millionaire’s assistant to life at The Forge Theatre in May.
“I always have a great time with Production Line. There’s a really great group of people here that you get to work with year after year. I just can’t stay away to be honest,” Kyle said.
Explaining that he didn’t really know the show before auditioning and just wanted to be involved, Kyle says “playing Billy has been heaps of fun. He’s got some nerve to try and pull off the things he does. But I guess I kind of like playing those kind of guys, they’re a blast to play.”
Adding to the on stage antics in the roles of Erma and Moonface Martin, are Kerri Fleet and Robert Leggett, respectively. Kerri was last seen as Shelby in 2021’s Steel Magnolias, a dramatic comedy which also featured Robert in the position of assistant director.
While Robert is much like Kyle, he’s rarely not involved in a theatre production of some variety, he is most known in Bairnsdale for his memorable and frantic delivery of Wadsworth in 2021’s play, Clue. Not having worked together on stage before, Kerri and Robert are having a blast creating mischief as Erma, the girlfriend of Public Enemy Number One and Moonface, who is Public Enemy Number Thirteen but really wants to be Public Enemy Number One.
“It’s a lot of fun playing Erma- she’s such a lively and bold character. Of course she’s a big flirt, but she’s also not as ditzy as she appears,” Kerri said.
Robert chimes in that “Moonface is the kind of crook you want to like. He wants all the fame and glory of being top dog but he doesn’t really have the ability or the motivation. He just wants a fast buck, not world domination. He has a good heart and doesn’t really want to cause anyone any harm.”
Both say they really enjoy performing, but also love how community theatre brings together people with a wide range of skills.
“To create such a complex production while we hold down jobs, or go to school, take care of families and other responsibilities, is just a wonder. But every year people show up because they love it,” Kerri said.
Robert added: “It’s great to be part of a team of such motivated individuals coming together to work towards a common goal. The dedication of everyone involved, including the production team; backstage crew; set builders; costume coordinators; and the sound and lighting techs, is vital in order to create what the audience sees on stage. It’s not just about the actors.”
Anything Goes sails into the Forge Theatre from Friday, May 3, running for 10 performances over three weekends, through to Sunday, May 27.
Tickets and further information can be found on The Forge Theatre and Arts Hub website or Production Line’s Facebook page and website.
