The University of Newcastle (UoN) Musos Club is gearing up for its latest production, The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals.
The show, which began rehearsals in early August, will play at the Warners Bay Theatre in November, with tickets going on sale this week.
Jojo Neville plays Paul Matthews, the title “Guy”, who finds himself in a world slowly turning into a musical.
On his way to prevent a singing, dancing zombie apocalypse, he is joined by his friends Emma (Caitlin Price), Charlotte (Willow Boyd), Ted (Samuel Harrop) and Bill (Alex Giles).
The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals is UoN Musos’ sixth stage production.
Manager Dean Selem admitted it was bringing the club back to its roots.
“Our last two productions were more traditional Broadway-style shows, whereas The Guy is from a small independent playwright,” he said.
“It’s much more light-hearted; it doesn’t take itself seriously.”
Selem is also the show’s musical director and says the club is also looking forward to performing with a live musical accompaniment, something they haven’t seen since their 2023 production Ordinary Days.
“Working with tracks often makes the actors more regimented,” he said.
“But, a live band lets the pace ebb and flow.
“It fits in with the actors, rather than the other way around.”
The band includes two keyboards, bass, drums and electric guitar and will perform on stage alongside the cast.
“There’s such a positive energy at rehearsal,” Selem says, reflecting on the close friendships already forged between cast and crew.
“We’re always anticipating the next time we’ll get to meet and rehearse.
“We can’t wait to get this show on the road.”
Airlia Kalaf, who previously starred in UoN Musos’ Into The Woods and The Drowsy Chaperone, is making her directorial debut.
Whether you love musicals or even if can’t stand them, this production has something for everyone.
Tickets are on sale now.
- University of Newcastle journalism student Amelie Paris
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