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| Thoroughly Modern Millie |
HIGH-spirited musical Thoroughly Modern Millie is the latest offering from St Albans-based youth theatre group, RARE.
Set in the 1920s, it got Broadway buzzing and New York doing the Charleston and is set to storm the Abbey Theatre in St Albans, next week.
Aged between eight and 16, the 75-strong cast is directed by Andrew Burton with Dave Marriott as musical director and Alison Kaby choreographing.
It is the story of young Millie Dillmount, who has just moved to New York in search of a new life. She finds a city full of intrigue and jazz - a time when women were entering the workforce and the rules of love and social behaviour were changing forever.
Based on the popular movie, the stage version includes a full score of new songs and bright dance numbers. It won Best New Musical at the 2002 Tony Awards.
RARE has put on more than 30 shows including Oliver, Annie, Les Miserables and Scrooge - all in professional theatres across Herts and the south east - since forming in 2003.
Young people from St Albans and the surrounding area have been rehearsing for Thoroughly Modern Millie twice a week for the last six weeks.
Andrew Burton said: "This is the first time we've done this particular musical. It's new, so it's a challenge. The cast and crew are all working hard and are just putting the finishing touches to what we hope will be a sensational show."
Thoroughly Modern Millie runs from Thursday, October 25 until Saturday, October 27, at 8pm with a 3pm matinee on Saturday. Tickets are £7.50 concessions and £9.50 adults, available from the Abbey Theatre box office on 01727 857861.
© Herts Advertiser 2007. Reproduced by permission