Shayne LeslieFootlights of Broadway call for young star of the stage
16-year old Woongarah local, Emerson Goodenough, stars in Gosford Musical Theatre's comeback classic, 42nd Street, opening Friday 4 March at Laycock Street Community Theatre.
Goodenough's debut with Gosford Musical Society couldn't be more a dream-come-true as the small-town girl with big dreams, Peggy Sawyer. Goodenough gets to perform the hits from the original movie including the big one, 42nd Street.
Says Goodenough, "I've performed quite a lot with my high school, Hunter School of Performing Arts. I'm absolutely thrilled to be given such as fabulous role with the premier musical theatre society on the Central Coast, GMS."
The backstage musical show focuses on the efforts of famed director, Julian Marsh, performed by Callum Hayes, to mount a successful stage production of a musical extravaganza at the height of the Great Depression.
He needs ‘Pretty Lady‘ to be a hit. But when leading lady Dorothy Brock, performed by Kate Thomas, breaks her ankle, young hopeful Peggy Sawyer must step in to save the show.
The role of Peggy Sawyer is what is known in the theatre business as a 'triple threat' - singer, dancer, actor - and Goodenough had to endure two solid days of auditions with almost 100 youngsters to win the coveted role, tapping, singing, dancing and bringing the wide-eyed, naïve youngster to life.
"When I got the call from director, Chip Gracia that I had won the role, I could not wipe the smile from my face for weeks!" says Goodenough.
Goodenough has been performing since the age of 4 years old. She has been attending D3 Darren Disney Dance since she turned eleven years old learning various dance styles and has been vocal training along side local teacher, Maddi Xuereb, for two years.
Darren Disney, an original Tap Dog, has created new and exciting tap routines for the GMS production. Every Sunday since 2022 raised its curtains, you could hear those dancing feet tapping out from the GMS rehearsal sheds as you drove along Henry Parry Drive.
Goodenough says she has never been fitter than now. "Darren sure makes us work hard, but the precision and movement is something the Central Coast has never seen before."
"The standard of cast members is just amazing. I have learnt so much which will help me as I build my career in theatre," says Goodenough. Goodenough is represented by Sydney talent agency, Matrics Management.
Opening Friday 4 March 2022. Tickets are on sale now at Laycock Street Community Theatre.
(c) 2022 Photos and story by Shayne Leslie of Leslie Photography Call on 0412241 773 or email shayne@lesliephotography.com.au for images.