‘Dad’ keeping up with the ladies

REG Carmody has been treading the boards in Wangaratta, Beechworth and surrounds for 30 years and is relishing his role as Mr Miles (Dad) for the upcoming Ladies in Black production with the Wangaratta Players. Completing Theatre Studies in years 11 and 12 and then discovering the Youth Production Group at the Wangaratta Players many years ago, Reg started to explore his theatrical side and now has a well-rounded knowledge of all aspects of the theatre. “In the original youth group we were given instruction and experience both on and off stage,” Reg said. “I’ve directed a few shows, acted in many, been a stagey and a stage manager numerous times and I even dipped my toe into lighting once. “But I must confess that I do love being on stage slightly more than being backstage because there’s nothing better than when you connect with an audience and illicit whatever emotion you are trying to convey and see them react. “I really enjoy a combination of dramatic-comedy roles and taking a performance and an audience from one extreme to another just makes my head spin. “I have always wanted to play Max Bialystock in The Producers as it’s probably my favourite musical of all time and every one of his songs is a show stopper.” Following the pandemic, Reg found that he was having trouble connecting with people and, recalling how close knit a cast and crew of a show can get, he decided to return to the theatre. “What drew me back initially was the fact it (Ladies in Black) was Colette Quin’s show,” Reg said. “I’ve worked with Colette many times and those shows are some of my favourites that I’ve been involved in. “I love Colette’s style and organisational skills. “She has the ability to bring out the best in your performance even when you don’t know you have it in you. “I usually audition for any role and like to slot in where a director would think I fit best but for Ladies in Black Mr Miles appealed to me because while it seems like a straight laced role, there is an undercurrent of depth that once found, is very rewarding. “For example he is a ‘product of the times’ and yet in the end he finds the ability to adjust his way of thinking for the ones he loves the most.” Reg is currently multi-tasking his rehearsals as he is also involved with the Beechworth Theatre Company’s production of Cosi which will be presented at the Beechworth Memorial Hall Friday, July 21, Saturday, July 22 and Sunday July 23. Reg said that working with the cast and crew of Ladies in Black has been a once in a lifetime experience. “I don’t think I’ve ever worked with such a diverse and intimidating collection of talent,” Reg laughed. “I count myself truly fortunate to have been selected to join this dream team.” Ladies in Black will be staged at the Wangaratta Performing Arts & Convention Centre (WPACC) on Thursday August 17, Friday, August 18 and Saturday, August 19 at 7pm, with a matinee performance on Saturday, August 19 at 2pm. Tickets are on sale now via the WPACC box office in Ford Street or online at https://wpacc.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/95168.

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