[APR
99] BELRADE THEATRE PRESS RELEASE
Boy Band13 - 17 APRIL
1999
Written & Directed by Janice Dunn
Boyband is a brand new musical, set in Coventry in 1999, and follows the story of
Billy, a would-be band manager. Billy gathers together a group of five local 'likely'
lads, and with his sister as choreographer, sets about transforming them, as the M &
Ms, into stars. Amazingly, he achieves his ambition - but not without some mishaps en
route! When the M & Ms eventually do find fame, it most certainly is not what
they expected! The record company takes over and Billy is out, leaving the boys to fend
for themselves as demands get greater and the hype goes into hyperactive!
Boy Band examines the boys' relationships with each other, and those around them - and
how this changes with success; it looks at the pressures, problems and pure absurdity of a
career in the music business. The play also takes a look at the fans - and what exactly
they are sold.
With appearances from girl band 'The Pop-Tarts', Irish girl band 'B*Jesus' and new
three piece girl band 'Cleopatois' complementing the M&M's, an evening of all-singing,
all-dancing, fun-filled entertainment is promised. The bands perform cover versions from
the 60s through to the 90s, as well as several brand new songs - so there is music for
everyone.
Who will win the coveted Crit's Award? Will M&Ms stay together? Or will the
pressure blow them apart?
Forty six of the Belgrade Youth Theatre appear in this brand new show - which has been
specially written for them. With a live band on stage, and other events happening in the
theatre, a great night out is promised for people of all ages.
NOTES
(1.) Declan Bennett, who plays Lee in the M&Ms, has
been recalled several times for 'Rent' in the West End, following an open audition - it is
rumoured that the producers are waiting for him to hit 18 in order to offer him a part! A
number of Declan's own compositions feature in the show. Decian is a member of the
National Youth Music Theatre and entertained Andrew Lloyd Webber at his birthday
celebrations last year. He is also on his final recall for RADA.
(2.) Cheryl Robertson, who plays Carrott in the Pop-Tarts,
is due to appear on Barrymore's 'My Kind Of People'. She has a mature singing voice and
wants to be a performer.
(3.) John Grant, who plays Karl in the M&Ms has just
been accepted at the Mountview Theatre School to train as an actor, and will begin his
course in September - so this will be his last Belgrade Youth Theatre performance.
(4.) Lyndi Smith, ex-Belgrade Youth Theatre, and now at
RADA, will be working on BoyBand with Director Janice Dunn.
(5.) Musical Director Graham Pike has worked on many
Belgrade Theatre productions - most recently Sleeping Beauty and It's A Lovely Day
Tomorrow.
(6.) The four groups featured in BoyBand will be performing
several gigs in and around Coventry prior to the opening night - venues still to be
confirmed, but are likely to include schools, shopping centres etc.
Director Janice Dunn says:
"The play was developed form an idea we had eighteen
months ago, and before it was written, we had group' discussions about what the story and
content would be. We've also worked together on which songs we should use, and some of the
group are helping on choreography. It has been written with the members of the group
specifically in mind".
MORE INFORMATION: Cath
Pitkethly 01203 846 703
|
