Phoenix Ensemble at Beenleigh operates out of a “tin shed” style theatre at Beenleigh Showgrounds.
But 30 years on, its members say that despite their small stage and humble exterior, they have big dreams.
And with birthday celebrations in full swing, the group is reflecting on some of the local talent they’ve nurtured into the industry such as Hudson Bertram who has launched a stage career.
But now, they’re thinking about their next production, Cole Porter’s classic Anything Goes which kicks off on March 3 and continues every Friday and Saturday through the month.
One goal of the group is to make quality arts and entertainment accessible to all demographics, and the latest play features a nine-piece live orchestra and cast made up of local talent.
“You may have even seen us performing a few ditties from the show at the Distillery Road Markets,” marketing director Priya Shah said.
The latest production is a romp across the Atlantic, during which etiquette and convention head out the portholes as two unlikely pairs set off on the course to true love.
Playing leading lady Reno Sweeney, Jaime O’Donoghue said that Anything Goes was a frivolous and heart-warming show, where you never knew what was going to happen next.
“The comedy is so quick witted and perfectly timed, the romance is beautiful and helps the audience root for the characters and the songs will be stuck in your head long after you leave the theatre,” she said.
Director Miranda Selwood said that Anything Goes was a classic for good reason. The story was fun-filled and zany, but the ingredients were all-too-familiar.
“I love the golden era musicals that came straight out of traditions of vaudeville; unapologetically entertaining escapism, a whole lot of heart, sequins and tap shoes, witty one liners and gaudy gags,” she said.
“While a lot of older shows have become dated, parts of Anything Goes have been adapted while preserving the charm and sincerity of the original.
“We’re bringing the tap-dancing spectacular of Anything Goes into the Tin Shed this March. There’s something quintessentially Broadway about tap dancing. I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t feel uplifted by a tap-number.”
Ms O’Donogue said it was so special to work with such talented creatives to bring community theatre at its best to the heart of Beenleigh.
“The creative team have worked so hard on bringing their vision of Anything Goes to life and expressing their art in a way that is so thought out and so caring for their craft,” she said.
