All hail the mighty Aussie divas of musical theatre – Rachael Beck, Rhonda Burchmore, Judi Connelli, Nancye Hayes, Sharon Millerchip, Geraldine Turner and Anne Wood. These Leading Ladies will join forces with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra for two nights of rollicking musical numbers this month.

With such a talented ensemble, director Nancye Hayes told OUTinPerth she could hardly wait for the show – ‘It’s always wonderful to get together with not only a group of really talented people but people who are friends and all enjoy one another’s company.’

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One of the show’s stars, Rhonda Burchmore, agreed, saying of the cast, ‘It’s a good mix of voices and experiences with different girls from different roles they have done in the theatre, all up there together.’

Of course, the ladies on the stage are only one half of the package with the WA Symphony Orchestra accompanying.

‘They are one of the finest orchestras in the country,’ said Rhonda. ‘It’s not everyday you get to work with three musicians, let alone something like 60 or 70.’

Nancye echoed Rhonda’s praise, describing the experience of performing with WASO as ‘marvelous, absolutely spine-tingling’.

The talented cast will have a wealth of material, as they turn their voices and tune their instruments to the great female numbers of musical theatre. Rhonda told OiP she would be performing ‘Don’t Rain on My Parade’ from Funny Girl as a solo and that the entire cast would be doing a large Andrew Lloyd Webber medley at the end of the performance. And Nancye Hayes let drop that while her primary role is as director and compeer, she would be doing a number from Guys & Dolls as well as a duet from Sweet Charity with Sharon Millerchip and another from Chicago with Judi Connelli.

And what would musical theatre be without some camp couture, something Rhonda will be bringing over by the gown-full?

‘I know they like my glamourous gowns over there, so there will be a couple of those coming out. I’ll be able to fit in four at least, even with all the numbers and duets… When in doubt, Rhonda’s leg will come out!’

All in all, it’s sure to be a night with of big numbers, bigger stars and a lotta leg.

‘I think the audience is assured of a splendid night of musical theatre, from Andrew Lloyd Webber to Mamma Mia,’ says Rhonda. And here at OUTinPerth, we know better than to argue with a diva.

Leading Ladies will perform at Perth Concert Hall on October 17-18. Tickets are available through the WASO website – www.waso.com.au.

Megan Smith