Lind Lane Delivers a Stellar Production!

12 November 2007 Lind Lane ‘Delivers’ a stellar production!

Nambour’s Lind Lane Theatre brings a sprightly, infectious musical to its stage in Baby.

Directed by Tim Page, who’s professional career encompassed six years in television’s, The Young Doctors, films, operas, plays and many musicals both here and on London’s West End, Baby features an extraordinary 17 piece orchestra lead by Debbie Eland, who joins the Lind Lane ranks as Musical Director. In addition to being Head of Music at Nambour State High School, other shows Debbie has been M.D. for include The Wiz, Pirates, Ma Baker’s Tonic, and Nunsense for BATS, bringing with her a wealth of experience.

Based on the book by Sybille Pearson, with music and lyrics by Maltby & Shire, Baby’s plot centers on three couples, each experiencing a different phase of prospective parenthood. Lizzie and Danny are two unmarried college students who have decided to live together. When Lizzie becomes pregnant, they go through a rollercoaster of attitudes and expectations.

Pam and Nick have tried for two years to become parents when the pressures of following rigid formulas to "conceive" cause a rift in their relationship, while, Arlene and Alan already have three grown children, when, at the age of 43, Arlene falls pregnant. That event turns their world upside down, with its stresses and strains on their marriage.

The cast is uniformly brilliant. Sam Coward, as Nick has a strong, powerful delivery and magnetic stage presence. Coast audiences will remember Sam’s most recent roles in ‘I Love You, You’re Perfect Now Change’ at Lind Lane and his latest success as ‘Old Deuteronomy’ for Caloundra’s CATS. Sam is perfectly matched with wife Xanthe as Pam. A singer, actress, teacher and mother, Xanthe has an honesty and relevance that is bound to strike more than a chord with audiences.

Marissa Gillham as Lizzie is often front and centre when it comes to her dance abilities however Baby sees Marissa display an ever increasing array of talent. With a high energy performance and her stunning solo at the end of Act I with ‘The Story Goes On’, this enchanting young performer is destined for greatness and hers is a performance not to be missed.

Earlier this season, Russell Morgan designed, directed, choreographed and starred in the hugely popular, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. Now, Baby sees Russell play the touching role of Danny, intent on forging his music career and looking for ways to support his child. Russell’s stage presence and vocal ability are sure to impress, as he pursues a professional career on London’s West End.

Evalee Sharples, who plays Arlene, will be familiar to Coast audiences for her lush soprano voice. She made her debut with Lind Lane with La Cage Aux Folles playing Marie and has also worked for The Caloundra Chorale and Theatre Co., BATS, and Oriana Arts Inc. Evalee’s love for this musical comes through in a myriad of intimate moments with on-stage husband Alan, played by Allan Royal (Mack and Mabel, La Cage Aux Folles) who takes the possibilities of a second-time-around father to new heights. Allan’s performance is truly believable and earnest as a man who wants to make his wife happy, but doesn’t quite know how.

A perfect show for anyone who’s ever had a baby… or anyone who’s ever been one!