A cast of experienced performers and newcomers came together to bring The Lovely Bones to audiences at the Don Russell Performing Arts Centre in Thornlie.
Presented by ARENA Theatre Productions, the stage adaptation of Alice Sebold’s bestselling novel followed the story of Susie Salmon and the impact her death has on her family and community.
Director Simon James said the production was chosen as a change from the company’s recent works and offered something different for both performers and audiences.
“ARENA was looking for something contemporary, different and challenging for both cast and crew as well as for audiences,” he said.
Mr James said he was first drawn to the story through the film adaptation before later reading the novel.
“I read the novel last year and saw how there was so much more to the tale and the characters caught up in these tragic and heartfelt events,” he said.
“Theatre is about emotions. I would like to see audiences for The Lovely Bones connect to the emotions as well as the ideas in the production.”
The production involved 18 actors, a puppeteer, seven crew members and support from committee members handling administration and bookings.
Auditions attracted strong interest, with 83 expressions of interest and 59 auditions for the 18 cast roles.
Mr James said the cast showed the diversity often found in community theatre.
The group included high school students, university students, healthcare workers, a veterinarian, a disability support worker, a gym instructor, a former police officer and a mining truck operator.
“They come from all over Perth, from Butler to Southern River, Armadale to Fremantle, Gosnells to Greenwood,” he said.
“It’s the nature of community theatre.”
Among the cast was Jes Shotton, who played George Harvey, the story’s antagonist.
Mr Shotton said he had been interested in the character since first watching the film adaptation in 2009.
“When ARENA Theatre Productions opened casting for the stage production of The Lovely Bones, I knew I had to be George Harvey,” he said.
“When Simon, the director, gave me the role, it felt like a dream had come true.”
He said one of the most rewarding parts of the production had been the friendships formed during rehearsals.
“Everyone has given their all in each and every rehearsal and performance,” he said.
“Working with them over the past few months has only strengthened our bond and made us The Lovely Bones stage family.”
Cast member Donal Fahy, who played Jack Salmon, said the role pushed him outside his comfort zone.
The production was only his second stage performance.
“I saw the part advertised and instantly connected to it,” he said.
“The challenging thing was the size of the part for the little experience I had.
“We grow in these uncomfortable challenges.”
Mr Fahy said portraying a grieving father required an emotional commitment that was both demanding and rewarding.
He also praised the support provided by fellow cast members and the production team throughout rehearsals.
Mr James said community theatre remained important because it connected people from different backgrounds through a shared creative goal.
“Theatre is about people,” he said.
“Community theatre brings people together.”
The production was staged at the Don Russell Performing Arts Centre, with rehearsals also held at the Gosnells Bowling Club.
