Virginia Gay returned to the dressing room to tighten the corset and buckle up the suspenders ahead of her transformation into Calamity Jane this week.
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The Australian actress best known for her roles in All Saints and Winners and Losers is taking the character on national tour.
“This show needs an audience,” Miss Gay said.
“We’ve been in rehearsal introducing new jokes, adding and refining things, but we need an audience to make it what it is – this week we get the first one.”
Miss Gay admits that despite a sold out out season of the show last year, she is not immune to the pre-show nerves.
“I can’t help but ask myself; ‘have I still got it? Can I still do it?’
The 2018 show is adapted from the 1953 movie musical to address issues relevant to a modern audience – but the all singing, all dancing cast remains.
“It’s quick, it’s funny, it’s very silly and it has so much heart,” Miss Gay said.
“It is performed by an amazing ensemble who play all our own instruments – some of the audience are sitting on the stage and occasionally they show up in fancy dress – which is elating.”
The show draws inspiration from the television series Deadwood, although Miss Gay said Director Richard Carroll was careful not to glorify the 1800s.
“We are not fantasising on that era – we are looking at how it is relevant now regarding women's rights,” she said.
The show’s main character is best known for the ballsy attitude she exudes in an era where tough women weren’t necessarily appreciated.
Miss Gay said the tough girl attitude is not unfamiliar to her.
“I absolutely relate, Calamity Jane is what I felt like as a teenager,” she said.
“I wanted to be one of the boys but I wanted the boys to like me – people watch our show with their hands over their mouth because she is just so transparent, so honest – I also fall in love too easily like Jane.”
Calamity Jane will be at Orange Civic Theatre from February 28 – March 4.
Anthony Gooley who plays Wild Bill Hickok is having a birthday while the cast is in town.
“We are planning on heading out to celebrate and we’d love recommendations of where to visit,” said Miss Gay.
“I already know regional bakeries are by and large better than anything in the city, so tweet to me about your restaurants and wineries.”
Virginia is taking tips at @virginia_gay
Tickets available through Ticketek. See www.orange.nsw.gov.au for ticket details.