RETURNING to the stage after a lengthy hiatus, Annette Whitefield is stepping back into the spotlight with the Molong Players.
A resident of the district for the past seven years, Whitefield represents one of the newest additions to the long-standing community theatre group.
Next month, she will make her debut with the troupe in Don’t Call Me Elvis.
Although she previously performed with the Henry Lawson Theatre Company, Whitefield said that it has been nearly thirty years since her last stage performance.
“I’ve always heard about the Players and many people have experienced it, it’s a bit of a legendary thing,” she said.
“So, I thought, I’ve got to give it a go.”
And her verdict on this year’s production?
“It’s mad,” she said. “It’s a bit crazy.”
Whitefield said the production carries a strong local flavour, featuring characters and humour that community members will easily recognise, delivered with genuine warmth beneath the playful ribbing.
It serves as an ideal endorsement for Don’t Call Me Elvis.
“There’s a bit of irreverence with characters that we know in the community, but there’s a lot of love,” she said.
“It’s a lot of laughs and it’s good fun.”
Set in Molong, this musical comedy centres on Aaron Pressley. Named and raised by an Elvis-obsessed grandmother, Aaron is eager to distance himself from a family legacy he never wanted.
His efforts to avoid anything related to the King collapse when the famous Elvis Express unexpectedly stalls in Molong. The delay floods the town with devoted Elvis fans.
As Elvis fever sweeps through the community, Aaron must address the past he has spent years running from. The narrative explores themes of personal identity, family expectations, and discovering one’s true voice.
In the production, Whitefield portrays Looney Paunch, a character she said is crucial to the local community, despite his knack for finding trouble.
“He’s always ready on hand to save Molong,” she said. “He’s a bit of a lovable klutz.”
The collaborative nature of the production stands out as a key element driving the success of the Players’ shows, according to director, music director, and actor Mario Semeia.
Instead of relying on a single individual to handle the entire project, various members pitch in with ideas, character concepts, musical selections, and script segments.
“The show has a little bit more depth if it’s a collaborative effort rather than one person writing it because you get different viewpoints,” Semeia said.
Music forms a central component of the Players’ approach, with Semeia shaping numerous musical concepts and collaborating with the cast and crew to select track options that best complement key moments.
And according to Semeia the end product is a showcase created primarily for pure audience enjoyment.
“Our number one aim is to have fun and make sure the audience has fun,” Semeia said.
According to Mario Semeia, the writers and cast start crafting each show with a straightforward question: “What if?”
Past concepts over the last three years have included a major bike race rolling through Molong and surrounding villages, as well as two groups inadvertently booking the same venue for a wedding.
This year’s production promises that same blend of musical numbers, local humour, and light-hearted chaos.
Cast members practice twice weekly plus several hours every Sunday, with schedule intensity set to pick up as opening night draws nearer.
With the script already well in hand, the troupe’s primary concentration has shifted to perfecting their musical numbers and dance routines.
When asked if the show justifies trading a relaxed night at home, Whitefield offers an unequivocal response.
“It’s great value for money,” she said.
“You’ve got a two-course meal, you’ve got a huge night of entertainment, songs you’re going to recognise, great toe-tapping. You’re going to laugh. You’re definitely going to laugh.”
With opening night now just weeks away, now is the time to get your tickets.
Don’t Call Me Elvis runs from 31 October through 15 November at the Cabonne Community Centre, with tickets available for purchase online via bit.ly/4hyy9UB.
