By Jamie Furness
Forest Lake performer Amy Winner is starring in the Savoyards production of the Music Man, performing in eight shows from September 23 until October 7 at the IONA Performing Arts Centre in Wynnum.
Set in 1912, the Music Man follows the story of Harold Hill (played by David West), a con man who travels across America selling instruments and uniforms and promises to organise a band for the town’s children.
Upon his arrival in Iowa, Harold falls for heroine Marian Paroo (Amy Winner), who unveils his scheme. She encourages him to use his abilities to help the children, turning him into a respectable citizen by curtain fall.
Amy said The Music Man was a very exciting production to be a part of, and was thrilled to have been cast in the role of Marian.
“I love playing this character; she’s feisty but has so much heart, and is definitely born ahead of her time,” Amy said.
“I feel she has a lot of depth, which makes her a joy to play.”
Amy, who is also a Musical Theatre teacher and co-director at Allstars Performing Arts in Forest Lake, said it was great to be part of the on-stage action herself at Savoyards this year.
“What is great about Savoyards is there are so many connections – they are like a big family, and it’s so nice to be part of it,” she said.
Amy said she loved the opportunity to be working with young performers in the industry, both in her mentorship role at Allstars and alongside them at The Music Man.
“I work with kids in most things I do – probably because I’m just a big kid myself,” she said.
“It’s such a joy playing against such talented and hard-working young performers. I feel so blessed to be sharing this experience with them.”
Amy is best known for her previous role of Ariel in the Queensland premier of Disney’s Little Mermaid (2016), with other major castings over her including an overseas tour as Cinderella and two years in London with Dreamworks as Princess Fiona and other characters. She also performs every year at the annual Forest Lake Christmas Carols and in local shows as Aria the Fairy.
This year, Amy has the rare opportunity to co-star alongside her partner David West, who is portraying Harold Hill in The Music Man.
“This is the sort of experience you don’t normally get to share with your partner – not in this way. And it just makes everything so much more special … he’s a brilliant actor,” Amy said.
Tickets for the Music Man range from $30-$52 and are available online at www.savoyards.com.au or by calling 3893 4321.
