The cast of Bairnsdale Production Line Theatre Company’s upcoming production of The Heartbreak Choir are bringing to life a vivid collection of characters, each with their own quirks, humour and heart.
The play, by Australian writer Aidan Fennessy, is set in a small-town community hall where a break-away choir forms in the aftermath of personal and collective upheaval. Through song and shared experience, the group find unexpected ways to heal and reconnect.
Among the colourful members of the choir is Totty, played by Jayne Baylis. Totty is straightforward, literal to a fault, and rather generous with her vast supply of personal funds. Her fondness for high-vis clothing has no clear explanation but has quickly become part of her character’s identity, a practical woman who stands out in more ways than one. Just don’t ask her to cook.
A long-time member of the company, Jayne was last seen as hairdresser Truvy in Steel Magnolias. She is delighted to be returning to the stage and is thoroughly enjoying the chance to deliver Totty’s Australian voice.
“Totty is such fun to play because she’s adventurous, generous and always on top of things. She’s the kind of person who has everything organised before anyone else has even thought of it,” Jayne said.
Susan Hawton is another long-time member of Production Line, most memorable as Mrs Peacock in Clue. She takes on the role of Mack in The Heartbreak Choir, a mother who masks her emotions behind loud humour, quick sarcasm and a deliberately bogan exterior.
“While Mack is brash on the surface, her strong sense of justice runs deep, and she is uncompromising when it comes to standing up for what she believes is right. She is especially protective of Savannah, her daughter and it’s a really lovely bond to explore with Aleka who plays Savannah,” Susan said.
Jayne also said: “When it comes to Mack’s sense of humour, she can be a bit slow on the uptake, and that contrast makes our relationship so entertaining.”
Savannah, played by Aleka Hutton,
adds another layer to the story. Savannah is selectively mute, choosing silence in many situations, but when she sings, her voice is pure and angelic. Like her mother, she has firm views on fairness and morality, though her way of communicating them is entirely her own.
Together, Totty, Mack and Savannah showcase the mix of voices, personalities and ideals that shape The Heartbreak Choir. Their differences create both tension and tenderness, reminding us that community is not built on sameness but on learning to hear one another, sometimes in words, sometimes in song.
The Heartbreak Choir will run for six performances only at The Forge Theatre, opening on Friday, October 17, and concluding with a final matinee on Sunday, October 26.
Opening night profits will be donated to Bairnsdale Neighbourhood House, and a complimentary glass of bubbly along with a supper by New Leaf Café will be offered to patrons attending the premiere.
Early bird tickets are available until this Friday, September 19.
Further information can be found on the Forge Theatre and Production Line websites and Facebook pages.
