It was the most wonderful of times, but also the saddest of times. Because a young heart was broken.

Tauranga Musical Theatre debut director Laura Boucher was just 16 when she was cast as ‘Kathy’ in her school’s end-of-year production of ‘Disco Inferno’.

“It was all about me, putting myself out there, really showing off to parents and friends, telling them how amazing I was.”

In ‘Disco Inferno’, ‘Kathy’ is the long-suffering girlfriend of the egotistical and malevolent disco star Heathcliffe. But, unfortunately for teenage Laura, how it was on-stage was how it was in real life.

In the school production Laura had what’s known in the business as a ‘show-mance’.

“I was really in love with the guy who played ‘Heathcliffe’ but he broke my heart. We went to the school ball and he cheated on me.”

Ouch!

So what was she thinking when she took on the directorship of Tauranga Musical Theatre’s production of the ‘devilish 70s’ musical ‘Disco Inferno’ which opened on Friday November 24, at 17th Avenue? Why would she tear that emotional scar wide open?

“I know, I know!”

The thing is real life ‘Kathy’ found a nicer, smarter, more loyal, happily ever after ‘Heathcliffe’, and married him.

Something new

But that sweet and sour school experience was the catalyst for Laura to study theatre when she went to university. And while she still loves performing she’s discovered something new.

“It’s the community aspect thing, the rehearsal time, being in the green room, the pre- show, getting the hair done, hanging with everyone, the banter, the laughter and jokes; the silly things you do in the green room that you will remember for years. That’s the stuff I love more now.”

‘Disco Inferno’ is set in London in 1976 and tells the story of an ambitious and talented hopeful, ‘Jack’, and his burning desire to make it in the music industry.

“It’s your classic end-of-year cheeseball,” says the director.

Cheeseball? Isn’t that a working class/flash cream cheese and Colby treat our mothers crafted for visiting aged aunts at Christmas? Up there with asparagus rolls. Doesn’t cheeseball mean a bit silly, corny, goofy?

“It’s what we call a jukebox musical, taking popular songs from the 1970s and adding a narrative, a storyline. Yes cheeseball, I like cheeseball.”

Sort of like ‘Mama Mia’ using ABBA songs.

“And while we have dialled up the laughs in ‘Disco Inferno’ we have definitely tried to find the heart of the story.”

Fantasy

In amongst the comedy and romance, there’s fantasy. ‘Jack’, the wannabe disco star signs a deal with Devil’s agent in a bid to be rich and famous. In classic fashion it doesn’t work.

‘Jack’ is George Hiku.

“Beautiful in every sense of the word,” says the director.

“Beautiful soul, beautiful person, lovely to look at, lovely to listen, a luscious voice.”

‘Disco Inferno’ is the sort of music George was raised with. 

“It’s what my family knows. I connect with this music because I consider myself such an old soul, yet funky sort of person.”

And as for the ‘beautiful’ bit – “I am saying no, that is all you Laura.”

Mutual admiration society at TMT. ‘Disco Inferno’ started Friday, November 24 at TMT’s Westside Theatre at 17th Avenue Theatre and runs through to December 9.

Win!

SunLive has a double pass for one lucky reader to ‘Disco Inferno’ on November 29

Who can tell us who the director of the show is?

Enter online at: www.sunlive.co.nz under the Competitions tab.

Entries must be received by Monday, November 27.