There was a distinct touch of class and glamour when entering the purple-lit Bega Valley Civic Centre foyer on Friday night.
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Greeted by "doorman" Daniel Doody, invited guests were welcomed to "Goode's Department Store" the fictional location of the iconic Ladies in Black musical.
Ladies in Black was originally an award-winning 1993 novel about 1950s Australia, then a musical, and more recently a movie drama with ensemble Aussie cast.
The musical with music and lyrics by Tim Finn opened in Queensland in 2015 and was nominated for multiple Helpmann Awards in 2016 before a run of major capital cities through 2017.
Now Ladies in Black is coming to the Bega Valley as a local musical production by Spectrum Theatre.
Directed by Frankie J Holden, the production has one of the largest casts ever assembled by Spectrum - most of them women.
"All women and a musical all about frocks - it's been an, interesting, challenge," Holden said with a chuckle.
"For 40-odd years I've worked with the Melbourne Theatre Company, the Sydney Theatre Company.
"This cast is definitely of a professional standard. I've been so impressed with them all. People are going to be blown away by the standard they'll see here."
Ladies in Black assistant director is Amber Little, with musical direction from Candy McVeity and David Willis.
The show opens at the Bega Valley Commemorative Civic Centre on June 22, with eight shows planned through to July 6.
Tickets are available via www.spectrumtheatregroup.com.au and www.trybooking.com.