'Up the Tiber' is a work in progress, and it's still early days, but Cundill and Coppens are delighted to welcome on board a key member of the prospective production team. In Virginia Mason they have a seasoned choreographer and director with a wealth of stagecraft garnered over decades of contribution to hit shows in the UK, Europe and America.
The petite but dynamic Virginia started as a dancer and singer on the West End stage and television. As a coloratura soprano she was for 11 years one of the four soloists in the prestigious 8-strong Non Nobis Choir, at the same time performing in numerous shows and broadening her experience to include a wide range of theatrical skills and responsibilities. Much of her work brought her into close contact with luminaries like Andrew Lloyd Webber, Cameron Mackintosh and the legendary choreographer Gillian Lynne who, Virginia says, taught her everything she knows.
For three years she was artistic co-ordinator on 'CATS,' ensuring ' sometimes in demanding circumstances - that every performance ran smoothly and successfully. The same rigorous disciplines applied during her 18 months as British production assistant on 'A Chorus Line'. A lengthy spell as associate director with the D'Oyly Carte Company extended her scope even further as she managed Gilbert and Sullivan operettas and other shows all over the UK, Europe and the United States.
Since marrying an Australian, Virginia has been living in northern New South Wales where she trains and nurtures promising young singers for possible professional stage careers.
'I can't tell you how thrilling it is to have this possibility of being in the thick of a an exciting and demanding project like 'Up the Tiber', says Virginia. John Cundill's script is masterful and Paul Coppens' music enchanting.'
Coppens and Cundill reciprocate the tributes. They know that in Virginia Mason they have a choreographer and director who will greatly enhance the potential of one year's work already dedicated to 'Up The Tiber Without A Toga.'