It's his third time in the role and Gary Rose of Alexandra Hills said he brings a wealth of life experience to the part of Max Bialystock in The Producers.
"It's not all good either. Max is a character who's a bit special, hasn't had a lot of success in a long time and who is a bit down on his luck. I identify with certain things about him. Perhaps we are both just getting older," Rose said.
At age 57, Rose said he too had seen opportunities come and go and experienced a fairly successful period of time in his youth.
"I used to play semi professional rugby (Penrith) and mucked around with bands until I was in my 40s. I had my time in the spotlight and I realise, with age, I am not in the spotlight any more. As you get older, the opportunities go," he said.
Rose admits though that the "spotlight" is one of the reasons he enjoys the stage.
"I would be lying if I didn't say I enjoy the accolades of doing a role. People in the theatre are inspired by different things and for me it is the camerarderie of the rehearsals and the challenge of doing something different and doing it well," he said.
Having not performed for a few years, Rose said he was a bit worried about learning his lines.
"People have different ways of learning. For me, I remember the words on the page and repeat them util they are part of my cognitive muscle memory. Then cues will trigger an immediate response." he said.
With a background in education and the recent owner of an adult education company, Rose said he was able to apply his own teachings while learning lines for the stage.
Rose also works as a marriage celebrant and is currently doing a masters in business psychology and works as a business consultant.
"This role provides some relief from all the humdrum of life. It's massive fun. Max is down on his luck so he looks to earn money in unscrupulous ways. He thinks he can get some younger women, but he doesn't," he said.
Rose has played the role with Phoenix and Blue Fish. This is his fourth Savoyard's show, having played the King in King and I, Fred Graham/Petruchio in Kiss Me Kate and Ltn Chomandally in Yeoman of the Guard.
"I haven't done a lot of shows, but I feel very much a part of the Savoyards family. That's what makes Savoyards unique. There is a strong community feel. You may not have been in a show forever, but you come back and there are the same people, the same friends, the same community. It's pretty cool," he said.
"I have also learned a great deal. I've been doing this since I was 18 and there is till so much to learn," he said.
The Producers offers a modern, outrageous wit promising a great night at the theatre. It will be performed at Iona Performing Arts Centre, 85 North Road, Lindum from September 23 to October 7. Tickets are $25/$43/$45/$48 and can be booked on savoyards.com.au or 3893 4321.