The cast and crew of Blue Mountains Musical Society (BMMS) swapped dance shoes for skipping ropes in August, joining the Jeans for Genes ‘100 Skips a Day’ fundraiser. Together, the team raised over $5000 to support vital research into childhood genetic diseases.

For organiser Kelly Finch, the challenge was a natural fit for the society, which is currently preparing to stage Legally Blonde The Musical in October.

“I saw it advertised as a fundraiser event for August and thought it would be perfect to form a team from within the cast,” Kelly explained.

“I’ve always admired the Jeans for Genes cause, but this was my first time being directly involved in a fundraising event.”

For Kelly, the connection to Legally Blonde was too good to resist.

“We’ve got a whole number in the show with skipography – ‘Whipped Into Shape’, so I figured, why not treat this as a fundraiser, rehearsal, and fitness training all at the same time?

“Skipping has the same high-energy, positive vibe that Legally Blonde is all about.”

Daily skipping sessions quickly became a highlight of rehearsals.

“The best part was doing it together – pre-rehearsal group skipping warm-ups were a lot of fun,” Kelly said.

“The hardest part was probably when the rope had a mind of its own and whipped me instead of the air. Bruises are badges of honour, right?”

For Sarah Namdar, who plays fitness queen Brooke Wyndham and opens Act Two with the iconic skip-filled number ‘Whipped into Shape’, the fundraiser could not have come at a better time.

“It was actually really fortuitous that the charity event happened at the same time as the show,” Sarah reflected.

“The skipping in this show is incredibly demanding, and I was not a skipper beforehand.

“Forcing myself to do at least 100 skips – and I personally aimed for 1000 a day – was amazing for my show preparation.”

Beyond rehearsals, the cast found themselves bonding through the challenge.

“Absolutely I’ll keep up the skipping habit,” Kelly laughed.

“It’s such a simple way to keep active, and if the show needs an emergency fill-in for ‘Whipped into Shape’, I’ll be ready to go.”

With ropes in hand and hearts in the right place, BMMS has proven that community theatre can reach beyond the stage, making a real difference while keeping spirits high.

By Mitchell Wassink

Legally Blonde The Musical runs at the Blue Mountains Theatre and Community Hub from October 18 to November 2. Tickets are $49 for adults, $45 concession, and $39 for children under 16, with a 10% discount for groups of 15 or more. A special one-night-only price of $39 applies on Friday, October 24. Tickets are available at bmms.org.au/book-tickets, by phone on 4723 5050, or in person at the venue.