OPINION: Stage show provides perfect opportunity for community in unity.

Within an hour of the matinee coming to a close, the letters to the editor, emails and Facebook messages began rolling in.

It’s the type of response normally reserved for once-in-a-decade announcements, or an incident binding the whole town together in outrage.

Griffith Regional Arts’ Production of Wicked hit all the right notes combining quality sounds and effects with a visually spectacular experience.

It’s easy to give a regional production a pat on the back for giving it a go, pulling together a show despite numerous hurdles.

But all feedback suggests this Griffith production would be at home on a large metropolitan stage.

Head Arts Teacher at Griffith High School, Neil Mahaffey, was one of the lucky few to get a glimpse at the opening show on Tuesday afternoon.

He was also one of the first to share his opinion on the production, labelling the show, ‘a must see’.

From the set design and construction, the lighting and sound, live band to the excellent local vocal talent, it was absolutely fantastic, Mr Mahaffey said.

The educator has been lucky enough to see several shows on Broadway, and said this was as equally as good as them.

The Wicked matinee is already providing the food for thought for plenty of Griffith residents on whether they’d like to see the fruits of the group’s many months of labor.

Those still doubting the merits of getting to the Griffith Regional Theatre need not worry about any previous lack of interest shown in musicals, productions or the art in general – there’s something for everyone here.

Especially those people with pride in their community.

The community production is one of the final cornerstones of regional living still bringing all walks of life together.

Spectators, production staff, performers, there are no prerequisites for those wanting to get involved.

Wicked isn’t just an example of talented Griffith performers being provided a platform to shine – even though reviews suggest the cast has that aspect covered.

It’s about providing an opportunity for everyone in the city to come together to immerse themselves and enjoy a 100 per cent purely locally-produced product.