The Our Climbing Tree cast and crew are ready to wow an audience next week.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
A locally written, locally cast and locally produced show is hitting the Eastbank stage next week for its premiere performance.
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Not only is it the debut performance of Our Climbing Tree, it will be the first production put on by new youth theatre company A Little Messy Productions.
“It is a musical that Chris (Dainton) and I have written,” co-director Danae Napier said.
“We have got the most incredible team of young performers here.
“The story very much is around community and coming together, so for us, there’s been a big focus with our cast to work as a team and collaborate.”
Evie Dalton being directed by co-director Danae Napier.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
However, it’s not just a cast that makes a show, there are many people behind the scenes making sure things go smoothly.
Two of those people are the mentors Ms Napier and co-director Chris Dainton brought on to help coach the young cast, Zoe Hamilton, 20, and Marisa Mann, 17.
“They have been students of ours, and they’re in the theatre scene, and in that creative arts space, so having them has been amazing,” Ms Napier said.
“They (the cast) look up to these girls that can sing and have acted and been in all these shows and I think the big thing for us is it’s more than just a show we’re putting on, it’s this beautiful journey.
“It’s a community, we’ve made a family in here and this is our first climbing tree family, which is pretty special, so we’re a bit excited about that.”
Mentor Zoe Hamilton gives comments to the young cast.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Mr Dainton reflected his co-director’s comments.
“It’s great working with the, the young performers,” he said.
“Seeing the creativity in the group and coming up with different ideas, their commitment to getting to know their characters in the story, that’s been a real thrill.
“Across the board, we’ve just had so much support from everybody, so I can’t wait to get it on stage on Wednesday.”
Cast member Patrick Seymour, 12, as Will playing the guitar to the town’s kids.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
The musical centres around a town called Singleoak, that is challenged to alter its future by moving away from its past.
The new mayor has a vision to make the community safer than any other, but all change comes at a cost.
How will town kids Max, Olive and Will work through their new reality when they realise their favourite climbing tree can be climbed no more?
“Chris and I being here, and it’s something we’ve written and poured our heart into, but hearing kids read your lines or sing your songs, it’s been so powerful,” Ms Napier said.
Cast member Mollie Chambers, 12, said that she wanted people to see the show due to the message behind the production.
Cast member Mollie Chambers, 12, as Gran Faith, reading a story.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
“I think you should come to the show because it is a lot about respecting nature and making sure that nature gets the nutrition and attention that it needs,” she said.
Our Climbing Tree will be on stage at Riverlinks Eastbank in Shepparton for one night only on Wednesday, January 22 at 6pm.
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