As he puts the final touches on Suessical Junior ahead of Friday’s opening show, first-time director Lloyd McDonald has been impressed with the dedication and commitment of his cast and crew and by the community’s support for musical theatre.
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“Moving from Sydney, one of the things that continually amazes me is the support that is abundantly provided across the entire community,” he said.
“From fundraising to education, to sport, to the arts - we are proud to have become a part of a community that consistently asks, ‘How can I help?’.
“We are hoping this show will give people the opportunity for not only a great theatre experience with their family, but to support Milton Follies in their mission to provide performers of all ages the chance to participate in a quality show.”
A huge hit on Broadway, Lloyd said the colourful and heart-warming production was “brimming with great numbers and gives many performers a chance to shine on stage”.
“It’s a great show, with colour, movement, laughs, great songs and the audience can expect to be blown away by our young performers.
“I think people are also going to be amazed by the number of fabulous full-cast dance numbers this show crams in.
“Because it's based on the works of Dr Seuss, you know it's going to be funny, and it's a joy to see the characters of Horton, Mayzie, Gertrude and the Grinch brought to life on stage.”
In the lead up to opening night, Lloyd said the final touches were being added following a successful dress rehearsal at the theatre on Sunday.
“The show is ready and now, with the sets, lighting, costumes and makeup finally added, all we need is an audience,” he laughed.
He said the show shared a message of “standing by your friends in the face of ridicule and being true to yourself”.
The roles of The Cat in the Hat and Mayzie La Bird are being played by two experienced Follies performers, Crystal Moore and Elissa Skinner who light up the stage, while Emma Owens shines as young Jojo and Lachlan Tomasini has blossomed as Horton.
“Elissa, new to Follies last year, is eating up the role of Mayzie, the show's feckless vamp,” Lloyd said.
“These roles were hotly contested, and we hope audiences enjoy their performances as much as we do.
“Our songbird Brea Holland is just fantastic and, while I don’t want to give too much away, keep your eye out for our youngest cast member, the Sour Kangaroo.”
Lloyd said the cast and crew, including his wife and musical director Ruth Myers, have “lived and breathed” the show for the past six months.
“I am grateful to have been surrounded by an incredible production team, my wife Ruth, choreographers Marise Cornock and Gaven Dorrell, stage manager Ryoko Hayashi and a fantastic committee.
“While the work has been hard, it's been incredibly rewarding and - dare I say it - even enjoyable.
“The energy and commitment of this cast is infectious and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved in my first show.”
Shows will be held at the Milton Theatre on Fri June 5 at 7pm, Saturday June 6 at 5pm, Sunday June 7 at 2pm and at the same times the following weekend.
Tickets for the show are selling fast and are available from Splatters in Milton or online via the Follies website: miltonfollies.org
