More than 150 young performers from across the region will take to the Theatre Royal stage during the school holidays when Nelson Youth Theatre presents two musicals.
The group will stage Annie JR. and Disney’s High School Musical from Sunday, 4 October, to Sunday, 11 October, with Annie JR. performed as a 2pm matinee and High School Musical at 7pm.
Annie JR. is set in New York during the Great Depression and follows orphan Annie, who is invited to stay with billionaire Oliver Warbucks. While living with Warbucks, she continues searching for her long-lost parents, with events taking an unexpected turn.
Nelson Youth Theatre founder Richard Carruthers says this is the fourth time they have staged the classic show as its “rags to riches” storyline continues to appeal.
“It's a perennial favourite.”
It’s based on the 1977 Broadway musical Annie, which was adapted from Harold Gray’s Little Orphan Annie comic strip. It was later made into several films, including the well-known 1982 movie Annie.
The production has a cast of about 100 youth. Richard is the main director and is also mentoring a young person keen to learn about directing.
The group is also revisiting Disney’s High School Musical, having previously staged it in 2019.
Based on Disney Channel’s 2006 hit movie musical, it follows a group of students as they prepare for their school musical while navigating friendships, relationships and the pressures of high school.
Richard likens it to a “teen version of Grease”.
“It’s very high energy with lots of songs and dancing. It definitely has the ‘wow’ factor – it’s going to be a feast for the eyes.”
The production has a cast of 60 and is directed by Amanda Lockwood, who is directing her third show for Nelson Youth Theatre.
This time, choreographed dance routines have been added under Gemma Laing, with her dance students taking on cheerleader roles.
Richard says it adds another element to the production.
“The dance crew give it that extra sparkle.”
Both productions have been in rehearsal for 10 weeks. The Annie JR. cast has been rehearsing twice a week for three hours, while the High School Musical cast has two four-hour rehearsals each week.
“They are really ready and can't wait to get out there,” Richard says.
Annie JR. runs at 2pm from Sunday, 4 October, to Sunday, 11 October, with a running time of about 70 minutes and no interval. High School Musical runs at 7pm, with a running time of about two hours and 15 minutes, including an interval.
