Show your support for Theatre
Morrinsville Theatre directors Johanna Chase and Debra May want to encourage people to get along to Oliver which hits the stage on October 1.
Auditions took place in February and rehearsals started in May.
The last time the Morrinsville Theatre performed Oliver was 20 years ago, so it’s more than fitting that some of the costumes used back then, namely the orphans’ costumes are being used this time around.
There are 17 children and 14 adults in the cast.
Debra has always been passionate about the theatre but said it was a time consuming process applying for the rights but is ‘‘part and parcel of the theatre’’, especially when doing productions like Oliver.
It was also hard to find people willing to help out behind the scenes with set building, sewing and other things as well as directors.
‘‘People are busy, life is busy, but if you think you might have something to contribute, we would welcome you with open arms.’’
They have a young, up-andcoming committee who are keen to bring the theatre back to life and promote it as a place where the community can come together and enjoy a good show.
Located in the old indoor cricket building, the former committee fundraised and bought the premises.
The running costs are ‘‘phenomenal’’, Debra said, but it was the joy on people’s faces while watching a show that kept her and Johanna involved with the theatre.
Johanna said when deciding what production they were wanted to do, it had to be one that involved children. Oliver was the perfect fit.
‘‘The cast is just brilliant, they’re a really great bunch of people,’’ she said.
‘‘When you see it all coming together it’s just lovely,’’ Johanna said.
Jayden Fraser-Jones, 10, plays Oliver and has embraced the role wholeheartedly.
‘‘We have a great cast, a great show so please get your tickets and come and support our theatre.’’
Oliver will show from October 1-8 at the Morrinsville Theatre on Anderson St.
Tickets are $25 for an adult, $15 for a child and are available at iTicket or the Morrinsville iSite Centre.