Performing arts tribute
The ‘cream’ of the Wimmera’s performing arts talent will take to the Horsham Town Hall theatre stage on Saturday night to pay tribute to the late Richard Morris.
This year marks the 14th Richard Morris Memorial Concert, which celebrates the passionate theatre-goer and his commitment to nurturing young talent.
Concert organiser Jan Morris said her husband would have been thrilled by his legacy, particularly by the scholarship bearing his name.
“The scholarship isn’t about musical excellence, but about passion for performing arts and what someone wants to achieve,” she said.
“It can be for a backstage person or someone who wants to pursue costumes or lighting – our scholarship covers all aspects of performing arts.”
Three different judges select the scholarship recipient each year.
The recipient will receive a $1000 scholarship at the concert.
“We hope in the future we might be able to give out two,” Mrs Morris said.
She said although she usually produced the concert and appointed a director, this year’s event was the result of a more collaborative approach.
“This year there’s a team of us bringing it all together: Simon Dandy, Luke Mitton, Pauline Schmidt, Jenny Grover and myself,” she said.
“It’s been great because we all have different areas of expertise. They’re more passionate about it than I am. They love it.”
Mrs Morris said she was pleased with the line up the group had pulled together.
“We have 20 items, including the orphans from Horsham Arts Council’s Annie and a scene from Horsham College’s Legally Blonde,” she said.
“We basically take all the best items out of all the shows in the region and we’re thrilled with this year’s round up.
“The audience is in for an excellent night of entertainment.”
Mrs Morris said tickets were selling well, although several seats were still available.
Tickets cost $35 for adults and $30 concession.
They are available online at www.horshamtownhall.com.au or the town hall box office.
A ‘meet and greet’ with performers will follow the concert.