Jack and the Beanstalk: youthful energy
North Canterbury’s young dramatic talent will show the fruits of their labour this Saturday for Jack and the Beanstalk at the Town Hall.
More than sixty kids aged between four and 11 were cast at the end of June to star in the show, with young people also chosen to fulfil roles in make-up and stage management.
Each year the Hartley School of Performing Arts (HSPA) runs two musical shows for children, but this year the school wanted to try running a ‘‘junior’’ show, with kids taking the reins in all aspects of the production.
The show boasts an original script, based on the fairytale classic of Jack selling his cow for magic beans, which was written by Tegan Patrick and directed by her sister Briar Patrick.
Rehearsals began at the end of the last school holidays and continued over the term, giving the cast eight weeks to prepare.
Lead character Jack is played by Myjr Coster with Zoe McKinley-Clark as Jack’s Mother and Annabelle Cowey playing Lucinda. Other characters include Milky White played by Azaria Westeneng and the Bean Woman played by Dayna Simpson. The script differs slightly from the fairytale, featuring singing, dancing, golden chickens instead of the usual golden goose, a singing harp named Gabriel, played by Jared Jones and creative giant costumes for three to give the height needed for the role.
Giant actresses Hannah Burns, Emma Howley and Karina McLaren use a long coat with oversized hands, boots and hat to portray the story’s villains. HSPA director Dale Hartley-Brown said working with kids interested in the various aspects of theatre production and showcasing their talent was the main aim of productions like this.
‘‘It’s cool to see them getting passionate and excited about being involved in this,’’ HartleyBrown said.
‘‘Kids that might feel like they haven’t found their place in world ... You see them come in here and they’re are like ‘this is so cool, this is where we belong’.’’
Hartley-Brown said the hourlong show will be great entertain- ment for preschool and primary school pupils over the school holidays.
WHEN:
Saturday September 24, 11am and 2pm shows.
WHERE:
Rangiora Town Hall.
COST:
Tickets are $10, plus booking fee. Available online or at the Town Hall.