The stage at The Lighthouse is about to burst into colour, rhyme, and Seussian mayhem, as the Bendigo Bank Burdekin Singers & Theatre Company gear up for their next big adventure—Seussical Jr. Opening Friday 17 October, the production brings together 44 young performers in a fast-paced, joy-filled musical celebration of imagination.
The show, directed by long-time Burdekin Singers creative Pat Nuttall, revisits a production the group has performed before—but with plenty of new ideas.
“Pat has done the junior show in the past,” explained cast coordinator Thomas Pickersgill. “She’s changed and come up with new ideas of how she wants to bring it to life. The Burdekin Singers have also done it as part of the senior show, and she’s taking some elements from that and just improving it and making it better again.”
Featuring a cast of 44 local children aged five to eighteen, the production has been months in the making. Before the school holidays, the young cast began vocal rehearsals; then, over the break, they threw themselves into intensive full-day sessions.
“During the holidays, we smash out and do a lot of the rehearsals—10 to 5 nearly every day with a couple of hours break,” said Pickersgill. “The kids thrive and love it. Now we’re at a point where we’re running the show a whole week before opening.”
With so many young performers, Seussical Jr promises a burst of energy on stage—and a proud moment for local families. “People’s reactions to seeing their kids up on stage—that’s what we’re looking forward to,” Pickersgill said. “The little kids get all the oohs and ahs, the big kids get to show off all their talent and their skills, and it’s just a great night for everyone in the audience.”
The Burdekin Singers’ junior productions have long been a proving ground for local talent, and Seussical Jr looks set to continue that tradition—blending the familiar whimsy of Dr. Seuss with the enthusiasm of a new generation of performers.
Seussical Jr opens Friday 17 October at The Lighthouse, Ayr, and runs until Sunday 2 November. Tickets ($20–$30) are available at https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1471609. Each ticket includes a selection of home-cooked nibbles and sweets, with guests encouraged to bring extra snacks to share.
What: Seussical Jr presented by The Bendigo Bank Burdekin Singers & Theatre Company
When: Friday 17 October - Sunday 2 November
Where: The Lighthouse, Ayr
Rehearsals in full swing as the Burdekin Singers prepare to deliver their unique rendition of Seussical Jr. Photo credit: Jacob Casha
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