The opening night of the school musical ‘Big River Dreaming’ at the Roxy in Bingara on Friday 10th August was a great success with the audience thrilled by the spectacle. The students, some as young as four, through to Year 12 and adult members of the North West Theatre Company combined in a thoroughly entertaining performance of song, music and dance.
Click on the image opposite to view a short slideshow of the opening night.(pdf file size: 230Kb).
The staging, lighting and sound were of a high standard ensuring that the audience were captivated by the words and music presented by the confident and well rehearsed young actors. The eighteen piece orchestra, drawing on the talents from across our local community, were excellent.
The musical tells the history of the crossing at the Gwydir River now known as Bingara. This was achieved by the clever use of photo images, costumes, scenes and lyrics to tell a story beginning with the past, through to the present with a perspective of how the future could be.
At the conclusion, North West Theatre Company President John Wearne, described the show as “unique and outstanding in the way that it not only tells the story of this place but how the production draws together the talent from across the community. Advance ticket sales indicate that BRD will be one of the most successful productions the company has staged.”
Bingara Central School Principal Mark Vale acknowledged the brilliant work of the musical’s director Rick Hutton who not only wrote the songs and music but also directed and staged the production. Musical director Robyn Conway was applauded for her work in leading the orchestra to lift the music off the page and into life.
Mr Vale also spoke of the unique collaboration between Bingara Central School, Warialda High School and Bingara Preschool in staging the production. “It is wonderful to see the students and staff from schools across the community working together to create opportunities like this that would not otherwise be possible” Mr Vale said.
The success of the musical has meant that there are only limited tickets still available for the remaining public performances on Friday 17th and Sunday 19th August. Tickets are available from the Bingara Tourist Office on 6724 0066.
