Happy Valley High the Musical Rendition was a huge success, enjoyed by all that attended.

This very young cast of 29 sang and danced their way into audiences’ hearts with their spirited singing and stage presence.

The musical started at rehearsal stage, with children showing a little of what it is like at rehearsals. This was then followed by the Happy Valley High Dance Party with narration by several cast members to tell audiences the story behind the songs.

Ari Stephenson stole the show with his beautiful voice, but several other accomplished singers wowed audiences. Isla Stephenson, Harriet Lowe, Tiarna Bill, Luke Palmer, Bridget Myvalt, and Taleisha Bill all did solo parts and showed their talents.

Narrators Harriet Lowe, Emma Ward, Kiarna McCarten, Abby Woods, Addison Whittington, Eliza Kemp, Ashley McDonald, Isla Stephenson Jasmine Palmer,  Alyse Culhane and Poppy Stephenson told the story very effectively.

The full cast list includes those listed above as well as Tegan Allport, Joe Anderson, Mia Anderson, Charlotte Crowther, Evelyn Dark, Florence Dark, Jesse Faulkner, Seth Grove, Eliza Kemp, Tahlia Naughton, Joshua Ross, Sophie Ward, Ellie Whittington.

This is the 18th year Rhonda Cummins and Sandra Bill have been involved in youth theatre in Crookwell and they have both decided to ‘hang up their boots’ from KAOS and follow other paths. Naturally CADS is a big part of that.

Rhonda remarked, “Sandra and I have spent 18 years teaching and fostering the love of theatre in children. Now it’s time to ‘hang up our boots’ and give others a go.

“I hope there are others who are willing to take up the challenge of continuing KAOS. It is very rewarding watching children blossom on stage and grow in confidence.”

Youth theatre was welcomed to Crookwell about 18 years ago and started with 12 young people. Over the years youth theatre has grown, attracting more and more kids wanting to try their hand at acting, singing and dancing.

Crookwell Youth Performing Arts Group (CYPAG) catered for all Secondary aged youth, but after taking a break for two years came back as Kids Acting on Stage (KAOS) and caters for kids from kindergarten to Year 12, attracting from 30 to 60 performers of all ages, over the last few years.

KAOS performs a musical play each year delivering a sound and polished performance to delight audiences. In return they have enjoyed great support from family and friends which is much appreciated and anticipated.

KAOS now comes under the umbrella of the Crookwell Amateur Dramatic Society (CADS) as it was a natural progression for the adult theatre group to nurture our next generation and build a love of theatre in our future generations.

The dedicated group of KAOS helpers who start planning at the end of each year to start rehearsals in early February give their time selflessly, as they keep saying how much joy (along with a ‘few’ headaches) they get from working with a boisterous but enthusiastic group of young performers

“Working with so many children over the years, has been very rewarding, many of our earlier kids now have children of their own.

But it’s time to step back and hopefully others will step forward to continue this yearly production. We have so much talent and enthusiasm in our young people that it would be a shame to see it fall away. Naturally Rhonda and I would be there to share our experiences if needed,” said Sandra.

“I would also like to pay tribute to our hard working crew each year, without them the show would not go on: Robert and Simon Bill, Rechell Naughton, Karen McIntosh, Rebecca George, Andrew Warren, and our two spotlight boys – Sean Ward and Chad McDonald.”

KAOS would also like to pay tribute to the many local businesses who have supported them, and a special thanks to IGA who this year chose KAOS as their recipient of $500 which went towards costuming.

Please don’t hesitate to contact Sandra if you are interested in directing KAOS for 2018 on 48321685 evenings.