SOLD out. When Taree’s Ariana Shneider first envisaged staging her original musical Crystal Dreaming it would have been something she hoped for but not expected.
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Her dream of bringing the show about hope and the possibility for a brighter future for humankind to the stage will become her reality tonight.
The season starts with the confirmation that all three shows will have a full house of audience members.
Ariana Shneider wrote Crystal Dreaming, based on the Telos book series by Aurelia Louise Jones, because she wanted to create an uplifting piece of theatre for children, and children at heart.
"Having been greatly alarmed by much of the so-called children's entertainment, where violence is part of the norm, and negative news is a way of life, I felt called to write a piece of theatre that was an uplifting, beautiful experience for children, and children at heart, much like Mary Poppins was,” she said.
"I want to deliver a message that we, as humankind, are capable of limitless, positive expansion."
The premise for the musical may have been inspired by the books, but Ariana’s script is her own work.
“The music is also totally original and not formulaic. I wanted the music to be an eclectic mix. There is percussive conversation, rap, calypso, stirring ballads and rock’n’roll. It totally took me out of my comfort zone.”
Ariana wrote the lyrics and tunes and worked closely with Taree-based musical arranger and producer Peter Stevenson to give the songs the professional touch.
Tim Gibbs from Port Macquarie took on the director role for the show as well the romantic lead, while Liz Hall from Forster has choreographed the movement.
Cassidy Donovan and Amy Crozier share the lead role of Mirabelle.
The show is on tonight, Saturday night and Sunday afternoon at the Taree Christian College theatrette.
"I do feel that everything I have done has led to this point," said Ariana. "My whole experience has been working with children, working with singers and singing in the theatre."