Toowoomba Choral Society celebrates big musical milestone

The region is celebrating 20 magical years of youth musical theatre with an exciting new production underway.

LOCAL STARS: Playing the chacters of Elephant's Child is Josh Brown and Kolokolo Bird is Harper Lanigan.

It’s been 20 years since a multi-award winning Toowoomba choir has been providing the youth of Toowoomba a platform to express their musical talents.

More than 80 of the region’s young performers have taken to the Toowoomba Choral Society’s rehearsal stage these school holidays in preparation for its upcoming musical Just So.

Choir conductor Vicki Bravery said all participants had developed life skills, confidence and the ability to work alongside a team.

“It’s always a challenge to put together a musical in two weeks but we produce quality shows,” Ms Bravery said.

“In the past two years we’ve entered the Golden Palm Theatre Awards and have won multiple categories.”

YOUNG TALENT: Performing as the leads in upcoming production Just So are (left to right) Josh Brown, Claire Tiller, Harper Lanigan and Kate Hudson-James.

After directing 12 shows this will be Ms Bravery’s last year as show director.

She said she has enjoyed seeing many young performers reach their potential on stage.

“I’ve seen a great deal of talent over the years and some of our participants have gone on to study musical theatre at prestigious institutions such as the Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), the Queensland Conservatorium of Music Griffith University and the Victorian College of Arts.”

Members of the society have also created a commemorative quilt where each square reflects musical performances put on by the group over the past two decades.

The Little Mermaid, Peter Pan, Tarzan, Narnia and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang are just a selection of designs featured on the quilt which will be raffled off later this year.

Based on jungle stories by Rudyard Kipling, the show Just So will be performed at The Empire Theatre on Saturday, July 10 with two session options of 2pm or 7pm.

A story of friendship, individuality and courage, Ms Bravery said the musical is suitable for all ages.

Ticket prices vary.

For more information about the play or to make a booking click here.