Fraggle Rock is coming to Sooke.
Amber Academy Youth Fine Arts Society presents Fraggle Rock-a-Thon at Edward Milne Community School Theatre April 27 to 29.
The musical production follows the adventures of the Fraggles, a race of short, furry creatures living a carefree existence in a complex network of magical caves. When they’re not filling their time playing games, singing songs or dancing their cares away, Gobo, Mokey, Red, Wembley and Boober Fraggle seek the sage advice of Marjory the Trash Heap, nosh on the confectionary constructions of the industrious Doozers, and attempt to stay clear of the giant beings known as Gorgs.
The original 1980s’ TV series used the fantasy creatures as an allegory to explore serious issues such as prejudice, spirituality, personal identity, the environment, and social conflict.
Amber Academy’s mandate is to encourage positive youth development through the arts.
“The ideals of friendship, being true to yourself, and learning to love those who are incredibly different, were the cornerstone of the original show which really resonates with our philosophy and is one of the reasons why we chose this as our first big show,” says Keli Dunn, executive director of Amber Academy.
Fraggle Rock-a-Thon will be a unique and collaborative production driven almost entirely by kids.
Under the musical and artistic direction of Amber Academy’s instructors – Marian Schols (choir), Melissa Perry (acting), Nicole Rae (costumes), Annabelle Fortin (sets and props), and Rowan Hensley (technical) – the production will feature a cast of more than 40 children in kindergarten through high school, as well as 30 students working off-stage and behind-the-scenes to pull the show together.
“I enjoy Amber Academy a lot!” said Callie Rae, who will be playing the role of Red Fraggle in the production.
“I’m very excited about our show, I’m honoured to play a lead role, and I think it’s going to be awesome!”
Fraggle Rock-a-Thon is staged on April 27 and 28 at 7 p.m. A third show on April 29 is at 2 p.m. All performances are at Edward Milne Community School theatre.
Tickets ($10/$5) are sold at Sooke Shoppers Drug Mart or online at www.amberacademy.ca/events. Limited tickets are also available at the door.