THE young cast of Tribe Youth Theatre's production of Cats have reunited after months apart ahead of their first performance on January 16.
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In September, the company - which is part of Bendigo Theatre Company - decided to delay its production of Cats until January as COVID-19 hindered production an student exams edged closer. The show was originally set to hit the stage in 2020 before being continuously delayed by the pandemic.
Cast and crew returned to the stage on Monday for an intensive 10-day rehearsal period ahead of the show premiering on January 16.
Director Denton Delmenico said there was a lot of energy in the young cast.
"Yesterday was about the fourth rehearsal with the whole cast in the space. Restriction haven't allowed us to have more than 12 people. There's a lot of excitement for them," he said. "We've never been at the point where we could see the finish line, so we are really excited.
"It's been really good. They have picked up momentum really quickly (since returning). The intensive format is something for kids to consider in future (productions) because it works really well for them to be head down, bum up and really into rehearsal.
"It is hard with the heat and wearing masks but they are doing really well."
The intensive rehearsals will see Denton and his cast finalising the staging of the production after a lot of time was spent on the show's vocals.
"There was some time last year where we were all together for vocals," he said. "They know the show really well vocally and it sounded amazing last night with the orchestra.
"Now its time to stage it because it is a show where a majority of time, 80 per cent of the cast is on stage. We have done lots of work on bits, now they are all seeing what each other has done.
"It is a matter of fixing up sequencing and giving the cast a sense of what the show's story is. It's not a show with a particularly obvious narrative."
The cast will perform eight shows between January 16 and 22.
"It has still it sold really well, we had to add two shows but I want the cast to have nice, full audiences that appreciate what (the performers) are doing," Mr Delmenico said.
Cats is on at Girton Grammar's Black Box Theatre at 7pm on January 16, 17, 19, 20, 21 and 22, and at 1pm on January 16 and 22. For tickets visit www.gotix.com.au
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