Mother’s Day will be extra special for Rochester mum Karalyn Stewart and teenage son Maverick Failla.
The duo will spend the day rehearsing for Echuca-Moama Theatre Company’s production of Shrek the Musical together.
After seeing her son perform in EMTC’s junior production of The Jungle Book in 2019, Karalyn thought it might be fun to join him on stage.
Karalyn is cast as Mama Bear and while Maverick doesn’t star directly alongside her, the 14-year-old plays multiple fairytale characters as part of the ensemble.
“It’s been really fun,” Karalyn said.
“We kind of motivate each other and I try to make sure he has been practising so he comes to rehearsals prepared.
“I think being in the show has made us closer as we’ve got something in common that we can talk about and we have that shared experience.”
While she’s new to EMTC, Karalyn is no stranger to musical theatre.
“I used to be involved in shows in my 20s when I lived in Stawell, including Brigadoon and The Pajama Game,” she said.
“Shrek is so much fun to be involved in. Mav and I are really looking forward to getting on stage and performing in front of an audience.”
With less than three weeks to go before opening night, it will come around quicker than they expect.
“While it’s always nice to be pampered on Mothers’ Day, we definitely need as much practice as we can get before the show opens,” Karalyn said with a laugh.
“But we always have so much fun at rehearsals, so Sunday should be a great day.”
Shrek the Musical will be EMTC’s first musical since having to cut short its 2021 performance of Little Shop of Horrors due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Darcy Elliott, Tamara Cadd and Mark Thomson are directing the production, which is anticipated to be a show like no other.
With a cast of more than 40, ranging in age from 12 to mid-60s, the show is full of colourful characters, hilarious one-liners, fabulous songs and toe-tapping dancing.
“The show has got a fantastic vibe about it and has something for everyone,” Darcy said.
“If I were you, I’d make sure you book your tickets early because I have a sneaking suspicion that they are going to be hard to get a hold of soon.”
Shrek the Musical takes to the stage at Echuca’s Paramount from May 26 to June 3.
Get your tickets at Echuca Paramount or book online at www.echucaparamount.com