The musical centres around young inventor Frankie, who unlike your average kid, is busy building androids.
Gifted but socially awkward, Frankie (played by Finley McNeill) has decided to rebuild his class community by replacing them with android replicas and in doing so confronts the question — is a perfect community of androids better than the messier but more meaningful relationships we can have with real people?
The musical explores themes like friendship and difference and will be brought to life by a talented cast of South Canterbury performers aged eight to 13.
Taking the reigns and directing her first major production is Jessica Diamond along with fellow first-timer Emily Rentoul as the musical director and the experienced Katrina Mehrtens as the choreographer.
In a statement Diamond said there was a good mix of young performers stepping on to the stage for the first time and others bringing years of experience.
"All of them have poured themselves into their roles with heart and personality."
She said directing Frankie Builds Androids had been nothing short of an adventure.
"The goal is always to bring out the best in the children — sometimes with patience, sometimes with persistence, and always with a genuine belief in what they can do. When the chance to take on this production arose, I dove in wholeheartedly, very excited to see what we could create together.
"Joining me on the creative team are Emily and Kat, whose enthusiasm, creativity, and sharp sense of humour have made this process both productive and filled with laughter.
"Together, we’ve shared countless moments with the cast — whether it was high energy rehearsals, unexpected bursts of silliness, or the joy of watching the cast grow in confidence.
"The result is a show that’s funny and brimming with imagination. With so much laughter, learning, and teamwork behind it, Frankie Builds Androids is more than just a production — it’s an experience we hope audiences will be talking about long after the final bow."
- Frankie Builds Androids runs from September 19 to 27 at the Playhouse, Timaru. Tickets can be purchased online at iticket.co.nz or purchase in person from the Timaru Information Centre.
— Allied Media
