The Cootamundra Artistic Drama Ensemble (CADE) has celebrated a hugely successful inaugural production, with more than 180 tickets sold across three performances of ‘Pull the Other One’ by Norman Robbins at The Arts Centre Cootamundra (TACC).
For a small local production, the turnout exceeded expectations and reflected the community’s enthusiasm for seeing live theatre return to Cootamundra.
Audiences were treated to an energetic, cheeky comedy that had the room buzzing with laughter, with many patrons commenting on just how much they enjoyed the show. The quality of the production also drew praise, with the set and costuming described as “second to none”.
Behind the scenes, the production was very much a community effort. CADE extended a special thank you to the Cootamundra High School for loaning stage steps for the production, as well as to the many talented local people who contributed their skills to designing and creating costumes and the set, along with those who worked in make-up, props and other production roles.
Director Eric Steinke, who also appeared in the production as Albert, said the experience had brought together a wonderfully diverse group of people.
“It was eclectic and wonderful to connect with so many people who are passionate about the performing arts,” Eric said.
Cast member Naomi Elliott, who played Muriel, said the production had been both challenging and incredibly rewarding.
“There were moments when I wasn’t sure how it would go, particularly with learning lines, but somehow we managed to put on a great show,” she said.
“So many people thanked us for bringing theatre back to Cootamundra.”
Naomi said the response from audiences “reinforced the importance of live performance in regional communities”.
“The performing arts have a way of connecting us to what it means to be human. That’s a powerful thing, and something I feel honoured to have been a part of,” she said.
The players said they loved the opportunity to perform for such warm and supportive local crowds, and the response across the weekend has given CADE an encouraging beginning.
The success of ‘Pull the Other One’ has demonstrated that there is a real appetite for community theatre in Cootamundra, and organisers hope the production will be the first of many for local people to perform, create, contribute behind the scenes and enjoy live theatre close to home.
Community theatre like CADE has a special way of connecting people on stage, behind the scenes and in the audience. ‘Pull the Other One’ brought together people of different ages, backgrounds and experiences, united by a shared love of performance, with new friendships formed.
For CADE, this was about more than putting on a show; it was about bringing people together and reminding us of the joy that can be found when a community creates something together.
CADE says they would like to thank everyone who purchased a ticket, attended a performance, volunteered their time, contributed their skills or supported the production in any way.
‘Pull the Other One’ was presented by arrangement with ORiGiN™ Theatrical, on behalf of Samuel French – A Concord Theatricals Company.
Anyone interested in supporting CADE or becoming involved in future productions is encouraged to contact Eric Steinke at
esteinke01@gmail.com
The South West Slopes Times covers an area approximately the size of Fiji in country NSW. We look after a population of more than 50,000 people with our staff servicing 7 major towns and dozens of villages with our story telling footprint.
We offer weekly print editions at $3 a copy and we also offer digital subscriptions across 3 months $30, 6 months $60 and 12 months $120.
We are one of the last truly local independent family run newspaper businesses in the state.
Contact us today to find out how we can promote your business or organisation across our huge network by emailing ads@thetimes.net.au or by calling 0413 763 216.
If you have a news tip, lead or scoop for us please make contact as we love celebrating our communities. You can contribute articles via our South West Slopes Times website.
