A Concert for a Cause!
A one-night-only performance featuring the talents of Orange-born Jarrod Draper is set to bring so much more to Orange than an evening of entertainment.
The special Concert for a Cause, sponsored by Curves Orange, will be raising funds and promoting the work of Huntington’s Disease Awareness Central West.
Jarrod Draper was the first Indigenous graduate from the prestigious music theatre course at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), and most recently starred as Toulouse-Lautrec in the stage production of Moulin Rouge! The Musical.
Growing up in Orange, Jarrod was taught music by Huntington’s Disease Awareness Central West’s founder Rachael Brooking. He says that without Rachael, he couldn't be where he is today, and wanted to pay tribute in a way that gave back to Rachael and the community.
“I've always had a special connection with Rachael, and to be able to give back to her, I guess, it's paying homage to where you started, and the people that got you to where you are,” Jarrod said.
“I wouldn't have even had this career without her, I wouldn't even be in the industry, to be honest with you. So it’s really to give back to her and help her; she does such a good job in the community and raising awareness for Huntington's. So to be part of that, it’s a no-brainer.”
The concert will feature songs from Jarrod’s career, as well as a few numbers with meaning for the cause.
When asked what was so special about coming back to perform in Orange, he said it was the fondness he felt for his hometown.
“It’s always nice to go back to where it all started, a kind of homage to where you began. I have a very big fondness for Orange in terms of where I began, and the shows that I did, and the local theatre community that gave me the spark to continue on and make it a career,” Jarrod said.
It will be a special night also for Rachael Brooking, who couldn't be more proud of how far Jarrod has come. She said she is looking forward to joining her former student on stage and showing him off to the community.
“It's been lovely to have been his teacher at the very beginning, and to have watched him grow and to flourish into the person that he has become so far, and his journey is only getting bigger and better. He's a beautiful young man with great morals and a sense of family,” she said.
“I don’t really think he knows how talented he is, he’s a very humble man, and I am honoured to be able to accompany him for this concert.”
Rachael had high praise for Jarrod’s “magic” voice and encouraged people not to miss the chance to experience one of Orange’s incredible talents.
“He has the beautiful rich tones we associate with the likes of Josh Groban and Bryn Terfel and the smoothness of Michael Buble,” she said.
“If you love music, you will love this – we're so grateful to Jarrod for being the voice for HD on this special occasion.”
The concert will take place at the Performing Arts Centre at James Sheahan High School, 6pm on Saturday, March 23.
While Jarrod is in town, he will also be hosting a musical storytelling workshop from 10.30am until 1.30pm at James Sheahan High School, on Saturday, March 23. The workshop is open for anyone 13 years and over. Registration is required on 123TIX.