THE Moree Arts Community Theatre production of The Sound of Music stopped Moree theatre-goers in their tracks midway through last year when a cast of Moree thespians brought the timeless classic to life at Moree Uniting Church Hall.

Under the expert guidance of well-known musical director Stevie Drenkhahn, The Sound of Music left audiences speechless at a series of sold-out shows in July and August.

The huge cast and production crew were duly recognised on Monday when The Sound of Music was named Community Event of the Year at the Moree Plains Australia Day Awards ceremony at Jellicoe Park.

Ms Drenkhahn has produced many incredible shows for Moree audiences in recent years, but the 2025 production of The Sound of Music is clearly her greatest work.

The jaw-dropping show played across 11 performances, with more than 1100 people attending.

“It is a profound privilege to see our passion for the arts recognised by the community we love so dearly,” Ms Drenkhahn said.

“While we were delighted by the immense support from our local friends in Moree, we were equally thrilled to discover just how far the hills truly ‘came alive’.

“We welcomed theatre-goers from as far as Newcastle, Victoria and even South Australia, proving the timeless magic of Rodgers and Hammerstein continues to draw fans from across the country. “Knowing that our small-town production resonated with people from hundreds of kilometres away, sometimes thousands of kilometres, is testament to the enduring power of this story and the high calibre of performances our region can produce,” she said.

The Sound of Music was brought to life by a cast of Moree thespians ranging in all ages.

The seven von Trapp children – Liesl, Friedrich, Louisa, Kurt, Brigitta, Marta, and Gretl – were played by Josie, Cedar and Petra Mitchell, Imogen, Esther, Lillian and Florence Cobb as well as Lucy Morrison, Millie Mitchell and Atticus Wright, who took turns playing the children at alternate shows.

Maria was played by Talitha Mitchell, with understudy Tori Lockrey covering the role during several shows.

The MACT production of The Sound of Music was named Community Event of the Year at the Moree Plains Australia Day Awards ceremony at Jellicoe Park on Monday (Image by Lesley Barklay).

David Powell owned the stage as Captain Georg von Trapp, with his love interest, Baroness Elsa Schraeder, played by Deeni Mitchell.

Andy Mitchell was the lovable music agent Max Detweiler, with MACT staples Will Penfold, Jayne McDouall, Bernadette Quirk, Andrew O’Neile, Helena Doran and Tim Barklay returning to the stage.

Mr Barkley, who later this year will direct his self-written play, Walking Shadows for Moree audiences, also co-directed with Ms Drenkhahn.

The cast included Mandy Mitchell, Eden Mitchell, Jemima Burke, Max Mitchell, Lyn Lockrey, Cody Mitchell, Jeremy Martignago, Millie Mitchell, Caroline Hocking, Zach Mitchell, Reuben Strahan and Caleb Mitchell.

Behind the scenes was a crew making sure everything went like clockwork.

Michael and Sophia Phipps looked after lighting; Alexander Davis, the Morrison boys, James Barron and Andrew King ensured flawless sound; and Isabelle Kelly managed props.

Incredibly, The Sound of Music featured more than 100 costumes, expertly created by Taylor Powell.

“This award belongs to the incredible team behind the curtains and under the spotlights,” Ms Drenkhahn said.

“A production of this magnitude – 11 shows strong – simply could not have happened without the tireless dedication of our local cast and crew.

“These wonderful individuals volunteered countless hours of their time, and poured their hearts into every rehearsal, every costume and every set change to make this production extraordinary.

“This award is a tribute to their talent, their spirit, and the vibrant community that makes MACT possible,” she said.

Moree Plains Shire general manager Natalia Cowley said The Sound of Music is arguably the most outstanding amateur production ever staged in Moree.

“Every element, from the props and costumes to the music and performances, was delivered to an exceptional standard,” Ms Cowley said.

“The use of the church and the hall was inspired and perfectly suited the production.

“An enormous amount of effort went into this event, with rehearsals beginning at the end of 2024. “The children and soloists were magnificent, and the production uncovered a wealth of new local talent.

“Long after the final performance, it is still being talked about across the community,” Ms Cowley said.

Ms Drenkhahn and her team have no plans to rest on their laurels, with new shows in production.

“Our love for the theatre doesn’t stop here, and we are already hard at work on a fresh line-up of shows and events for 2026,” Ms Drenkhahn said.

“We are excited to announce Robots and Rockets coming to the stage on March 20-21.”

Robots and Rockets will be followed in June by a very special MACT milestone, with Tim Barklay directing his self-written play, Walking Shadows.

“We are so proud to continue bringing high-quality local productions to Moree, and we truly hope to see everyone there in the front row,” Ms Drenkhahn smiled.

2026 Moree Plains Shire Australia Day award winners

Mayoral Award: Ronny Clissold

Citizen of the Year: Todd Mitchell

Young Citizen of the Year: Corey Scriven

Volunteer of the Year: Michael McNamara

Sports Person of the Year: Gabrielle Suckling

Young Sports Person of the Year: Isabella Boland

Community Event of the Year: The Sound of Music

Community Volunteer Group of the Year: Moree Parkrun

Moree Online News will over the next few days have more stories about all award recipients, Moree Lions Club award winners, Moree’s newest citizens and Australia Day ambassador, Bruno Efoti.