WITH an award-winning script, an acclaimed creative team and a cast of emerging Queensland talent, Goodbye, Eli Anderson is shaping as one of Ipswich’s most anticipated theatrical productions of the year.
Set to make its world premiere at the Ipswich Civic Centre from August 19 to 22, the emotionally charged production written by acclaimed playwright Grace Wilson and directed by local celebrated theatre creative Timothy Wynn promises audiences a deeply moving story centred on family, grief, music and human connection.
Leading the cast is 17-year-old Bundaberg performer Lincoln Kay, who steps into the titular role of Eli alongside Brisbane actor Angus Freer as Gabriel, Eli’s older brother, and Ipswich’s own Jesse Frommelt as Benji, a runaway teen who unexpectedly joins the brothers’ journey.
For the trio, the production represents not only an exciting creative opportunity, but also the chance to help bring an acclaimed new Australian work to life for the very first time.
Kay said landing the lead role felt surreal.
“Eli resonates so much with me,” Kay said.
“That sense of freedom and independence he yearns for – I really connect with that. But it’s also the relationships in the story, especially the brotherhood and connection through music. It’s such a beautiful story.”
Freer is also stepping into deeply personal territory as he prepares to portray Gabriel in the world premiere production.
“I was blown away at how descriptive the relationship between Eli and Gabriel is,” he said.
“I was reading these lines and recounting times where me and my older brother have had issues or have come together in times of need. I could really feel the love they have for each other, even though it’s disguised as being a bit gruff.”
Freer said Goodbye, Eli Anderson represented an important opportunity for emerging creatives, with Wilson’s acclaimed script finally receiving its first-ever production despite already earning praise and awards within theatre circles.
“This is the kind of opportunity emerging artists talk about wanting all the time,” he said.
“To have a new Australian work with this much heart and quality finally get its moment is really special.”
At just 15 years old, Ipswich performer Jesse Frommelt is already emerging as one of Queensland’s exciting young theatre talents as he prepares to step into the role of Benji.
“Benji is this kind of misfit runaway kid who meets Eli by whim, and they go across Australia together,” Frommelt said.
“He’s this embodiment of a lot of teenagers who are misfits and try to hide themselves with humour and run away from their feelings.”
Frommelt said it was important to have live, meaningful theatre in places like Ipswich.
