Gladstone Park Secondary College student Jasper McDonald Parsons is set to star in a cheeky reimagining for the stage of one of the most beloved festive movies of all time – Home Alone.
Home Alone: The Australian Musical centres on the McKinnister family, who jet off on vacation and leave their black sheep son Kalvin, played by Jasper, behind.
Jasper, 14, describes Kalvin as “very cheeky, but also very smart“.
Jasper not only acts in the musical, but also sings and dances and does his own stunts.
“I get to use all the skills I’ve been working on since I was four years old. You need strong acting skills to convey all the nuance that the character needs and especially because I’m on stage by myself, which is really challenging,” he said.
Jasper has honed his craft in several other productions including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and the Robbie Williams biopic Better Man.
Hugh Jackman is an inspiration as are singers Taylor Swift, John Farnham and Paulini.
With original songs and hilariously reworked Christmas classics, the show taps into the highs and lows of being left behind, the absurdity of Aussie family life, and the triumphs of one very resourceful kid.
“It is a really fun show, it’s funny and you’ll have a great time. Plus, it’s great to support new Australian musicals, we need more Australian stories on the stage,“ said Jasper.
Catch the show at St Martins Theatre, South Yarra, between 24 and 27 July.
