Yuwi Burra songwriter, singer and musician Waveney Yasso has composed an original soundtrack for Rachel Burke's new all-ages musical Fancy Long Legs.

The musical's first run will be from September 12 to 22.

Celebrating individuality and creativity, the colourful and fantastical production follows spider Fancy and her three arachnid friends – Incy, Busy and Charlotte – as she finds her way in the world.

Fancy Long Legs explores neurodivergence through an uplifting and relatable lens, the musicial's commitment to inclusivity and acceptance permeates the production to deliver an accessible and relaxed performance with considered approaches to costumes, colour palettes, sounds, lights and staging.

The new work is based on the upcoming children's book of the same name by Brisbane author and craft queen Rachel Burke, who is also designing the costumes and set.

It was adapted for the stage by The Little Red Company artistic director and co-founder Naomi Price and directed by La Boite Artistic Director Courtney Stewart.

Yasso told National Indigenous Times the musical journey in Fancy Long Legs "features an array of different genres, designed to educate the world about how different and magical each of the spider characters are, it describes different types of web spinning and the songs act as warnings, celebrations and comfort for Fancy and her friends".

Price said early test audiences had embraced Fancy Long Legs, particularly Yasso's new songs.

"Music can do the heavy lifting where text can't on an emotional level. Waveney writes songs that I know children will immediately be able to sing along to," she said.

Yasso said Price reached out and invited her to take on the role of composing the musical's soundtrack.

"After having collaborated and performed on Channel 9's Lord Mayor's Christmas Carols, the one and only Naomi Price called me up and asked if I would create some music for a new children's show. She mentioned that she had shared my children's album 'Our Backyard' with the lovely Rachel Burke and after hearing her positive response to the album I was keen as mustard to jump on board with such wonderful creatives," she said.

Yasso said the creative process behind creating the soundtrack commenced well in advance.

"The creative process began in week one of Creative Development at La Boite theatre Meeanjin, Brisbane. Rachel, Naomi and I walked through each of the scenes, which song would support each scene and its purpose during the show. The songs began to reveal themselves as I was driving to and from creative development with basslines and motifs very clear in my mind as drivers for particular tunes," she said.

"Being able to recognise elements of myself in Fancy & the Spiderings meant that I would hopefully articulate new perspective, familiar emotions and behaviours through music and lyrics. We wanted to shine a light on inequity, and give a voice to some of those who are misunderstood.

"The show features a tune in 6/8 time which I gave to create movement, like a sway. I wanted to emulate what a hug might feel like when you are crying, when someone is holding you, swaying and comforting. This song is called Big Feelings, which I think is my favourite track from the show."

Making its debut at La Boite Theatre, the world premiere season is also a colourful collaboration between La Boite Theatre, Brisbane Festival and The Little Red Company.

Stewart said La Boite was proud to support a world-first production with deep roots in Brisbane's creative sector.

"From the show's design to the story told, Fancy Long Legs is an opportunity for adults and children alike to recognise and understand different ways to experience the world. This is a show that will resonate with young – and young at heart – audiences and we can't wait to get 'fancy' with everyone this September," she said.

Brisbane Festival artistic director Louise Bezzina said she was looking forward to presenting the bold premiere work from a talented team of Brisbane creatives.

"At the heart of Fancy Long Legs is a story about finding yourself and living your life authentically and fearlessly which perfectly encapsulates Brisbane's Festival's invitation to 'Find Your Fit' in 2024," she said.

Price explained she drew on the real-life character traits of spiders to give the show's eight-legged stars their unique personalities.

"In our research, we discovered that spiders can be solitary or collaborative; they either like to create webs by themselves or build on other webs. We also explored different web shapes, such as spiral orb or sheet webs, and these traits inspired the characters of Fancy's friends," she said.

"Even though the characters have misunderstandings or different opinions, each has the best intentions. This is a really kind show and I think it's beautiful to model kindness to families and show children how to work through disagreements in a thoughtful way and manage their big feelings."

A considered approach to presenting spiders as friendly and accessible is also seen in the production's costuming, with Burke setting aside her signature technicolour tinsel for something softer.

"What I tried to do with the costumes was create something that evokes the feeling of a spider but wasn't scary for kids," she said.

"I've done a lot of research into spiders and they're actually quite fluffy so it made sense to merge fluffy tulle and lace and bring about a bit of sparkle with some rhinestones. I have kept a pastel colour palette throughout the show to strike a balance where it's beautiful, soft and colourful but not overstimulating.

"It's an interesting consideration – and one that comes through in every aspect of the show – because a big part of Fancy's story and production is recognising that neurodivergent kids have these unique needs when they go to a theatre."

With an emotive soundtrack and carefully crafted appropriate stage presentation, Yasso and all those involved in Fancy Long Legs have curated a unique piece of work that is both educational and engaging.

"I am very proud of the music I have composed for this project, it is indeed a special one," Yasso said.

AEIOU Foundation for children with autism has partnered with the team on Fancy Long Legs to provide actors and front-of-house staff with resources to assist audience members and to furnish the theatre's low-sensory space with equipment such as bean bags, fidget spinners and craft supplies.

Fancy Long Legs has been developed with the support of access consultant Maddie Little with insights from CPL – Choice Passion Life Disability Services.

Fancy Long Legs runs from Thursday the 12th of September to Sunday the 22nd of September 2024.