The Hoover family has seen better days.

Richard, the father, is a less-than-inspiring motivational speaker; Grandpa’s been kicked out of his retirement home for bad behaviour; Uncle Frank has recently tried to kill himself after his boyfriend dumped him; moody teen, Dwayne, has taken a vow of silence; and much-put-upon mother Sheryl grits her teeth and holds it all together.

But energetic and optimistic Olive, the youngest Hoover, believes the world is full of possibilities, and enters a children’s beauty pageant.

Seeing a chance to change their luck, this dysfunctional and fractious family packs their beat-up Kombi, and embarks on a cross-country journey from New Mexico to California, chasing the coveted title of Little Miss Sunshine.

Adapted from the Academy Award-winning film by the Tony Award-winning team of James Lapine (Into the Woods, Sunday in the Park with George) and William Finn (Falsettos, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee), this is a musical comedy about pursuing your dreams will charm audiences of all ages.

Deborah Jones directs. Kiera Dzeparoski, Sarah Furnari, Aneke Golowenko, Martin Grelis, John Grinston, Ellacoco Hammer McIver, Gavin Leahy, Christopher O’Shea, Fiona Pearson, Julian Ramundi, Grace Ryan and Adam van den Bok feature.