Forward December 2017 | Page 17

SENIOR SCHOOL Jesus Christ Superstar Senior Drama production Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Lyrics by Tim Rice By arrangement with Origin™ Theatrical on behalf of THE REALLY USEFUL GROUP LIMITED Directed by Jane Diamond Musical Direction by Kieran Hurley TThe 2017 Senior Drama production of the musical Jesus Christ Superstar, directed by Jane Diamond, was a wonderful success with a dynamic cast consisting of Guildford Grammar School boys and Perth College girls, an outstanding band and memorable performances by the leads. Under the expertise of Music Director Mr Kieran Hurley, the band members and cast started learning the score and songs part way through Term 1, with dance sequences, blocking and characterisation developing throughout Term 2. By Term 3 and opening night the performers had been working intensively for many months. The style of the production was set in the late 1960s with psychedelic colours and patterns. The set design and costumes created by Marjorie de Caux created a visual feast for the audience. Coupled with a challenging but well known score, the dance numbers were high energy and reflective of the social changes evident in the late 1960s. Aiden McLaughlin (12He) playing the lead role of Jesus Christ, conveyed a depth of character and sang each song with distinct nuances and feeling, giving an outstanding and memorable performance. Duke Gordon (11St) played the troubled and deeply conflicted role of Judas Iscariot with intensity and conviction, singing his songs with tremendous power and energy, true to the rock style of this demanding musical. Well known songs such as I Don’t Know How to Love Him and Everything’s Alright were sung to perfection by the incredibly talented Brook Rego who played Mary Magdalene. Harry Weston (12He) stole the show with his white suited, billionaire styled Herod, as did Dylan Caporn (10St) as the conflicted Pontius Pilate who realizes too late the decision he has made. Caiphius was played superbly with style and control by Lachlan Robertson (12Be), his detail correcting side kick Annas, was played in Machiavellian style by Luke Osborne (10Be) and Simon was played by Christopher Cowcher (11Ha). The chorus played the multiple roles of followers, market sellers, temple dwellers and 18 crowd peoples, performing choreography while negotiating a multi-leveled set and singing! Jesus Christ Superstar was a spectacular production made possible by the creative giants of Kieran Hurley ( Musical Director), Quentin Edmonds (Music Teacher and band member), Marjorie de Caux Costume designer and coordinator, Dee Perry from Illusions Make Up and Design, Paul Cairns Sound and Theatre Technician, Damien Hanson Lighting Designer and Operator, Bronwyn Sprogowski and Mark Underwood professional singers, Annie Boehm Arts Administration Officer and the incredible efforts of the Guildford Arts Support group; Shelley Robertson, Michelle Osborne, Bettina Bowling, Kylie Shephard and others. Theatre Bytes No Man’s Land Year 10 Drama A group of dedicated Year 10 students worked with professional theatre director Miles Openshaw and Guildford Grammar School drama teacher Selinna Forward on a selection of brief play excerpts from contemporary playwrights. Theatre Bytes is an opportunity for students to hone their acting craft, focusing on characterization, text, language and performance skills with minimalistic set, props and costumes. Texts range from Theatre of the Absurd to gritty contemporary realism, allowing students to gain a better understanding of form and style in performance. Miles Openshaw’s expertise in directing young people’s theatre has been a great privilege for the boys with all students showing worthy potential and talent in drama for the future. Lord of the Flies Junior Drama Production Adapted for the Stage by Nigel Williams The Junior Drama Production of Lord of the Flies was held in the DLD on 16 and 17 November. Rehearsals started in Term 3, with an enthusiastic cast of Year 7-9 students finding their feet with their characters, learning movement choreography and lines. This play tells the story of school boys marooned on a deserted island after a plane crash, to find themselves having to survive without adults. The task of not relinquishing to savagery becomes impossible for most of the boys with devastating outcomes. Ms Jane Diamond Head of Drama and Art Faculty