Performing Arts
Music - The Wiz
The Senior School musical The Wiz had its production run in March this year and was simply stunning . After six months of preparation for the actors and dancers and nine months of preparation for the music , the students were impeccable in their presentation of music , dance and drama . There were over a 100 students involved in the cast , orchestra , pit-choir and back-stage . This was the first time that Riverview utilised the large LED screens , and this enabled the visual elements on stage to be drawn to new heights . There were 40 pieces of music ( 33 full-blown orchestrations and seven pieces of incidental music ), and 217 costumes sewn , with an additional 72 costumes assembled from available items in our wardrobe department . The effort and hours that went into this musical by staff , parents and students was staggering .
Here are excerpts from some of the email comments that were received :
“ Another outstanding performance … ( I was ) once again blown away by the professionalism particularly of the Orchestra .”
“ One of the very best musicals at the College . Awesome singing , orchestra , and choreography .”
“ The Orchestra is like something you would hear at the Opera House - SSO eat your heart out !”
“ The Wiz was wow ! Congratulations to you all …. I absolutely loved the show . The singing , the dancing , the music , the amazing costumes and the sets , wow ! Also to mention the great performances from the kids - fabulous ! Well done to all involved !”
“ The score , and the way that fabulous band played it , was amazing ! But what I appreciated most was the way the whole show came together with the very creative sets , the masterful band , the digital screens , the costume designs , the choreography and all of the very talented boys and girls who were dancing , singing and acting ... and of course the stage crew ! It really was a fantastic show !”
“ It was absolutely amazing and we were blown away by the music ! You ' re an absolute legend , always bringing out the utmost in your students !”
“ I kept forgetting that I was watching a high school production !”
The students involved in the cast , orchestra and stage crew are to be commended on a truly professional performance . The key creative staff that I had the pleasure of working with on this musical were Lara Stern , Angela Newey , Myriam Moysey , Kirk Hume , Louella Perrett , Kathleen Hunt and Rowena Byrne . They are to be commended for their amazing talent , work ethic and teamwork . We are grateful to all the parents who helped with this production . Events of this magnitude would not be possible without their help .
DEV GOPALASAMY , PRODUCER AND MUSICAL DIRECTOR
24 | IGNATIAN | JULY 2017