We ’ ll Be Back Soon
Now listen here ; in this very school , there were hugs , cheers , and even tears following the final HNHS performance of Lionel Bart ’ s ‘ Oliver !’ The giddy voices of cast members could be heard outside the auditorium singing “ we ’ ll be back soon ” all the way out to Te Mata Road . Let ’ s hope they are , because the talent was brilliant and the casting was genius . After five months of four rehearsals per week , the show was performed seven times ; each showing providing the audience with a high quality production .
The commitment of those involved was truly impressive . After so much time working together , it ’ s unsuprising that all of the cast members considered themselves one of the theatre kid family . Those who could sing certainly proved it . The chorus have much appreciation for the vocal backup from the splendid side-of-stage choir , who sat patiently each night , donned in elaborate bonnets and Victorian garb . While our leads proved their vocal dexterity , the performance simply wouldn ’ t have been of the same calibre without the incredible orchestra . The tech crew , props department , costume department , quick-changers , makeup artists , and the runner helped immensely . They added an evident level of professionalism which delighted the audience , who each night seemed to thoroughly enjoy the two and a half hour show , often giving a standing ovation at the end .
The 2021 production can be fondly remembered as a wonderful collaboration of various ages , the youngest actor being six months old ( that would be Sadie the dog , in her theatrical debut ). Several audience members were astonished to hear that several of the leads were younger than Year 12 , which is a testament to both their performance skills and commitment to their roles . The Year 13 ’ s gave it their all , as the bittersweet reality dawned upon them that this is their last high school production . Several of the actors - myself included - never imagined they ’ d be part of a musical production , yet we surprised ourselves and had a wonderful time , eagerly grasping the multiple opportunities to be as involved as possible . With the majority of the cast having more than three costume changes , the actors got more than just a taste of the Havelock North High school production experience .
The question everyone wants an answer to is , what will the next show be ? I for one cannot wait to see familiar cast members hit the stage again and also be introduced to the new faces who will join our school ’ s thespian , musical and stage crew family .
Emily Brown AKA Old Sally , Governor , Bar Wench , Ribbon Seller , Maid , random lady in the street # 4
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