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