WYNBERG GIRLS' HIGH SCHOOL 2013 2013 | Page 59

This joint WGHS & WBHS production, a slick, polished, beautifully staged and costumed 'Millie' had audiences begging for more. The Directors: Keenan Oliphant, Lindsay Wills, Clinton Claasen, Trish Notcutt and Sarah Ferguson-Brown, have done a superb job. Working with a young and pretty well untried cast , they have brought a professional sheen to a show that bubbles with energy, wit and sheer good fun. The singers and band deserve very high praise, and the chorus work was joyous - those happy faces and angel voices! Clinton Claasen's seamless linking between the songs and speaking parts was first-class. Keenan Oliphant (Director), Lindsay Wills (Assistant Director), Clinton Claasen (Musical Director), Trish Notcutt (Choreographer), Sarah Ferguson-Brown (Set Design), Gerda van Oordt (Costumes) Huge praise must be given to Georgia Bailey as Millie Dillmount, Schael Igwe as Mrs Meers, Bulumko Woji as Muzzie Van Hossmere and Rachel Suttle as Dorothy. Kelton Goertz as Jimmy and Dillon Birns as Mr Graydon were also excellent as counterparts to the female leads. The choreography was a highlight of the show. Heads down and legs pumping, it was Charleston twenties come to life! The tap shoes simply thundered on the stage and brought the audience to their feet! The dancing and movement generally was quite brilliant and contributed hugely to the show’s success. Wesley Lerwill and Pierre Issa as 'Chingo Ho' and 'Bun Foo' came close to stealing the show with their marvellous double act. Any musical falls or stands on the quality of the music, and Mr Claasen selected ‘experts’ such as Gareth Harvey and Quinlan Martin who would lead and grow the ability of the top musicians in our school. The girls specially selected for the band included: Carla Stokes, Anastasia Solomons, Elsa Nel, Hong Ju Nam, Ashleigh Dreyer and Yeukai Chamba. This production, artistically, musically and dramatically, approaches From top left: what one refers to as 'professional theatre.' Warmest congratulations Georgia Bailey (Millie) to directors, cast, and musicians for an evening of really first-class & Kelton Goertz (Jimmy), entertainment! Taken from the review by Neil Veitch. Schael Igwe (Mrs Meers), Bulumko Woji (Muzzie), Wesley Lerwill & Pierre Issa (Chingo Ho & Bun Foo) Rachel Suttle (Dorothy) MUSICIANS: (from far left) & Dillon Birns (Trevor) Yeukai Chamba, Gareth Harvey, Ashleigh Dreyer, Brigitte Franke, Quinlan Martin, Hong Ju Nam