Chairo talent on show
Capacity audiences took a journey back to the 1950s as Chairo Christian School presented its production of “Bye, Bye Birdie” recently.
The musical comedy featured a cast of about 35 students who showcased their performing arts talents whilst providing a terrific show.
The stand-outs were Darcy Lewis as rock n roll manager “Albert Peterson”, Rachel Dungey as his long-suffering fiancée “Rosie Alvarez” and Bridie Turner as teenager “Kim Macafee”.
Darcy was applauded for his strong acting and should take confidence from his vocal performance.
Rachel and Bridie both demonstrated strong vocal skill and wonderful portrayals of their respective characters.
A special mention to Tessa Martin and Clare Turner who accompanied Bridie in vocal numbers.
Matthew Holmes was hilarious as “Mr Macafee” as was Rachel St Mart as “Mrs Peterson”. They received some of the biggest cheers from the capacity audience gathered.
Esther Bowey put in a terrific performance as the overexcited “Ursula Merkle”. She stood out from the first scene due to her confidence and projection of character.
Ethan Hamilton rocked his inner Elvis in the role of superstar “Conrad Birdie” who says goodbye to his adoring public before entering the army.
The audience enjoyed all students putting their best foot forward in this “pop up” style production.
This style selected by Michael and Tracey Gaylard matched in with the simpler times of the 1950s. The “pop up” production was selected due to the production being staged in the school hall after delays to building the Chairo Cultural Centre.
Of note was an impressive television prop on the rear wall which projected images from the 1950s.