Churchill production sheer ‘MADness’
Winston Churchill High School performing arts students are ready to present their new performance called “MADness,” featuring students’ work combining the elements of music, acting and dancing.
Tonight through Saturday, the public is able to take in the collaborative show which includes director Greg Wilcott, and music and choreography director Emily Welch, who say both of their strengths, along with the students’ skills, are highlighted in the show. The story is by Paul Sills and produced by a special arrangement with Samuel French.
“This has been a cool collaboration between Emily and myself,” says Wilcott. “This is the first time that we have done this because Emily is new and we have been able to highlight both of our strengths, and I think that it has really worked out well.”
The show follows fractures of fairy tales in five short skits, which also includes music and dance numbers. Many students in the show showcase many of their talents, taking on various roles.
“We have taken various elements of fairy tales, but they are fractured so it is sort of true but not really and we have tried to make them quite comic,” says Wilcott. “There is about 22 students involved. Many of the students are doing double duty in terms of acting and doing some singing or dancing, so there is quite a crossover in that sense.”
Since September, the students and directors have been working hard to create and perfect the combination of arts show. With rehearsals for music, dance and acting rehearsals twice a week, the students worked together as a team to help develop the choreography and jam-packed show.
“It was really great because the students got really involved with the choreographing process,” says Welch. “As much as we have had dance numbers that I have been able to choreograph it is just as much the students as it is mine. People can expect a fast-paced show with something a little different for everyone.”
The show runs nightly this week at 7 p.m., until Saturday with tickets $10 for adults, $8 for children and seniors, and $5 for their matinee on Friday at 2:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door, the night of the show, or online at wchs.lethsd.ab.ca.