CEC musical ready to rock you this spring
TRURO, N.S. – In a future where everyone dresses and acts the same, the Bohemians fight for freedom, creativity and music.
Based around the music of Queen, We Will Rock You, tells the story of their battle and people will be able to see it on stage at the Cobequid Educational Centre this spring.
Showtimes were originally scheduled for late Marchearly April, but are being postponed due to the threat of COVID-19. New dates will be announced in the near future.
“My character is really lost within himself and is all over the place,” said Gabe Purdy, who plays Galileo. “He’s quirky and energetic and during morning rehearsals it’s hard to channel that.”
Galileo hears words in his head, most of which are words from songs buried in the past.
Maria Matheson is playing Scaramouche, a young woman many people make fun of.
“She’s so different from me, it’s a lot of fun to play her,” she said. “She’s grungy, tough and outspoken.
“I love the stage; it’s home for me. You experience new things but each time, the feeling is the same.”
It was a love of dance that brought Olivia Grund to theatre and she’s taken part in school musicals since she was in junior high. She trains at Cobequid Dance Academy and hopes to attend Ontario’s Sheridan College, to study musical theatre, in the fall.
“I like this show because I get to dance a lot, which I love,” she said. “I didn’t know what this show was about before and I didn’t expect it to work with the music the way it does.”
The musical at the top of her list to perform in some day is Chicago, which she saw on Broadway last year.
Lori Sharpe, who is directing We Will Rock You, chose the show in part because it allows so many students to be involved. There is a cast of 45, with about 50 more working behind the scenes.
“I wanted a show that was relatively unknown, with great music and this is special to me because it’s the first show I was involved with as a teacher, teaching in Scotland,” she said.
“I love stage and music and I really enjoy working with students and seeing them come to life. You see camaraderie between students who may never have crossed paths before.”
Maria, who is heading to Acadia to study for a BA in the fall, plans to remain involved in theatre. She feels it’s opened her mind and made her more confident.
“I’ll probably remain involved in theatre, too,” said Gabe, who will be heading to Acadia for a BSC in psychology. “It’s made me more of an outgoing person and helped with on-the-spot thinking.” Sheena Henderson is the vocal director for the show, which will be staged this
spring. Showtimes were originally scheduled for late March-early April, but are being postponed due to the threat of COVID-19. New dates will be announced soon.