Student sings in stage spotlight
‘‘The Sound of Music was the first movie musical I watched as a child and I can't count how many times I've seen it. ’’
Libby Johnston is performing in one of the most acclaimed family musicals of all time.
The 18-year-old Drury student is playing Liesl von Trapp, the eldest daughter, in a stage production of
It tells the true story of Maria, the fun-loving governess who changes the lives of the widowed Captain von Trapp and his seven children by reintroducing them to music, culminating in the family’s escape across the mountains from Austria.
Johnston, who attends Diocesan School for Girls, auditioned for the role by singing Liesl’s signature song,
She has always dreamed of taking to the stage and beat hundreds of other hopefuls for her first big acting role.
The achievement was made even sweeter, since it is one of her favourite musicals.
‘‘ was the first movie musical I watched as a child and I can’t count how many times I’ve seen it.
‘‘Now I’ve been given the incred- ible opportunity to be part of it.’’
She says it is a chance to show off her talents while having fun.
‘‘I get to spend two months just singing, dancing and acting my heart out,’’ she says.
Johnston is also juggling the role with her school work.
Through the support of her teachers, she will still complete the rest of her NCEA assignments despite missing a lot of classroom time, she says.
Johnston hopes to study musical theatre in the United States and has her dreams set on the iconic Broadway theatre scene.
* the end of October.
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