Inside today
What started as a family holiday basking in the Blenheim sun has turned into a dream theatrical experience for one Feilding pupil.
Feilding Intermediate’s school president Ella Kernick has been cast to play the title character Annie in a production by the Blenheim Musical Theatre.
Ella and her family were catching up with relatives in the South Island over the summer break. By the time the holiday ended, she had, to her surprise, been cast in the musical’s title role.
The 12-year-old is looking forward to bringing a piece of 1930s New York City into the spotlight.
Based on Harold Gray’s comic strip, one of the most widely read strips in the 1930s and 1940s, Annie is the story of an 11-year-old orphan and a billionaire businessman who opens his home and heart to her.
After sitting down with interim principal Selina O’leary, the school allowed Ella to take a two-month sabbatical to pursue her dream. She’s staying with her grandparents during rehearsals and attending St Mary’s School in Blenheim.
Ella’s mother Sarah Kernick said it was hard letting her go for two months.
‘‘She’s done a bit of highland dancing before, but professional singing is a new one,’’ Sarah Kernick said.
‘‘She has recently been made head girl and we were scared she was going to have to pick one or the other, but the school said she could follow her dream.
‘‘We auditioned a lot of kids – she just fell into that box of what we were looking for quite easily throughout auditions.’’ Duncan Whiting, Director
‘‘She’s done the odd school production, but never played a lead role. The rehearsals are very taxing and time-demanding.’’
The decision to allow Ella to take part in the production wasn’t difficult, O’leary said.
‘‘She’s a very bubbly, confident young lady. We were happy to swing it so she could go. We don’t think children should ever be forced to choose.’’
Director Duncan Whiting said casting Ella in the role was a nobrainer.
‘‘We auditioned a lot of kids – she just fell into that box of what we were looking for quite easily throughout auditions.
‘‘By the end of the day there was no doubt who Annie should be.
‘‘She’s a talented little lady and she’s made the role of Annie individual to her, which is what you want. She’s got a lovely singing voice, which helps, and has given a little bit of maturity and understanding to the role.’’
The show is from May 11 to 20.