‘The show must go on’
Despite restrictions and disappointments associated with COVID-19 lockdowns, Horsham College production leaders are maintaining ‘the show must go on’ in relation to the school’s upcoming musical.
Staff and students have been working hard towards an annual production, which was shelved in 2020 because of the pandemic.
The college will present Matilda the Musical in Horsham Town Hall from August 19 to 21.
Director Emily Friedrichsen said organisers had added a matinee on Saturday – in addition to evening performances on Thursday, Friday and Saturday – following news that show audiences were capped at 50 percent capacity.
“Hopefully we’ll be able to get a few extra in for that matinee show,” she said.
“We’ve got three school-shows – again, unfortunately we did have three fully booked shows – but because of restrictions we’re going to have to pull those back to 50 percent.
“But it’s still another opportunity for the kids to perform after all the hard work they’ve put in all year.”
Ms Friedrichsen said the students were excited despite ever-changing conditions.
“We’re trying to get a few more last-minute weekend rehearsals and day rehearsals without affecting too much class time, because they’ve already missed so much throughout the COVID lockdowns,” she said.
“But the kids have been really good about it, they understand COVID has played a massive part in restricting what they can do this year.
“We haven’t been able to have our vocal director come in, a lot of the sets are now being looked after by a theatre studies class here at the college, we’ve had textiles VCE classes helping with costumes, and the year nines and 10s have helped put some sets together.
“We’re really feeling the love this year, which is great. Everyone is coming together.”
Ms Friedrichsen said production leaders tried to involve as many students as possible each year.
“Sometimes it’s not possible because of the timelines and projects that students are making,” she said.
“We’ve been lucky enough this year that some students have been able to put in extra work, because they’ve finished what they’ve been doing, and started on a different project. It will be great for them to see something they’ve made go into actual use, because they’re seeing their skills put into practice.”
Award-winning Matilda the Musical is based on the much-loved book by Roald Dahl and features songs by Tim Minchin.
It is the story of ‘an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny’.
Tickets – capped at 100 for each performance – are available online at hthpac.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/ salesevent/14068.
“They say that famous quote of ‘the show will go on’ and it will go on,” Ms Friedrichsen said.
“The kids are working they’re really excited.” hard and