Hats off to Hype for a great show
Time has flown by after weeks of preparation and rehearsals for Hype drama students.
Hype stands for Horowhenua Young Persons Entertainment and they presented their first performances of the annual production of Olivia during last weekend. It was well attended and the audience regularly showed its appreciation.
Olivia is the sister story to Oliver, which tells of the plight of a young orphaned girl left in the care of strict sisters of St Frances.
Placed into an orphanage after upsetting the nuns she escapes to the City of London where she acquaints herself with many interesting and much loved characters such as Fagan, the artful Dodger, Scrooge, Eliza Doolittle and Sherlock Holmes.
After opening night nerves and the occasional technical hiccup, first time director Faith Watters’ show came to life with gusto and lively enthusiasm, proving Hype indeed has talent.
Standout performances include: Lavara Maketu and Myah Snow who shared the role of Olivia over the weekend and confidently played the lead role. They both lifted us up with their delightful voices.
Eliza Doolitlle, of My Fair Lady fame, played by Amber Rollinson, shone brightly and stood out in her rendition of the famous character.
Alrich Hoffman proved to be a worthy if mischievous Dodger with solid vocals. Mrs Dilber was portrayed by Isabel Parole with elegant confidence. And Sherlock Holmes (Liam Wylie) kept his mysterious persona to the end admirably.
The cast worked in unison, diligently performing its chorus numbers with enthusiasm. A nod to young choreographer Ashley Snow for a job well done.
We must not forget to acknowledge the youngsters running the lighting, sound, and backstage, where opportunities to learn new aspects of theatre are so important.
Apart from technical challenges my critique would be diction and projection of voices throughout the auditorium could improve. And set changes could be slicker, especially in the second half.
Congratulations must go to director Faith Watters.
It is no easy feat directing 48 Hype children in the limited time of 10 weeks, but she has accomplished it with great results.
Hats off to you Hype for a job well done!