There’ll be a little extra sparkle in the air next month as the kids from Harrisdale High take audiences on a magic carpet ride at the premiere of their very first musical, Aladdin.
Last year, a group of passionate Year 10 students persisted in their pleas for the creation of an after-school musical theatre club.
Dance and drama teacher, and self-confessed musical theatre fan, Tayla Fordham, rose to the challenge.
“The kids started this at the end of the day, and they’ve all been so easy to work with,” she said.
Since auditions a few months ago, around 40 students have been putting in every spare minute of their time to the production.
“For some kids, this is their first experience with theatre. Seeing their confidence grow in the space has been heart-warming,” Ms Fordham said.
Their passion is evident – not a minute goes by during our interview when the students are not practising their ensemble numbers, and dance cues – all self-initiated.
For a cast which consists of a large number of novices, they are surprisingly good. And their energy and enthusiasm are infectious.
“Being on stage makes me feel … alive,” Keina Sugiyama, who plays the role of Genie, said.
The drama club has come on board to run backstage, and visual arts students have dedicated their skills to the set and props.
There’s not an ounce of nerves from cast and crew as bump-in looms; director Tayla Fordham said they’re “so ready”.
“I’m just a very proud teacher who cannot wait to see all of the students’ hard work be seen by their family, friends and the community,” she said.
The 40-minute stage adaptation of Aladdin will run on Tuesday, December 5 and Thursday, December 7 from 6.30pm – 7.10pm. And again, on Wednesday, December 6 from 6 – 6.40pm. A meet and greet with the cast and crew will follow the show, with food and drink available for purchase.
Tickets are still available for $5 each via www.trybooking.com/CMUDI
