The School Production The Green Room was held over three days (and four performances) at Centennial Theatre AGS last week. The production, which was largely conceived by two of the leads – Ella Brislen and Seamus Stalker – was centred around a director (Seamus) who laments that he did not get the accolades he was hoping for in his final Broadway show.
In an attempt to cheer him up his PA (Ella) and production manager (Billy McColl) start to reminisce about the past, and, in a magical turn of events, all three are whisked into a parallel world of musical theatre.
Director Arts Co curricular Jacqui Cesan said, “The lead actors were all outstanding in their roles. The student choreographers did an amazing job of choreographing for the dancers overseen by Miss French and the chorus under Mr Jaffrey took on the challenge of learning movement as well as singing with gusto. Mr Sinclair worked with the band and prepared the arrangement of the musical items. All this coupled with Miss Hughes inspired script and direction, all came together to present a show that was magical and all performers – supported by a student production team lead by Aislin Reid – performed with fantastic energy and 100 per cent commitment.
“A massive congratulations to these 116 students for a hugely successful production. Over 1000 people came to see the show – many coming back for a second time. We have had lots of great feedback and all students can be justifiably proud of their contribution to its success.”
Ms French, Ms Hughes, Mr Sinclair, Mr Jaffrey and Ms Cesan said they were all in awe of the way the cast and crew committed to the production in a busy term – and all were impressed with the camaraderie and support that the students demonstrated for each other both during the process and in the theatre.
Ms Cesan added that a huge acknowledgement must go to the parents’ Performing Arts Committee led by Nicky Mathiesen for their outstanding contribution over the past two months and also to Albertians Jack Briden, Oliver Mathiesen and Lily Pearce, who came back to MAGS to support the cast and crew. “These ex-students’ and parents’ commitment to the show and Performing Arts at MAGS has been amazing.
“The Performing Arts at MAGS has never been stronger or better supported than right now. With the skill and passion of our directors Ms French, Ms Hughes, Mr Jaffrey and Mr Sinclair, coupled with the amount of talent in the student body, I am sure we will stage successful shows such as this again in the future.”
