Whitsunday Christian College is excited to unveil their 2023 musical, showcasing a host of talented students who will soon be on centre stage.
Taking on the exciting screenplay, The Wizard of Oz, over 70 students ranging from Years 3 to 12 have signed on for the project, rehearsing and perfecting their performance for over nine months now.
Jade Shepherd-Smith is Dorothy and is excited to share her newfound skill and love of singing.
“I haven’t really sung on stage before, but I said I’d give it my best shot,” Jade explained.
Acting was something she’s always wished to explore, and with singing now in her repertoire, she is a force to be reckoned with.
Jade got the performing bug two years ago, when she performed in the school’s production, Seussical Jr.
In the previous show, Jade only had one line and this year she is excited to take on a lead character.
She is joined by Shannon Matthews, who plays Scarecrow, who is more than eager to showcase his skills and confidence on stage.
Having a main role in the previous musical, he is excited to perfect his own craft.
“This musical is very different from the last one,” he said.
“This time we have to learn our lines at home, so that rehearsals are mainly just acting with each other on stage.”
Lachlan Riley is a newcomer to musicals, but he has five characters to his name, and is excited to be a part of the performance.
“I only asked for a small role with a few lines, but I was asked to take on other characters, so now I’ve got five!” he explained.
Lachlan plays Guard, Crow, Tree, Poppy, and Monkey, meaning he is on stage for almost the entire performance.
“I want to be an actor, so this is great practice,” Lachlan said.
On the other hand, Evie McLoughlin wants to be a dancer and her roles of Tornado, Ozian, and Poppy are perfect.
“I like my characters because I get to move around a lot,” she said.
“It’s fun, because I do dance outside of school, and being in the Tornado, I move around and I’m not staying still.”
Pollyanna Bartlett is the Junior School Captain, and being Ozian and Poppy has encouraged her confidence and public speaking.
“The show has helped me, because I was a little shy sometimes, but now I’m very energetic and excited on the stage,” Pollyanna explained.
With over 70 students from both Junior and Senior Schools involved in the cast and backstage, the musical is a big production.
“It’s different, because you can’t always be with your friends, and you get to interact with a bunch of different students from different year levels,” Shannon explained.
Lenny Pennell is the Musical Director and school’s Arts Coordinator and is excited for the student’s hard work to be showcased to the wider community.
“It’s a classic story, with a lot of familiar songs, but with a modern twist to it.
“The production showcases all the creativity and talents of our school, and the joy the students feel when on stage, is great!” she explained.
Tickets are selling fast for this exciting production, with two show times available over two days. The College is excited to welcome Proserpine Nursing Home to enjoy a trip down memory lane as they reminisce of this classic and enjoy the first matinee performance.
WHAT: Whitsunday Christian College: Wizard of Oz Musical
WHERE: Whitsunday Christian College Auditorium
WHEN: Friday October 6 and Saturday October 7
TICKETS: www.trybooking.com/CJZAF
