News Detail
Celebrating 'Chicago'
Saturday, February 8, 2025
Dear Chicago cast and crew,
It was such an absolute joy to be in the McPherson Playhouse on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon.
There was so much energy, imagination and creativity bubbling through the musical: the choreography of performers, the personality brought to each main character, the live orchestra (with Desi S. conducting some songs), the superbly conceived set and stagecraft, the artwork and banners in the foyer, and much more.
It was a wonderful performance.
So many audience members caught me at intermission or afterwards to say how proud I must be – as Head of Shawnigan – of the dramatics arts at Shawnigan, and of our musical cast, crew and staff.
I most certainly am.
I was delighted to see so many musical alumni back from university to support you.
You have shown this week – as individuals and collectively – great courage, sheer resilience and tremendous talent.
It was your moment – the production was evidently the result of extraordinary teamwork between students and staff at Shawnigan.
Kathini and I drove back from Victoria yesterday afternoon and we sang some of our favourite songs from the musical all the way back to campus – from the dark comedy of “Cell Block Tango” to the inspired puppetry of “Razzle Dazzle” to the self-effacing “Mister Cellophane” to the blast-off of “And All that Jazz!”
I am sure that this week will be a little challenging for you, as cast and crew, as you step away from the intensive rehearsal schedule and adrenalin of performances. There will undoubtedly be a void, but we have Ski Week to look forward to. And the afterglow and some well-deserved sleep. I have no doubt that you will sleep well on the way to Manning Park today!
Know that you combined as a team to deliver something magical and very special. You made us very proud – proud parents, grandparents, godparents, staff, fellow students, alumni and many more.
And I am so grateful to our wonderful staff who are behind the scenes in support of our students.
Kathini and I absolutely loved it.
See you on the mountain!
Richard “Larry” Lamont
Head of School
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful West Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
