News Archive
"Chicago" Dazzles!
An outstanding cast and crew, and support from some excellent staff members, helped make a dream come true for Mr. Sal Interlandi with the staging of this year’s School musical: Chicago (Teen Edition) with a three-night and one-afternoon run at Victoria’s McPherson Playhouse.
“It’s such a great show,” said Mr. Interlandi, theatre teacher and director of the musical. “When I interviewed for the job here and they asked me what shows I wanted to do, I said it was one of my favourite shows. It’s always been a show I wanted to do.”
Written in 1975, Chicago was based on a stage play from 1926. It has become a staple on Broadway and is the longest running current show there. It also became a movie in 2002 that won Best Picture at the 2003 Academy Awards.
Mr. Interlandi headed the staff contingent that guided the students through the musical: Ms. Mandy Bryant (Music Director), Ms. Annie Marland (Choreographer), Ms. Rosalynd Roome (Production Design and Producer), and Mr. John Bomans (Set Construction).
The cast of talented actors, singers and dancers was headlined by Talia S. as Roxie Hart, Ivana W. as Velma Kelly, Gabriel B. as Billy Flynn, DJ B. as Amos Hart, Alex F. as Matron Mama Morton, and Imogen N. as Mary Sunshine.
Talia and Ivana were already known as talented performers, having showcased their acting, singing and dancing abilities in previous musicals. This was Talia’s fifth musical in as many years at Shawnigan, and she has had featured roles in the last four.
“To go through five years and be such a force in the musical community is quite incredible,” Mr. Interlandi noted. “Ivana was such a captivating performer to watch. Right from auditions, she came with such a hold on the character.”
Gabriel returned to the cast after an impressive turn in Grease last year, but this was DJ’s first musical at Shawnigan. Both were already known for their acting chops, but the question was could they sing? The answer: absolutely.
Talia reflected on her five years in the musical, creating and inhabiting a wide range of characters.
“I am forever grateful to have played these characters, and to have experienced musicals at Shawnigan,” she said. “They have brought me joy and wonder, teaching me valuable lessons about myself and that I am capable of anything.”
Alex, a Grade 10 student, showed tremendous potential with her powerful voice, and Mr. Interlandi is excited to see what she can do over the next two years. Among the star dancers were Ellie N., Callia B., and Sasha T.
The orchestra was made up largely of professional musicians, with Grade 12 student Desi S. on bass and conducting some songs, and music teacher Mr. Vince Hale also on bass.
Overseeing the performance at the McPherson Playhouse was Mattias P., in their second year as Stage Manager. Mattias was responsible for every cue by the theatre crew, a huge undertaking for a 16-year-old Grade 12 student. Mattias was shadowed by Associate Stage Manager Sloane W., who was training to take the reins next year, as well as Prop Master Thabisa M. and Assistant Stage Manager Ellie C.
“Over four years, being part of the musical has shaped me,” Mattias stated. “It is a very intense experience, but the friendships made and the final product are completely worth it. Without the support of the Shawnigan community, none of this would be possible, and we are all grateful for the opportunity to work in a professional theatre.”
With Chicago now in the rearview mirror, the theatre program is moving on to four smaller productions: the play 12 Angry Jurors, the Night of Dance, the Grade 8 musical High School Musical, and the Cabaret, which will be staged as part of the 360 Fair in the spring.
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.
