College – Issue 33

This year’s senior production Singin’ in the Rain was an extraordinary performance full of fun, energy and gob-smacking technical wizardry, says Director of Drama David Chambers.

“It’s always a big ask at first, but we were blown away by the perseverance and effort the boys put in, especially Simon Brown, Hugo Beale, Angus Mossman, Charlie Horncastle, Robert Rolleston and Dion Houston. They brought such joy, vibrancy and energy to the production and to their roles. “It’s also great to have senior boys who are not usually known for their

singing and dancing abilities, such as Jono Raymond, Luke Zydenbos and Paddy Coates, who took on cameo roles and brought great credibility to the characters they played. It has given a depth of talent to our Years 11 and 12.’’ Technology played an important part in the visual impact of the production and staging Singin’ in the Rain created some interesting technical challenges, says David.

The show ran with full houses over four nights and was seen by nearly 3000 people who were enthusiastic in their praise for the production. Exuberant, witty, effervescent, glamorous, starstruck fans and lovestruck stars, and an all-singing all-dancing ensemble tip-tip- tapping their way into our hearts – the production of the classic musical comedy transported the audience to late-1920s Hollywood, where a story about the game- changing impact of new technology unspooled alongside a timeless tale about love. “We chose this production because it gave the two schools involved the chance to take part in a feel-good musical the whole audience could enjoy, firstly for the story, secondly for singing and dancing and thirdly for the technical expertise we could use to create the radiant rain-filled finale,’’ says David. The first challenge was getting the boys to dance, he says.

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Christ’s College Canterbury

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