Performing Arts Fair: 10 Days of Music and Drama

7 Stories — about a man considering a fatal leap from the seventh storey of an apartment building and his brief interactions with the residents and guests of the building — featured star turns by Grade 12s and Theatre Company Captains Hayden T. and Izzy M. as Man (the protagonist) and 100-year-old Lillian, respectively. Hayden battled through an illness to complete the third presentation of 7 Stories, while Izzy got better with every performance, according to drama teacher Mr. Sal Interlandi.

 

Mere Mortals — a one-act comedy about three men sitting on a girder on the 50th floor of an unfinished skyscraper, each gradually revealing their idealistic alter egos — set the stage for the altitudinous absurdity of 7 Stories, with great chemistry between Charlie G., Rooney N. and Tristan F.

 

After a quick change, the 360 Drama Company took over the stage to perform The Wolves and Lone Star, with one showing each on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. In The Wolves, nine student cast members — mostly juniors, including Grade 8 student Sloane W. — were joined by dance teacher Mrs. Megan Hollingworth, who took on the role of Soccer Mom. The Wolves was part of a double bill with Lone Star, about a pair of Texan brothers and their friend and a deep secret. Gabe B. led a strong cast that also included Gordon P. and Charlie G.

The theatre productions featured spectacular sets built by students and staff.

 

Some of the plays have been in the works since February. There were some challenges getting through the last month and a half before the Festival, as cast members had to prioritize other things — everything from AP exams to provincial sports championships.

 

“We never had a full group during May,” Mr. Interlandi said.

 

Prior to the play performances on Sunday, music fans enjoyed a piano recital by Sasha L. in the Chapel. The classically focused set showcased Sasha’s repertoire and drew several members of the larger Shawnigan Lake community as well as students and staff.

 

The music continued on Tuesday with the Senior Vocal Arts and Senior Instrumental Arts classes. Music teacher Ms. Mandy Bryant called the hour-and-a-half-long concert “awesome,” and noted it was well-attended by students and staff, with standing room only in the Courtyard of the Main Building. The musical highlight on Wednesday was the cabaret-style Broadway Choir 360 concert in the theatre, featuring solo and group numbers from shows like Chicago, Come from Away and Rent, with dancing choreographed by Ms. Annie Marland and Serena Z.

Many of the “seasoned theatre performers” were also in Shawnigan’s big production of The Addams Family in February. It was in part because the musical was staged early in the year that we were able to present so many additional plays late in the school year.

 

Also on Wednesday, the junior Rock Band 360 performed at the 360 Showcase in front of the Hobbies Building. Friday featured two presentations of the Grade 8 musical Rock of Ages. The Performing Arts Festival wraps on Saturday with a performance by the senior Rock Band 360 and a barbecue in the Quad.

Thank you to all the staff members who have supported the efforts to make the Performing Arts Festival happen!