"The Little Mermaid" – An Absolute Joy

Kathini (a university drama graduate herself) and I loved the comic timing and the chase of the fish song, the quartet harmony towards the end, the chemistry between the main characters, the frightening Ursula and her electric eels (in perpetual motion), the roller sneakers, the costumes, and the high calibre of every solo.

 

So many audience members caught me at the interval 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.

 

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 (from Grade 8 to 12) and staff at Shawnigan.

 

I drove back from Victoria yesterday afternoon and I sang some of my favourite songs from the musical all the way back to campus. I hadn’t seen the musical before, so this was new territory for me.

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 adrenaline of performances. There will undoubtedly be a void, but we have Ski Week to look forward to immediately – 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 and many more.

Perhaps the most touching part was seeing some of you take the time to sign autographs for the youngest generation in the foyer afterwards – a thoughtful gesture which spoke volumes.

 

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