The stage is set for a number of school plays this week in Richmond.
An old classic will be on tap for the public at Cambie secondary school.
Drama teacher Megan Preston said 23 students will be performing Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Cambie’s theatre.
“It’s a great ensemble piece and we have a lot of Grade 12 students. This play really showcases their talent,” said Preston.
The comical tale of Athenian lovers and meddling fairies will delight audiences, said Preston.
“It’s nice to see the teenagers commit to something,” added Preston, noting the students have invested about 150 hours to the play and an additional crew of 10 has added similar hours, since October, outside of class.
“It’s challenging but the kids have done a wonderful job,” said Preston.
Grade 12 student Shawn Gaw plays some comic relief as Nick Bottom.
“It’s his personality. Shawn is good with improv and a funny guy,” said Preston.
Meanwhile, other Grade 12 students have taken on similarly important roles as they reach the end of their high school acting days.
Grade 12 student Chelsea Castro plays Helena, a lover.
“She’s been in drama for so long she’s a skilled actress. Her characterizations and commitment to the role and her focus are superb. Chelsea also does a lot of back story (research) and character analysis and it comes across on stage. Her voice is so clear too,” noted Preston.
Brandon Choy, who plays Puck, is another notable student actor.
“He has a lot of big personality and Puck is the trouble maker in the story. And Brandon has a great voice too,” said Preston.
Meanwhile, Prerna Kapoor plays Hermia, another lover.
“She’s been in drama for a long time. When she’s not on stage she’s back stage and she’s really dedicated,” said Preston.
Not to be left off the long list of accolades is the crew.
Preston noted senior students Katy Alcock and Laurie Cagalawan, have “done more than anybody.
“They’re always on call, remind the actors for rehearsals, changing the lights, always on books, mopping the stage; they make my life so much easier.”
Preston has created an industrial style stage and this year it features scaffolding to provide two levels, one for the lovers and the other for the fairies.
The play runs March 2-5, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $7 for youth and $10 for adults (available by calling 604-668-6430 or emailing Preston at [email protected]).
Richmond secondary school is hosting a production of Alice in Wonderland.
The play will have a modern twist, according to organizers.
“Do not miss the Mad Hatter at his tea party, Humpty Dumpty (or should we say “Trumpty”), Tweedledee and Tweedledum rapping, and so much more!” states organizer Barb Barker.
The last three shows take place March 2-4, starting at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $10 each or two for $15. For show information email Barker at [email protected].
Richmondites will also be able to witness some of the city’s best, young theatre stars in the making as Theatre McNair puts on a made-in-Richmond adaptation of the musical Sleepy Hollow.
This adaptation was written and composed by McNair alumnus Joelysa Pankanea and directed by drama teacher Marco Soriano. Teacher Theresa Watts directed the technical side of the play, while music teacher Jan Berman lent some of her students to set the mood for the play just right.
Over 50 students are involved in the production.
The play runs nightly from March 4-10 at McNair secondary at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 and available by calling 604-668-6575.
