Student involvement is the only common denominator in musical productions at two Illawarra high schools this week.
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Bulli High School’s fun-filled classic Broadway romp Guys and Dolls is just that.
But serious issues are addressed by Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts students in their musical production, Into The Woods.
Show producer Ruth Ellevsen is adamant though that the “great production” is ideal for adults and children alike.
“It really is a funny show and it is happy but it has also got a bit of a dark side to it,” she said.
“It just gets the audience questioning choices in life and there's a lot of messages within it.
“The kids really enjoyed coming to grips with and understanding of their journey in the score and script.
“They’ve seen that you learn about these fairytale characters growing up but they’ve actually seen there is more meaning behind fairytales now that they are older.”
Mrs Ellevsen was also impressed at how well students are handling the challenging musical composition by composer Stephen Sondheim.
..... no matter what happens in the world you know you're not alone
- Ruth Ellevsen
Little Red Riding Hood, Jack from Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella and even her ugly stepsisters and mum feature in Into The Woods.
These fairytale characters journey basically into the woods to find themselves and solve problems.
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“There are all these different events that occur that challenge them along the way,” Mrs Ellevsen said.
“The production also touches on some really important messages.
“One of the most important is the message about no matter what happens in the world you know you're not alone.
“I think that is a very important message to be sending out today to young people….There is always someone there who can guide you and help, you just need to ask.”
Into The Woods opens on Thursday night, with shows running until May 19. Tickets can be purchased online from WHSPA’s website.
Meantime, Guys and Dolls plays at Bulli High School’s main hall this Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night from 7.30pm.
Music teacher and director Lindy Sharp said the energetic and exciting production was sure to entertain audiences, young and old.
Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
