Singing sensation

 By Cheranka Mendis

 Students of Stafford International School yesterday showcased their theatrical talents with famous show tunes at the Bishop’s College auditorium Colombo.

 Titled “Over The Rainbow II,” following a concert under the same title two months back with the primary classes, the show brought to life the much favoured show tunes both new and old through its cast of forty four children. Directed and choreographed by veteran thespian Jerome De Silva,

“Over The Rainbow II” filled the auditorium with catchy melodies of “I Feel Pretty,” “Good Morning Sunshine,” “Fat Sam’s Grand Slam” and the cutest rendition of “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King.”

 Jerome speaking to Daily FT stated that the show was initially set to come off in November but due to tight schedules was marked for March. “They said they wanted experts from various musicales. Therefore we incorporated songs both classic and modern musicals and trained the kids in a way that the show goes on seamlessly,” Jerome said adding, “There are songs from the modern musical “Jesus Christ Super Star” and even the starting number is from “The Wiz” also a current musical followed by the song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from the original “Wizard of Oz.”

 “These are lovely musicals and lovely lyrics. We have mixed the old with the new to bring on stage a unique performance,” he remarked.  The performers aged between eight and seventeen have practised since December to pull off the performance they did yesterday. How was it working with a bunch of new comers on stage, we asked Jerome. “It was a bit difficult since I am a strict disciplinarian. Around 90% of the cast has never danced or acted on stage before. It was a new voyage of discovery,” he assured. Grinning he also added, “Of course I had to scream and shout as customary but that is to make them professional performers. I don’t believe in looking down on children. I teach them all discipline on stage so that the next time around they will be a cut above the rest. The children are certainly very talented and working with them has been a lot of fun,” he said.

 Chipping in with their remarks the oldest and the youngest cast members joined Weekend FT with their take on the play. Shane Jedusan (17) claims that the reason which drove him to join in the play was the man himself- Jerome and eight year old Jamal Ibrahim agrees. “I like singing and acting and dancing and this seemed like the perfect opportunity,” Shane said while Jerome from the other end mouths, “he can’t sing.” To which Shane responds “At least I try,” and it is evident that the light banter reigns on stage while the actors pause after their performances.

 Returning to our conversation, Shane assures that the hard work and the dancing around has been a lot of fun. “We learnt a lot by being part of this. Not only did I get to know so many people but Jerome taught us many things about stage, dramas and performing,” he said. Showing off his skills in nine acts Shane says that the main thing he learnt was to let go of inhibition and evolve with the character.  The eight year old Jamal Ibrahim who is the youngest cast member tells us with enthusiasm “Well, first time Jerome was a little funny. So I thought I will go and see and then I got in; then my mummy was happy,” he smiled. This is however not his first time on stage but the most precious out of all memories made during the play was that little Jamal had time to get to know other students from grades above. He was Simba in “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King” a performance much enjoyed by the crowd. When asked how it was to perform he mentioned that he liked it minus the robe that came with his costume.

The show itself was an experience with representations from musicals such as Sound of Music, Oliver, Annie, Westside Story, Sweet Charity, Bugsy Malone, My Fair Lady, Bloody Brothers, Jesus Christ Superstar, Hair, Rent and American Idiot.

Pix by Daminda Harsha Perera