Motueka High School students have taken centre stage before the curtain has even risen, leading every aspect of a musical theatre showcase as part of the school's upcoming MADD production.
MADD, which stands for Music Arts Dance Drama, is a combined arts department showcase. This year’s event is divided into three acts, featuring a drama production, a World of Wearable Arts-style fashion show, and a student-run celebration of popular musicals.
A group of five students has been responsible for casting, fundraising, script and song selection, costumes, choreography, directing and rehearsals for the musical theatre act.
“Basically, everything but health and safety,” Ava Kubo says with a grin.
Ava has worked alongside Poppy Fry, Chalome Laitflang, Milo Hall and Morgan Grove-Roberts to bring the production together, sharing responsibilities across a range of roles.
Planning began in Term One, when the group compiled a list of musicals spanning from the 1970s to today. They narrowed the options down to individual productions and songs, eventually selecting numbers from Grease, Annie, Aladdin, Mean Girls, Pitch Perfect and Hamilton.
“There was quite a bit of debate. Friendly debate, of course,” Ava laughs.
Dance student Poppy has led the choreography, ensuring routines are accessible for cast members with varying levels of experience.
There have been some challenges along the way – it has been a time-consuming endeavour, Poppy reckons, while Chalome describes managing the 30 students involved as a valuable learning experience.
The hard work is paying off, however.
“Just seeing it come together,” Ava says of the most rewarding part of the process.
Poppy says the experience has helped strengthen her leadership skills.
“I feel like I’m more confident now,” she says.
For Chalome, the highlight is seeing a musical return to the Motueka High School stage.
“And not just to be in it, but also to lead it.”
MADD is on Friday, 14 August, at 7pm. Tickets cost $12 for adults and $6 for students, and are available from the school office or online through the Motueka High School Facebook page.
