Performing Arts students from Stratford-upon-Avon College are set to ‘ROCK’ the town later this month with a mind-blowing celebration of some of the most successful musicals ever.
Set in the amazing Stratford ArtsHouse, with performances over three evenings from 22 to 24 May, ‘Musicals ROCK! VII’ will highlight numbers from shows including Jesus Christ Superstar, Hairspray, Little Shop of Horrors, Evita, Les Miserables and We Will Rock You.
The thrilling production involves 40 performers, each playing a number of different performance and stage management roles.
Jessie Thomas, 19 from Evesham, plays Fantine in Les Misérables and Eva Perón in Evita and has also taken on the role of Assistant Musical Director. She singled out the ‘We Will Rock You’ section as being a particular show-stopper: “We know the audience is going to get pumped up – how can you not get pumped up to a Queen song?”
Luke Keane, 17 from Ettington, plays three roles on stage: Link Larkin in Hairspray, Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors and Jean Valjean in Les Misérables. Luke had this to say of rehearsals: “The biggest challenge has been the sheer amount of song lyrics and dance choreography we’ve had to learn in such a short amount of time. But it’s really rewarding when you start to see everything come together.”
Commenting on the rehearsals, Musical Theatre lecturer Alex Dengate said: “The students are determined to make the show a huge success. They’ve been working tremendously hard to perfect their performances and their talent, enthusiasm and dedication are reflected in the rehearsals which are going extremely well. ‘Musicals ROCK! VII’ is going to take Stratford by storm!”
The College’s Musical Theatre team initially grew concerned when they learnt the ArtsHouse would be changing licensee but thanks to Stratford Town Trust’s commitment to the community and the support of Justin Williams, the Trust’s Chief Executive, the show can go on. Alex remarked “We are extremely grateful to the Trust and to Justin in particular for ensuring that ‘Musicals ROCK! VII’ can go ahead in this prestigious setting. With their invaluable help, the production’s future is secure.”
Jessie summed up the show’s appeal – “It’s a unique and creative explosion of musicals and rock music.” Following last year’s hugely successful ‘Musicals ROCK! VI – Resurgence’, it promises to be even more popular, so be sure to book early to avoid disappointment!
Tickets are available through the College website at www.mrvii.eventbrite.co.uk
