The curtains have finally closed on what can only be described as an outstanding performance of ‘Olivia, the Musical’ in St. Pius X Girls’ National School. 180 very talented children took to the stage in the McCann Theatre in Terenure College and wowed us all with their incredible acting, beautiful singing and wonderful dance routines. Auditions were held back in October and rehearsals for the cast started in November. Music could be heard in the corridors and in the classrooms as the choir and chorus began practising their repertoire of songs. Then came the tricky dance routines, but after a few practices the chorus groups got into the swing of things and were true professionals.
As the weeks went by the cast began to really get into character and used clever techniques to learn their lines off by heart. They became more aware of theatrical skills like masking and blocking and learned to work as an ensemble. The choir and the soloists worked on harmonies, intonation and interpretation and found the perfect melody. Artists in 6th Class began illustrating tickets and posters. The sets for the stage were beginning to take shape and once colour was added we felt like we had stepped back in time to London. As all this was going on in school, some very talented parents and grandparents were busily sewing patches and ripping jeans at home to create the type of costumes that nineteenth century Londoners might wear. Tickets began to sell fast and soon we realised we would be performing to a full house every night.
By January the excitement in school was palpable. Rehearsals for cast, choir and chorus were on almost every day, and final props and costumes were made. Opening night on February 10th with a live band, lights and sound went off without a hitch and the show just got better and better as the nights went on. The cast really got into role and owned the stage, the choir sang their very best and never took their eyes off their conductor and the chorus groups were completely syncopated with the music, never once missing a step or a beat. The idea of the musical began as a simple dream but the final result was way beyond what we ever expected. The standard of performing, singing and dancing was exceptional for primary school children.
Behind the scenes were a fully engaged, professional group of staff who shared their expertise, talents and goodwill with each other. In the wings and down in the “cellar” new friendships were made and memories that will last forever. Two weeks on and we are still reeling from the success of the show. It was a huge undertaking but so worthwhile for the lifetime of memories it will bring to each and every girl from 4th, 5th and 6th Class, St. Pius X G.N.S. in February 2016.
DVDs €15 and programmes €2 can still be purchased from Natasha in the office.
