Grade 6 learners from visiting schools got chills that quickly multiplied when Rand Park High School put on a special preview for them of their major production.
Summer of Love is an adaptation of Grease. Though it lasted an hour and a half, the 250 youngsters were held in rapt attention throughout. From the convincing acting and heartfelt singing to dance choreography that was second to none, and perfectly-timed music from the school band, the visiting learners appreciated every moment, some cheering loudly between songs while others stayed wide-eyed and silent.
Randburg Sun was privy to this preview, held on May 15, ahead of the show running from May 18 to 20. And though this journalist is by no means an experienced critic in the arts, he has seen his share of high school major productions.
This ranks among the best.
The story of Grease was told in a modern setting at a South African school, and the iconic Grease Lighting was a scooter instead of the classic Ford convertible. But the story was no less sincere, and the youngsters watching on could relate to it better for this.
Many of the classic songs of Grease were included, together with the same or similar dance choreography, but the team used creative license to effectively include appropriate songs where they fitted, including some Hold my Hand by Lady Gaga and Water Under the Bridge by Adele.
Special mention must be made of lead actors Tristan Smith, Mutembo Nsofu, Wandile Shezi, Shalati Khosa and Anza Phume as Stevie Fender, Shelley Uptown, Axel, Kiki Maddox and Georgie, respectively. Their character-portrayal was excellent. It was Genna Kaltenbrunn who stole the show though, acting as the spiteful, but misunderstood Karen Rousseau. Genna was probably the best actor and dancer on stage. She also sang as well as any of the others.
The props and movement from scene to scene around the stage were also impressive. Director and choreographer Bailey Snyman, music director Simon Smith and vocal coach Dale Scheepers can all be immensely proud.
Rand Park’s principal Alan Wilke thanked the learners from North West Christian School and Rand Park Primary School for sharing in this special performance.
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