Schoolchildren of Maragon High School Ruimsig blossomed as actors and actresses in their musical comedy production, Sunny and the Wallflower.
The audience finds themselves looking into the happenings at the New Leaf Nursery, a very unsuccessful business on the brink of foreclosure. The owner, Seshny Potts, played by Kiara Sewraj, tries to keep the business going while her eccentric employees are only concerned with their love interests.
Amidst love potions, hybrid plants, a bossy customer and a singing sunflower, the characters learn to never give up and to say what is in their hearts.
Head of drama at the school, Shaun Hansel said, “We wanted to play around with South African stereotypes within a musical comedy style.”
The production was adapted by teachers Edward Crawford, Hansel and Shereen Baker and directed by Hansel and Baker.
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Auditions were open to the entire high school and once the cast was chosen, it took the team three months to prepare. The team has put on three shows already, having finished their third show on 18 May, with two more shows to go.
Hansel said the schoolchildren’s performance was flawless and encouraged the team to continue with the same fun and enthusiasm in their last two shows.
“Their commitment, dedication and positivity was admirable. They worked very hard at putting together a full two-hour production in such a short time. That speaks for their work ethic and passion for theatre,” Hansel added.
“Being part of the farce has allowed me to break out of my shell and experience something new and different. From the songs, to the script, to the cast; I have enjoyed every second of it and I would love to do this again,” said Katleho Letuka, who played Sunny the sunflower.
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