Seussical: The Musical was meant to be a fun start to life for students of the new Upholland Artz Centre. It’s a show that we have done before and one that has great memories for all involved. The first incarnation of Seuss in 2017 was staged in just 14 weeks, and became one of the most talked about Artz productions ever by students and audiences alike. A vibrant, high energy show, with catchy music and memorial characters was meant to be the perfect platform for these new students to begin to learn the complex craft of musical theatre, and whilst this version of Seussical will also live long in the memory, I think it will be for many different reasons...
Nobody could have predicted the challenge we would all face after casting this production over 18 months ago; as the huge disruption of Covid-19 wreaked havoc through our industry, our business, and the lives of our cast and crew. As students negotiated their way through their first global pandemic, home schooling and a stark change to their way of life; The Artz team battled to not only keep this production on track, but to save a business that had only just got started.
But nearly two years on from that first autumn night in the new Upholland Artz Centre, these incredible young people have defied the odds to bring this production to stage. They would have all been forgiven for walking away from this show a long time ago, as they came to terms with their new way of life, but to their absolute credit, they never. They have shown their true characters! I don’t mean elephants, birds, kangaroos and monkeys. I mean hardworking, aspirational, respectful and hugely resilient young people.
These students will all face a range of challenges during a production like this. The pressure to deliver can weigh heavy on young shoulders, especially when tiredness kicks in. Nerves and anxiety are heightened as audiences begin to fill the theatres. They need to manage their time both on stage and off it and remain composed when our natural reaction maybe to panic. As performers we have to juggle two distinct sets of personalities; those of our cast mates and those of our on stage characters; another delicate balancing act for any aspiring actor.
Despite all this, I am extremely confident that the even though the last 18 months might have taken its toll on us all; it has helped to prepare us for what lies ahead, and as an optimist I am grateful for that.
Enjoy learning something new about the person you have come to see and take pride in the fact that they have made it this far. They will now be richly rewarded for the experience, as I am sure will you.
As teachers we can only open the doors, you must have the courage to walk through it.