1997 School Magazine

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(!girls (!grammar ~cbool :Ililrisbane 1997

' S ·de story. ,W_est I • With a cast of 57 students, orchestra of 29 adults and students, a crew of 24 students and a Staff Production Team of 23 adults, the Leonard Bernstein classic 'West Side Story' was set to be one of the biggest stage productions ever undertaken by Brisbane Girls Grammar School and the Anglican Church Grammar School. It was performed on the 8th , 9th and 10th of May in Morris Hall. Audiences were clearly impressed with the professionalism of the acting, dancing and singing, the skills of the superb musicians and the talent and commitment of the stage crew. Directed by Mrs Sybil Edwards and Mrs Susan Dean, "West Side Story" was a complex production which challenged the students to work on several levels. Not

only were the cast required to master the challenging plot but also the comprehensive pieces of music, Latin American Dance movements and Americanisms in dialogue. The dazzling array of music featured stunning classical melodies such as 'America' . As Producer James Mason said, 'There is nothing easy about West Side Story. The demands are great on cast and crew.' This became even more apparent when giving the boys crash courses in dancing .

Leah Kinnon performed brilliantly as Maria, as did Melissa Hickey who played Anita. Shaun Devonish-Mears as Tony, Gyton Grantley as Bernardo and Peter Kelly as Chino also are to be commended for

their brilliantly performed lead roles. Some nights were sold out and the audience's comments reflected the obvious enjoyment of those who were there to see 'West Side Story' performed . Not only did the Girls Grammar cast learn a thing or two about putting on productions, so did the crew. By the end of the production, heads were spinning with new

information about how to rig lights, produce the best soundquality and effects, light the stage in the best way possible, how to fly in curtains and signs and generally the best ways to work backstage.

Students from Anglican Church Grammar School contributed greatly to the success of the production with their professionalism, enthusiasm and commitment. Thanks must be extended to Sybil Edwards, Susan Dean,

James Mason , Malcolm Cole and all others for the long and endless hours which helped to make this year's combined production one of the best ever put on by Brisbane Girls Grammar and Churchie. Congratulations also to all the students on this memorable production .

ADELE MARRIOTT (STAGE MANAGER)

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