“The show must go on!” A Penrhosian is someone who demonstrates resilience — and what character trait could be more relevant in 2020? Waking up to cancellations has become the new norm over recent months, thanks to COVID-19 — but not for the Penrhos Drama, Dance and Music students who remained focused on their preparation for the annual College Production. Head of Drama, David Ballantyne, was steadfast in his firm belief that ‘the show must go on!’ … and Broadway musical My Fair Lady will indeed proudly grace the Rixon Theatre stage this July, against all odds!
current Year 9 Wesley boys, two Wesley Old Boys, three boys from Hale School, and two from All Saints College.
Set in 1912 post-Edwardian London, Lerner and Loewe’s award-winning story of a cockney flower girl transformed into an elegant lady is widely considered one of the greatest musicals of all time. “We were all optimistic; however, the reality was that we may never perform due to COVID — or that we would have to perform at a later date, with restricted viewing,” says David. “The biggest challenge was the ongoing uncertainty.”
With an expectation of extra-large feather hats, costume designer Mardi Shaw was up for the challenge of period costumes and accessories from the 1900s. The Elizas alone have six costumes changes throughout the show!
Natasha Clegg (Year 12) and Sophie Harvey-Lissienko (Year 11) are double-cast in the lead role, Eliza Doolittle, with extra guests in supporting roles including several
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David reports that rehearsals are progressing well and the team is on track to deliver the first performance on 30 July. “You can hopefully expect a production that has not been affected by the pandemic, as well as several song and dance numbers which are joyous and colourful. ‘I could have danced all night’ is probably Eliza’s best-known number,” shared David, from behind the scenes of a recent rehearsal.
If WA remains COVID free — as we very much hope it will! — then a ‘full house’ is anticipated, even though Penrhos is required to hold off making tickets available to the community until 10 days out — the release date will be Monday, 20 July via penrhos.wa.edu.au/ myfairlady and the performance will be staged across three nights – Thursday 30 July, Friday 31 July and Saturday 1 August 2020.
