focusinterview.
PLC Armidale production of
ROALD DAHL'S
Matilda
A
ccording to Producer, Mrs Kate Clynch and Artistic Director, Mrs Jo Wysel, it was the perfect production for an all-girls’ school to perform. FOCUS took time out to speak with them during their rehearsals recently: What was so appealing about the opportunity to perform Matilda? Jo: PLC Armidale is a school full of talented students, and we were actively looking for our next musical production to be performed in 2019. When the rights for Matilda the Musical became available for a limited number of schools in Australia, we knew that we wanted to apply! The cast is perfect for a girls' school and gave us the chance to have a large ensemble, giving so many of our students a chance to be on the stage. The excitement that reverberated around the school when we announced that our production was going to be Matilda the Musical just confirmed that it was the perfect musical for us. Kate: This was an opportunity to have some real fun with a show. Despite the musical being technically rather complex, the characters and the songs are very memorable, and it moves along at a roaring pace. Often hilarious, but with real moments of poignancy, this show is one that will delight audiences young and old. The main message of Matilda is that young people can have a voice, and effect real change in their communities, and this is a message that really resonated with us, and with our school as well. As Matilda sings, “Even if you’re little, you can do a lot; you
The Creative Arts and Music staff at PLC Armidale are excited, and for very good reason. PLC Armidale is the first school in the New England / North West region to be granted the rights to perform “Matilda the Musical”, Tim Minchin’s contemporary musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s, “Matilda”.
THE MAIN MESSAGE OF
musn’t let a little thing MATILDA IS THAT YOUNG like little stop you”. PEOPLE CAN HAVE A VOICE, What was the AND EFFECT REAL CHANGE audition process like? IN THEIR COMMUNITIES, Jo: The large amount AND THIS IS A MESSAGE taking the opportunity to of interest in Matilda THAT REALLY RESONATED make use of our excellent meant that we had a WITH US, AND WITH OUR boarding facilities. It rigorous and lengthy SCHOOL AS WELL. was also lots of fun for audition process. students, as they spent We opened up our big days singing, and auditions to male learning choreography, as students at NECOM, and to brothers of our well as having time to get to know each other PLC students, for some of the roles. Along as a cast. It is great to see students from Year with our Musical Directors Matthew Minter 5 to Year 12 coming together and making and Sam Jacometti, and Assistant Director Jan connections through the creative arts. Patterson, we held a whole day of auditions Kate: We have a dedicated production initially. Students were asked to individually crew, who bring a wealth of expertise to the prepare a song from the musical, as well as production. Musical direction is from Matthew a script excerpt, and performed these for our Minter, Sam Jacometti and Connie Dunham, panel. and our resident speech and drama guru, Mrs Kate: Students were then put through Jan Patterson has been putting our drama their dance paces, being taught some students through their paces. Sets, costumes choreography by our Director and and stage management are being most ably Choreographer, Jo, in small groups to show managed by Set Designer Helen Templeton, us their dance skills. Call-backs followed for supported by Millie Graham and Shane principal roles, and by the end of the process Moffitt. We have also been lucky to have our we had a stellar cast to start rehearsing with. Year 12 Captain of Drama, Ria Kealey, and With a cast of nearly 60 students, the stage at Captain of Dance, Aisha Kleindienst on board the UNE Arts Theatre is going to be a heaving for the rehearsal process. Past PLC Armidale hive of activity at the end of October. student Darcy Campbell also made the trek How are the cast and crew shaping up? to Armidale to work with students at Matilda Jo: Things are looking amazing! This cast Camp. is working so hard, and their talent is shining What can the audience expect from the through. Students and staff gave up the last production? days of the recent holidays to attend "Matilda Kate: An outstanding display of the talent Camp": a three day, intensive, immersive at PLC Armidale! Our cast is headed up by our two talented Matildas, Scarlett Loxley rehearsal camp at PLC, with many students
and Amber Hahn, both students in Year 7. The tyrannical Trunchbull will be played by Michael Harrell, and the lovely Miss Honey will be performed by Isabelle Taylor. The principal characters are sure to delight audiences, as they transport them to the world of Roald Dahl’s Matilda. Jo: The choreography is high energy, and showcases the dancing flair of the cast, and the talented orchestra is going to bring Tim Minchin’s music to vibrant life. This is a very modern musical, so watch out for some exciting set changes, vibrant costumes, and just a little bit of magic on the stage. Audiences can expect an enthralling production, that is suitable for the whole family. We can’t wait to share it with you!
PLC Armidale production of Matilda the Musical When October 31, November 1 and 2 (7pm, with an additional Matinee on Saturday from 1pm). Where UNE Arts Theatre, Armidale. Tickets www.trybooking.com/BDHEZ TICKETS ON SALE NOW Adults $35; children/concession $25. Enquiries PLC Armidale Reception on 6770 1700 or info@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au New England focus. 43