Following on from the highly acclaimed production of Jesus Christ Superstar last year, Rotorua Boys' High School continues to develop their Musical Theatre Department in 2013.
The department is headed by Director/Choreographer, Mr Robert Young who once again brings to the school a wealth of experience in musical theatre, along with a strong commitment to Education in the Performing Arts for which he was recognised last year with the Variety Artists of New Zealand Award.
The musical theatre course gives students the opportunity to gain self-awareness in confidence and performing.
Their first appearance out of the classroom will be in April this year, when they present 'War Letters to Home' which will be performed as part of the ANZAC Memorial Service and Super 8 Drama Competition. 'War Letters' is a reflection on actual letters sent from the front during World War I and World War II, including the Maori Battalion, as well as from Vietnam and Afghanistan.
The second major piece will be the musical, 'Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story' which gives students the opportunity to study the musical development from the 1950s and the influence of Buddy Holly. This piece is an excellent opportunity to understand how art reflects life, as it closely follows the real life of Buddy Holly.
Students will also be studying the diversity of musical theatre from its conception up to the present day.
To be staged in the Rotorua Boys' High School Memorial Hall, 'Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story' will be presented to the public and the school in September of this year with only four evening performances scheduled.
