A high school known for its strong performance arts programming is back this week with a spring musical revue.
Superior Heights OnStage is returning to the Sault Community Theatre Centre after a successful run of Les Misérables this past February — which was a collaboration with White Pines OnStage.
May 1 and 2 will see the school’s theatre group perform a showcase of programming from their music, dance, and drama departments.
“Friend Like Me” is a spring musical revue centred on the themes of togetherness, friendship, and sharing artistic gifts, the school said in a news release.
Featuring the talents of nearly 70 arts students, there will be a range of year-end culminating activities, including:
- Dance routines
- Skits
- Solos and duets
- Group numbers
- Concert band instrumental performances
- Rock and roll from Steel Rock, the school’s official rock band
Admission is free. Donations will be taken at the door to support arts programming at the school.
“Our dance class is a mixture of experienced dancers and some who have never taken a dance class," said Alicia Annett, one of the varsity and junior dance team coaches and course instructor, who has choreographed some routines for her Grade 10 dance class.
"I am so proud of how hard they have been working and their willingness to step outside their comfort zone. Some of these students will be on stage for the first time in their lives! I’m so excited to see how far they’ll go with a live audience and all that enthusiasm from the crowd."
The class will perform a musical theatre piece as part of the showcase to Step in Time.
The school’s concert band has prepared a range of movie soundtracks to perform, from Star Wars to Pirates of the Caribbean.
Featuring more than 30 players, the students come from all grades in the high school program to work as an ensemble.
Rebekka Fry, concert band conductor, said she is proud of her performers.
“They are very diligent and attentive," she said. "Making musical choices is second nature to them, and they work so well as a team. Their sound is really terrific.”
The array of actors and musical theatre performers come largely from the experienced casts of previous Superior Heights OnStage productions like Spamalot and The SpongeBob Musical and Clue.
A variety of solos, duets, and small group numbers will highlight comedic and characterization talents of the group, the school said.
The school’s rock band, Steel Rock, coached by Marisa Valois and Mike Fera, and guitar students will accompany some of the numbers. They will be joined by the concert band and all the performers for a finale.
Director Anthony Aceti said he hopes audiences will find a way to celebrate the arts alongside the performers on stage.
“As the weather changes, we are all looking forward to celebrating a lighter, more relaxed season," Aceti said. "This spring showcase is the perfect activity to set the mood for what’s next – for the spring, of course, but also what’s next in our amazing arts community as we see so many young people take the steps to becoming more experienced performers. Full of joy and enthusiasm, these students and their exceptional talent won’t let you down!”
Seating is general admission (first come, first seated) and the doors will be open at 6:30 p.m.
What: Spring Musical Revue
Where: Sault Community Theatre Centre (White Pines C&VS, 1007 Trunk Rd.)
When: 7 p.m. May 1 and 2
How: Free admission (entry by donation), and general seating available
Who: Performing arts students from Superior Heights