With the Gloucester High School (GHS) musical only two weeks away, students are hard at work in rehearsals preparing their parts for the big opening on June 20.

Some of the performers are making their third appearance on the GHS stage, with some claiming this is the most challenging show to date.

Drama teacher, Scott Davis and music teacher, Judy Ingram are continually raising the bar for their students, with the shows getting bigger and better, every second year the school undertakes a performance.

Two years ago, Seussical the Musical, appeared to be like climbing Mount Everest, but this year’s, Into the Woods, will surpass that metaphorical climb, with this year’s performers planning to reach for the stars.

But no challenge is too hard for the dedicated and highly motivated students, who happily give up their Monday afternoons, each week, to work on the show.

Year 12 student, Emme Moulds, who’s playing Jack in her third performance since starting high school, said this production is a different concept than the last show.

“The characters are more life-like and there are life lessons involved,” she said.

When asked about her committing to the musical while taking on her Higher School Certificate (HSC), she said, “ I love it so much, it’s just natural to be a part of it.”

Laura Dunlop, who is also performing her third musical, has taken on her biggest role to date, playing Cinderella.

“The songs are a lot more challenging,” the year 11 student said in comparison to Seussical.

The music has quick changes in tempo and beat with lots of interchanging between singers, setting a challenge not only for the singers, but for the 16 musicians who will be playing it live.

The orchestra is a combination of students and community members who have been getting together on Monday evenings, after the performers leave, to practice.

It’s not just experienced performers taking to the stage in a few weeks, but also a few newcomers.

Year 10 student, Marnie Barkwill hasn’t never been involved despite being a drama student, but this year took the plunge because of a friends encouragement and the fact that she doesn’t have to sing; taking on the two roles of Milky White and Granny.

Year nine students, Isabella Erasmus and Ethan Bird are also new to the GHS musical experience.

Isabella has been in a musical before, in her previous primary school in South Africa, performing in Afrikaans; this will be her first musical in English.

She’s excited about the opportunity, having only moved to Gloucester in the past year.

“It’s nerve-wracking,” she said about the pending performance as Rapunzel.

Ethan, on the other hand, seems rather calm about playing Rapunzel’s prince, taking everything in his stride.

“I thought I’d just be in the chorus,” he smiled. 

Mr Davis also believes this show is the most challenging one so far, but he is confident it will all come together in time of the first big performance.

“There's lots of talent here,” he smiled.

The show opens on June 20 at Gloucester High School Hall and runs until Saturday, June 24.

Tickets are adults $10, concession $6, family $26. For bookings: 6558 1605

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