Westside certainly came alive on Thursday 17th July 2008 with the wonderful sounds of the cast and orchestra of ‘The Sound of Music", with sell out performances on the Friday and Saturday nights. The ambience of the show was complemented by extraordinary sets, an exceptional orchestra and an enthusiastic and talented cast. The talent of the Shepparton High School production students was indeed exceptional. Behind the scenes a very diligent crew ensured that the show with its many, many scene changes ran smoothly and efficiently, and at the front of house the audience were greeted gracefully by Sister Sarah and her crew.
I feel privileged to have worked with this talented cast and am proud of efforts that each of them put into the show. Their ability to bring their characters to life was outstanding and truly a credit to each and every one of them. I commend them all.
I would like to take this opportunity to also thank the community who year after year support our production:
Applite for the chandelier, Notre Dame College Chapel for the kneelers, Scanlons for the gates, Friar's Café for the pedestal candelabras, STAG for costumes and props, The Academy of Hair Design and Beauty for styling the wigs and WIN TV, Shepp News, 96.9. 95.3, 98.5 and Prime info-line for the advertising. My heartfelt gratitude and thanks is also extended to Louise McDade-Cartey for her ability to see into my head and design a set exactly as I pictured, to Giulia Rigoni for developing the logo, programs, posters and collage, to Glen Kuehnapfel who without hesitation donated hours to assist in framing up and assembling the sets and Maryann Linehan, June Teller, Margaret Scholz and Catriona Jenkins for costumes as well as Leigh Kuehnapfel who was my assistant. Thank you also to the many staff members and parents who assisted in various capacities with show.
Thank you to our adult guests and students from Wanganui who kindly volunteered their services in the orchestra. It was greatly appreciated and your input certainly added to the show. A special thank you to the amazing staff choir, I hope you enjoyed yourselves and have found your vocation.
The professionalism of the staff at Westside also made our stint there both enjoyable and a valuable learning experience for the students who took on a technical role within the show.
Finally a big thank you to Tricia Sargant, the Musical Director who again has been instrumental in developing the cast and orchestra. Her ability and dedication is truly motivating. Thank you also Chris Dainton, the Assistant Director who has been an enormous support and inspiring colleague. I look forward to working with Chris in the future.
To the parents of the production students, thank you for your support in getting students to rehearsals on time and ensuring that the students were equipped with extra items needed for the show.
I have been overwhelmed by the cast this year and by the way the show has been received with the audiences. It has been lots of fun putting The Sound of Music together and I look forward to taking on the challenge again next year.
Julie Natalizio
Director/Manager
