Mirror Magazine

Mirror Magazine

From the heart…
By Esther Williams
Debut musical production, a movin’ and a groovin was a stunning presentation by the choristers of Wycherley International School. Directed by Ruwani Seimon, who has built a reputation for perfection, the show was spectacular, meeting all expectations of the audience.

Voices rang out in rich harmony to commence the evening that began with a medley from The Phantom Of The Opera, enhanced with dramatic costumes and lighting. Similarly, the medleys from Jesus Christ Superstar and Grease were simply great; the items so brilliant, making it obvious that immense practice had gone into it.

The line up interspersed some very popular western numbers with Korean, Tamil and Sinhalese songs to represent the international community the school is comprised of. While “Super Star” by the Korean group was catchy, the Tamil film song “Randhakka” was refreshingly different. Sporting pottus and flowers, students superbly sang and danced for this number that required them to be dressed in ethnic attire. Ruwani stepped to the front to direct the Sinhalese baila number, sung a’capella, when students took the place of instruments to produce amazing percussion sounds, keeping the audience well entertained.
In all the items, students reflected a stage presence that contributed to making their performances quite professional. Soloists such as Manthinda Wickramasooriya, who sang “I Need More Of You”, and Kei Watanabe, who sang “Colours Of The Wind” were naturals, revealing stellar qualities.

A Boney M medley by the Junior Choir went down extremely well too. “Brown Girl In The Ring”, “Rivers Of Babylon”, “Rusputin” and “El lute” flowed one after the other, the lively singing and dancing drawing much appreciation. “Say”, the original by the Director that talks about peace, the much-needed ingredient the country needs now, was certainly contextual.

Over 100 children featured in the massive production that has a special significance, as according to the director it marked the end of her days as a director of musical productions. As many would be aware, her 12-year musical journey, eight with Wycherley, has been forced to end owing to her illness. However, the discipline and dedication that she has inculcated in her students will certainly carry them further.

Ruwani, who has had a hand in various aspects of the production, had no choice but to leave it to her students from early March. A school show it may have been, but the impressive line up of items, rich harmony in singing, faultless timing of cues, brilliant choreography, lighting and stage effects added up to a near perfect production that combined the efforts of many teachers and students. A word of appreciation goes to Mahesh Denipitiya for the fantastic music tracks.

According to the Principal Kingsley Jayasinghe, the production was a special tribute to Ruwani Seimon, who has helped bring out the musical talents of their students over the years. The dynamic choir director was present on both days of the show; her gestures and expressions signalling encouragement. On Sunday, Ruwani made an emotional response expressing her gratitude to everyone when she received a standing ovation.

The perfectionist has outdone herself in this production. Students gave it their all in breathtaking style for the director who accepted only the best. Yusra Aziz said it on their behalf, “When we love someone, we put our hearts and souls into our performance.”

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