A musical treat from S. Thomas’

“The costumes, the make up, the scen’ry, the props; The audience that lifts you when you’re down” goes the song, ‘There’s no business like show business’. ‘Rally Round the College Flag’ that goes on the boards of S. Thomas’ from May 25 is a family-evening filled with hip music, popular dance moves and tons of school spirit.

Everything about the creative undertaking sounds appealing. Designed and directed by Vinodh Senadeera, the production that encompasses the singing, dancing and acting talents of the students will be held at the college hall at 7.30 p.m. on May 25, 26, 27 and June 1, 2 and 3.

Presented by the Parent Teacher Association of S. Thomas’ College, the mega production that has been rehearsed for the past three months stars some 280 students in the age group of 5-18 in sequences of music and dance from Broadway shows, TV and film.

While the kindergarten and Form One students will perform the kids’ songs from Barney, the 8-10 year-olds will present favourites from Parent Trap, The Lion King and The Jungle Book amongst others. A pot-pourri of songs and dances from the King and I, Cats, Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan and Friends that are smash hits among teens but appealing to all ages are the offerings of the Middle School students.

On a slightly serious side, the senior section boys will perform a medley from Les Miserables and Aspects of Love. The film medley will include songs from The Rose and Arthur. Old boys Dayan Fernando and Rumesh Fonseka (both past choir leaders) will feature in the movie songs Love Story and New York, New York.

Soloists include Sandesh Bartlett, Ashwin Shaffter, Dinel Dias, Niran De Mel, Lochana de Alwis, Edwin Sujit, Janik Fernando, Mevyn Baskeran, Michael Alphonsus, Asanga Ranasinghe, Shanon Hannibal, Shan Jayasena, Chatura Gunasekera, Shehan Mendis and Denushka Perera.

With the colourful period costumes designed by Sharmila Fernando, choreography by Mohan Sudusinghe, sets and lights by Nimal Bulathsinhala and sound by Jerry Jayasinghe as well as outside entertainment by Imran Pakeer Saibu, the show promises to be a professional effort.

The 1 ½ hour show will be followed by more fun and entertainment in the college quadrangle that will have dinner stalls and various groups performing on different nights. A grand fireworks display is on the cards for the finale. Proceeds from the event will go towards infrastructure development in the college campus.

Tickets are now available at the college Gym, Premium Stationers, Liberty Plaza and at the Janashakthi office.