News and event information for Williams Lake, BC - as it happens.

By LeRae Haynes

Whether they are new to the ‘Maranatha Musical’ experience or seasoned fans, audiences are destined for delight when the lights come up on ‘Flapper’ next week. The musical comedy features a story based in the 1920s, with music, characters and dancing, meticulously directed and choreographed by Becky Strickland.  

The musical production is starring high school students from Maranatha Christian School, and celebrates the 10th year that Williams Lake and surrounding communities have been entertained by the fresh talent of local young people

The high-quality annual musicals have given students unique and unforgettable opportunities for 10 years, and have helped build self-esteem, teamwork and leadership in students that they carry with them into the rest of their lives.

Melissa McCauley is a Grade 12 student who is celebrating her seventh year on stage at Maranatha. Her first play was when she was in Grade 6, and a new student at the school. “My first part was a talking daisy in ‘Alice Through the Looking Glass,’” she said. “My second was in Grade 7 where I played Baloo the Bear in ‘Jungle Book’ and had my first solo."

She plays Mrs. Augusta Granville, the aunt of Miss Polly Pepper, in the play. “She may not be the ‘brightest star in the star’ in the sky and she mainly deals with conflict by ignoring its existence, but she is kind and well-meaning and brings comedic delight to the production,” she explained.

Melissa, who is a great team player behind the scenes and in the spotlight, said that doing musical theatre at Maranatha has taught her a lot about working together for a common goal. “It really brings out the best in people when you have a team that does something together like this. It’s a lot of fun—all the work really pays off,” she said.

One of her favourite parts of being on stage at Maranatha is the dancing, and she said that there is a great deal of variety in both the music and dance in this production. 

She said that she is truly looking forward to opening night: the excitement of the whole cast and crew and the surprises in store for the audience. “People are looking for excitement, for a good show and to be thoroughly entertained,” she explained.

Another Grade 12 student in the spotlight for ‘Flapper’ is Jesse Middleton, who plays the Duke of Milford.

He started at Maranatha in the last part of Grade 8, and said that when he arrived at the school he had no idea that theatre was such a big deal. His first clue was the next year when a whole group of Grade 9 boys convinced each other to try out for drama. With no musical experience whatsoever, his first musical was ‘Wipeout’ and his second was ‘Nifty Fifties.’  Jesse took to it quite naturally, adding the occasional personal twist to a line and keeping his co-actors thoroughly entertained.

Jesse said that he’s thoroughly enjoying his first antagonist, and loves being a ‘scumbag.’ 

Another part of the Maranatha stage experience that he’s enjoying is the dancing. “I really loved the 50s dancing—the couples dancing,” he said. “The 20s dancing is more ‘all over the place’ and really lively.”

He said that being in musicals at the school has taught him the importance of diligence, and certainly increased his self-confidence

‘Flapper’ opens on Thursday, December 1 at 7:00pm at Maranatha Christian School and Tickets are available at Wise Owl Toys.

The play dates are December 1-3 at 7:00pm, December 8-9 at 7:00pm and December 10 at 1:00pm and at 8:00pm.

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