Rector’s eNews 25: 20 August

One of the focal points of the past week was the magnificent production, along with St Anne’s, of the musical, Jesus Christ Superstar, which was staged from Wednesday to Sunday in the Schlesinger Theatre.

With a cast of 75 boys and girls spanning all ages, apart from the orchestra of twelve and a backstage crew of eight, the production gave the opportunity for many boys to experience a different sort of teamwork – and they were magnificent over four performances. Congratulations to the Director, Mr William le Cordeur, the Musical Director, Mr Gareth Dry, and the cast headed by Luneziwe Mshengu (Jesus), Corban Chellan and Thato Moumakwa (Judas), Leila Fleming, and Monj de Klerk (Mary), Mark Conway (Pilate), Reese Hill (Herod), Roelof Rossouw (Caiaphas), Ashton McCormick (Simon), Max Oliver (Peter), Jamie Anderson (Annas), Trent Buckley, Mikhael Geemoi, Darren Phala and Neo Selebi (High Priests) , and all the apostles and followers.

This was a truly vibrant production, and a number of laudatory messages have been received this week, one of which from an Old Boy who has been close to the school for many years and reads as follows:

“Good morning William,

Just wanting to send a quick note of gratitude to you, Gareth and your teams for the most superb performance of Jesus Christ Superstar. Quite frankly we left the theatre quite gobsmacked! To think that this is a schoolboy production leaves one in awe. The voices of the young cast individually and collectively are remarkable and the depth of tone beyond their years. Without doubt this is the most exceptional Michaelhouse production of any kind that I have ever seen. Hopefully, you have instilled in many a deep love of theatre and the arts.

The challenge will be to continue to maintain this standard in years ahead. I certainly hope that as the next challenge you will consider Les Misérables!

Well done, enjoy a well-earned rest and congratulations to the whole team – I am justifiably proud of Michaelhouse.”

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