Iona Production 2008
The Iona College production for 2008 will be ‘High School Musical On Stage’ the stage version of Disney Channel’s international hit ‘High School Musical’ (by arrangement with Hal Leonard Australia Pty Ltd, Exclusive agent for Music Theatre International NY).
The production will be directed by Ms Emilia Keene and assisted by Mr Darren Harbinson whose last directorial collaboration was for Iona’s 2005 sold out season of the dynamic cinematic drama ‘Blowout’ that starred Peter Mondolo (’05), Chris Milligan (’05), Tom Black (’06) and Kristian Boulter (’06).
Previous Productions
Iona’s 2007 production was Margery Forde’s ‘Snapshots From Home’. Winner of the 1996 Australian Writers’ Guild Award (AWGIE), Snapshots evolved out of an oral history project conducted by the Queensland Performing Arts Trust Prime of Life Arts Program as part of the Australia Remembers celebrations in 1995. Brisbane based playwright Margery Forde was initially given 600 pages of words, recorded during interviews conducted by Oral Historian, Sue Pechey, to weave skilfully into a record of the participants’ recollections.
The play is based on the wartime memories of twenty-four men and women from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. Their stories are light-hearted, heartbreaking, sobering, tragic and some delightfully funny. The play combines a series of ‘snapshots’, linked together by visual images, radio broadcasts, dance, music and songs. The production created opportunities that allowed numerous students to be involved in a variety of areas.
This collage drama was originally written for four actors to play a multitude of roles, however, we engaged a cast of 43 boys and girls. Despite the large cast, we earnestly aimed to maintain the simplicity and integrity of the original stories. The play was directed by Mr Brian Townsend. He was ably assisted by a team of enthusiastic teachers; Mrs Crystal Brindley (Musical Director), Mrs Penny Byrne (Choreographer), Mr David Cockburn (Producer), Mr Craig Dye (Sound & Lighting), Mr Darren Harbinson (IT Design), Mr Glen Jorna (Visual Design) and Ms Emilia Keene (Rehearsal Assistant). Thanks also to their support team; Mrs Andree Balfe, Mr Kevin Dubber, Mrs Kirsten Hudson, Mrs Karen Jackson, Ms Rosie Powell, Ms Donna Salsone, Ms Angela Smith and Mrs Carole West.
A production of this size would not have been possible without the generous assistance and support of parents and friends, and the production team extends our hearty thanks to everyone who has contributed to this production, especially to our wardrobe ladies; Lisa Ferrari, Suzanne Parker and Anne Ziegenfusz.
‘Snapshots’ is truly a most endearing play that incorporates moments of pure tragedy as well as moments of honest comedy and this allowed numerous students the opportunity to shine in our College’s ensemble production.
The students were fortunate to be able to share an afternoon with the playwright Margery Forde and her actor-husband Michael. Forde shared her feelings about the play and explained her approach to the writing of the play. Her attachment to the contributors who she initially worked with was obvious and endearing. It was a great experience for the students to meet her and she was most generous and open in her conversation with them.
Overall, the production was a success and the College was able to donate $3000 to Brisbane Legacy to help in their work.
This production followed the College's 2006 highly successful sold out season of Toadshow’s 'Glamalot' directed by Ms Emilia Jeffries. The musical was a parody of The Knights of the Round Table and it rocked to the sounds, grooves, moves and fashions of the decade of the seventies.
In 2005, the College staged a contemporary cinematic drama 'Blowout' by Markwell Presents. This sold out production featured a cast of students, staff and parents. It was a tremendous success and a fine testament to the quality and depth of talent within both our student body and teaching staff. Special congratulations to Ms Emilia Keene (nee Jeffries) and Mr Darren Harbinson for their ground breaking work on this production - it was simply inspiring!
In 2004, Mr Brian Townsend directed the stage version of American Harper Lee’s timeless classic ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’. “Mockingbird’ is a touching story about prejudice, the truth and the need for understanding and compassion. In 2003, Iona staged the musical ‘Godspell’. Director, Ms Emilia Keene, revived the 1970's musical by placing it in an urban, industrial landscape reflective of our contemporary world. The musical was the story of a group of alternate rockers who met at a concert and became swept up in the Gospel of Saint Matthew as told by a rock musician and a mysterious drifter. The cast donned fishnets, leather pants and black eyeliner and rocked IPAC in what evolved into a gutsy grunge-gig!
Iona College looks forward to another triumphant production in 2008!
Don't miss out on a fantastic night at the theatre!
Venue Details
Iona Performing Arts Centre
85 North Road
WYNNUM WEST
