November is here and the fall season is slowly slipping away as we enter into winter and that can only mean that things are heating up in the world of the Holy Redeemer Drama Department as tickets are officially on sale for their 2023 main stage production of Miracle on 34th Street (plus The Grinch).
“Our students have been working incredibly hard on this production,” says Drama Teacher Peter Taylor. “Some of the actors have been rehearsing up to three or four times a week in preparation for the run of performances at the end of the month.”
Over 40 grade 7 to 12 students will take part in the production. The play is based off of the 1947 movie of the same name, but it will take place in modern day New York City. Not only will the play have the same magic and belief in the Christmas spirit as the film, but it will also feature a very special Grinch featurette. “People have been asking how we will incorporate The Grinch into our show,” says Taylor. "Well, you’ll just have to buy a ticket and find out.”
The students are set to perform the play eight times over a four day period. Five of the performances will be for the general public. Showtimes will be at 7 pm from November 29th to December 2nd, plus a special 2 pm matinee on December 2nd. The other three performances will be for the local school community such as Vanier, Mary Bergeon and Westhaven,” says Taylor. “We always love welcoming the many schools in our community to join us.” All performances will be at the Red Brick Arts Centre.
Tickets for the play will be $10 each and available at the school office by calling 780-723-7437. More information on the show can be found on the school’s website, holyredeemerhigh.ca. In past years, HRH plays have sold out fast, but COVID certainly slowed things down, so be sure to call for tickets as there will likely be some for sale over the next few weeks. But don’t wait too long, or they will all be gone.
As the students continue to rehearse, they become extremely excited to hear that the show is only weeks away. “It’s crazy to believe that we’ve been working on this show for the past month and a half, but
here we are,” says grade 10 student Hayden, who will play Kris Kringle. “Every time it’s mentioned how many days we have until showtime, everyone gets even more excited.”
here we are,” says grade 10 student Hayden, who will play Kris Kringle. “Every time it’s mentioned how many days we have until showtime, everyone gets even more excited.”
For some students, this play will be bittersweet as this will be their last main stage play at HRH because they are graduating at the end of the year. “This is my last big play,” says grade 12 student Delaney Kuilboer, who will play The Grinch. “I couldn’t ask for a better part in my final show. I really want to do this character justice.” Other grade 12 students who will be singing their swan song are Aisha (Ms Sawyer), Kensley (Bag Lady), Hayley (Judge Harper), Cassie (Doris Walker), and Dylan (Fred Gayley).
The play has already garnered a lot of community support from local businesses through sponsorship donations. Thus far, the major sponsors of the play are Aurora Eye Care, Backwoods Energy Services, Bannister Edson, Canadian Tire, Chyln Safety Services Ltd, Jensen’s Lifestyle Clothing, Weyerhaeuser, and Wild Rows Pump and Compression. The Drama Department is still collecting sponsors and if any business is interested, please contact Mr. Taylor at the school.
With that, we hope to see everyone buying their tickets as these young actors look forward to seeing you at the show.