Drama and Theatre
Grease
Last Sunday our full Musical Company began filming Grease. The excitement was intense as our students stepped into our studio to commence filming Act One. Masterfully edited and engineered by our tutor Mr Peter Atkins, our film score recorded by our musicians and vocalists sounded spectacular. It was so wonderful to have our full company together. Many of our student leaders are involved in the production. Here is what some of them have to say about the experience so far. The resilience, adaptability and determination of our company and young leaders is something of which we should all be very proud.
“The Redlands musical has always been my favourite time of the year, but being through the first professional filming of the musical has truly exceeded my expectations. The dedication from every member of the cast and crew has been wonderful, the commitment from everyone involved in the Musical organisation has been inspiring and the ability to have multiple takes has been such a relief.” Theo Mirrlees-Black, School Captain
“Just like in 1971, Grease started out as a musical and was soon adapted into the 1978 film GREASE. We are hoping that ours is just as big a hit and you enjoy the era of 1950’s inspired ‘greasy hair’ ‘greasy engines’ and can now enjoy it with ‘greasy food’ in the comfort of your own home! This has been a difficult yet rewarding experience for everyone involved and I would like to personally thank my greasy family production, band, hair and makeup and the cast for everything over the last two years and for their inspirational focus and their dedication to the Arts community. I would also like to make a formal thank you to the incredibly dedicated staff who have made this a positive transition and their continuous flexibility which has been transferred to the students. With your help, the Redlands Grease production can become the highest grossing film in 2021 just like it was in 1978. So come on Redlands community you better shape up! ” Maddie Hunt, Arts and Theatre Captain
“Filming began for Grease last Sunday and proved to be a huge success, with all members of the cast working incredibly hard to ensure that the day ran as smoothly as possible, considering it was our first time filming. The optimism and engagement from all students made the entire process incredibly enjoyable, and their continual positivity is to be congratulated, as, despite our disappointment of not being able to perform live at The Concourse, we have embraced the idea of a film version of Grease with eagerness and unparalleled enthusiasm. The Yr 12s would like to commend and thank each and every one of the Company for this, and that although it is not in the form we expected, we will still be putting on a spectacular show. It will be the very first, and likely last, ever time that a Redlands Musical shall be filmed and presented through such a medium. The Yr 12s, musicians, makeup artists, hairstylists, costume crew, production crew, staff, and of course the rest of the cast, are thrilled to present to you: Grease: The Musical – The Movie, coming to a theatre near you in 2021.” Toby Griffiths Drama Captain
“Filming Grease 2021 has so far been what one could only describe as the best possible outcome from a challenging situation; to a once in a lifetime experience. Participation in school musicals has been an incredibly large part of the Redlands journey of many students such as myself, and whilst the change of expectations that came with having the musical filmed was, at first, daunting, the thrill felt by myself and the rest of the cast during last Sunday’s filming day was truly ethereal. I am so looking forward to seeing where this experience takes us all.” Bethany Richardson Captain of Choirs
“As the making of the Redlands Musical Movie Grease continues to be nothing but fun and hard-earned success, we have students from all backgrounds in the school coming together to make a once in a lifetime viewing and production experience for all to see. Due to the earlier setbacks the School experienced in the production of the Musical, staff and students are readier and more enthusiastic than ever to band together and overcome the mighty hurdle of turning a musical play into a musical film production, as was the original 1971 movie Grease. A huge thank you to the cast for giving their best performances on stage and the production crews (including teachers) working behind the scenes to ensure the success and smooth transitions between scenes and sets whilst keeping track and maintenance of the numerous props that were used throughout the filming of the first Act. We would also like to thank the other makeup artists, hair stylists and costume designers for keeping the cast as sharp and snazzy as their 1971 counterparts were.” Gianni Watson Production Captain
“Time to whip out the popcorn and turn on the TV because we are coming at you with the most amazing movie musical and we can practically smell the Oscar nomination! Filming Grease has been one of the most incredible experiences ever – I mean, how many schools can you name that have produced their own movie musical… other than Redlands, you can’t name a single one, can you! Grease: The Musical: The Movie has been a truly magical experience for the cast and crew, and I think that they all deserve a round of applause for the immense amount of work which they have all put into it, even if they won’t be able to hear that applause live. With two years of rehearsals under our belt, the cast is more prepared than ever before and it’s easy to see that this will be one of the best musicals which the incomparable Mrs Daley has ever produced. A massive thank you to everyone who has worked on the Musical over the last two years, the continual positivity displayed by everyone involved, despite all the obstacles which we have faced as a production family, everyone remained enthusiastic and gave it their all, displaying a show of dedication to the Arts community, which has been nothing short of inspiring. Now, after two years everyone will finally be able to see a fabulous display of talent, perseverance and dedication, the likes of which Redlands has never seen. So sit back, relax and enjoy Grease: The Musical: The Movie, coming to a living room near you!” Felix Abrahams Arts Captain
Tickets for Grease: The Musical: The Movie go on sale shortly.
Theatresports
Redlands Drama and Theatre will be holding our Theatresports competition on Wednesday 24 March. Weather permitting, we hope to welcome parents back to enjoy our talented improvisers as they compete in the Fahl Garden. Further details will be announced shortly.
Mrs Joy Daley
Coordinator of Theatre and Drama
drama@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9860