IPA’s MPR transformed into a Broadway theatre as students and faculty members showcased their many talents in this year’s spring production. A musical review: Broadway Melodies. More than 80 Secondary students and several faculty and administrative staff performed together to deliver an impressive selection of vocal and dance numbers. From the rhythmic and fast-paced “Rock Island” and “Ease on Down” to the poignant “Castle in a Cloud” and “Worlds Apart”, from the drama of “Agony” to the comical and wacky “Dentist”, the performers danced and sang to three full houses of dazzled and grateful audience members.’
“This was my first time performing on stage. It was a challenge for me to put myself out there; it was definitely outside my comfort zone to be singing and dancing on stage” explains Chloe Davis, a grade 6 student who worked behind the scenes as a stage manager in the fall production. “I liked working behind the scenes just as much as I enjoyed performing even though the experiences were pretty different,” Chloe continues. “I just hope to be able to participate in future productions in any way I can because it was so interesting and fun, and each time I have ended the production have more friends than I did before.”
While Directorial Team of Brandi Dul, Micah Hirokawa and Mike Axelrod ran the helm, every facet of the production from choreography, to make up, hair, props, stage management, lights and sound, set design and costumes were managed by students. And with the exception of one song, all of the performances were directed by students. “What an invaluable experience. Our (IPA’s) theater department offers so many opportunities to step out of your comfort zone and try something new,” expressed Sharon Nakamura, IPA parent. “And then we get to see how incredibly talented so many of our students are! It’s really a great program,” Nakamura exclaimed.
IPA’s Theatre Department offers two productions per school year. The fall production, typically a play, is presented towards the end of October and the spring production.
Mia Chapman (’20), Elaine Adams (grade ’20), Rylyn Bravo (grade ’19) and Hannah Button (grade ’18) ease on down the road.
Nattalia Anseeuw (’21) sings about her guy to her chicks (from left) Andie LeDoux (’21), Meta Bradley (’22), Preeya Prasad (grade ’21), Kaitlyn Taaca (grade ’21) and Grace Gehrich (’21).
