Mac.Rob Combined Musical, 2022
I still remember all the recesses and all the lunchtimes I spent in the music rooms, practising “Moonfall”, preparing for the big audition day. I remember thinking, “This song is too difficult, I will never be able to hit these notes.” Then it was the day of the audition. Mr. Bowler, Mr. Grant, Ms. Simpson, and Mr. Wegner (and his dog) sat behind a table, and I remember being so nervous my vision turned white. The auditions flew by, I only faintly recall walking in, then walking out and into my friends’ hug. I won’t lie and say auditions are fun, but I met so many people that day, who three months later (with me as the virtuous Rosa Bud), I found again at the first rehearsals. Rehearsals for Drood were the highlight of my week. I would eagerly await the days when I could sing and dance with the new friends I made, and watch how everything progressed so smoothly along. Singing my solo for the first time in front of the cast was so nerve-wracking, but that was the last time my voice would shake for the duration of the show. That day, I crossed a barrier, and my stage fright had (mostly) disappeared.
Throughout the show, the cast was so supportive of each other, and we became really close friends. (I mean, we did spend almost more time at rehearsals than at school…) A rehearsal that stood out to me was the first dress rehearsal. It was so magical. It felt like all the hard work was finally coming together and the opening night was almost tangible. Another rehearsal which was much less magical, but the same amount of hard work, was when almost half the cast caught COVID (a cast that catches COVID together, stays together, am I right?). There were a total of 10 of us at the rehearsal, trying to do a full run-through of a show with almost all the principals at home. It was… an interesting day, full of frustration, but a resolute feeling of determination, the show must go on! Then came the big night. I had forgotten how much I had missed being on the big stage. The feeling of quick changes, makeup touchups, and running to the other side of the stage, not be late for the next scene, brought such a specific feeling of adrenaline that I will never forget.
Thank you to the cast, for all the hard work to make such an amazing performance. Thank you to the teachers involved, Mr. Bowler, Mr. Grant, Mr. Wegner, Ms. Simpson, Mr. de Korte, Brendan, and Arna, for having a vision, and allowing us to bring it to life. Thank you to the crew, for always being there and helping things run so smoothly. Thank you to the orchestra, for being so amazing, and always covering up our mistakes, even when we would skip a whole bar of singing. Thank you to the audience, for being so supportive, voting and cheering and boosting the overall energy of the performance. Thank you for making me the murderer on Saturday!! Thank you to everyone who let The Mystery of Edwin Drood come to life, and I will treasure these memories forever!
Your virtuous Rosa Bud,
Natalie L, Year 11