Last week performers from Virden Collegiate’s production of Elton John and Tim Rice’s AIDA were excited to learn that they had been chosen to receive a Rainbow Stage Performance Award from Winnipeg’s Rainbow Stage. Throughout the 2015-2016 year, musicals from around the province of Manitoba were judged in the areas of performance, sets and costumes, vocals and choral work, and overall direction. A Winnipeg panel of judges witnessed 18 productions across the province this year. The panel consists of experts from different areas of expertise - television producers, technical personnel, musicians, etc. The panel arrived in Virden and was instantly overwhelmed by the beauty of Virden’s treasure, the historic AUD Theatre. When the school was notified of the prize, the judging panel offered this feedback…
“This was a well-rehearsed, directed, and dynamic production in all aspects. We were impressed with the strong chorus with very secure harmonies. The Gods Love Nubia was a wonderful example of the strength of the choral work. A very creative and emotional production - every actor/actress stayed in character the entire show. Body language and facial expression of actors were consistent throughout the production. You have a lot of talent in your community. The entire cast was dedicated to their parts to make each scene come alive. There was great chemistry among leads on stage. Great props and costumes - an outstanding show!”
The school received a $1,000 scholarship and complimentary tickets to see the opening night of Shrek the Musical at Rainbow Stage, so the cast is busy planning this special trip.
Co-Directors Michelle Chyzyk and Dean Munchinsky spoke of how deserving these students were. Chyzyk said that the leads in the show showed great maturity as performers, working intensely for five months scoring their scripts and developing their characters and relationships with each other on the stage. The pop/rock show was very challenging and the students rose to this challenge. The entire cast enjoyed tackling this deeply moving story and brought such emotion to their work. They absolutely fell in love with the powerful music. Munchinsky had this to say, “Every time we tackle a new project, we seem to be taking each dimension of the show to a new level. We have crazy talented and dedicated people working in the areas of lighting, sets, costumes, props, and make-up and this group continues to strive to learn more and is taking the production quality to an incredible level. Probably we are the most proud of the atmosphere and camaraderie that are part of the production process. It was fun to note that the judges could not stop talking about the obvious relationships between cast members that they witnessed. They remarked that it was truly special - we agree!”
Of course the productions at the AUD Theatre are becoming very well known. The last community productions of Footloose, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Grease, and The Sound of Music played to packed houses from across the Westman area and beyond.
This fall the creative team is excited to be presenting Gershwin’s Crazy For You in November. This show is Broadway entertainment at its finest - lots of humour, Broadway glamour, and all-out production numbers. The musical features many well-loved classics such as “I Got Rhythm”, Embraceable You”, “Slap That Bass”. “Can’t Take That Away From Me”, and many more. The show will be supported by an exciting big band/ orchestra led by Mark Humphries and a “crazy” talented cast.
For more information about the show, or to arrange an audition time, please contact Michelle Chyzyk at chyzykm@ gmail.com. Auditions will be scheduled on June 29, June 30, and throughout the first week of July. If these times are not convenient, please contact Michelle to make arrangements for another time. In the words of Ira Gershwin, “Who could ask for anything more?”
