Victoria High SchoolBԪַs theatre department will be the first to bring Ranked, The Musical to Greater Victoria, when it debuts at the Esquimalt High theatre, March 9 through 12.
The pop-rock musical was written in 2019 by U.S. playwrights David Taylor Gomes and Kyles Holmes as a commentary on that yearBԪַs college admission scandal, where wealthy families were found to have bribed their children into several top universities.
The showBԪַs leads, Sidney, Lily, John, Jordan, Ryan and Alexis (portrayed by 10th through 12th graders Isla Fairbairn, Saidi Mader, Charlotte Harrison-Edge, Vincent Scholefield, Tobin Hocking and Olivia Walasek, respectively) live in a BԪַdystopianBԪַ world where academic success determines every facet of life.
When Lily, a sophomore, risks losing her ranked status, she repairs for BԪַRank Redemption;BԪַ a humiliating public performance of academic excellence, where students compete to be deemed worthy as BԪַRanked.BԪַ Over two acts, the 32 Victoria High School actors and 43 support members will explore themes of bullying, family complications, power, privilege and equity in the public school system. The music is closer to that heard on the radio than on Broadway said Kim Sholinder, musical theatre, drama and English teacher at Victoria High School.
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BԪַPeople are used to high schools choosing the kinds of shows they recognize,BԪַ Sholinder said, citing Grease, Bye Bye Birdie or Music Man. BԪַVic High is really fortunate that we have a really strong parent community who are really strong advocates of social justice and opening a dialogue. Vic High students are so eager to take on the challenge of a show that tackles some hard-hitting social justice issues.
The production has made several adaptions for challenges presented by the COVID, Sholinder said. BԪַWe expect a high level of commitment from students when theyBԪַre participating in musical theatre, but you have to be flexible when thereBԪַs an ongoing illness BԪַ so productionBԪַs been slower than usual with a really tight timeline for production,BԪַ she said. Rehearsals began in October.
Although Friday and SaturdayBԪַs shows are already sold out under a pandemic capacity of around 100, tickets for the Wednesday and Thursday shows may still be available at or by calling the school at 250-388-5456.
Do you have a story tip? Email: kiernan.green@blackpress.ca.
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