​Winter isn't the only time of year to enjoy musicals in SJASD. This spring, hundreds of students at the high school and middle school level wowed audiences with a variety of classic and nouveau fair.

While most of the productions have wrapped for the season, it bears recounting the tremendous efforts of students, and the many staff members without whom these productions would not have been possible. Congratulations casts, crews, directors, volunteers and others for taking us to an African savannah, to the tubes of London during the Blitz, to the streets of turn-of-the-century New York, and more.

Westwood and The Circle of Life

There's more to see than can ever be seen in Westwood's junior musical production of The Lion King Jr. The production ran from May 10 to 12 to rave reviews.

“It was such a fun retelling of the story we all know and love," says director Heather Neufeld. The musical tells the classic '90s Disney tale of Simba, the lion cub prince who runs away to the jungle after a traumatic incident and later returns to seek justice and claim Pride Rock from his scheming Uncle. 

The production involved 28 students from grades 9 and 10 and featured fantastic sets and costumes created by the students themselves, with the help of the Divisional Musical Theatre Program. Many of these students will be moving on to the Senior Production of Chicago in December.​

Lincoln and Sturgeon Take on a News Baron

Lincoln Middle School teacher and musical director? Sarah Muldrew says the cast of 27 students from Grades 6 to 9 rehearsed for five months leading up to their April 22 to 23 performances.

“We loved the energy this show had," says Sarah, adding that students worked incredibly hard, with some performing in a musical production for the first time.

In the musical, Jack leads a group of poverty-stricken newsboys demanding a better price for their newspaper bundles when a New York City newspaper baron squeezes their profits to help his own bottom line. Eventually, the boys overcome their plight and Jack realizes his place is in New York with his newfound friends.

“This was Lincoln's first full musical since the pandemic. It was such a great feeling, for both staff and students, to be back doing something that has always been a part of the culture of our school. We are all looking forward to next year's show already, Frozen Jr.!"

For Sturgeon's Music Director Avonlea Armstrong-Green, taking on Newsies from May 22 to 25 was a great way to showcase their students. “There were a lot of parts! We had so many talented students that we wanted to feature, and this musical gave many students a chance to have solos and speaking parts."

Their cast consisted of 44 Grade 9 to 12 students. “We loved the music," says Avonlea. “We were excited about the possibility of large group dance numbers, including one where almost our whole cast tap danced."

Avonlea says the younger students learned from the older students. “Students made friends across the grade levels. It was exciting to see the students grow in their singing, dancing, and acting skills."

Alice and the Blitz at John Taylor                                                                            

Wonderland gets a makeover in Alice by Heart, performed by John Taylor Collegiate students from May 1 to 4.

The musical tells the tale of Alice Spencer, a teenager forced to take shelter in the London subway system during the Blitz of London in World War II. Alice and her friend Alfred escape the war, and the terminal illness of Alice's dear friend, in the pages of her favourite book—Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

Erin Thorleifson is the Musical Director at John Taylor. “This story spoke to a number of our students who had dealt with grief, loss, and/or war, and many found the theme of growing up during unprecedented times deeply meaningful and relatable," she explains.

John Taylor is one of the first companies/schools in Canada to perform Alice by Heart after it was released to the public last fall. Erin came across the musical after her students expressed interest in taking on Wonderland.

“Of the many Alice in Wonderland scripts I read (there are an awful lot), this was my favourite one. I'm very proud of these dedicated performers for bringing this challenging, but beautiful show to life."​

Twenty-four students performed the show, with seven lead roles double-cast. Stage managers, lights, sound, props, costumes, and stage crew were all either students in the school's theatre production class or volunteers.

Bruce in World of Pure Imagination

Willy Wonka Jr. was the golden ticket for students and staff at Bruce Middle School from May 8 to 10.

The musical tells the classic, fantastical tale of an eccentric candy company owner's quest to find a successor and the children who unknowingly compete to claim this most delectable prize after finding a golden ticket in their Wonka chocolate bars.

“We are so proud of our student-centred musical program. Kids are involved in all stages of production and responsible for things like prop and set design, lighting, and sound. Their passion and leadership are what make our shows great!  It is great to see kids who may not feel as confident in other areas take on integral roles in acting, staging and production," says Director Dawn Carey.

Bannatyne Goes Far with Moana

In the last musical production of the school year, École Bannatyne is taking on Disney's giant success Moana Jr. from June 24 to 25.

The musical adaptation tells the story of a chief's daughter who dreams of voyaging across the seas like her ancestors in search of new islands for her people. But first the teenager must learn traditional skills and outsmart a demi-god.

Gabriela Gallo is the show's Director. “It has been my honour to work with such dedicated and talented students this year. It is incredible to watch them bloom right before my very eyes into the amazing performers that they have become. They will carry this experience with them for a lifetime."

This show includes all Grade 4 and 5 students from École Bannatyne who are thrilled to showcase their love of performing in the CSHC Theatre. This multi-award-winning group of 72 students will take you away on a musical adventure you will never forget.

Thank you students and staff for inspiring and entertaining the SJASD community this spring.