NEWS PHOTO CHRIS BROWN Cast of the Crescent Heights High School production "We Will Rock You" are seen during their Monday morning school performance. The show continues Feb. 6-8 and 11-15. All shows are at 7 p.m. and tickets are $25. For tickets and more information, please visit the school's website at chhsweb.ca.
Special to the News
With soaring vocals, flashes of neon, and foot-stomping musical numbers, Crescent Heights High School’s “We Will Rock You” certainly lives up to its title.
Directed by Jennifer Davies, “We Will Rock You” is the drama program’s latest production, a jukebox musical based on the songs of iconic rock band Queen. The cast and crew bring to life the story of Galileo (played on opening night by Lucas Semrau) and Scaramouche (Gabrielle Campbell), two misfits living in a distant future where individuality is outlawed and music is forgotten. With the help of a group of rebel Bohemians, they fight to overthrow the Killer Queen and give freedom, originality, and rock ‘n’ roll back to the world.
The cast of characters is colourful, and you’ll find yourself in awe of the vibrant costume design first, and then completely blown away by the cast’s vocal talent as they rise to the challenge of Freddie Mercury’s legendary range. Semrau and Campbell’s performances in particular are stunning, constantly taking you by surprise as they climb the scales in their show-stopping solos and duets. I would pay good money to hear them sing “Under Pressure” again.
The rest of the cast is excellent as well. The chemistry between Bohemian leaders Oz (Josie Hoffarth) and Brit (Noah Jackson) is an absolutely charming delight from the moment we meet them, and Brody Thompson’s portrayal of Buddy, a hippie librarian, is both hilarious and moving. The Killer Queen (Riley Streifel) is played with a quirky but undeniable power, her charisma making her a formidable villain as she embodies the lyrics of her theme song, and is well-supported by the evil Khashoggi in a commanding performance from Easton Nugent.
There’s something for everyone here: Romance, comedy, wonderfully-choreographed action scenes, and clever references that will delight lovers of music new and old. “No One But You” is a truly touching highlight, performed with respect and reverence for musicians we’ve lost over the years. By the end of the play, you will not be able to resist the infectious energy and enthusiasm in the theatre as the cast turns the titular song into a glorious anthem to being true to yourself.
“We Will Rock You” will not only deliver on the promise of its title, but also remind you why you love music, and how lucky we are to live in a world full of it.
The show continues Feb. 6-8 and 11-15. All shows are at 7 p.m. and tickets are $25. For tickets and more information, please visit the school’s website at chhsweb.ca.
