'Sound of Music' comes to Taman Mini via Pelita Harapan school
'Sound of Music' comes to Taman Mini via Pelita Harapan school
Geoff Marriott
Contributor/Jakarta
Sekolah Pelita Harapan, one of Jakarta's premier private schools,
will present the timeless Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, The
Sound of Music, at Teater Tanah Airku, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah
on Thursday, Nov. 24 through Saturday Nov. 26.
Auditions for the show commenced in March, with many students
competing for the coveted main parts. The roles of Maria and
Captain von Trapp were keenly sought after and were awarded to
Sanjana Mahtani (grade 10), Kendal Metcalfe (9), Brandon
Wirakesuma (11), and Ziggy Looho (12).
The cast has been rehearsing weekly for approximately eight
months -- currently, every day -- leading up to next week's
performance, under the superb direction of Coral Cady. She has
worked closely with Eric Bird (stage manager), Therese Wirakesuma
(musical director) and Donna Marriott (event coordinator).
The cast will be supported by a wonderful 36-piece orchestra
conducted by Therese Wirakesuma.
Sets and lighting will bring this classic story to life. The
school has flown in three of Australia's best audio and lighting
designers to help produce the show. Costumes have been fitted and
the show is now coming to life.
The show promises to be a tour de force of musical theater,
one not to be missed. The crew, cast and orchestra are all
excited about the upcoming performance.
Kendal Metcalfe, due to play Maria, has been moved by all the
preparations thus far: "Being a part of (the production) has been
one of my most thrilling school experiences. Not only have I
gained higher-quality friendships and valuable school memories
that I will treasure the rest of my life; it has ultimately
boosted my confidence and self-esteem."
Brandon Wirakesuma, who will play Captain von Trapp, has also
learned a valuable lesson from his participation in the
production: "Initially, I felt uncomfortable ... because it was
hard to draw any parallels between my life as an adolescent
student and that of a stern nationalist during the Second World
War.
"As rehearsals progressed, the continuous encouragement and
support of my peers and teachers strengthened my confidence in
portraying the Captain. I can now see beyond the loyal soldier
and understand the character of a man who values integrity and
love of family and country."
(The author is head of performing arts, Sekolah Pelita Harapan,
Karawaci, Banten province)