Students show us what they can do (From Gazette)

Students show us what they can do

6:00pm Friday 8th June 2012 in Theatre By Neil D'Arcy-Jones

A MUSICAL fable from the pens of Stephen Sondheim and Jule Styne is the latest production by students at Colchester Institute.

Gypsy the Musical will showcase the talents of those taking the college’s extended diploma in musical theatre.

Nova Hughes, course leader and director of the show, says: “This is their last year of a two-year course and I must say they’ve done really well with some of them getting places at good drama schools, such as East 15 in Southend.

“This show forms part of their final year project and they’ve been working hard on it since October.

“I suggested Gypsy because it’s not been done much in this country in recent years and I think it’s one of the best musicals of all time.

“It’s a huge challenge for them, but they’re more than up to it.”

Gypsy tells the story of Rose, the ultimate showbusiness mother, who struggles to raise two children on the vaudeville stage.

The full-scale production will include a live band from the college’s music department, as well as a backstage crew made-up of degree students on the technical theatre course.

Nova adds: “We’re very lucky to have all these different departments at our disposal, but it does mean we can give the students the full experience of putting on a professional show, as well as giving the audience a great production to come and see.”

Gypsy the Musical Main Hall, Colchester Institute Sheepen Road June 13-15, 7.30pm, Sat mat 2.30pm, From £8