Project Group ’85 & The Wizard of Oz.
My first ‘lead role’ in a school production was as a ‘Princess’ in a year 2 class play with Sharon Ransom. (Well actually, my real first lead role was as the “Star” in a pre-school Nativity Play in Bundaberg, but I got conjunctivitis and wasn’t able to perform!)
I remember auditioning for the role in class one day and we presented it to our parents just before pick-up. Sharon, who was an infinitely more talented actress than me was the “wicked witch” who I think had to put a spell on me. Five years later and as year 7 students at the same school (Heatley Primary), Sharon and I were re-united on stage again.
Amazingly, and
seemingly audaciously, a teacher at our school – Ian Griffiths, secured
permission to trial a special Performing Arts Immersion Program known
as the “Project group 85”, (or PG 85). The concept behind the class (as I
recall it) was to bring like-minded artistic children from years 5-7
together and to encompass the key learning areas of the curriculum
through the performing arts culminating in an epic “Rich task” which was
a completely student directed and produced musical to be publicly
staged in the city’s Civic Theatre.
I was lucky enough to score the lead role of Dorothy - a role and character which in many ways shaped me as a young girl. I developed a complete adoration of Judy Garland and of course a special relationship with the music of Harold Arlen and in particular “Over the rainbow”. Sharon performed the most amazing version of Glinda (particularly for a 12 year old!)
A few years ago, when Carson and I were watching Wicked in New York City, I spent most of the night fighting back tears. Not just because it is an incredible, powerful musical performance, nor because the story and songs are so moving but really because I felt I was watching the back story to a majorly important part of my own life and the person I kept thinking about the whole night was “MY” Glinda, Sharon and the incredible journey we shared in 1985 on our own Yellow brick Road! Wish I had a photo – but so fortunate to have the memories!
I was lucky enough to score the lead role of Dorothy - a role and character which in many ways shaped me as a young girl. I developed a complete adoration of Judy Garland and of course a special relationship with the music of Harold Arlen and in particular “Over the rainbow”. Sharon performed the most amazing version of Glinda (particularly for a 12 year old!)
A few years ago, when Carson and I were watching Wicked in New York City, I spent most of the night fighting back tears. Not just because it is an incredible, powerful musical performance, nor because the story and songs are so moving but really because I felt I was watching the back story to a majorly important part of my own life and the person I kept thinking about the whole night was “MY” Glinda, Sharon and the incredible journey we shared in 1985 on our own Yellow brick Road! Wish I had a photo – but so fortunate to have the memories!