Viscount Alexander Public School presents 101 Dalmations

Holly Bloomfield was a commanding force to be reckoned with as Cruella Deville. Her two comedic side-kicks Horace and Jasper were cleverly brought to life by Maggy Grant and Sarah Hunter

PHOTO CREDIT - Upper Canada District School Board

Cornwall - May. 10, 2011 - Young, aspiring actors/actresses from Viscount Alexander Public School had a barkingly good time recently when they presented their exuberant production of the musical 101 Dalmatians for parents and fellow students. There were two matinees, as well as two evening shows April 11-14, with most performances sold out both nights.

“The musical put the young actors through their paces with many challenging songs, intricate choreography and dramatic scenes to be learned,” said Principal Darryl Beck. ”But there was very little complaining to be heard in the rehearsal hall. In fact, the production team of teachers was very impressed with the perseverance that the young performers showed.

“The cast practiced for several months which meant that students chose to give up many recesses and lunch breaks, not to mention hours after school, in order to polish and perfect their performances,” he added.

Beck said over 65 students from Grades 3-6 were involved in the production, and the students showed great character in the way they approached the work to be done. The older students took leadership roles and assisted younger students with the application of make-up, as well as developing their characters through costume and movement.

Student Megan Clark showed strong physical characterization in her role as Sergeant Tibbs the Cat, and Holly Bloomfield was a commanding force to be reckoned with as Cruella Deville. Her two comedic side-kicks Horace and Jasper were cleverly brought to life by Maggy Grant and Sarah Hunter. Alicia Hartholt and Liam Butcher played the delightfully artistic Anita and Roger while Liam LaBelle and Lily Irwin made viewers love the characters of Pongo and Perdita.

Beck said several teachers and educational assistants (EA) contributed to the production too. EA Karen Wooding was the talented artist responsible for the beautiful backdrop of the Dalmatians’ home. Also, teacher Connie Aikman, who was responsible for all tickets sales, had the idea of collecting food for animals at the local SPCA as a way of giving something back to the community. Several large boxes of food were presented to the SPCA at the final evening performance of the show.