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ACG encounters the Little Shop of Horrors

ACG Parnell College recently staged the flamboyantly wild musical Little Shop of Horrors. With acclaimed guest director Hamish McGregor at the helm, students from across the school were involved both onstage and behind the scenes to make this one of ACG’s most memorable productions to date.

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With a run of hugely successful performances, the production team were thrilled with the audience response each night. They share their experiences about staging a show where down on their luck characters, looking for a way out of the alleys of Skid Row, find their ticket in a man-eating alien plant.

“ACG Parnell College’s 2021 production of Little Shop of Horrors was a huge success! This Howard Ashman and Alan Menken masterpiece was a fantastic opportunity for our talented students to showcase their singing and dancing talents along with their wicked senses of humour. The students had the audience smiling, laughing and toe-tapping along to all the timeless musical numbers.

“After the premiere performance, our guest director Hamish McGregor reflected that, ‘Every single actor on stage tonight has pushed themselves out of their comfort zone to create truthful and honest characters.’

“As we had to cancel last year’s production due to Covid-19, we started to organise this year’s show with a little bit of trepidation. However, despite some anxious moments with lockdowns earlier in the year, we were delighted to be able to stage the musical last month.

“Our fully committed group of students dedicated two afternoons a week and every Saturday for all of Term 1 to rehearse the show. This was a huge commitment, but everyone arrived with an eager smile on their face, full of enthusiasm and ready to participate. We are so proud and impressed with the progression of all the students involved. The growth of their confidence and performance skills has been a pleasure to watch.

“In addition, 2021 saw the introduction of three new members of the production team.

“Speech and Drama teacher Lori Wallace took the reins as choreographer bringing with her an outstanding level of energy and commitment that echoed through the room. While Jack Barnard brought his musical talents to bear and joined us to help support last year’s guest musical director Charlotte West. Additionally, Katrina McConnell became our go-to producer. We would have been lost without their support and quick problem solving, helping us organise everything behind the scenes.

“Working with this new group was an absolute pleasure, and we look forward to doing more together in the future.

“Final thanks must go to our incredible cast, who worked fiercely to create the right atmosphere for this amazing show. Their efforts paid off and were clearly reflected in the audience’s laughter, shrieks and unstinting praise. The students worked so hard, and it has been phenomenal to see our vision come to life. Congratulations to all involved.”