Kings-Edgehill goes Broadway

By Christy Marsters

King’s-Edgehill students will present a popular Broadway for Hants County audiences this week.

Rent: School Edition tells the story of people in New York dealing with contemporary issues. The show has a message of acceptance, love and understanding. Showings will be held in the Fountain Performing Arts Centre at King’s-Edgehill School November 19 to 21 at 7:30 p.m. with a 1 p.m. matinee November 20.

Jeff Smith, Aynsley Sasaki and Kassi Cowles lead a cast of 20 students in the performance.

Co-director Aynsley Sasaki says subject matter in this performance to be gritty and real but the message to be one that anyone could relate to. “It’s a very genuine play.”

Issues discussed in Rent affect people across the world and shouldn’t be avoided, Smith says. “Seeing the cast understanding the plot and characters is great.

The students involved are keen and come to every rehearsal prepared, Sasaki adds. “Their enthusiasm and support for one another makes me weepy. It is such a great play. Come see it and keep an open mind… if you do, you can learn something.”

Show narrator Alex Westphal says how unromantic, gritty and realistic the show is is what makes it unique and like a breath of fresh air for performance. “It is relatable to anyone… I’ve enjoyed the learning, acting and singing process and the teamwork.”

“People should see it,” Westphal adds, “because it’s good.”

Beka Boutin plays performance artist Maureen. She notes the most difficult part of her character is coming out of her shell and walking into a part quite different than her own personality. “Yet, we’re coming to together as a cast. We feed off each other on stage and off, Boutin says. We have really been building on a close connection.”

“I really enjoy theatre and the musical Rent,” Boutin says. “It’s got a real message for an audience.”

“I’d like to thank everyone at the school… for allowing us to put on the show,” Boutin adds. “We couldn’t have done it without (everyone involved.)”

Tickets are $10, $5 for seniors and $5 for the matinee. Performance rated PG-13 rating; parental discretion is recommended. To reserve tickets, call 798 - 2278.