What happens when the evil stepsisters from Cinderella fall through a magic mirror and end up in high school? They join up with the mean girl crowd and rule the school, of course.
At least, until the woodsman follows them through, and teaches the stepsisters you don’t have to be mean to succeed, as the folks from fairytale land realize they don’t need a woodsman to save them.
Fairytale land and reality come face to face in the Best of Both Worlds, a funny and heartwarming musical put on by the brand new Let’s Put On A Show fine arts and applied skills class at Bayside Middle School.
“We wanted to try something new,” says Heidi Benetti, drama and dance teacher at the school for the past 18 years. “It’s for the students to have the experience of being on stage and having fun with it.”
The musical features 46 students, and everyone has a role in the show, says Benetti, adding the students have been working hard to get the show ready.
“They’ve been building the set, helping cut the wood and paint it, and decorating the backdrops,” said Benetti. “And they helped decide the show that we were going to do.”
“It’s a challenge, but it’s really fun, and the kids are really excited.”
Gabby Houle, 14, can attest to the hard work that goes into mounting a production of this size. “We’ve been practising our lines a lot, almost everyday.”
“It’s really great to be a part of the first performance at Bayside,” said Zoe Johnston, 14. “I can’t wait to present it!”
“It’s fun and a great experience in acting. It’s really fun getting into character,” said fellow Grade 8 student Natalie Veronneau.
The program isn’t limited to musicals, adds Benetti. If this round is successful, next year’s class could choose something completely different.
Best of Both Worlds runs Thursday, March 5 at 7 p.m. in the multi-purpose room at Bayside Middle School, 1101 Newton Place in Brentwood Bay.
Tickets are $5 for adults and $2 for children, and will be available at the door, or in advance at the school office during the week of the show.