The Producers. Mazenod College. WA.

Mazenod College is a Catholic Boys Secondary school (Years 8 - 12) in Lesmurdie, in the Perth hills. It has 600 students, 100 of whom are boarders. Mazenod’s musicals are a little unusual in that they are School Community productions, involving not only students, but Old Boys, staff and interested community members, who work in all aspects of the show including cast, band and crew. This wider approach to musicals allows Mazenod to present more difficult productions. Director Karla Conway enthused “It was musically awesome for the boys as it was so challenging.” Old Boys in the band both tutored present students and played the more difficult parts.” The aim is to show students that drama and music don’t stop when you leave school and you can continue in theatre or in orchestras. It also encourages former students to maintain their relationship with Mazenod. This WA premiere of The Producers was not without controversy, with some members of the wider community considering the portrayal of Hitler and homosexual characters inappropriate for children. Mazenod had faced similar problems during their previous production, Jesus Christ Superstar. Ultimately, the merits of the shows seemed to override these issues.

Originally published in Stage Whispers May / June 2008.