Thoroughly Modern Millie - Iona Presentation College, WA

Iona Presentation College is a Catholic Day and Boarding school, with around 800 pupils from Years 8 to 12, located in Mosman Park, in Perth’s Western Suburbs.
Iona’s annual musical takes place at the end of Term One, and as it auditions the previous November, includes students from Year 9 to 12.
Since 2005, Iona has employed former Iona teacher Sandra Gorringe specifically to direct productions, and rehearsals take place outside school hours. The young men in the production are aged seventeen to twenty-one and bring theatrical experience, which helps the girls, who often have limited stage experience.
Iona’s cast included 45 students and 11 male guest performers, 7 students joined professional instrumentalists in the pit, while 40 students worked backstage and front of house, making it a significant school event.
Sets are made by Plumb Construction, who have been used by Mrs. Gorringe for many years, while the high standard of costuming is achieved by combining the expertise of teacher Kath Boylan, costume hire and volunteer sewers.
Sandra Gorringe had wanted to perform Thoroughly Modern Millie for years, and was anxiously awaiting its amateur release. She feels it is ideal, especially for a girls’ college, because of its wonderful roles for women. She was thrilled to be able to stage the WA Premiere.

Originally published in the July / August 2008 edition of Stage Whispers