playbill vip

In a year with so much uncertainty, I am extremely thankful to be putting on a production, and even more thankful for the students that have come together to do it.  Last year, we were one of the lucky schools, as our Musical closed five days before the COVID-19 shut down of schools.  When we opened again in September I knew I would do a show, I just didn’t know how yet. 

We started rehearsing this year’s production of “Shrek the Musical” in October, not knowing how we would be performing it, or maybe even when.  We just knew we had to keep moving forward together towards a common goal, to have something positive to work towards.  As so many opportunities have shut down this year due to safely, we have been able to navigate the protocols in order to bring you the show that you are watching via live-stream capabilities, while the students are performing to a camera at the school in real time as you watch.

I never would have dreamed when I became a Musical Theatre teacher that I would one day be running a full scale Broadway show via live-stream during a global pandemic.  Now that I am here though, I am glad it is “Shrek”.   Visually it reads well on camera, but more importantly is offers humour when we need it the most.  As well the message that life does not always turn out the way we read it in the fairytale books, but that we do have the capabilities to write our own story of happiness. 

In order to make this production happen, it has taken many and I would like to thank a few that have gone above.  I would first like to thank the admin team here at Lambrick.  They have been an immense support this year, and have fielded my many questions as I have navigated how to not only keep our students safe, but still have a production.  They helped me problem-solve as the goalposts kept moving.  In particular thank you to Barry Janzen who battled the technology created to bring this theatre into your homes, when I wanted to take a sledge hammer to it.  I would also like to thank the office staff, for listening and helping whenever they could as well.  I appreciate working next to all of you. 

To my husband Mike Martin and my children.  Doing what I do, means time away from home, and not only do you all support that, but you help whenever I need it.  It means so much to me, that you understand and love what I do. 

To this year’s Musical Theatre grads.  It breaks my heart that your last show here at LPSS will close without a live audience.  Know that you are all very special to me and that you have done an amazing job this year as performers and leaders.  I wish your parents could see you on-stage in person, but I know they will be watching on closing night and not only will it have been a great show….but it will be one you will never forgot.  You have all made me very proud this year to be your teacher.   

-  Nette Martin