Great excitement, respect for the spotlight, a tear or two and huge motivation dominated backstage shortly before the start of the performance on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. in the auditorium of the Gynmasium in Gronau.
A brief gathering of all the performers in a circle before the curtain went up, a loud motivational call and off they went.
Principal Maike Albers-Wilmes welcomed the audience and gave introductory remarks that once again emphasized how valuable this project is every year. Seeing the children and their skills from a completely different perspective and giving them the chance to grow beyond themselves is admirable and a great treasure every year. She once again mentioned the intensive and fantastic work of the project manager
Corinna Dahlhaus and mentioned how happy she was that they were able to recruit musician Dennis Buss for the project again this year and that he produced the rap songs for the musical. Every year, the school's organization team faces the same challenge of being able to implement the project financially.
The musical is supported annually by the state program "Culture and School", for which everyone is very grateful, but the funds are still not enough. The school's support association and donations from visitors ultimately make the realization possible.
Despite the good weather and numerous other events, the musical was well attended and the actors were delighted with the large audience.
Five friends had a pyjama party and ended up in a fantasy world where they met Princess Tami and her furry animal friend Pebbles, who were looking for a way back to their kingdom. Together they traveled through many worlds to finally return to their home. An exciting, child-friendly and imaginative story, accompanied by "cool" beats.
Hip-hop and rapper Dennis Bus was also on site and was delighted to perform his songs and support the children.
What's special: The content of the songs is based on the children's ideas, as the children at Viktoriaschule developed the story of the musical in a creative phase last fall. And so it is clear that a long preparation phase and intensive work preceded this.
As every year, the creative phase was followed by the casting at the school. The children from the third and fourth school years prepare a scene and a song and present what they have learned to a jury, which then decides which child fits which role. Once all the participants had been chosen after a subsequent dance audition, it was time for the rehearsal phase, during which the children met several times a week to dance and act. Just like on the big stages, there is also vocal coaching to learn the songs for every children's musical at the Viktoriaschule. This also includes multiple costume rehearsals, which this year were in the hands of the parents.
The interplay of these many individual parts ultimately led to the children being rewarded with a standing ovation and presenting a motivated encore.
The children's words sum it up perfectly: "Unfortunately, all good things come to an end and we are really looking forward to next year! We have made new friends, become brave and we will always remember this wonderful time."