“Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da”, there’s something about The Beatles’ music that goes on, just like life.
Drama students at W.L. Seaton Secondary’s 27th Street Theatre have been immersing themselves in the Fab Four’s song book in rehearsals for their new musical, In My Life, which opens at the school May 3.
Full of music and dance, this is not Glee or High School Musical, it’s more of a concert, a rock n’ roll musical with lighting, choreography and high energy, said W.L. Seaton drama teacher Lana O’Brien, who has adapted and is directing the show.
“It’s about looking back and looking ahead,” she said.
“I’ve been out of high school for 20 years and it has been fascinating to go back and also to see what has changed. The story follows the lead character who wants to go back in time to fix something; it’s about her journey.”
The play is also rated PG10, as there are some mature themes.
“There’s an abusive father in the story, and the cast are teenagers. These are kids that are making their transition into adulthood; they talk about sex and relationships, and refer to Facebook bullying…”
A graduate of Pleasant Valley Secondary in Armstrong, O’Brien first directed In My Life while working as a teacher in Invermere. She directed it again after she moved back to the Okanagan to teach at Clarence Fulton Secondary.
“The play was not initially written as a musical by its creator, Ontario playwright Maryjane Cruise, but she did make suggestions to use Beatles’ music in between the scenes,” said O’Brien, adding that with her third foray directing the play, she wanted to do something a little different.
“A few years ago iTunes released The Beatles’ catalogue, and there was this big blow out for it. There was also the Cirque du Soleil show set to Beatles’ music. I thought I would jump on the bandwagon.”
O’Brien contacted Cruise, who she had previously been in touch with, about having the cast sing and perform to The Beatles, and the two ended up updating the script together.
“The original concept was written in the ‘80s, with the story set in the ‘60s. Our version is set in present day, then flash forwards 20 years to 2031,” said O’Brien.
Although Seaton’s presentation of In My Life features central characters, it is mostly an ensemble piece with 18 students (14 cast and four chorus members) who dance and sing their way through Beatles’ songs.
The students perform 12 songs, plus one repeat, that run the gamut from Help!, Twist and Shout and Hard Day’s Night to the aforementioned Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da, the title track, and Abbey Road’s The End.
“Some of the kids knew The End better than I did,” laughed O’Brien. “We also had some fighting over who would play the drum solo.”
O’Brien ended up handing the sticks over to Grade 8 student Will Friesen after he approached her about being in the band.
“He organized the band with other students, and they played for us after Spring Break. When we sang along, it sounded great,” said O’Brien. “What I really love about this show is the kids have an opportunity to really shine and show their talents.”
Another student who has been integral to the production is choreographer Devyn Husband.
“It is very rare in the dance world to find any choreography to Beatles’ music, mainly due to the fact that their style is not exactly what the youth of today would consider dance music,” said the Grade 12 student. “So although there were some challenges, it was worth it to work on something so unique. Everyone worked so hard and I am so proud and grateful to be a part of such a wonderful cast and crew.”
Audiences will be able to get up close and personal with the cast as the theatre seating takes place on three sides of the catwalk-style stage.
“The fourth side is the band,” said O’Brien. “This is going to be like a concert. Audiences can come to the show three times and get a different perspective each time.”
In My Life, A Beatles Musical, told in one act with no intermission, takes the stage at Seaton’s 27th Street Theatre, May 3 to 7 at 8 p.m. A matinee takes place May 7 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students, and can be reserved in advance by calling 250-542-3361 ext. 2228, or pay at the door.
