From lion cubs to hopeless romantics
Woodford House and Lindisfarne College students Ella Ruddle and John Aarons have gone from being lion cubs to hopeless romantics – in their acting careers, that is.
The schools have joined forces to present one of the most celebrated musicals of all time, ‘West Side Story’ - a modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet.
The strong cast of 80 students will share the tragic love story of two young people whose happiness is destroyed by the hatred of two opposing camps, the Jets and the Sharks, set in New York City’s urban jungle.
The lead roles are played by Ella (Maria), Head Prefect of Woodford House, and John (Tony), Chapel and Service prefect of Lindisfarne College, who have spent many hours working together to ensure this is one show not to be missed.
This isn’t the first time the duo have performed together as Ella played Nala and John played Simba in the schools’ joint production of Lion King in 2015.
“We have become really good friends as we performed together in the Lion King, and we also drift in the same social circles due to our passion for drama,” John says.
“Working on the intense relationship between Tony and Maria has been one of the most enjoyable and challenging parts of this production. I haven’t taken on a role like this before and it is really rewarding for me personally, but definitely extending me as an actor.”
Both students have a passion for the Arts and are heavily involved in their school’s cultural cornerstones.
John has been studying Speech and Drama for five years and was awarded an NZQA scholarship in Drama last year. When he isn’t performing in a stage production or a musical, he spends his time in other cultural dimensions of the college such as being a saxophonist or vocalist in either the Jazz or Symphonic band.
Ella has been studying Drama for seven years and completed eight grades of Speech and Drama. She takes singing lessons and has been in two choirs for most of her time at Woodford House.
She says this has been the most challenging acting and singing experience but the moments of success and progress have been rewarding.
“The entire production team, from directors to cast members and backstage crew, have been working tirelessly after school and during the weekends to make sure this is a show to remember. We are all so dedicated and invested in making the show magical.”
West Side Story – School Edition runs from March 31 to April 4 at Lindisfarne College.
For more details and to book tickets visit: http://www.woodford.school.nz
