A musical production featuring the songs of 70s star Blondie/Debbie Harry, as envisioned by Temecula Student Center senior Ceallach McGovern, has been selected for production by the Center’s theater arts department.
Students were asked to submit production ideas as part of the department’s Jukebox Musical project, with the winning idea chosen by prominent musician and educator Steve Torok on January 14.
“Our students in theater have been doing some amazing work,” remarked Robin Felix, a dance and theater teacher at the Center. “Mr. Torok was so impressed he wants to return and play a role in our program in the future.”
As part of the Jukebox Musical program, students grades 9-12 were asked to submit ideas for a production using existing pop music. Three finalists were selected to present their ideas to Mr. Torok, as a writer or director might pitch an idea to a producer in the professional world. The students had five minutes to make a PowerPoint presentation. Ceallach’s idea of a production based on the work of Blondie was chosen. She received a $50 cash award, and the school will develop her idea for the stage later this year.
“Ceallach is a brilliant, creative and wonderful young lady,” said Mrs. Felix. “We had some terrific ideas presented, but hers was especially well developed, exciting and well presented.”
Ceallach is now writing the play, which will then go into pre-production with other students contributing such elements as lighting, costuming and set design. Up to 25 students will be part of the production, which could have its inaugural performance as soon as June. Ceallach will receive royalties from any tickets sold.
Ceallach is taking Introduction to Theater, one of three theater classes offered at the Temecula Student Center. The classes are part of the Performing Arts Pathway, which is designed to give students real world experience in the world of performing arts. Students taking the classes have an interest in a wide range of jobs available in the industry, including acting and directing, being a playwright, or involvement in costuming or lighting.
Mrs. Felix noted, “I’ve been teaching for 30 years, and I’ve never seen students given the opportunities to learn about working in the entertainment industry like they have at Springs.”
