Ryan Stubbo, left, as Commander Khashoggi and Jaeda Smith as Killer Queen star in the Heritage High School production of “We Will Rock You.”
Photo courtesy of Jennifer Fink
Photo courtesy of Jennifer Fink
The familiar beat and sound of the legendary Queen song ring throughout the Heritage High campus in Brentwood as students embrace the current production of the musical “We Will Rock You.”
The musical portrays a futuristic adventure to find where the real music went in a world of processed music, and it features brilliant renditions of many Queen hits performed by the cast and a live band.
“I think most people will enjoy the finale the most,” said junior Bryant Purnell, who plays a Bohemian. “It’s when ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ is sung, it’s when ‘We Will Rock You’ is sung, and it’s when ‘We Are the Champions’ is sung.”
Two of the most experienced actors, Zinah Abraha as Scaramouche and Jaeda Smith as Killer Queen, are part of a cast of almost 60 Heritage students, supported by almost 40 student crew members. All have worked hard to prepare a wonderful performance and a thrilling musical.
Though the audience will see only the polished finished performances, more than half the battle was fought behind the scenes. Students have spent countless hours singing, dancing, acting, building the set and props, and preparing costumes and makeup.
The Rising Stars, Heritage’s theater group, raised $4,000 to purchase special-effects lights, lasers and a hazer fog machine to give the show an authentic rock concert feel.
“To be able to actually perform this show is a dream and an opportunity of a lifetime,” said director and Heritage teacher Chris Fallows.
Remaining performances of “We Will Rock You” are March 8, 9, 14 and 15 at 7 p.m. and March 9 and 16 at 1 p.m. at the Heritage High School theater. Tickets – $18 for adults and $12 for students – are available by calling or texting 925-437-3078, by e-mailing hhsrisingstarsboosters@gmail.com or by visiting the Heritage theater box office after school.
A benefit performance has recently been added, scheduled for March 12 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 and available at the door. Proceeds go to the Mercury Phoenix Trust and the Stuart Music Fund, a scholarship fund for local music students.
– Contributed by Heritage student Josh Vreeland
The kids are fantastic and they can really rock it. It is so much fun to watch.
There is also a show on Thursday, March 7th at 7pm that is not sold out yet.