College mounts first musical

Visionary College is expanding its artistic muscle with its first-ever musical theatre production.

Tonight and tomorrow, 20 of the college's dedicated musical theatre students conclude months of work on Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr. at the Stanley Milner Library Theatre in Edmonton.

In the past, the college has focused primarily on providing voice lessons. "With this, the kids play a role. They get a chance to learn lines and it's a satisfying feeling to work on a whole production," says director Martha Livingstone. She honed her musical theatre skills through Edmonton Musical Theatre and St. Albert Theatre, a precursor to St. Albert Children's Theatre.

Running about an hour, Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr. takes place in New York City in 1922 — a madcap era filled with frisky flappers, dashing leading men and a villainous dragon lady.

Young Millie Dumont has just moved to New York, a city full of intrigue and jazz, at a time when women entering the workforce were shortening their skirts and cutting their hair. Although determined to marry for money, she eventually falls in love.

"Women were empowered by entering the workforce and taking risks. They thought it was radical, but we look back and think it's quaint and that's what makes it funny."

Not only are the characters dressed in authentic 1920's costumes, but Livingstone adds the cast has a special chemistry. "I could have auditioned 100 people and not had as perfect a group as they are."

Local singer/actress Jessy Mossup plays Millie. (Mossup was nominated as Best Actress for AMPIA's Rosie Awards for her lead role in The Kois.) "Jessy is vocally very strong. She has a lot of charisma and that's what makes her endearing."

And her real life boyfriend Stephen Lecky plays Jimmy, the salesman she falls in love with. "Their voices are very well matched. They blend really well."

Local film producer Marylou Drachenberg has switched hats, choreographing many of the show's tappers such as Forget About the Boy and Not For the Life of Me.

Camp Rockstar

On a side note, Innovations Music is revving up for Camp Rockstar, the summer rock camp at Augustana Campus in Camrose for musicians between 12 and 18.

Check out some Camp Rockstar bands performing on Breakfast TV with Bridget Ryan on Friday, June 18 between 7 and 9 p.m.