Is this the real life, or is it just fantasy? The answer can be found this weekend at The Roxy Theatre as area youth and the Newton Theatre Company are set to ignite the stage with the high-energy youth musical “We Will Rock You”.
The musical, written by Ben Elton, features the many hits songs by the iconic rock band, Queen, and is set in a dystopian future where rock music is banned.
“It’s set 3,000 years in the future, where rock music has been outlawed by a corporation led by the Killer Queen,” explained director Marshall Van Zijll. “So, there are Bohemians, led by Galileo and Scaramouche, who fight to restore individuality and live music. And along the way, we get to hear a collection of the best Queen songs.”
The cast of “We Will Rock You” is made up of 18 talented area youth that began rehearsing the musical back on January 8. According to Van Zjill, the process has been extremely smooth.
“The kids have worked hard—we’ve all worked hard. We’ve built a strong foundation and now we’re just fleshing out,” he said. “This music is very fun music, and it’s easy to memorize. Some of the harder parts is those of the ensemble, because when it comes to singing these songs, everyone wants to sing lead. But with plenty of practice and repetition, it’s coming along fine.”
Senior cast members Hylan Murrell (Galileo Figaro) and Claira Armstrong (Khashoggi) shared that their experiences preparing for the musical has been fun, and expressed their excitement for Friday’s opening night performance.
“This experience has been phenomenal, every show I’ve done here at The Roxy has been an amazing experience,” said Murell. “But it’s also kind of sentimental because it’s my last youth production. But I’m excited because we have an amazing cast, amazing vocalists, and amazing lead roles.”
“Everyone has been doing super good learning the songs and their parts, and I’ve had a blast,” said Armstrong. “When I was first getting into rock, I was a huge Queen nerd, so I came in knowing the songs. And while I’m little nervous about Friday, I’m also excited about everybody, along with my friends and parents, coming to see it.”
Showtimes for “We Will Rock You” are set for Friday and Saturday, March 20-21, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, March 22, at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are $15 for adults, and children’s tickets (12 & under) are $10. Tickets can be purchased ticket at www.ntcroxy.com or by calling 601-621-0033.
Making up the cast is Hylan Murrell, Matti Martin, Loryn Boulton, Claira Armstrong, Bash Palmer, Mark Savell, Madilin Joiner, Bennie Winstead, Haley Eakes, Tristan Jones, Aimee Mabry, Sadie Cooper, Laura Leigh Eady, Maddox Foreman, Olivia Morgan, Mia Norsworthy, Agust Hodo, and JC Pinson.
The crew is made up of Marshall Van Zijll, Cara Brand, Rachel Brand, Lynn Wagner, Julie Rowzee, Lori Luke, Kenneth Thompson, Mabry Russell, Alanna Wiliams, and Chloe Cooper.
