THIS IS THE SENIOR VERSION - FOR THE JUNIOR VERSION CLICK HERE The Meadowlands Youth Theatre are putting on their latest show. Besides the usual teenage problems - observed with amusement by the younger members - they have to contend with the pressures of rehearsing and the unwelcome attentions of a street gang who do their best to wreck all their efforts.
The compeling rock score, which includes some beautiful ballads, is matched by a sharp and funny script. There is plenty of scope for actors of all ages, for as well as the teenagers and the younger group there is a variety of well obsereved adult roles, resulting in over 50 parts, equally split male/female. Like all good musicals, it switches seamlessly from drama to comedy, to lighter moments, and has a powerful, feel-good ending.
Another attractive aspect of GEL is that the script encourages the teenagers to adapt their dialogue into their own teenspeak, in a Rehearsal Workshop situation. Likewise, a ouple of physical sequences are left blank in the score, as an option for similar contributions from pupils in the Music/Music Technology departments.
Gel is a superb example of theatre at its best - the ultimate team effort, yet challenging and rewarding for every individual involved in its production. The CD of backing tracks is a must for rehearsal and / or performance. Band parts are also available. Duration about 1 hour 45 minutes.
Suitable for: Senior Schools (11 - 18) - Youth Groups and Amateur Theatre Groups
As the finale says, YOU NEED GEL ! 
The Writer - Malcolm Sircom Malcolm read music at Cambridge University before entering the theatre as a Musical Director. Probably the highlight of his career was a 4 year world tour of the ˜Rocky Horror Show'. At the same time he honed in his writing skills with a series of Pantomimes and Children's musicals, which were performed professionally all over the country including his hit 'Mr Men Musical' in London's West End. He started writing schools musicals with 'Ebenezer', which coincided with the launching of Musicline. Since then his many follow-ups have been so successful worldwide that they have enabled him to retire from the theatre to concentrate solely on this aspect of his talents. His major hobbies are bridge, cricket, and writing musicals for schools! People often ask him if he is a teacher, as his shows have such a rapport with kids. The answer is no - he is an entertainer pure and simple, backed by the experience of years in the professional theatre. He claims to be still a child at heart, and he loves working with children, which shows very much in the works he produces for them |
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