Crocus Plains students bring ‘Amélie’ to stage

Students at Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School are preparing to bring imagination, music and heartfelt storytelling to the stage with their upcoming production of “Amélie: The Musical,” set to run March 19–21 at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium.

The musical, adapted from the 2001 French film “Amélie,” follows a young woman who grows up feeling isolated but discovers purpose and connection through small acts of kindness that transform the lives of those around her, director Ramey Praznik told the Sun during rehearsals on Friday.

This year’s production marks Praznik’s 14th year directing school musicals and comes during what she calls a “rebuilding year” for the program.

“We had 18 grads last year, so we have a young cast,” Praznik said in an interview. “But they’re doing an unbelievable job. Vocally they’re so strong, and many of them have never performed at the WMCA before, which makes it really exciting.”

Rehearsals for the production began in December, with the cast and crew working through the many elements that go into a major musical, from building sets to preparing vocal performances and co-ordinating with a live orchestra.

“There are always so many moving parts,” Praznik said. “We build our own sets, our vocal director works with the students, and we have a live band, which is very exciting. It takes so many hours, but it’s so worth it.”

Praznik said the production stands out because it is heavily music-driven and rarely performed locally.

“This musical has never been performed in Manitoba before,” she said. “It’s such a beautiful story, and I think if people don’t come see it now, they may not have another opportunity to see it anytime soon.”

For many students, the production is their first experience on a large stage. Grade 9 student Skye Kallen plays the character Fluffy — a fish — and said she has enjoyed being part of the musical.

“It’s really fun so far,” Kallen said. “At first I was a little nervous, but everyone is really nice and they made me feel comfortable.”

She said the experience has helped her learn to focus less on what others think and simply enjoy performing.

“I’ve just kind of learned not to worry about what other people think and just be myself,” she said. “That makes it a lot more fun.”

Meanwhile, Grade 12 student Devin Kerman-Forsythe takes on the title role of Amélie. Having performed in musicals since the age of eight, this is her second production at Crocus Plains, but her first time playing a lead character.

“Amélie is very imaginative and daydreams a lot,” she said. “She’s kind of secluded and alone, but she dreams up these ideal worlds in her head.”

Kerman-Forsythe said the role feels natural because she shares some of the character’s traits.

“I like to think that I’m pretty imaginative and a bit daydreamy, so it makes it easier to play the part,” she said.

Taking on the lead role has also been a learning experience.

“It takes a lot to be the title character of a show, which I’ve never done before,” she said. “I’ve learned that if I want to succeed, I really need to put in as much work as possible.”

Kerman-Forsythe hopes to continue pursuing music after graduation and plans to study voice at the post-secondary level.

“I’m very excited for Brandon to see this show,” she added. “It’s new and something that no school here has done before.”

The production features musical direction by Clint McLachlan and choreography by Monique Roy-Keller, along with a live orchestra and a large student cast.

Performances will take place Thursday, March 19 at 7 p.m., Friday, March 20 at 7 p.m., and Saturday, March 21 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets range from $15.50 for children to $25.50 for adults and are available through the WMCA box office.

Praznik said the show offers a meaningful message about connection, imagination and hope.

“It’s just a very beautiful story,” she said. “These kids are doing awesome things, and I think the community will really enjoy seeing what they’ve accomplished.”

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