Modern look at old classic gives Waverley pupils chance to shine | Manawatu-Wanganui News | Local News in Manawatu-Wanganui

Students at Waverley Primary School are busy preparing for their school production, to be held next month.

Principal Shaun Campbell said the production was a musical called Cinderella and Rockefeller, a modern-day telling of the Cinderella story.

"It has lots of singing and lots of dancing, and all 160 students at the school are involved with the production."

Mr Campbell said the students had been rehearsing since the beginning of last term.

Staff from Wanganui YMCA had helped out with the choreography.

Mr Campbell said the production was an opportunity for the students to gain performance experience.

"A lot of the kids, who don't necessarily shine academically, have really come out of their shells.

"Most of them have never sung publicly before so it will be a real challenge for them, but they're doing well.

"Everyone is very excited."

The cast is rehearsing up to three times a week and the sets are currently being made.

The production will be held in the Waverley Town Hall, which Mr Campbell said was an ideal venue.

The school holds a production every two years and Mr Campbell said he believes it's important for the children to be as involved.

"I'm passionate about the performing arts - I've been involved in theatre for many years - and I've always brought that side of things to the schools I've worked at.

"We like to encourage the children to be involved in extra-curricular activities."

Waverley Primary School is holding two performances of Cinderella and Rockefeller on September 7 and 8, in the Waverley Town Hall.

Entry is by donation. For more information contact Waverley Primary School on 3465087.