"Well Gentlemen, it's been a long hard march."

The cast and crew at Saltus have focused their attentions on the Broadway musical Pippin for the last few months. The rehearsal schedule was strenuous and the students worked diligently in order to create a polished piece of musical theatre.

"We have learned about every aspect of getting a show on the road," said student Fiona Lee. "We have also learned about commitment and group dynamics and despite the long hours we have dedicated to rehearsals, we have had a great deal of fun. We really feel like a band of players and are looking forward to entertaining audiences tonight."

After the huge success of West Side Story and Sweet Charity, it was felt that something a little different was required. Pippin came to mind!

Pippin is a Broadway musical, that is not only a contemporary classic but also the play that made Bob Fosse a famous name. Roman Empire, the musical pageant is a parable about a young man's search for meaning and truth. With the show's master of ceremonies jumping the time barrier from 2002 to the Middle Ages, and back again while the music and costumes go through similar time-and-space-warps, young Pippin embarks on an odyssey to discover whether there really is "something worthwhile I can do with my life."

The show required students to acquire and develop a diverse range of skills. Yes, they dance. Yes, they sing. But they also eat fire, juggle and unicycle to the rhythms of some catchy tunes.

Barbara Frith, well-known dance instructor who is helping with the show, said that watching rehearsals was like being at a performing arts school.

Sally Lintott agreed that the students are a hugely talented group. She, too, enjoyed the Pippin odyssey and felt that it was the collaboration between students and staff which made it such a thrilling and creative journey. She believed that the musical talents of Saltus music teacher Lisa Maule and the choreographic skills of Barbara Frith made the magic of Pippin a reality. We invite you to join us on this our final night when we hope to "Spread a little Sunshine" and entertain our audiences with the magical and mystical journey of Pippin. The show is being staged in the Saltus senior hall, until March 8 at 7.45 p.m., (tickets $15) and there is also a `gala night' dinner theatre planned for Saturday, March 9, (tickets $35). Call the school for details: 292-6177.