AS the stage curtain went up, Azry Haqeem Mohd Noor, 14, stole the spotlight singing Want to Break Free an original song by 70s rock band, Queen.
Hitting every high note without straining his voice, he delivered a beautiful rendition of the legend’s classic despite it being his first performance in a play.
Azry Haqeem played Galileo Figaro in the We Will Rock You musical theatre - an original Ben Elton production adapted by Nexus International School, Putrajaya.
“Instead of thinking I’m playing Galileo, I like to think that I am him. I immediately go into character once I’m on stage. It comes naturally to me,” he said.
Staged at Nexus Theatre in Nexus International School, the musical saw 49 of its students aged between 11 and 18 singing and dancing to the original scores.
Tickets to the two-day musical, priced between RM20 and RM35, were in the form of glow-in-the-dark wristbands. All proceeds from ticket sales were donated to charity organisations.
The We Will Rock You musical is fashioned by Elton around Queen’s biggest hit songs including Want to Break Free, Somebody to Love, Bohemian Rhapsody, Another One Bites The Dust and We Will Rock You.
It tells the story of a group of Bohemians who struggle to restore the free exchange of thought, fashion and live music in a dystopian future where everyone dresses, thinks and acts the same. Musical instruments and composers are forbidden, and rock music is unknown.
Azry Haqeem decided to take a chance on performing arts after watching the production of The Wizard of Oz.
“It is quite an achievement for me to take on the main role for We Will Rock You. The biggest challenge is learning my lines and memorising the lyrics,” he said.
Alia Durrani Mohd Shahrin,18, who played the protagonist Killer Queen, said she started getting into drama production in preschool.
“That was the first time I got the taste of acting other than watching it on television.
“It really did change my personality because I was quite an introvert previously. I was very shy and would never initiate a conversation. After being involved in performing arts, I gained confidence and realised that I wanted to continue acting in theatre,” she added.
“I was a bit hesitant in auditioning for We Will Rock You since this is my first year at Nexus. I wasn’t sure that I would be able to perform well as I was not used to the environment. I am glad I took a chance and made a lot of friends.”
A naturalistic actor, Alia Durrani revealed that she is not used to portraying a villainous character.
“I was not so keen on playing big theatrical roles such as the Killer Queen but after rehearsals, I started to understand her better.
“It’s difficult to portray a villain especially when singing. I had to compose my facial expression so that the essence of her wouldn’t get lost. I tried my best to present Killer Queen as malicious in a subtle but recognisable way on stage,” she added.
Students boost their creativity and confidence when they are involved in plays.
Arianne Mohamad Qabil, 15, said: “I first acted in musicals when I was 10 and knew that it is the way to express myself better. I learnt to project my voice and keep my composure when the audience reacted.
“My character is a bit mean and gossipy, and it’s totally the opposite of me. However, I am very observant so I learn a lot by watching actors on television,” added Adrianne who played Scaramouche, a sarcastic and cynical rebel who likes freedom.
As the cast members rehearsed, the marketing team worked hard on the promotional poster and trailer.
Nexus drama and theatre head Amy Avilia said the response from the public, especially the parents, was great.
“Cast members received proper training in singing and dance from the teachers. The team was very cooperative in ensuring the smooth running of the show,” she said.
She added that the drama and music department puts on a musical every year.
“We thought it would be a good idea to stage We Will Rock You. The film, Bohemian Rhapsody, was also released in October 2018.
“The musical is known for being fun to work on as the characters, songs and script are entertaining and teenagers enjoy the energy of the show.
“For the students, it’s a great opportunity to make friends, learn new skills, increase confidence and show their friends, family and teachers what they can do.
“The play is open to the public, not only to the Nexus community. Being far away from the city centre, we do struggle with getting the word out that we are staging a play.
“It took a lot of planning and months of hard work but, in the end, it was worth it.”