From the whispers of an upcoming school production to the monumental closing night, I can say with certainty that Cheltenham Secondary College’s rendition of Rock of Ages has truly been nothing but a good time. Headed by only the most devoted and diligent staff our school has to offer, such as Martin Rice, Laura Knox, Kate Brady, and Lisa Maxwell, 37 students from Years 7 to 11 have dedicated hours every week since August of last year to provide the community a night they won’t soon forget.

As of now, it has been a year since our initial auditions, a moment that guaranteed an opportunity to not only discover who we are and what we are capable of as performers and people, but to also establish and consolidate an unbreakable bond among teachers and peers, a bond comparable to one a family shares. Every Monday, Friday, holiday and full-day rehearsal was ultimately leading to those 3 eagerly anticipated nights, but those nights would have been nothing if it had not been for the blood, sweat, and tears we spent in each other’s company.

The magnitude of the musical, the realisation that we were indeed about to pour our hearts, souls, and almost a year of vigorous work before a live audience, truly hit us during our dress rehearsals, mere days before opening night. The costumes, the lights, the set, the mics, and who could forget the Rock of Ages logo, blazoned on the wall, a constant reminder of purpose and purveyor of inspiration. Tears were shed that night, both for joy and woe.

Performing Rock of Ages with those whom I consider family was an experience I will cherish for all the years to come. By the culmination of the production, 96% of the tickets had been sold across all 3 nights, Friday had completely sold out, and teachers who I had never once spoken to were approaching me, sharing nothing but admiration for all the students and staff involved. Yes, these numbers and praise are delightful to behold, but they will never compare to the family we made along the way.

Mark Pecer