Commentary: 'The Great Grand Road Trip' by the 2021 Grand Theatre High School Project, London, Ontario

Some of the cast members of the London, Ontario’s 2021 Grand Theatre High School Project. Photo credit to Emily Alton

To see youth excited about live theatre and wanting to continue an avid interest in its glorious art form, despite this long nineteen month world pandemic, remains upbeat for this retired Ontario secondary school teacher.

I gotta applaud London, Ontario’s Grand Theatre and the High School Project for continuing to nurture young talent and encouraging them to pursue a possible career in the performing arts. Even though I’ve been retired from teaching for four years now, I will never forget those moments in my classroom or outside at many co/extra-curricular activities where so many of our young people smiled because they were in their element, just as these HSP young people in this show.

Take a look at and learn more about the 2021 High School Project of ‘The Great Grand Road Trip”, an original musical revue where the diverse 36-member cast and crew proudly showcase their talent and their love of the performing arts outside at several areas and landmarks around the London, Ontario region. This vibrantly energetic youthful cast loved being outdoors to perform AND IT SHOWS.

There were so many smiles on their faces of these young people, and I couldn’t help but smile along with them.  A couple of the selected songs are older than the singers; however, they certainly knew the emotional impact I’m sure thanks to Music Director Matthew Atkin’s focus. 

Creator and Director Andrew Tribe inherently and instinctively knew just what to do to capture these young people in their shining moments. In solid collaboration with Music Director Atkins, the solid pacing of the film never slowed down. I loved the toy car as the film began to indicate the cast travelled around the city of London. What I also found interesting was the camera sometimes being placed amid some of the action of the singers and seeing things from their point of view especially in the water park. Jason Sermonia’s choreography appropriately fit each of the songs and the kids looked comfortable in its execution.

Concluding Words:  At the end of the film, some of the students were asked how they felt about their time with High School Project.  Some said fabulous, fantastic, inclusive, home.

I’ll share some words about how I felt spending such a short time with these young people of the 2021 High School Project: hopeful, confident, enthusiastic, appreciative.

Join this company on their road trip.

‘The Great Grand Road Trip’, an original musical revue, streams free until October 11 at www.grandtheatre.com.  You must purchase tickets to view the production.

‘The Great Grand Road Trip’ 2021 High School Project

Created and Directed by Andrew Tribe

Assistant Director: Ashley Kippax

Musical Director: Matthew Atkins

Choreographer: Jason Sermonia

Band Members: William Li, Justin Rivet, Jake Schindler