The Ardenne High School’s choir will host its first-ever musical, dubbed Optima Lifestyle Goes Hollywood, on the evening of Saturday, April 22 on the lawns of the institution, at its 10 Ardenne Road address in Kingston, starting at 7:00 pm.

Even though Ardenne High School has put on several productions, including the annual Christmas pageant and other concerts, executive producer of the musical, Cannigia Palmer, describes the project as an edutainment show which would be fitting to address the issue of lack of identity and cultural awareness among adolescents in a very fun way.

A part of their efforts also is to educate these young people about self-love.

Palmer told the

Jamaica Observer that the event will support a particular cause. “The proceeds will go towards the RD Drummers, to represent Jamaica at the World Championship of music to be held in Hollywood over the summer, also for further improvement of the music room,” he shared.

Working alongside Palmer is writer and director of the musical Ifidel Williams, and teacher in charge of the drummers Omaro Williams, who have been working tirelessly during what he describes as “four weeks of daily, intense rehearsals.” The school’s Principal Nadine Malloy is in support and anticipates a positive outcome of the musical, he said.

Working as a team, the organisers managed to get sponsors on board such as D’Empire Management, Alicia Rubie Designs, Quality Equipment Distributors, Black Butterfly Media Paradise Caterers, Experience Clothing, Fierce by DRE, Curt Campbell Designs and the title sponsor Clearsound Production Services.

Palmer, who has been with the school for about five years, said he wants the focus to be on the students. He wants to “give everyone the opportunity to experience something amazing, at a different level and standard, never seen in children before”. And for the school at large “This will further cement Ardenne High as the top-performing arts institution as we have been winning the iconic Marcus Garvey Award for the past five years,” Palmer said with pride.

He wants patrons to get their tickets early or at the gate to experience a theatrical piece incorporating dance, drama and music on the evening.