The American School of Doha (ASD) High School Fine Arts had an amazing time and gave it their all bringing Yoor’in Toun: The Musical to the ASD community over the weekend.
Every year, in partnership with Music Theater International (MTI) ASD brings to life a new musical.
Yoor’in Toun: The Musical is the winner of three Tony Awards, three Outer Critics Circle Awards, two Lucille Lortel Awards and two Obie Awards.
According to MTI Yoor’in Toun is a hilarious musical satire of capitalism, social irresponsibility, populism, bureaucracy, corporate mismanagement, municipal politics and musical theatre itself! Hilariously funny and touchingly honest, Yoor’in Toun provides a fresh perspective on one of America’s greatest art forms.
Although an unexpected choice for a school musical, Yoor’in Toun is witty and perceptive and also reflects ASD’s current focus on innovationto sustain ourselves, our school and our community.
According to Leah Bramley, the director of the musical “I chose the show because it has such an important message.
We cannot ignore the hard science - our way of life is unsustainable.” In the past year ASD has taken on a “Go Refillable” Campaign which has been a great success. Together, the school community has managed to eliminate use of disposable bottled water on campus on its quest to become the first Eco School in Qatar within the next two years.
Stephanie Gravelle, Musical Director at ASD shared that, “Each year, we select the musical based on the talent and resources we have.
Yoor’in Toun has many ‘lead’ roles that showcase our solo singers, but the two choruses are also characters that often steal the scene. This year’s chorus is especially strong.
Yoor’in Toun is an intelligently written satire commenting on how humans treat the planet and each other.
There’s the greedy CEO that saves the world, the naive liberal who thinks love conquers all, and the typical hero who pays the ultimate price for his socialist agenda. In a time when climate change, science and the economy are lumped together, Yoor’in Toun holds a mirror up to its audience, asking them if our current lifestyle is sustainable. What price are we willing to pay to continuously abuse the Earth?”
It was evident that the students and school felt a sense of responsibility in delivering a poignant message as well as entertaining the community.
The level of skill of the students was fantastic, and it was palpable that they were enjoying themselves while delivering terrific performances.
Gavelle also added that, “ASD Fine Arts department is special because of the people. The students are incredibly hard working and often go above and beyond expectations in their practice and performance.”
The cast and crew agreed that the programme is truly is student centred. “The fine arts holds a place for every kind of student. You like to be the centre of attention? Great! You can be on stage! You play an instrument? Awesome! There’s a live band in the show! You’re more of a technology person? Cool! We have a state-of-the-art lighting and sound board as well as opportunities to design and build sets. There’s really a job for everyone.
Additionally, our teachers are amazing. Everyone has been trained as a teacher and as an artist, so the students are getting the best experience possible,” Gravelle added.
Lisa Saad, Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, was delighted after attending the show.”
