Songs that tell a story

By Laureen F. Guenther Times Contributor

Shayleigh Sihlis, a graduating student at Rosebud School of the Arts, will perform the musical, Rated RSO: The View From Here, Aug. 29 and 30. It will be performed outdoors, on the green space beside Rosebud’s Opera House, with proper COVID-prevention protocols in place.

Sihlis, a soprano, sang the soprano solos in Rosebud Masterworks Choir’s performance of the Messiah. She also acted in several Rosebud plays, including Dreams of Kings and Carpenters. Rated RSO: The View From Here is her final project at Rosebud School of the Arts.

“Rated RSO: The View From Here is a coming-of-age story told through the exhilarating music and lyrics of award-winning composer, Ryan Scott Oliver,” Sihlis said. “When a young woman finds herself deep in a whirlwind of surprising truth, fierce determination and aching loss, the biggest challenge is trusting herself. With all of this swirling around her, can she discover who she really is?”

Kelsey Krogman, Rosebud-based playwright and dramaturg, worked with Sihlis to choose and sequence Oliver’s songs to tell the story.

“(The songs) could say the things that are true to this story, even while the words are from a completely different context,” Sihlis said. “I love how they are innovative and have the specific mark of Ryan Scott Oliver that is unique.”

Although each song came from a different musical context, Sihlis said the way they came together to tell this story was “impressively seamless. The music inspired the show’s focus on childhood and growing up,” she said. “It evokes those times of life because it’s dreamy and imaginative.”

Sihlis said her favourite song in this collection would be the song called Ground. “It’s about the brave choice to confront a counterfeit version of connection while discovering the qualities of unconditional love.”

To reserve tickets or get more information for Rated RSO: The View From Here, email ratedrso.view@gmail.com. You can pay by e-transfer or make an electronic or cash payment at the door. If electronic payment isn’t possible, exact cash payment is recommended.

“If you’re longing for the chance to experience something fun with others again, I hope this innovative outdoor show can be that opportunity for you,” said Sihlis. “I hope audiences will be reminded that they can fall apart, that love is still waiting for them and that worth is in much more than an appearance.”