Born in the USA

Following the success of last year’s “Bond”, it’s no wonder the two-night run of Born in the USA sold out quickly. For those lucky enough to get a ticket, the evening didn’t disappoint.

Showcasing Hutchie talent with hits through the decades from Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend to Teenage Dirtbag, there was something for everyone.

Daniella (S5) and Jamie (S6) hosted the evening and the show kicked off with a group performance of Born in the USA and continued with hit after hit.

The commitment, depth, and diversity of talent, of over 80 pupils and staff, including the orchestra, in such a short space of time was something to behold.

The first half saw pupils sing:

• Bruce Springsteen – Born in the USA; whole ensemble
• Billy Eilish – What was I Made For; Nikitha (S5)
• Marilyn Monroe – Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend; Rachael (S3)
• Frank & Nancy Sinatra – Something Stupid; Zainab (S6) + Vincent (S6)
• Green Day – American Idiot; Stop Changing the Name band
• Taylor Swift – Exile; Daniella (S5) + Lucy (S6)
• Michael Jackson – Blame it on the Boogie; Nathan (S3) + Mary, Kirsten, Kaiti
• Billy Joel – Vienna; Finn (S6)
• Greatest Showman – This is Me; whole ensemble
• Rent – Seasons in Love; Hutchie Bellas
• Beyonce – Crazy in Love; Lara (S5) + Chloe, Sofia, Lily, Lucy, Emily, Emma, Sarah, Abbey (S1s)

Following the short interval, pupils sang:

• Billy Joel – New York State of Mind; Kyle (S6)
• Wheatus – Teenage Dirtbag; Dave’s Cave band
• Michael Bublé – I Just Haven’t Met You Yet; Isaac (S6)
• Bill Withers – Lovely Day; Daniel (S6)
• Whitney Houston – I Have Nothing; Leila (S4)
• Carrie Underwood – Before He Cheats; Iona (S5)
• Stephen Sondheim – Send in the Clowns; Nina (S6)
• Lady Gaga/Bradley Cooper – Shallow; Sally (S4) & Vincent (S6)
• Barbie Movie – I’m Just Ken; Hutchie Fellas
• Toto – Rosanna; Southside band
• Alicia Keys – Empire State of Mind; Rachel (S4)
• Faltemeyer – Top Gun Anthem; Hutchie orchestra
• Celine Dion – Power of Love; Emily (S6)
• Starship – Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now; whole ensemble

The evening flew by, and everyone had their own personal favourites as they joined in from their tables, most dressed in their American apparel. Performances were flawless, sound and lighting far exceeding a school production, with an all-round professional quality.

Tim Rhodes, Director of Performing Arts said:

“It was a phenomenal week for our Music Department, who not only put on the two sell-out nights, but also prepared the choir for the Founders’ Day at Glasgow Cathedral and provided the music for the P7 show Madagascar which was but a few days later! The pupils and staff have been amazing and just brilliant all round. What an experience for everyone involved and I am so proud of everyone.”

Thank you to Rob Lindblade Photography for capturing the evening.