DESPITE their onstage rivalry, strong performances by brothers Konrad and Paula Makisi show they can comfortably share the limelight.
Konrad and Paula played Jesus and Judas respectively in Rongotai College’s performance of Jesus Christ Superstar last weekend.
Talent also runs in the family, Konrad’s brother Ben Lummis was the first winner of New Zealand Idol in 2004.
“When I was a little kid I used to look up to Ben, when he performed on New Zealand Idol,” Konrad said.
“I always wanted to sing and perform on stage and yeah this was a big step for me that I always wanted to do,” he said.
It took the Makisis and the cast from eight other local schools more than six weeks of practice before the performance.
“It was very challenging being Jesus because the lyrics were really hard,” Konrad said.
Paula played Judas and said he would like the idea of performing on stage again.
“It would be fun, and I’d like to do more stuff like that in the future for sure,” he said.
Other schools involved in performance were Evans Bay Intermediate, Queen Margaret College, Seatoun School, South Wellington Intermediate School, St Catherine’ College, Wellington College, Wellington East Girls College and Wellington High School.
Mary was played by Wellington East Girl’s College year 13 students Prue Dreaver-Stimpson.
“It was challenging playing a woman who is obviously very strong and confident, and yet very vulnerable and obviously confused,” Prue said.
Directed and produced by teacher Ami Tasker, the story is based on Jesus’ last seven days, told through the eyes of Judas, and all lines are sung.
“We chose this because it’s a really classic rock opera and every year we like to do something that challenges us more,” Ms Tasker said.
“The music is really challenging and exciting. The roles are really gritty and intense for the student to get them self’s involved in,” she said.
Rongotai College principle Kevin Carter was pleased by the student’s performance and the hard work done by the staff members.
“It was absolutely outstanding. It was exactly what you want a school show to be, kids involved, staff involved, high excitement and just outstanding performance,” Mr Carter said.
“The orchestra was brilliant, as good as I’ve heard in a performance,” he said.
The crowd on the final night gave the cast a standing ovation.
Audience member and Rongotai College old boy Jarrod O’Brien acknowledged the Makisi family.
“It was a good show, the singing was very good and the Makisi boys were excellent,” he said.
Stephen Heath was surprised by the level of professionalism that students have showed.
“It was a really excellent performance, you go and thinking it’s a children performance, coming out thinking it’s an adult performance,” Mr Heath said.
“Very polished, very professional and credit to the school,” he said.
