Let’s Go! Hawthorn Enjoys an All-School Festive Excursion

On the chilly sunny morning of December 13th (wind chill -17C 🙂 ), Hawthorn students from JK to Gr. 12 bundled up to venture downtown for a festive excursion to Young People’s Theatre and The Distillery District’s Winter Village. 

First, we joined Charlie Bucket on his delectable adventure into Willy Wonka’s world famous chocolate factory in Toronto’s premier stage adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic tale. As one theatre critic writes, it’s 

“a story with open arms and a loving heart. IT’S JUST WHAT ALL OF US NEED RIGHT NOW.” Based on the enthusiastic feedback of our students, we couldn’t agree more, and we encourage theatregoers of all ages to treat themselves to this joyful play, running on the Ada Slaight stage until December 30th. 

As a bonus, after watching Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, our Upper School received a backstage tour of the Young People’s Theatre. We saw how props were made, and learned that weapons (even though they aren’t real) are locked up because they could scare people if they are used at the wrong time (not during a performance or a rehearsal). We met two staff members who were painting the set for an upcoming performance.

We learned that the fastest costume change during Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was 18 seconds for one actor because many actors play several different roles. Only six people worked backstage for the performance! We saw the screen that the actors watch to get their cues. All the music is performed live but since the theatre doesn’t have room for an entire orchestra, some of the sound effects are pre-recorded. Hawthorn girls commented that the actors are really talented since they have to act, sing and dance well, and had less than a month after their audition before their first performance!

After enjoying professional live theatre of a good story, we spent the afternoon exploring The Distillery District’s Winter Village. There, we experienced the history of Toronto, immersed ourselves in the merry traditions of a one-of-a-kind outdoor Christmas market of seasonal items, gifts, and food sold by entrepreneurs, and enjoyed time together before the long-awaited holidays. Truly, there was something wonderful and memorable for everyone, as we all shared this special Advent season day out together. Thank you so much to all of the faculty, staff, and parents who organized this day just for us and accompanied us along the way! What a wonderful, fun-filled celebration!