Gateway College is once again set to captivate audiences with its production franchise Applause, this time titled Applause 26: A to Z of Music, Song, Rhyme & Dance. Featuring over 350 students from Gateway Colleges Colombo, Kandy, Negombo, Dehiwala, and Ratmalana, this year’s production is a rich blend of talent, creativity and expression. Under the visionary direction of Kala Keerthi Jerome de Silva, Applause 26 will celebrate different elements of music, drama, rhythm and rhyme in English, Sinhala and Tamil bound together with the deceptively simple concept of the letters from the alphabet.
This collaborative effort showcases the hard work and dedication of hundreds of students who have poured their hearts into this spectacular performance. Let’s take a closer look at what each school is bringing to the stage.
Colombo: A theatrical adventure
Gateway College Colombo is set to deliver a show-stopping series of performances. With over 100 students involved, the Colombo cast has embraced the challenge of bringing to life both contemporary hits and timeless classics ranging from Cats to Prince of Egypt.
Year 13 student Pahandi Silva expressed her gratitude for being part of the production:
“This journey has been so much more than just performing. It’s been about building friendships, learning from the best, and growing as a team. I’ll carry these memories with me forever.”
Their performances are expected to embody the energy and enthusiasm that have become hallmarks of the school’s contribution to Applause.
Kandy: Rhythm and harmony
Gateway College Kandy is all set to dazzle the audience with 82 students through six captivating acts. From the rhythmic excitement of Naatu Naatu to the soulful harmonies of Seasons of Love and the dreamlike finale Xanadu, Kandy’s performances promise a dynamic mix of energy and emotion.
For Year 10 student Ravindu Dissanayake, tackling the intricate beats of Naatu Naatu was both challenging and rewarding:
“It took a lot of effort to get it right, but the end result is something we’re all really proud of.”
Negombo: Bursting with enthusiasm
At Gateway College Negombo, students have embraced the spirit of Applause with a mix of primary and secondary performances. From the lively Oye Ojaye by the younger students to the emotional depth of Dear Evan Hansen and the energy of High School Musical by the senior cast, Negombo’s contribution is a testament to teamwork and passion.
The transformative nature of this experience is best brought out through the words of Vinhara Saputhanthri Year 11, a versatile performer:
“This experience has also revealed new sides of myself. Taking on different roles, such as a cheerleader for High School Musical, Lady Macbeth in Macbeth, and a high school student in Dear Evan Hansen, pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow in confidence. Applause 26 has been more than just a school event; whether it was rehearsing lines, setting up props, or supporting each other on stage, we learned how to work together as a team to bring stories to life.”
Teachers too share their pride in the work of their students:
“The students have worked so hard and grown tremendously through this process. Watching their confidence and talent blossom has been so rewarding.”
Dehiwala: Precision and passion
Gateway College Dehiwala has crafted performances that showcase their students’ versatility and creativity. Through music, dance, and drama, Dehiwala’s students embody the school’s emphasis on artistic excellence. From Avenue Q to Yentl presented by the Dehiwala team are bound to dazzle each and every spectator.
Yoshithya Lokuge of Year 12 reflected, “Applause 26 has been a production that I have been eagerly awaiting. The entire experience has been nothing but incredible, each practice moulding every actor, unravelling skills and building bods that are forever cherished.
Ravisha Attygalle says “… this is the first time acting dancing and singing all at the same time. It is really a mix of different cultures, it is more than just singing and dancing. It is like having that harmony
Ratmalana: A cinematic flair
Gateway College Ratmalana’s performances are infused with a creative twist, blending music, dance, and drama into cinematic narratives. Their acts, Ganga Addara and Gedara Hitiya Rosa, are staged as a film shoot, complete with “directors” and “cameramen” on stage. Their second act, Un Poco Loco, combines Sri Lankan rhythms with global influences, creating an electric energy that will resonate with the audience.
Year 7 student Sethun Perera, one of the drummers, shared his excitement:
“This is my first time being part of ‘Applause,’ and I’m thrilled to be performing on such a big stage. It’s been an unforgettable experience.”
Collaborative flair
Above and beyond all else, Applause 26 is a coming together of the students from the different schools and locations. Abley assisted by the cast of Springfield College Nugegoda, yet another member school of the Gateway Group, Applause 26 stands out with its collaborative performances of Applause and Zorba the Greek, that begin and end the great line up of music, song, rhyme and dance.
A show not to be missed
Applause 26 will take place at the Lionel Wendt Theatre, Colombo, on December 12, with shows at 3:00 PM and 7:30 PM and at the Gateway College Kandy Auditorium on December 15th at 6:30 PM.
Tickets are available on Tickets.lk. Don’t miss this incredible showcase of talent, passion, and artistry. Applause 26 is more than a performance—it’s a celebration of the creativity, perseverance and the diverse talents of the Gateway College students. Make sure you’re there to witness the magic!
