A TOE-TAPPING

The Topper

New Yorker and musical star Christianne Tisdale, who stars as Molly in Opera North's new production of Weill's Broadway musical One Touch of Venus, made a toe-tapping, kitten-heel visit to join students at Shepherd School, Bilborough, at a one-day workshop with Opera North.

Fifteen students, aged 14, with moderate to profound learning difficulties, worked with director Orpha Phelan, singer Cordelia Fish and pianist Lada Valesova to explore One Touch of Venus; the story of the goddess awakened from her 3,000 year sleep by a timid downtown barber.

During the day they developed their music skills by learning some of the show's songs, and improved their composing, performing and directing talents.

Christianne sang 'One Touch of Venus,' 'I'm a Stranger Here Myself' and 'Very, Very Rich' for the students, who then had an opportunity to ask about her life as a musical star, before ending their day staging scenes from One Touch of Venus.

In 2001 and 2004, The Shepherd School obtained the Arts Mark Gold award in recognition of its work in the Arts, including art and design, dance, music and drama.