DON’T let the smile or twinkle in Romko Hordynsky’s eyes fool you, this man has the ability to write and direct a top musical that scored him a theatre award.
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For the last 23 years Mr Hordynsky has produced an original musical for the students at Kinross Wolaroi School (KWS) and it was one written back in 1989 that scored him the award.
His production of Robbin’ the Rich scored KWS six nominations and three wins at the CAT (Canberra Area Theatre) Awards, which recognise talents in amateur theatre across NSW and the ACT.
The production won best original work for a school or youth production and best youth actor in a leading role in a musical for student Jock Pryse Jones.
The production also scored Mr Hordynsky a Gold CAT Award, the top award of the night.
“It was a great night, an absolute surprise, never in my wildest dreams did I expect to be up for the Gold CAT,” he said.
“It was just one of those surreal moments you see in the movies.”
Mr Hordynsky would best be described as a humble man, one that believes the students are what makes his musicals great.
“You have an idea, you have a seed and you end up writing a piece and then the children take that and bring it to reality,” Mr Hordynsky said.
“It’s just on paper but they bring it to life, they embellish it and that’s the joy.”
Mr Hordynsky said Robbin’ the Rich was the first show he ever wrote.
“My colleague John Campbell had written a number of shows and he asked me to write the year five/six musical,” he said.
Mr Hordynsky said he writes productions that have a moral or that teach the students and audience a lesson.
“A lot of it comes from my own youth where I used to watch the midday movies, Robin Hood, Zoro, a lot of the ideas are probably sitting in my head,” he said.
In his acceptance speech Mr Hordynsky made mention of the team effort that goes into producing any of his musicals.
“I would like to publicly and most genuinely thank the amazing team of staff, family, parents, friends, artisans and all the wonderful children whose passion and talent help shape and hone each of these musicals,” he said.
Mr Hordynsky also thanked Aileen Priest who designed and created the costumes, dance teacher Lisa Collins and Suzanne Pickford who assisted with vocal training.
Mr Hordynsky said despite all the musicals, costumes and productions over the years, he is still not sure what the winning formula is.
“It’s a great high to see this idea that’s generated and become a living thing on stage...if it wasn’t for them [the children] I wouldn’t be writing.”