Article content Denine Williams liked what she heard when she started teaching at Korah Collegiate and Vocational School. The Edmonton native, who grew up in Calgary and Mississauga, was hired by Sault Ste. Marie Board of Education after wrapping up her faculty of education studies at University of Western Ontario in 1989.
Williams did a preview of Grease at the Goulais Avenue high school in May 1992. A handful of songs, including Summer Nights and Greased Lightning, were showcased at fashion and variety shows. A full-fledged production of the musical – a first for Korah – followed in April 1993.
“ I knew it needed to be done because I could hear the talent,” said Williams of bringing a new arts option to the west-end school. Early productions were helmed by community theatre talent, such as Robert Cooper and Dennis Esposti, before Williams directed student shows. Plenty more musicals, including Into the Woods, Aladdin and The Wiz, followed.
There was no stage show in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mamma Mia!, featuring the music of ABBA, ran in late February and will be the last show directed by Williams. She’s about to retire as arts subject area head at the only school she’s ever worked at.
“ I’m so happy I left with Mamma Mia!,” said Williams. “I left on a high note.” She also oversaw the Korahsters and the Korah Concert Band.
Williams has seen Korah students, including Joni Henson and Evan Korbut, go on to professional music careers. Others have.
