The University of Toronto century-old tradition Daffydil is just a day away.

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Med students Rebecca Hicks, back, and Christina Reppas-Rindlisbacher are thrilled to be part of the U of T tradition Daffydil.

When Christina Reppas-Rindlisbacher got into medical school at the University of Toronto, she knew there was one thing she’d have do that had nothing to do with medicine: be a part of Daffydil.

It’s a century-old Faculty of Medicine tradition. The health sciences students write, produce and star in the musical production, which raises money for the Canadian Cancer Society. More than 50 students are involved.

“I heard about it before I even got in to the school,” the first-year Peters-Boyd Academy student said. “My stepdad was in the show when he did his physiotherapy degree at U of T – and that was probably 30 years ago.”

A chorus member in this year’s show, Reppas-Rindlisbacher said it was a surprise to see some of her classmates’ hidden talents.

“One girl scored all the music, parts for the whole band. She studied music before med school and was a concert pianist,” she said. “I’ve been in musicals in the past and it was with people who focused on (performing). Here, it’s people who spend most of their time study anatomy and the caliber of the production is still amazing.”

Second-year medical student Rebecca Hicks also stars in this February’s show.

“I was involved in Daffydil last year and it was such an amazing experience, I had to be a part of it again,” Hicks said. “It is wonderful having the chance to raise money for a great organization like the Canadian Cancer Society, while also being able to branch out of our student roles and utilize our artistic talents.”

Both placed at Sunnybrook, Hicks and Reppas-Rindlisbacher have been balancing their books and rehearsals.

“The teachers and tutors all have been great,” Reppas-Rindlisbacher said. “It’s been so great to be around people at that level who still care so much about the students.”

Dr. Mary Anne Cooper, Peters-Boyd Academy director, said she’s happy to see students involved in Daffydil.

“We are so proud of our students for their hardwork – in the classroom, in the hospital and on the stage,” she said. “They see the importance of giving back to the community and volunteering their time and talents to this production.”

Date: February 20-23
Location: Hart House Theatre, University of Toronto
Time: Show starts at 8 p.m., Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
Note: February 23 is Alumni Night!

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