Schools on Stage

Oliver!

By Lionel Bart. Directed by Beth Parkinson. Mazenod College, Lesmurdie, WA. July 20-27, 2019

Mazenod College’s production of Oliver! might almost be described as "Oliver! - The Arena Spectacular". Performed in the round, in a converted gymnasium, with a revolving stage, huge set pieces and a cast of 55, this was a large scale theatrical experience. Design and decorations extend to the foyer and interval space, making this an immersive and exciting experience.

High School Student’s Hit Song

Sophia Chesworth released a song that went to the top of the country music charts whilst still at High School. She attends the Australian Performing Arts Grammar School (APGS), which allows students to study and chase a creative career.  

Sophia moved to the inner-city Performing Arts school in Sydney for her senior studies because she wanted to be supported to pursue her passions.

“I have to say my favorite thing about APGS is how supportive it is,” say Sophia.

Peter Pan

By Sir James Barrie, lyrics by Carolyn Lee, music by Morris (Moose) Charlap, additional lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolf Green, additional music by Jule Styne. St Hilda’s Anglican School For Girls. Directed by Sharon Kiely. Musical Direction by Tim Chapman. Joy Shepherd Performing Arts Centre, Mosman Park, WA. June 30 - July 2, 2019

Anything Goes

Music and Lyrics by Cole Porter, Book by P. G Wodehouse. Guy Bolton, Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. John Curtin College of the Arts. Directed by Natalie Edmunds. Curtin Theatre, John Curtin College of the Arts, Fremantle. 26-29 June, 2019

"Delightful, delicious and delovely” - John Curtin College of the Arts’ Senior Musical features students from Years 9-12 in a toe-tapping production that is really is delighting its audiences.

Wicked

Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. Book by Winnie Holzman. Rouse Hill Anglican College (NSW). May 22 – 25, 2019.

Rouse Hill Anglican College turned several shades of green last week for its musical. Green hoarding welcomed visitors to the auditorium. Students and staff in green sequined vests sold programs and treats. The orchestra’s green bow ties glittered as the audience found their seats. A giant dragon hovered above the green-draped stage.

The Addams Family

By Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice. Rosny College. Darren Sangwell (Director), Andrew Castles (Musical Director), Kristy Baker (choreography), Nicole Ottrey (costumes), Suze Quinn (vocal director), Chris Oakley (designer) and Aron Webb (lighting). 16-25 May 2019

Hairspray

Music: Marc Shaiman. Lyrics: Scott Wittman, Marc Shaiman. Book: Mark O’Donnell, Thomas Meehan. Australian School of the Arts, Sheldon College, Brisbane. Redlands Performing Arts Centre. May, 2019.

It's an interesting conundrum - how do you stage a musical in which a key plot is about African-American civil rights, when your cast consists overwhelmingly of young Caucasian performers?

Sydney School Shakespeare

The Sport for Jove Theatre Company is having its largest ever school Shakespeare program in 2019.

The season is designed by theatre and education professionals, encompassing full-scale productions, symposiums for HSC students and The Shakespeare Carnival for both primary and secondary schools.

Young Aussies on Broadway

Young Aussie musical theatre stars from all over the nation embarked on the performance tour of a lifetime in January, which took them to New York City, to the Junior Theater Festival in Atlanta, Georgia, and ended in Hollywood.

The intrepid team of 41 “Aussie All-Stars” participated in theatrical performance workshops in New York, saw Broadway shows, represented Australia at the Junior Theater Festival in Atlanta and took part in the Disney Performing Arts program in California.

Legally Blonde

Music and Lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin, Book by Heather Hach. Iona Presentation College. Directed by Joshua Brant. Regal Theatre, Subiaco, WA. March 22-24, 2019

Iona Presentation College presented a beautifully polished Legally Blonde, with outstanding production values, a talented and united cast and a fabulous feel-good vibe.