Schools on Stage

2017 Schools Spectacular Sets New Participation Record

Now in its 34th year, the popular live-and-televised extravaganza that is Schools Spectacular will star over 5,700 students including a choir of 2,700 voices, 2,400 dancers; a 100-piece symphony orchestra; world-class stage band, 44 solo singers and 145-featured dancers from public schools across NSW.

Last year marked an iconic chapter in Schools Spectacular history when their annual arena production broke the Guinness World Record for the Largest Variety Concert in the world at its new home QUDOS Bank Arena, Sydney Olympic Park. 

The Little Mermaid

Music by Alan Menken. Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Glenn Slater. Book by Doug Wright. Mercedes College. Directed by Kathleen Cocks. The Regal Theatre, Subiaco WA. July 28-30, 2017

Mercedes College took their annual school production to the Regal Theatre for the first time, delivering a show with amazing production values, performances that belied the ages of the performers and amazing precision.

The Addams Family

Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa. Book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice. Scotch College. The Fisher Chapel - Scotch College (SA).  28th July to 5th August, 2017

When asked to review a school production I am usually prepared to make allowances for the young performers’ capabilities and the available resources to mount full productions. In the case of The Addams Family I needn’t have worried though, the production was extremely polished.

Little Shop of Horrors

Book and Lyrics: Howard Ashman, Music: Alan Mencken. Directed by Beth Parkinson. Mazenod College, Lesmurdie, WA. July 15-22, 2017

Mazenod College’s Little Shop of Horrors is presented in one of those cavernous gym-a-toriums found in many schools, and notorious for being cold, with poor sightlines, having little atmosphere and poor acoustics. Mazenod’s production manages to transform this space with oodles of care, decorations that even spread to the restrooms and lovely attention to detail. 

Godspell

Music & Lyrics: Stephen Schwartz. Book; John Michael Tebelak. Elizabeth College, Hobart. Director: Justan Wagner. Choreographer: Rebecca Wilson. Musical Director: Les Johnston. Vocal Director: Jennie McDonald. 2 – 10 June, 2017

Australian Students to Pilot Disney’s Newsies JR.

Young Australian performers will collaborate with New York City theatre professionals on new student edition of Newsies.

Hairspray

Book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan. Music: Marc Shaiman, Lyrics: Scott Wittman, Marc Shaiman. Directed by Darren Sangwell. Rosny College Performing Arts. Rosny College, Hobart. 17 – 27 May 2017

As a full-on, energy-charged entertainment package, Hairspray the Broadway Musical is a

2017 School Performing Arts Resource Kit

Stage Whispers is launching its 2017 School Performing Arts Resource Kit - SPARK - a free on-line magazine with a guide to putting on a show and attending school oriented productions.

 

Click here to read the 90 page magazine www.stagewhispers.com.au/spark

 

 

 

 

 

SPARK Includes articles on

A Fleeting Night’s Dream

The Kings School and Tara Anglican School. Original Concept and Adaptation by Michel Terzo and Diane Herron. Music and Lyrics by Fleetwood Mac. Based on Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Musical Arrangements by Melody Beck and Benie Lagana. Choreography by Kate Brady. March 15 – 25, 2017.

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella

Iona Presentation College. Directed by Matthew Aris. The Regal Theatre, Subiaco, WA. 17-19 March, 2017

Iona Presentation College’s Cinderella was one of the first big school productions of the year. A lavish show with a big budget feel, this Cinderella was a delight.

Jade Spirito in the title role, was a beautiful Cinderella with lots of personality and a gorgeous voice.

Strong, larger than life performances from Courtney Preston and Mikaela Giancaspro as nasty stepsisters Grace and Joy, showing lovely teamwork.