Getting Dramatic

Well, that’s a wrap. After 215 days of planning, and 40 rehearsals, JOURNEY THROUGH TIME, the secondary production has come to an end. Reports have been overwhelmingly positive, with many staff, students and friends reporting that the show had them laughing, crying, singing along and sensing the presence of God.

To celebrate our school’s 50th year, it seemed only fitting for me to write a show that incorporated our amazing, God-ordained history, along with the ability to showcase our amazing students and their artistic abilities.

Imogen White and Sophie Van den Broek led the cast brilliantly as the two inquisitive students who stumbled upon a mysterious book that brought the stage to life as they explored significant key events in our school’s histroy. Along with Ollie Stekelenburg, Lily Bukka, Ella-Jane Bukka and Meg Dempsey (playing the role of Mrs Sketcher), the inquisitive students had the crowd in hysterics, with Boris the janitor (played by Ollie) and his mop, Luna (or is it Lexi, or Lisa, or Linda?) becoming a fan favourite with young and old alike.

In the historic scenes (the auction and first day of school), Euan Phillips (playing the role of first principal Jack Mechielson), Zac King (playing Keith Greenwood), Lily Bukka, Ella-Jane Bukka, Sharni Mosley, Acacia Smith, Zoe Duke, Amelia Spence, Sophia Caracassis, Olivia Osborne (along with a brilliant Dutch accent) and many others were able to not only educate the audience about our wonderful history, but tug at the heart strings all at the same time.

Then there was the magnificent Meg Dempsey who wowed the crowd by opening the show with the lead in Circle of Life (as Rafiki) and later in Let it Go (as Elsa). Zac King entertained the crowd as Mr Schneebly from the School of rock (along with many Year 7s who danced and played rock instruments to the crowd’s delight) and also astonished the adoring crowd with Chasing Cars – the encore acapella song.

India Joyce, in her first year in Secondary School, blew the audience away with her versatility. She sung the lead in the Annie classic, ‘Tomorrow,’ led the way with a solo in ‘seasons of love’ from Rent and played a significant role on keys in the School of rock song, ‘You’re in the band.’

There were two raps in the show that stunned the crowd with Zach Van der Veen creating a rap as Olaf in Let it Go and Mila Morgan creating a rap as Gabriella from High School Musical. Speaking of High School Musical, the show ended with the lively number, ‘We’re all in this together’ with leads, Noah Pirie, Mila Morgan, Ashlee Lyons and Amelia Spence (also played by Leila Hoogenraad on Wed and Thu due to Amelia being unwell) keeping the audience clapping and smiling along.

It was an eventful week to say the least, with a 5 hour rehearsal on the Saturday before, tech run all day Tuesday at the theatre, Wednesday dress rehearsal followed by matinee performance to the 5/6s, Wednesday night performance, Thursday night performance and Friday night performance. Yet, the delightful students never complained, but rather embraced the physical and mental challenges and delivered in a manner that will make us forever proud.

Perhaps arguably the most memorable moment might be that of Mrs Narelle Sketcher playing the role of the dog from Annie. Starting the song with her back to the audience, much murmuring and laughter could be heard as she finally turned and revealed that it was her. What a great sport our Principal is!

Special thanks to teachers Scott Mealy (assistant director); Natalie Goodman (choreographer); Sue de Pyle (assistant stage manager); Karissa Esselbrugge (operations and stage hands); Grace Sketcher (back stage, make up and costumes); Antonia Mitchell (vocal ensemble and vocal care);  Hannah McRae (from Donvale – stage manager); admin crew (Lauren Kirkwood, Anna Turner, Jueaneene Woolard, Jenny Taylor and Lo-arna Riches for so many various tasks); Simon Dyett and Josh Van der Veen from IT for sound and lighting; Mic Dempsey for filming and post show editing; and all other staff members that helped at front of house or back stage.

Very special thanks to student helpers: Caitlin Grey in Year 11 for overseeing the painting of the giant book – so many hours given there; Caleb Chatelier in Year 11 for overseeing lighting in the show; Jerush Perera and Yoshi Chivell for the pre-show entertainment on the Friday night; Anabelle B in Year 11 for assisting Mrs Goodman with the dances and all other students that helped back stage.

Hopefully we have all banded together to create a memory in the life of these students that will live on for many years to come. Praise be to our wonderful God for having His hand on this project and bringing glory to His name. We now look forward to the Primary School production next year, and the follow up Secondary production in 2025.

Tristan Forrest

Writer and Director, Journey Through Time

SP student reflections from the 'Journey Through Time' Matinee

Imagine if you watch a play and then you see Olaf rapping! Well, that’s what happened at the Showcase!

Sitting in the crowd waiting for the songs to start, the actors came out and started singing and dancing to the song, ‘Let It Go!’ Then, Olaf came on stage rapping and the whole crowd went crazy for him! It was the best play I've ever seen! 

Jireh H

On the 23rd of August, all the SPs went on an excursion to watch the high school's production, ‘Journey Through Time’. It was a really funny and interesting play about the rich history of how MECS became the school it is today. It showcased amazing singers performing songs we all know and love, videos and scenes about how it was when the school started 50 years ago and unexpected surprises that I know you will love! I'm so grateful for everyone who participated in the production and made it possible; the teachers who directed and wrote the play, the people who acted in the production, who made the costumes and everyone who bought tickets to go! 

Mia M

23 August was an exciting day for Senior Primary, as we went to watch the first show ‘Journey Through Time’, a Secondary School production. We went to Knox Arts Centre. It was a really exciting and cool show, not only was it a good play but it taught us the history of MECS by songs, videos and funny scenes! It was really surprise filled and really funny.   

Noah A

The bus was bubbling with excitement as we headed to Knox community arts centre to watch 'Journey Through Time', the Secondary School's new production. What we didn't know was that the show was full of surprises! There were funny characters and moments that you wished would last forever. 

As we watched we learnt more and more about the history of MECS, and how it grew bigger and bigger to this very year. This show was full of not just incredible singing and storytelling but fun facts about MECS. 

The cast were amazing, full of smiling and friendly faces. Their amazing acting abilities and their incredible singing voices made the show incredible. Singing, dancing, lights and sound effects all just made the show just blow my mind.   

 Emily K 

The whole of SP went to see the 'Journey Through Time production on Wednesday at the Knox Art Centre. In my opinion, it was one of MECS’ best productions ever. It was so interesting how it talked about all of MECS’ history. I learned a lot about what MECS was like 20-50 years ago and they even put all of the boring history into something exciting to watch. There are so many unexpected moments that made everyone laugh. It was truly jaw-dropping.

The production made me surprised by all of the amazing things that people did to get MECS built and up and running, and how much effort they put into raising the money to get MECS built.

Hamish M