Creative Arts News

MCC Cabaret “Groovin 70s”

On Friday 17th and Saturday 18th of May Marian Catholic College Creative Arts students entertained over 450 people with the “Groovin 70’s”. 

This year's program was presented by the largest number of students ever involved in a MCC Cabaret. Around 90 students ranging from Year 7 through to Year 12 participated in bringing back the music and dance moves of the 70’s. Hits from Fleetwood Mac, Hall and Oates, Eagles and Jackson 5 bringing the 70’s vibe to the crowd. Not only did students experience performing on stage, but they were exposed to every part of the production as ushers welcoming guests, backstage assisting with microphones, taking photos of the show, operating the spotlight, painting the set and setting up tables for each show. 

Guests were not only entertained, but also well fed with Year 11 Hospitality students preparing delicious platters and serving the VIP meals over the two nights. This was under the careful direction of Mrs Shannon, TAS Coordinator, supported by Mrs Dickie and TAS assistants Mrs Mitchell and Mrs Bray. A huge thank you to our amazing TAS assistant, Mrs Panarello, who offered her catering expertise to coordinate and cook around 60 three course meals for VIP guests, supported by Mr Summerville, Mrs Patten, Mrs Swan, Mrs O’Keeffe and Christiana Panarello.  

The Creative Arts staff dedicated many hours to ensure the production was successful for both students and guests. It was a combined effort from the Music, Visual Arts and Drama teams. Drama teacher Alison Carlile guided our hosts, the Year 10 Drama students through the scriptwriting and preparation for each show. Our amazing Visual arts staff, Miss Jarvis, Mrs Dickie and Miss Taylor designed and painted the large flats which framed the stage and sides of the hall. Students from the Art Club and senior visual arts classes also helped. 

Miss Taylor designed the poster, program and was photographer across both nights. Music teachers, Mr Segrave, Mr Aviu, Mrs Calabria and Mrs Aventi spent many hours rehearsing with the instrumentalists, vocalists and Vocal Group to ensure the 22 piece set list was well prepared. Music teachers and the following staff members also performed with Vocal Group and in the two staff songs. Thanks to Miss Carlile, Mrs Brooker, Mrs Swan, Miss Tappi and Mrs Jensen for their support and enthusiastic participation. 

The audio and lighting (as can be seen in many of the photos) was amazing, thanks to the talents of Mark and Josef Macedone from Pristine Productions. 

Thank you to Jason Torresan for being our licensee; Loretta Zanotto, Charlie O’Sullivan and Allira Aventi for assisting with the bar and Vince and Maddison Bucello from Midstate Video Productions for recording our Friday night performance. 

A huge thank you also to Michael & Jenine Calabria from Calabria Family Wines for their ongoing support of the College and our Creative Arts productions.

Thank you to the many MCC staff who also assist behind the scenes to enable such performances to run smoothly. These include Simon Aventi & Keiron Edwards, all the Office and Administration Staff, in particular Julie O’Keeffe, Janine Van Jaarsveld and Helen Brill, and Dr Penny Ludicke and the MCC Leadership Team. 

Finally, thank you to the all fantastic MCC students who participated on stage, off stage and behind the scenes - congratulations on an amazing production!

Matthew Segrave (Creative Arts Coordinator & Musical Director) 

and Belinda Aventi (Producer)