Senior Arts News
Senior Production, Twelfth Night the Musical
Our 2026 Senior Musical is a vibrant and ambitious production of Twelfth Night, reimagined as a contemporary musical comedy by Tony winner Shaina Taub and Kwame Kwei-Armah. This joyful adaptation transforms Shakespeare’s much-loved comedy of love, disguise and mistaken identity into a dynamic theatrical experience filled with music, movement and heart.
Set in the whimsical coastal world of Illyria, our production embraces a bold “coastal circus” aesthetic, blending elements of Elizabethan theatre with contemporary musical storytelling. The result is a visually striking and highly imaginative stage world, where colour, texture and movement work together to create a sense of wonder and play. Audiences can expect inventive staging, strong ensemble work and a clear focus on storytelling that is both accessible and engaging.
Central to this production is its contemporary jazz-funk-pop score, which places music at the forefront of the storytelling – accompanied by one of the finest pit-bands in Melbourne. Students have been challenged to sustain character and narrative while navigating complex vocal lines and choreography, requiring a high level of technical skill, concentration and collaboration. Through this process, they have developed a deeper understanding of how voice, body and intention combine to communicate meaning on stage.
As we move into our final weeks of rehearsal, it is becoming abundantly clear that this production will be a standout event on the School calendar. With growing excitement across the cast and creative team, we encourage our school community to book tickets as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Performances will take place from 14-16 May 2026 in the Jamie and Rebecca Gray Theatre and the show is suitable for all ages.
Twelfth Night is ultimately a celebration of identity, connection and the joy of performance. With its infectious music, playful humour and heartfelt storytelling, this one is not to be missed!
Top Class success
We are delighted to celebrate the outstanding achievement of Sahara P, our 2026 Drama Captain, who has been selected to perform in the prestigious VCAA Top Class concert series.
Sahara was invited to present her monologue from the 2025 VCE Theatre Studies examination, from The Picture of Dorian Gray, at two showcase performances: 23 April at the Gippsland Performing Arts Centre and 7 May at the Ulumbarra Theatre. These events celebrate exemplary student work from across the state and provide a platform for high-achieving performers to share their craft with a wider audience.
In addition to her performance this week, Sahara was invited to participate as a panellist in the post-show Q&A session. She spoke with clarity and insight about her monologue selection, her development process, and the creative decisions that shaped her work. Her ability to articulate her artistic journey alongside delivering a compelling performance is a testament to her dedication, discipline, and maturity as a theatre-maker.
This is a significant accomplishment, and we congratulate Sahara on representing both herself and the St Catherine’s community with such distinction.
Mr James Brown
Head of Performing Arts