Performing Arts
Thank you for the music – Mamma Mia!
In May, one of the largest ensembles to perform at a Senior School production delivered outstanding performances of Mamma Mia across three jam-packed nights.
From Opening Night, students poignantly captured the story of hardworking, single mum, Donna’s conflict with her beloved daughter's, Sophie, retro views on marriage and babies, while delivering many wonderful humorous vignettes, all tied together with the unforgettable ABBA soundtrack.
Sophie Sheridan, performed by Agrata Sharma, who was debuting in Mamma Mia, was spellbinding as she opened each performance with, 'I Have a Dream'. Together with Jack Campbell-Manly as fiancé, Sky, they navigated their wedding night jitters and Sophie’s existential identity crises with much loved songs including 'Lay All Your Love on Me' and 'Voulez-Vous'.
Renee Bekas delivered another powerful lead performance as Sophie’s mum, Donna Sheridan. Confronted with three former lovers on the eve of her daughter’s wedding, where paternity took centre stage, Renee gave an incredibly mature performance. Most memorable was the soulful delivery of 'Slipping Through My Fingers'. This author may have shed a tear or two!
Gate crashers and possible fathers, Sam Carmichael, played by Elijah Slavinskis, Bill Austin, played by Noah Emons, and Harry Bright, played by David Overton, provided intense and light moments throughout the show.
Elijah’s performance of 'Knowing Me, Knowing You' was exceptional. Noah’s duet of 'Take a Chance on Me' with Zaiju Du Preez (Rosie) was hilarious. And the unforgettable Elena Stuckey De la Banda as the flirtatious and cheeky Tanya reminded us of her break-out role in Matilda with her performance of 'Does Your Mother Know'.
Veteran of the stage, David Overton, was utterly believable as the stuffy, yet sweet, Harry. He and Renee took us down the memory lane of summer romances with 'Our Last Summer'.
There were wonderful performances from Sophie’s gal pals Lisa, played by Maya Wimalesundera, and Ali, played by Joanna Mistaris, and cheeky hotel staff, Pepper, played by Hugo Della Bosca, and Eddie, played by Amber Bowman.
A huge shout-out to the Chorus who danced and sang with energy and joy from start to finish. It was hard not to smile at those happy faces.
And a big thank you for allowing some of us to attempt some of our own dance moves, while dodging beach balls, to 'Mamma Mia', 'Dancing Queen' and 'Waterloo' as part of the Finale.
Congratulations to students, staff and parents who contributed so much to deliver such memorable performances.
Jazz Cabaret Evening
Lin Yatsuzuka and Kayla Brazitikos, Year 12
In April, the Performing Arts Department held the Jazz and Contemporary Cabaret at the Glen Eira Town Hall for the first time in two years.
Many parents, friends and staff were well entertained by our talented and enthusiastic musicians from Years 9 to 12.
It was exciting to see eager students performing for parents and staff members, despite some students being unable to attend due to COVID. We would like to thank all of the students who were present and gave their all while performing.
A special thanks to everyone who helped make the evening a success: Music Co-Captains, Caleb Wong and Lin Yatsuzuka; Production Captain, Renae Bekas; and Dance Co-Captains, Kaitlyn Connolly and Sara Dorne, who all worked throughout the term to assist Ms Bull in organising and running the evening.
Finally, thank you to all the staff and the backstage crew who put together the performances behind the scenes, as well as photographers Kayla Brazitikos and Jasmine Parry for capturing beautiful photos of the performances on the night.