DRAMA & MUSIC REPORT

After a very long Covid-induced break, musical theatre made a triumphant return to the CGS stage in May 2021.

GREASE was the word for six thrilling performances as audiences stepped back in time to an America of the rock ‘n’ roll era. The foyer of the Tim Murray Theatre was magically transformed into a 1950s milk bar, resplendent with popcorn, milkshakes, and milk bar attendants, further supported with balloons and atmospheric lighting – Everything needed to put the audience in the spirit of GREASE before the first note had been sung. As a musical about teenage rebellion and the fraught nature of growing up, the CGS cast of GREASE opened the show with an attitude that they maintained for the entire performance. The Greasers came up against the Pink Ladies; Danny tried to maintain his ‘coolness’ when re-united with Sandy; Greased Lightning roared into life across the stage, joining a very long line of oversized objects that take centre stage during CGS musical productions; Teen Angel ascended from the heavens supported by the Angelettes; and the stage was awash with colour as the students of Rydell High battled it out on the dance floor hoping to be crowned winners of the Hand Jive. The cast were ably supported by a band of highly skilled musicians, and a production crew that ensured they not only looked great in their costumes but danced with gusto through everyone’s favourite songs from the show. GREASE was meant to be the launchpad for a stellar year of theatre at CGS; it was unfortunately our only production, as the pandemic yet again re-wrote the performance playbook. Plans are well underway for 2022, with work commencing soon on two theatre productions, along with a Showcase evening of Dance and a Year 12 HSC and IB Exhibition.

– Simon Hughes, Head of Performing Arts

Students were delighted to return to live performances for this years’ House Music; after the requirement in 2021 for pre-recorded submissions.

The audience and adjudication panel alike commented on the very high standard across all sections this year, making adjudication decisions difficult. In addition to the high standard, we also saw a wide range of musical eras and styles represented, from Sea Shanty’s by Middleton House and Beach Boys standards from Hay House; to the ever-popular ABBA, Queen and Elton John.

An outstanding performance was from Burgmann with their House Shout interpretation of Mumford and Sons’ Little Lion Man.

Thank you to all the Houses for putting so much time and enthusiasm into their House Music contributions.

– Beth McConchie, Senior School Music Administrator