For the first time, Middle School students at Matthew Flinders Anglican College in Queensland are staging a musical production after working tirelessly through what has been a most bizarre, COVID-19-interrupted rehearsal schedule.
The cast of 20 Flinders students from Years 8 and 9 will present ’13: The Musical’ – a “high-octane show” from 17 to 19 August at Flinders Performance Centre.
Tickets are on sale now via TryBooking https://www.trybooking.com/BKSVA
Written by Jason Robert Brown, ‘13’ is a story about friendship, peer group pressure, and the awkward moment that is your first kiss.
“All Flinders students in Years 7 to 9 were invited to be involved, and the result is a wonderful ensemble for our first Middle School musical,” Flinders’ Head of Creative Arts, Danny Parker said.
“This is just one of many new opportunities the College will be offering in the coming years as part of Flinders’ rich co-curricular program for the Creative Arts.
“The aim is to enable students from Prep to Year 12 to explore their creativity, step outside their comfort zone, have fun, build friendships, and develop an appreciation for The Arts.
“The process of making this show has been truly collaborative as every cast member has contributed moves for the routines, or direction for the scenes.
“The group has been a joy to work with; they are such a creative bunch with endless suggestions and ideas.
“Watching the students’ confidence grow within the company has been inspiring, and every rehearsal (whether in person or via the screen) has been a laughter-filled, joyous event.”
The cast of 20 students are on the stage throughout the show; they play teenagers, parents and scene shifters during the performance.
The stage manager is a Year 9 student who has the important job of managing the smooth running of the production, including controlling the music and the lighting cues.
Danny describes the show’s content as “sometimes uncomfortable”.
“’13’ has its share of cringe-worthy moments, especially if you remember the start of your own teenage years,” Danny said.
“All contemporary musicals deal with challenging situations; sometimes these situations are just part of the hand we are dealt. Occasionally they are born of our own decisions.”
In ‘13’, young Evan Goldburg makes some key decisions that come back to haunt him.
His treatment of those who offer him the hand of friendship leaves something to be desired.
The musical explores: ‘How far would you go in the pursuit of popularity?’
To fully explore that question, people are invited to see the show.