Three thousand young performers from more than 200 schools will showcase how “Anything is Possible” at this September’s Victorian State Schools Spectacular.
Minister for Education James Merlino today announced the principal cast of this year’s Spectacular – a musical extravaganza featuring a 64-piece orchestra, a 1300-voice choir, 1200 mass dancers, 30 lead vocalists, 16 principal dancers, 20 ensemble dancers, eight backing vocalists, one magician, roller skaters, puppeteers and much more.
The show explores themes of creativity, freedom of expression and self-empowerment – taking inspiration from the song Pure Imagination (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) which will feature in the show.
Giant boxes will release fantastical creatures onto the Hisense Arena stage and an eight-metre-high puppet will entertain the audience.
Talented vocalists and musicians will perform more than 40 songs from artists like Pharrell Williams, Justin Timberlake, David Guetta, Jesse J, Meg Mac – ending with a rousing rendition of John Farnham’s You’re The Voice.
This year’s principal cast also includes some rising stars of stage and screen:
- Award-winning Magician Tim Mason has wowed audiences in Las Vegas.
- Online vocal sensation Imogen Spendlove was a finalist on The Voice Kids.
- Yorta Yorta girl Lillie Walker performed in Deborah Cheetham’s Pecan Summer.
The Spectacular supports the Andrews Labor Government’s Education State targets of more students reaching the highest level of achievement in the arts; ensuring kids are happy, healthy and resilient, and building pride in their schools.
Participating primary and secondary school students work with industry professionals including Creative Director Neill Gladwin, Musical Director Chong Lim, Dance Director Deon Nuku, (Scooby Doo, Happy Feet, Moulin Rouge) and Associate Dance Director Troy Phillips (King Kong the Musical, Moulin Rouge, Hairspray, The Boy from Oz).
Taking part in the Spectacular provides a unique training opportunity for students onstage, as well as behind the scenes on audio, lighting, video production, stage management, costume, make-up, photography and publicity.
The Spectacular will be performed twice on Saturday 16 September at Hisense Arena.
Tickets available are from 9am on Tuesday 13 June at
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“The Spectacular is an invaluable performing arts opportunity for government school students; it helps foster the next generation of creative Victorians.”
“There is a lot of community pride and excitement around each school’s and student’s involvement and I can’t wait to see the final result.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020