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Blockbuster Story For State Schools Spectacular’s 20th Anniversary

16 May 2015

Alice in Wonderland, Daft Punk and Beyonce will collide in a musical extravaganza of storytelling and performance at the 2015 Victorian State Schools Spectacular.

Minister for Education, James Merlino, met some of the principal cast at the National Institute of Circus Arts to launch the Spectacular, which will feature more than 3000 students from over 200 Victorian government schools.

This year’s ‘Spec’ – entitled ‘What’s Your Story?’ – is based on the theme of storytelling.

Circus artists will perform with flamingos and mushrooms to an Alice in Wonderland theme, 1940s will meet 2015 with tap and hip hop dancers sharing the spotlight and the Spec orchestra will dazzle the audience with a rendition of The Great Gate of Kiev.

YouTube sensation and The Voice Kids finalist Imogen Spendlove, rising vocalist Maddie Andreopoulus and jazz guitarist Theo Carbo, will be among the performers on stage.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the State Schools Spectacular, which began in 1995 with 3000 students performing ‘Putting it Together’ – with a theme that celebrated human diversity.

The circus performers, musicians, skaters, singers and dancers will perform live in two professionally staged shows at Hisense Arena on Saturday 12 September, with more than 10,000 people expected to attend. The Spectacular is the biggest live music production in Victoria.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education, James Merlino

“This year’s Spectacular is particularly special – celebrating the 20th anniversary of this great event.”

“The Spectacular showcases exceptional young talent, and also provides an opportunity for thousands of government school students to get a taste of the industry.”

“In addition to those on stage, many more students are working behind the scenes and developing valuable skills in areas like stage management, audio, lighting, makeup and costume design.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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