- Published:
- Wednesday 9 September 2015
Melbourne’s Hisense Arena will become a fairy tale fantasy land tomorrow as 3000 excited students run through their final dress rehearsals for Saturday’s 20th anniversary State Schools Spectacular live shows.
Media will be able to catch a vibrant sneak preview of Saturday’s Spectacular between 11:30am and midday tomorrow when students from across Victoria are put through their final paces in the lead up to show time.
Minister for Education James Merlino wished all students luck for their matinee and evening performances of What’s Your Story? on Saturday, which will mark the grand finale to months of rehearsals and hard work in their schools and other venues.
Tomorrow’s high-energy rehearsal will feature students in full Spectacular costume performing the show’s rousing finale number, Best Night, by Justice Crew, and Danny Elfman’s Alice’s Theme, from Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland.
In recognition of 150 years since Alice in Wonderland was published, the mass choir will perform Alice’s Theme, as an array of wondrous creatures and costumes flood the stage. Everything from human chess pieces, flamingos and circus artists, to giant puppets, plate-spinning Queen of Heart soldiers and acrobats, will be in the spotlight.
Conductor Nathan Scerri, who is the only person to have performed at every Spectacular since it began in 1995, will lead the Victorian State Schools Spectacular Orchestra throughout the performance.
Mr Merlino will attend Saturday night’s show, meeting students backstage before officially welcoming the crowd with Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Joy Wandin-Murphy.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“This weekend is the culmination of many months of hard work and commitment by these students, their families, teachers and the Spec’s creative team.
“The Spectacular provides a wonderful platform to show all Victorians the exceptionally high standard of talent that exists in our state schools.”
“I wish all students, their families and teachers the very best of luck for this weekend. I thank them for their commitment to the Spec and congratulate them on what will be a marvellous finale.”