By DANI ROTHWELL
SCHOOLS on Stage returned on Thursday 10 September with another night of talented performances.
More than 250 students from seven local schools competed with two songs from their productions at the sold-out Hillcrest Theatre.
Crowd favourite Tim Campbell was back for his fifth year of hosting, opening the night singing Footloose with back-up dancing from Gleneagles Secondary College.
“I love the excitement of it,” Tim said.
“Also these days to see kids get on and really support each other – I think there’s a few social issues in that area.
“So to actually see them all get up and leave their inhibitions behind, it’s so infectious.”
With a range of musicals from Hairspray to Les Miserables, and even an original production, there was plenty of passion and talent on display.
Kooweerup Secondary College took out three of the six awards, winning the First Prize worth $2000, Best Individual Performer worth $100 and the Audience Choice Award worth $200.
Mayor of the City of Casey Mick Morland addressed the audience saying it had been a wonderful event.
“Your children are absolutely awesome,” Cr Morland said.
“I would encourage all students to participate in next year’s show.
“Casey is the home to many wonderful, creative individuals.”
The runner up was St Francis Xavier College with its production of 42nd street, Best Song went to Gleneagles for Shadowland from The Lion King, and the Best Team Work award went to Cranbourne East Secondary College, which performed Hairspray, for its work on the day.
Other competing schools included Cranbourne Secondary College which performed Earth Boy and The Mutant Ballerinas, Casey Grammar School with Hairspray Jr and Hillcrest Christian College with Seussical.
Highlights of the night included seeing a full cast of high school students tap dancing on stage in 42nd Street and Emma Wallice’s breathtaking performance of I Dreamed a Dream from Les Miserables.
“I don’t know any other councils that offer this much in the performing arts world,” Tim said.
“Any council that’s going to put this effort into local schools and support performing arts and performing, I’m more than happy to keep coming back and support.”
The live orchestra was led by Kim Thomsen with the City of Casey Youth Services team co-ordinating the night.
