Students from Junior School and Gawura School brought Lewis Carroll’s classic tale to life.
The Junior School and Gawura School production of Disney’s Alice in Wonderland JR delighted audiences across three magnificent performances at the start of September. Their whimsical portrayal of Lewis Carroll’s story of adventure and self-discovery was a joy for all. From the frantic White Rabbit, the Tweedles’ comedy duo and the discombobulating discourse of a host of Wonderland characters, our young performers captivated their audiences.
The shows took place at The Concourse theatre in Chatswood, with three performances in two days. The musical involved all 307 students from Year 3 to 6! Our students and staff ably moved between School and the theatre by train, learning to navigate the city’s public transport as well as their respective dramatic roles.
Led by Coordinator of Musical Theatre, Mr Ben Milis, Junior School and Gawura School Head of Music, Mrs Kate Robertson, Junior School and Gawura School Chaplain, Mrs Emma Newling and Junior School Teacher, Rebecca Cavenagh, the staff pulled off a tremendous feat. Together, with a small but dedicated group of parent volunteers, and through the generosity of our wonderful sponsors, students were challenged, encouraged and supported, as they took to the stage in a professional theatre to transport their audiences to Wonderland.
“I was amazed at our students – their wisdom and maturity was inspiring.”
“I was amazed at our students – each time we asked something new of them, they always rose to the challenge. From learning lines, traversing public transport or immersing themselves in their characters – their wisdom and maturity was inspiring,” said Ben Milis.
The original Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll, was first published in 1865. With its fantastical tales and riddles, it became one of the most popular works of English-language fiction. The story centres on Alice, a young girl who falls asleep in a meadow and dreams that she follows the White Rabbit down a rabbit hole. She has many wondrous, often bizarre adventures with thoroughly illogical and very strange creatures, often changing size unexpectedly.
“I loved seeing how our students made this classic story their own. Although the story was written 160 years ago, it was still as lively, funny and idiosyncratic as Carroll first intended,” said Mrs Kate Robertson.
Being involved in a musical production of this magnitude offers a rich educational experience for our students, providing multiple opportunities for both academic learning and character development. It challenges them and promotes personal growth – something that can only be fostered in an environment outside of the usual classrooms.
“Being involved in a musical contributes to our whole-person approach to education.”
“Being involved in a musical contributes to our whole-person approach to education; it is a fantastic combination of personal responsibility and teamwork, of challenge mixed with creativity, and that makes it both a lot of fun and an excellent learning experience for all involved,” said Mrs Emma Newling.
The story of Alice reminds us how powerful curiosity, creativity and a willingness to embrace the unexpected can be.
Bravo to our incredible cast and crew, you have made us so proud!
