by Shanhong Hughes, Director of Grade 5 Musical Review -

This year’s Grade 5 Musical Review brought together 13 songs from three different musicals, with surprise appearances of staff as guest stars. The first selections were from The Lion King, a much loved musical based on the 1994 Disney animated film of the same name, with music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice. The second, Oliver! is an English musical, with music and lyrics by Lionel Bart. The musical is based upon the classic novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. The final performances of the show were from Matilda the Musical, a stage musical based on the children's novel of the same name by Roald Dahl. It was adapted by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin.

This was the first year that Grade 5 moved from the Middle School to the Primary school, so it was the perfect opportunity to put together something different. Given the more limited time students had, we split the students into groups to learn a variety of songs in their classes. After the April holiday, our Drama lessons and CCA time were dedicated to work on different parts of the same show. We also took the opportunity to involve some of the team for the adult characters. Many thanks to Mr. Wolf, Ms. Smith, Mr. Brown, our VP Ms. McAleer and our Primary Principal Mrs. Radojkovich for taking part and performing with the Grade 5 students. The students certainly loved guessing who was going to be involved as the teachers' names were kept secret until the final rehearsals!

The show has given us lots of fun memories. It was wonderful to watch our Grade 5 students enjoying their learning and also a real pleasure to have the arts team united, with Music, Drama and Art all working together to create the final show. Everyone involved can be really proud of themselves, as we try to realise that it is not how perfect you are, but all about being part of a group, working together with common goals. We hope you enjoyed the performance!

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