COMBINED COLLEGE MUSICAL

“Xanadu”

Mrs Natasha Patao - Musical Manager

“Collectively, we wanted to give students the opportunity to simply have fun, develop and “play” with their characters.”

We started 2021 with high hopes for a fun-filled production. As last year’s musical was cancelled due to the pandemic, the boys and girls of the Colleges were itching to get back on stage and to be immersed in the world of performing arts.

It was decided, with this main intention in mind, that the staff production team from St Patrick’s College wanted to stage

“Xanadu”. This year’s production was in collaboration with St Gregory’s College.

Collectively, we wanted to give students the opportunity to simply have fun, develop and

“play” with their characters.

In Week 3 of Term 1, the dynamic production team from St Patrick’s College kick-started the audition process. By Week 5, our leads and ensemble members were cast. Many weeks of practice later the singing, dancing and acting all came together neatly on the opening sell-out performance night on Friday 4 June and was backed up by two more performances on Saturday 5 June 2021.

The students and a couple of staff members, Mrs Tweedie and Mr Papadoulous, strapped on their roller skates, pumped up the glitter and brought out the glow sticks and glam 80’s outfits. It was a laugh-out-loud musical production of the 1980 film. The plot of “Xanadu” follows Clio played by Tavara Sofia, the lovely and talented Greek muse who decided to put on some roller skates, legwarmers, and an Australian accent as Kira to help Sonny Malone played by Jordan-Leigh Estephan, a chalk artist to rediscover his own creativity. With both help and hindrance from the other muses and their strange magic - but also from the businessman named Danny Maguire played by Elliot Power and the muse of memory, Sophie Martin,they helped Sonny and Kira work to build a roller disco. We mustn’t forget one of our lead vocalists, Leo Malaseilia.

However, without the ensemble, this production would not be complete. Many individuals had their own “big moments” and everyone should be proud of their contribution and performance. It is experiences like these that are offered at the Colleges that stay with the students forever. “Xanadu” was truly the perfect choice of production for our Colleges.

“It is experiences like these that are offered at the Colleges that stay with the students forever.”

Over the three performances, these young professionals embraced their roles and the positive vibe backstage was contagious. Suddenly, we were all suspended in time. It made the whole cast say (sing), I’m Alive and Don’t Walk Away.

Choreography and tunes collided with excitement as the cast belted out All Over the World, Dancin’ and everyone’s favourite,

Xanadu.

Thank you to our supervising team from St Gregory’s College which included Mr Papadoulous, Mrs Dooner, Miss Phillips,

Mrs Falas, Mrs Armbruster and Miss Doherty.

Finally, this production could not have been possible without the dedication of the staff production team who were patient and remained passionate throughout the production. This team consisted of Mr Combes, Miss

Randell, Mrs Tannous, Ms Glase, Mrs Samyia and Mrs

Singles.

We are very thankful to have had the opportunity to work with such a caring and talented group of colleagues. Thank you to the supportive parents of the cast members. Finally, thank you to the College

Principals, Mrs Sue Lennox and Mr Lee MacMaster, who continue to foster the collaborative connection between the two Colleges.