Summer Nights And High School Fun

Bowen State High School Musical Prepares For Grease The Musical

Talent runs thick through the walls of Bowen State High School, as students and staff ramp up for their ‘Grease the Musical’ school production which premieres tonight.

The student-led cast, coming from every age-group from year 7 to year 12, have spent close to six months preparing, rehearsing, and perfecting their lines, eager for the big show.

Year 9 students James Madlangsakay and Oliver Bond play the titular characters of Danny Zuko and Kenickie Murdoch, and are thick as thieves these days, having bonded over being T-Birds together.

“For me, it was all for the money!” James said when explaining his initial motivation for being part of the production.

“Actually, just kidding, I just wanted to do it because I wanted to try new things!”

For Oliver, he was initially nervous to audition for the show.

“I was pretty hesitant at first,” he said.

“I was like, ‘this doesn’t sound like something I would really do’, but it’s fun, and I’ve never got to hang out with these people before.

“It’s kind of cool to come in and meet new people and do something I’ve really never done before, and there’s no judgement because none of us have ever really done it before too.”

With close to 50 students as part of the cast, backstage crew, and band, the biennial musical is a big feature on the school’s event calendar.

“Anyone who wants to be in the music can be in the musical,” explained co-director Bridget Conti.

“The arts aren’t as big as sports are here, but it’s slowly building.”

Music teacher, Jack Gleeson, works closely with the students for the show’s music and believes that musicals are important to the school community.

“From what I’ve seen across the semester working with you guys, some of you were definitely hesitant at the start, but now you are genuinely and incredibly happy during rehearsals,” he said.

“You have so much fun!”

Matilda Payne, a year 9 student who plays Frenchy, was excited to pursue a new hobby and explore the musical theatre world.

Annabelle Payne plays Pink Lady, Marty, and as a Year 11 student, the 2023 production would be her last chance to participate in a high school musical.

Considering her tertiary opportunities, Annabelle is now looking to move to the Sunshine Coast where she will study to become a midwife.

Following her experience choreographing the dance to ‘You’re The One That I Want’, in the second act of the production, she also wants to become a dance teacher.

Showcasing the talent of the Bowen State High School students, Grease the Musical is not a show to miss.

WHAT: Grease the Musical

WHERE: Bowen State High School, McKenna Hall

WHEN: Friday 28 and Saturday 29, July

TICKETS: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1074531

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The cast of Grease the Musical has been rehearsing for six months now, and are ready to wow audiences

Sandy and Danny, played by Jasmine Dunkerton and James Madlangsakay embody their roles

The Pink Ladies act as integral characters to the plot and are a laugh for audiences

The T Birds’ performance is touching and highlights the growing bond between students. Photos supplied

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