It was a huge weekend at Mueller with ‘Esther’ welcoming audiences for three shows of the 80’s inspired musical. The crimpers were on overdrive, the hairspray cloud thick, and the shoulder pads were plenty backstage as over 80 students prepared for their performance. Our ‘Events’ trainees ran the Box Office, and visitors browsed the Arts display in the foyer for a journey back through years of productions.
And then it was showtime! The company took the stage with gusto and blew audiences away with their talent and dedication. On Friday night, Josh Holloway stepped in to play Xerxes with only 24 hours’ notice due to his castmates’ illness and delivered an amazing performance. Harry Blackmore was back for the Saturday shows, giving his own take on the character and happy to be able to outwork the months of rehearsal. From stage crew to dancers, typists to band members, lighting assistants to lead cast, it truly took a collaborative effort from everybody to bring together such a memorable show.
Special mention to Mrs Sharon Casey who captained the ship, Mr Mark Blackmore who directed the performances, Mr Andrew Hill who led the band, Mrs Jodie Riek who managed the backstage chaos, Mr Simon Ratcliffe who adapted the script and took Esther to the 80’s, the many other team members who contributed to a smooth show, and to everybody who came along to encourage our students and made it a great night out!
Here is what some of our teachers had to say about it!
‘Esther was BIG – big music, big smiles, big hair, big story and big effort! Thank you students for an amazing afternoon at the theatre!’ – Mrs Window
‘We absolutely loved the Esther Musical, it was a great chance to talk about to the kids about Esther and all she did for her people. The performance of the students was exceptional, such a talent!! We especially loved the angels and all the amazing costumes. It was a great addition that it was set in the 80’s!! We would love to see it again!!’ – Miss Sortino
‘The Esther Musical is a stunning theatrical experience that tells the biblical story of Esther through 80’s rock music, dance, and powerful acting. The production design is impressive, and the score is a beautiful blend of upbeat rock and reflective 80’s pop. The lead actors deliver performances that are both nuanced and compelling, with a special mention to Harry Blackmore (King Xerxes) who expertly balanced the show’s themes while also injecting comedic relief with perfectly timed and hilarious extras. Mr Ratcliffe’s script was spot-on and biblically accurate, while Mrs Casey’s directing was second to none. The 80’s rock music was perfectly matched to the scenes and executed flawlessly by the band, making for an unforgettable experience.’ – Mr Sweetman
‘I thoroughly enjoyed the Esther Musical – wonderful performances from the cast, great set and lighting designs & song/music selections were so on point for the storyline. A wonderful interpretation set in the iconic 80’s.’ Mrs McMillan
