It was fitting that Southern Stars Performing Company vocalists and dancers performed the Greatest Show on Tuesday to launch this year’s spectacular.
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After all there is a lot to live up to when your showcase is called the Southern Stars 2018 ICONIC.
But show executive producer Ian Millard is confident the 3000 performers from over 120 public schools are up to the challenge and will do the ICONIC title justice.
”We will look at iconic culture, iconic places, iconic people, iconic fashion, iconic times and iconic music,” he said.
“We celebrate the brilliance and iconic nature of Walt Disney and all that he offered the world.
“At the forefront of our show are elements that are iconic to our culture including the Man from Snowy River and a celebration of all things Australian.”
Performers like Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts student Natasha Panayiotou will also take the trip down the yellow brick road to the Emerald City.
But the 15-year-old vocalist is looking to wow the audience with her performance of Applause, by the “iconic Lady Gaga”.
She will also sing the Camila Cabello hit song, Havana.
Mr Millard said this year’s show would include three circus troupes, the NSW Public Schools Millennial Marching Band, a rock band, 600 strong choir, 100 strong Aboriginal dance ensemble, a teacher’s choir, 50 member orchestra, digeridoo ensemble, boy’s vocal ensemble and signing choir.
He added that each year the show also attracted new schools looking to give their students performing arts opportunities.
One such performer is Tana Laga’aia from Newton High School of the Performing Arts.
The 16-year-old is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his father, well-known New Zealand-Australian actor and singer Jay Laga’aia.
The four ICONIC shows take place at WIN Entertainment Centre on August 31 (10am & 7.30pm) and September 1 2pm & 7.30pm). Tickets available at Ticketmaster.
Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
