Performing Arts

The Award-winning animated film and stage play comes to life in this romantic and beloved take on the classic fairytale.

Based on the original Broadway production that ran for over thirteen years and was nominated for nine Tony Awards, and the Academy Award-winning motion picture, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast JR. is a fantastic adaptation of the story of transformation and tolerance.  Disney’s Beauty and the Beast JR. features some of the most popular songs ever written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with new songs by Mr. Menken and Tim Rice.

The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.

The Addams Family is a spooky musical that focuses on the importance of love and family. It is weird, at times gruesome, but also lighthearted - and moving - as the family members search for independence while also remaining very loyal to each other. On Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 December, Elsa High School presented The Addams Family! 

This year's performance of ‘The Addams Family’ was a highly anticipated event. Every poster and rehearsal only enhanced the excitement. Safe to say, this rendition of ‘The Addams Family’ surpassed everyone's wildest expectations. Although the performers were the main focus, nothing would be possible without the incredible efforts of the student and staff community, especially those of the directors: Ms. Pearson, Ms. Roybn and Ms. Celia. Students and Staff dedicated their time to set painting, prop design, costuming, and stage organization. 

As Gomez says, “Living or dead, family is still family.” The musical is an unconventional love story featuring lying partners, unhappy marriages, and teen romances. But it is also a story about an acceptance of differences, an openness to change, and the need to stay true to yourself.

Wednesday Addams (played brilliantly by Isla) has fallen in love with the seemingly ordinary Lucas (the charming Noam) and they plan to marry. She confides in her father, Gomez (played with particular flair by Yair), making him promise not to tell his wife, Morticia (the irresistible Casey), but Gomez is an honest man who cannot fathom keeping secrets. When the Addams family decides to host a dinner for Lucas and his mum and dad (played with heart and soul by Trisha and Jack), things start to unravel. 

The music and some of the solos were also very impressive. Adiella, playing Wednesday’s little brother Pugsley, sounded phenomenal singing the macabre song “What If,” in which he mourns the loss of his sister and the torture she always used to put him through. The song is extremely gruesome yet hilarious and somehow heartwarming at the same time. Akiva played the role of Uncle Fester brilliantly, leaving the audience wanting more after lighting up his jetpack and flying to his beloved - the moon. 

While watching the musical, everyone was absolutely in awe of each individual's talent. We could see a different side of each student; it was truly incredible to see such talent across the whole school and there were some surprises to see how excited and enthusiastic so many students were to perform. 

This event was truly a display of the achdut within our community and demonstrated the best of what Carmel School staff and students have to offer. Thank you to every single individual who made this outstanding performance possible. Encore! 

Lili, Sadie and Mr. Adam Darell

A massive thank you to the PTA, volunteers, and sponsors of the musical, without whom the show would not be possible. You brought enthusiasm, energy, and excitement to the show. Thank you!

On Tuesday 28 March and Wednesday 29 March 2023, Elsa High School was finally able to put on the long-awaited musical show: “Oliver! Jr” The end product is testimony to the hard work and dedication put in by everyone involved. From the actors and directors, to stage hands, backstage crew and support staff, everyone has given their all to make this year’s show a roaring success!

The show follows the story of Oliver, a young boy who escapes the harsh conditions of a workhouse and joins a group of young pickpockets led by the charismatic Fagin. The show features classic songs such as "Consider Yourself" and "Reviewing the Situation".

The performers have put in long hours of rehearsals to bring the characters to life. Their hard work and understanding of the material have brought out the best in their performances. The support staff that include set design, props, costumes, technical and musical crew deserve equal recognition for all their hard work and dedication that really brought the musical to life.

Audiences have been delighted with the show, drawing comparisons with Broadway! And many returned for a second viewing. The success of “Oliver! Jr” is a testament to the talent and dedication of everyone involved. Next year's musical has a huge standard to live up to – and students are already asking where they can sign up. Many, many thanks must go to Ms Kristen Pearson, Ms Robyn Humphreys and Ms Celia Leung for bringing it all together at last. 

Keziah: The musical was an experience of fun, creativity and hard work. We all contributed recesses, classes and spare time to paint the sets or rehearse. The show went from 2 years away to just 5 minutes and the feeling of waiting for that first note of “Food, Glorious Food” was probably the most thrilling. I really hope to do this again next year.

Jemaiah: I am grateful to be a part of this play. Even through Covid we powered through and were able to perform. We couldn’t have made it without the help, guidance and support of our wonderful directors: Ms. Celia, Ms. Robyn, and Ms. Pearson. At some moments I thought, this isn’t happening, it isn’t real, even 5 minutes before the play. However, as it comes to an end, I realise it really was real, fun and a true privilege to be a part of. The cast was amazing and I couldn’t have wanted a better one.

Lea: “Oliver!” has created a chain of lifelong memories I know I will cherish forever. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have been cast and to have performed in this production.

Lyora: I am so glad to be included in this year’s Elsa High School Musical. I will keep this memory with me for the rest of my life – getting to socialise and bond with each other, tightening our friendships with one another. We spent two years practising for this moment – with Mr. Swart leaving it was difficult but at the end we figured things out and finally made  “Oliver!” possible.

Ayala: “Oliver!” is an experience I have never gone through before. I have seen a perspective of being behind the curtains. I cannot believe that it’s over! I have had fun connecting with new people. Overall, this is an experience that I will remember forever.

Akiva: The production process was amazing – the different parts of it like the singing, the acting, movements and the sets all coming together was wonderful. We had some tough moments in the last three years like Covid hitting right in the middle and the director who started the play, Mr Swart, leaving, we thought it wouldn’t happen at all and our work would be wasted. Then two new amazing teachers took over as directors and picked up all the leftover pieces and made it into something incredible. And Ms Celia, who was with us the whole time, made a big impact – helping us with honing our voices and teaching us timing. All in all it was an amazing experience and I know I’m definitely going to be auditioning next year. Thank you for the experience!