Our inaugural musical, Seussical, was a fantastical, magical, musical, sold-out extravaganza thanks to the talent, creativity, dedication, teamwork and community spirit of the students, staff, parents, alumni and extended school community involved. 

Held 10-13 May, the production drew on talented students, staff and volunteers from both Junior and Secondary Campuses. 

“The show was a terrific success - a great achievement and a proud moment for our school community,” summed up Principal, Mr Justin Beckett. 

“The show only worked because of the dedication and teamwork of many students and staff across such a wide variety of roles: set construction, set painting, costuming, hair and makeup, orchestra, choreography, vocal training, backstage, dressing room, front of house and sound and lighting.” 

Head of Co-curricular Music, Philippa Wood, who produced Seussical, pointed out that Arden had never before attempted a creative production on that scale. 

“Seussical was all about the bringing together of a school community for a large-scale passion project in our new creative arts centre,” explained Philippa. 

“The aim was to provide our students with an incredible musical experience they’ll never forget, harness the positive power of the broad cross-campus Arden team, and create a sustainable musical model for our school, for our future.  

“To see it come together with such energy, quality and positivity for the students, and for our wider school community, was the ultimate reward.” 

Year 11 student Isabelle, who played the role of Gertrude McFuzz, described being part of Seussical as “an honour and a highlight of my schooling so far”.  

“Seeing the unity created across the cast throughout the development of the show was incredible,” Isabelle enthused.  

“Being able to do what I love most with amazing people was an incredible experience that I’ll never forget.” 

Our Head of Drama and the musical’s director, Samantha McGowan, said that Seussical had been chosen for Arden’s first musical because the plot and themes resonated with the school’s values. 

“Arden students never cease to amaze me, not only with their acute awareness of a variety of issues, but also their passionate desire to use their God-given talents to make our world a better place,” explained Samantha. 

“For me, this is what made Seussical the perfect choice for our first ever school musical - it is fun and playful and at the same time reminds us of what is really important.”