From aerialists to an army of Shreks, I was not prepared for Creative Generation

From giant inflatable bubbles and aerialists to a 68-piece orchestra and an army of mini Shreks, Queensland’s largest youth production is closer to Circus du Soleil than a regular school concert, writes Isabella Pesch.

Creative Generation in Brisbane. Picture: Grace Kessels

Five minutes into Queensland’s largest youth production and my jaw is already on the floor. This is truly something else.

I am witnessing dancers, singers, and a 68-piece orchestra perform “The Greatest Show” in glittering red costumes while aerial gymnasts climb ropes high above them. And no, what I am describing is not Circus du Soleil. I am talking about Creative Generation – State Schools Onstage.

Did I mention the aerial gymnasts?

Over the past week I have seen multiple rehearsals for CGEN, which is in its 20th year, and I really thought I knew what was coming. That was not the case.

For starters, I thought the smoke machine was going to be the coolest prop on stage.

Wrong. This show had everything. I am talking light-up scooters, giant inflatable bubbles, and an army of mini Shreks with glow-in-the-dark ears. Everything.

Props aside, the First Nations dance ensemble delivered powerful choreography to “From Little Things, Big Things Grow” followed by Tagai State College dancers’ The Sik Dance.

A beautiful start to the opening night.

Mega gallery: Creative Generation opening night

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Having seen the puzzle pieces of the performance methodically fall into place behind the scenes, it was heartwarming to watch it finally come to life in front of a crowd of hundreds for the first time.

Each musical number was a nod to 20 years of the production, with song highlights dotted through the show.

No matter where you were sitting in the room, you could see how much this meant to each and every student.

It was made even more special by the incredible past performers who joined them on stage.

Chrislyn Hamilton, Jess Spina, Sarah McCreanor and their fellow alumni stunned the audience with their skill, and with snippets of their past CGEN years playing in the background, it added a layer of nostalgia and sweetness to the event. It made perfect sense to have them on board for the 20th birthday of CGEN.

Sheldon Riley, a 2016 alum, gave me goosebumps with his tantalising vocals as he sang “Never Enough”.

Aerialists dazzled at Creative Generation. Picture: Grace Kessels

It was later I learnt that he represented Australia in Eurovision in 2022 – which makes complete sense. He is a world-class singer in my books.

Sitting there watching the orchestra perform a stunning rendition of “Livin’ Let Die” reminded me of my brief stint as a violinist in school.

I started pondering: Maybe I should pick up the instrument again.

Then I remembered I never practised before my weekly lessons – something these kids clearly do consistently. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if they didn’t need to practice they were that good.

“Should’ve been, could’ve been a pro-violinist” thoughts aside, I was enthralled by the

16 years old who had vocals that could rival some of the most infamous singers, Christina Brown delivered a spine-tingling rendition of “Bridge Over Troubled Water”.

I met Christina and her fellow feature vocalists on Saturday at the first Sitzprobe of the year, they delivered each song with ease.

All I am thinking is how in the world has this girl not been served a singing contract on a shiny silver platter yet?

550+ faces: Behind the scenes at Creative Generation

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Towards the tail end of Act Two, the audience are witness to a powerful delivery of “We are the world” married together by the featured vocalists, dancers and the signing choir.

And if this night couldn’t get any better, the crowd was graced with an array of throwback tunes from the past two decades. My personal favourite?

The incredible ABBA medley, with Mamma Mia characters, Donna and Sophie, fabulously played by Lisette Clark and Raine Barr respectively. Was I singing “Money, Money, Money” and “The winner takes it all” on the drive home? You’ll never know (I absolutely was).

Overall thoughts? This isn’t the typical school concert you and your schoolmates were forced to do every year, this is a full-blown professional production, helmed by students destined for stardom. I had to stop myself from writing more for fear I would spoil the entire show – each musical number was fantastic.

If the opening night was anything to go by, Friday and Saturday’s shows are bound to be even more spectacular. If you haven’t already grabbed a ticket to Creative Generation – State Schools Onstage 2024, do so. You will not be disappointed.