Students from St Margaret Mary’s College, St Patrick’s College and Ignatius Park College bring Queen musical We Will Rock You to life
The magic of Queen comes alive as Townsville schools unite for “We Will Rock You,” blending live music, youthful energy and teamwork.
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The special kind of magic of Queen comes alive at the Townsville Civic Theatre this weekend when the musical We Will Rock You rocks the stage.
The production is a combined production of three of the city’s Catholic schools - St Margaret Mary’s College, St Patrick’s College and Ignatius Park College.
None of the cast were even a twinkle in their parent’s eyes when Queen last played live in 1986 with Freddie Mercury upfront and the song – The Show Must Go On – released in 1991, was the last hit for the band while Mercury was still alive.
But despite 34 years since that release, the magic of Queen still lives - passed on down the generations and for many of the cast of this latest production of We Will Rock You, Queen is one of their favourite bands.
St Patrick’s College Drama teacher and the musical’s assistant director Rosie McGuire said the production involved more than 100 students from the three schools in front and behind the curtain and it seemed the cast were born to play the roles.
“The parts really fit our students so it was almost like it (the musical) was made for this cohort of kids.
She said despite the difficult elements of some of the songs, including Bohemian Rhapsody, the students had mastered Queen’s classic songs.
“John Goulter, who our musical director, was instrumental in bringing everyone all together. So we had a really beautiful one run through of that song, and I think all the kids lit up, seeing how it all connects and all works,” she said.
The assistant director said a big part of the musical was having a live band perform with the cast.
“Our band are professionals from Townsville, and they’re being conducted, led by Dr Mark Smith, so they they’ve been working really hard separately, and then last week, that’s the first time they’ve come together, and hearing them with our live singing was special, and that’s going to be even more special for the audiences.
“I think you can’t put a price on a live quality band in a musical. It’s not always done in other musicals.
“So I think that the audience is going to get a wonderful surprise.
“Everyone’s going to love it. There’s something in the show for everyone. And I so I really encourage everyone to come along,” she said.
St Patrick’s College student Bridget Baxter’s character is Galileo whom she describes as a joy to navigate.
“She’s a bit ditzy, she’s fun, she’s a bit silly, and quite honestly, I think I resonate with that a bit,” she said.
“I’ve done musicals for a while, and being able to do one at school with some of my really good friends has just been amazing.”
She is hoping for a lot of audience participation for the musical on the weekend.
“We want cheering, we want yelling, and there are quite a few times where we need the audience’s help. So it’s good fun for everyone.
“It’s such an awesome show. I think everyone should come along. It’s so fun,” she said.
Biggest takeaway from We Will Rock You
“It’s really lovely to see the combination between the three schools. It’s a really great example of teamwork. Also it’s fun. It’s so fun to watch, fun to listen to. It’s a really great story.”
Favourite Queen song
“My favourite Queen song is Crazy Little Thing Called Love, because it was my mum and dad’s wedding song.”
Ignatius Park College student Joseph Ori plays character is Buddy Holly and said it was a great experience doing a co-production with other schools.
“I find it interesting. Lot of different backgrounds, a lot of different people, and all of us coming together to make something great. I think it’s awesome.”
Biggest takeaway from We Will Rock You
“The people that we talk to and the friends that we make just being here and doing things together.”
Favourite Queen song
“Somebody to Love is my favourite song in this musical.”
Riley Johnston is also from Ignatius Park College and his character is Las Palabras and he is also enjoying the experience of working with students form other schools.
“It’s a good opportunity to work off people that you haven’t met before, and take on some of the talents that they have and learn off them.”
Biggest takeaway from We Will Rock You
“The biggest takeaway is that teamwork really makes a dream work in terms of the fact that you really can’t put a show together without everyone working together collaboratively. You have to all be working as a team at each and every rehearsal.”
Favourite Queen song
“My favourite Queen song is Under Pressure.”
St Margaret Mary’s student Elizabeth Davis plays Ozzy Osbourne and said working with other students in the production was fun.
“I can find more friends that I usually wouldn’t see because I go to my school.”
Biggest takeaway from We Will Rock You
“Seeing my friends, but I also like performing. So I guess just like having fun, and having the experience of being on stage.”
Favourite Queen song.
“I am a bit biased to the song. No One But You, but I like that one the most (in the show), not just because I sing it, but - that’s my favourite.”
We Will Rock You is on at the Townsville Civic Theatre this Friday and also two shows on Saturday. To book go to here.
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Originally published as Students from St Margaret Mary’s College, St Patrick’s College and Ignatius Park College bring Queen musical We Will Rock You to life
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