Southern Stars set to be a ‘magnifica’ production thanks to 3000 young performers

A 3000-strong cast and crew from more than 100 public schools throughout NSW are set to put on a “magnifica” production for this year’s Southern Stars Arena Spectacular.

“Magnifica” is the theme of this year’s event, with tickets now on sale for shows on 30-31 August at WIN Entertainment Centre.

Southern Stars creative director Ruth Ellevsen said the theme was a play on the word “magnificent” and paid homage to the Spanish and Italian communities, while also capturing the magnificence of life and size of this year’s production.

“Through 10 segments we will explore humanity, the complexity of human connections, our rich world cultures, family, and the universal aspects of love and connection that bind us all together,” Ruth said.

“The kids in the show are going to get a very different experience with Magnifica because we explore the magnificence of life and the joy and bright colours of that carnivale theme, but also that reflective moment from going through trials and tribulations in life and the learning that comes out of that is magnificent for you to develop as a person.”

She said with a soundscape ranging from contemporary to classic songs and a focus on celebrating inclusivity, performances would range from a Shakira piece incorporating Spanish and Arabic language, which the students were learning from professional tutors, to a solo singer and solo sign language student performing together.

“The show will be an immersive journey that will resonate with audiences and participating students, leaving them inspired by the profound magnificence of human relationships and the shared experiences that unite us,” she said.

She said the theme also tapped into the size of the show, which now included 3200 students from the Illawarra, Southern Sydney, Shoalhaven, South Coast, Southern Highlands and Greater NSW.

Among them is Kirawee High Year 12 student Max Fernandez, who is a featured artist this year, and is performing in the production for the fourth year.

Max said this year he was particularly looking forward to the addition of circus performers backing them within a carnival atmosphere, with everything from Taylor Swift songs to Earth Wind and Fire tunes.

“We have such a great ensemble of people, and the show is looking really good so far and we’ve barely started rehearsals,” he said.

“The show really is magnificent and is so big and unlike any other show – the amount of dancing is so intense, which the featured artists have to do as well.”

Max said he hoped for a career in musical theatre, admitting Southern Stars had helped him develop his triple threat skills – singing, dancing and acting.

“Southern Stars has really helped me with the exposure that it gives you, and the experience that it gives you to be able to perform in front of that many people is unreal,” he said.

“The exposure and experience is one thing that’s amazing, but more important than that is the lifelong relationships we’ve all made.

“I have friends I did the show with two or three years ago who aren’t in the show this year and I’m still in contact with them.”

Ruth agreed, saying art had a way of “joining people and creating moments which they carry with them the rest of their life”.

She said that also included students within this year’s massive orchestra and VET students behind the scenes, who helped to create what was now regarded as a world-class professional production.

“Those kids go on into professional careers from the experience they’ve had working with the industry professionals, so there’s so many layers to Southern Stars,” she said.

“It’s not just about the performance, it’s about the training, the opportunities, their ability to grow and meeting other people.”

Executive producer Paul Roger said they had an overwhelming response from schools wanting to participate, surpassing pre-COVID numbers of schools and students taking part in 2024.

Paul said it included 2000 dancers, 500 choir members, a 200-strong Yanggaa Garaba, 80-member orchestra, featured vocalists as well as audience favourites such as the NSW Public Schools Millennial Marching Band, circus, and rising stars.

He encouraged people to get tickets quickly, due to past shows selling out.

“Southern Stars has become so well known now for the high level of entertainment quality and the professional production values,” he said.

“It’s not only mums, dads and grandparents buy tickets, we have patrons that return year after year because they value and appreciate great entertainment in this most unique arena setting.

“Every year people are simply blown away by the sheer level of talent of our public school student performers and the ability of our teachers to put together such a great spectacle.”

Tickets are on sale for Southern Stars 2024 Magnifica from Ticketmaster outlets exclusively. It will be held at WIN Entertainment Centre on 30 August (10 am school matinee and 7 pm) and 31 August (1 and 7 pm).