A “once in a lifetime” opportunity to witness the “greatest and most hilarious very special production played by children from all over outback Australia” was presented to the Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, at Blackall on Tuesday.
The invitation was made by Thomas and Jennifer Scholes of Blackall, grandchildren of former Warrego MP, Howard Hobbs, and referred to the Longreach School of Distance Education school musical set for early December.
Over 90 students are already rehearsing for The Amazing Adventures of SuperStan, which will be the fourth musical production undertaken by a school with a catchment area bigger than Victoria.
If Mr Turnbull and his wife Lucy were to attend, they would witness “Stanley Marvel taking to the skies with a dose of secret formula and a pair of fantastic, elastic, anti-gravity underpants, as the greatest superhero the world has ever known”.
The school website comments that “it is an absolute stage spectacular and extraordinarily amazing, considering these students overcome adversity and distance to deliver a top quality production”.
It goes on to say the audience will get to see firsthand what 'Excellence in Education for Isolated Families' looks like, feels like and sounds like through the school’s efforts in conquering distance.
Students across the school’s 403,000 square kilometre catchment have already filmed themselves for in-home auditions and sent them in so that role casting can take place, and are now rehearsing every Monday afternoon on the telephone and over the internet.
As well as referring to DVDs posted out to help the students practise their dance moves, a whole of school musical camp is planned in Longreach in term three.
There’ll be another cast-only camp in term four plus two rehearsals before The Amazing Adventures of SuperStan is performed before a live audience of hundreds.
Thomas, aged 11, and Jennifer, nine years old, said they understood if the Prime Minister was unable to attend as he was a very busy man.
“However, if you and your wife can attend we would be very honoured to have you as our guests,” they said.
The invitation included the postscript: “Jennifer Scholes loves dogs!”
“I hope that’s only good dogs, not the dogs on the other side of the fence,” Mr Turnbull replied.
Sally Gall
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
