The stage was set, the lights dimmed and the audience held its breath as "Midnight: The Cinderella Musical" unfolded in a dazzling display of talent, passion and theatrical magic.
A co-production between Toowoomba Grammar School and Fairholme College, this enchanting musical captivated audiences at the Empire Theatre for two nights in early June, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
A Story Brought to Life
“Midnight” is a fresh take on the Cinderella story, featuring music and lyrics by John Foreman and Anthony Costanzo, with orchestrations by Anthony Barnhill and additional contributions from Kate Miller-Heidke. The book, written by Dean Murphy and Pip Mushin offers a contemporary twist on the beloved fairytale, weaving themes of social justice, self-discovery and resilience into its narrative.
Under the expert direction of Katrina Bailey and Sharonlee Mortensen with musical direction by Wendy Burns and production oversight by Karen Hayward, the collaboration between Toowoomba Grammar School and Fairholme College proved to be a seamless fusion of talent and dedication. Coordinating the busy co-curricular schedule between two schools created challenges, however the result for this major production was nothing short of spectacular.
A Cast That Shone
Leading Performances
Seventeen Toowoomba Grammar School students took to the stage, bringing their characters to life with conviction and charisma. Lead roles were delivered by Ruben Kruger (The Prince), Rupeni Baravilala (The King) and Artharsh Gajaharan (Andre). Their strong acting and vocal prowess perfectly complemented the powerful delivery of Fairholme College’s leading ladies.
The production received high praise from Stage Whispers, which commended the strong character development and outstanding performances. The review stated “Ruben Kruger was the perfect embodiment of the somewhat naïve handsome prince. He portrayed a wonderfully humble character from the beginning and became the perfect match for our heroine of social justice”. (Hollis, 2025). Further praise was given for Artharsh Gajaharan and Rupeni Baravilala “who combined perfect timing with complete immersion in their characters to deliver wonderful comic relief which added to the engaging storyline”. (Hollis, 2025) (Midnight: The Cinderella Musical | Stage Whispers)
Supporting Cast Excellence
Erik Sheppard delivered an exceptional performance as The Emperor of Veronia while Isaac Whitcombe’s delightful portrayal of Ella’s teddy bear “Mr Abernathy” was a crowd favourite. Compelling performances were also presented by Mitchell Wilkes as Ella’s Father and Connor Brownlie as Mr Cloverbelli, Ella’s caring neighbour.
The ten remaining members of the male chorus brought the show to life with their polished vocal harmonies, lively choreography and convincing character portrayals of royal aides, palace staff and the townsfolk of Glenrovia.
Behind the Scenes Magic
While the performers dazzled on stage, the magic behind the scenes was equally remarkable. The production elevated the theatrical experience through innovative use of multimedia, with video projections on a large screen behind the performers creating a truly immersive audiovisual feast. The vision sequences, beautifully shot in Webb Park right next door to Fairholme College, brought natural sunlight and warmth directly into the beautiful art deco theatre, creating a stunning contrast between the intimate indoor setting and the expansive outdoor cinematography.
Three Toowoomba Grammar School students played in the band alongside professional musicians, delivering a rich and vibrant musical backdrop. The score was complex, yet the musicians executed it flawlessly under the expert guidance of Musical Director Wendy Burns.
Seven Grammar students formed the backstage crew, ensuring seamless transitions and set changes. Georgia Meise and the sewing team outdid themselves with stunning costumes that enhanced the visual appeal and brought the characters to life. The minimalist set, designed by Karen Hayward and crafted with assistance from Nick Easton further enhanced the production and assisted in setting the scene for the young actors.
Choreography That Brought the Story to Life
Choreography played an important role in this production, particularly for chorus scenes featuring the full cast. The busy opening Market scene, the rowdy Tavern and stunning Ballroom scenes were highlights with every dance sequence meticulously crafted, ensuring that the energy remained high throughout the show. The energy in the theatre was palpable, with audience members clearly captivated by each musical number and the seamless integration of dance, song and visual storytelling.
A Community Celebration
The success of Midnight was not just a testament to the talent of the students but also to the unwavering support of staff, parents and the broader Toowoomba Grammar School and Fairholme College communities. The standing ovations, the cheers and the glowing reviews all reflected the immense effort poured into this production.
A heartfelt thank you goes to the sponsors—Horizon Accounting Group, Toowoomba Orthodontists, Darren Lange Swimming Academy and Solar Power Store—whose generosity helped bring this magical experience to life.
A Lasting Legacy
As the final curtain fell on Midnight: The Cinderella Musical, it was clear that this production had left an indelible mark on all involved. The collaboration between Toowoomba Grammar School and Fairholme College showcased not only the incredible talent within both schools but also the power of teamwork, dedication and artistic expression.
This remarkable production has set an exceptionally high bar for future collaborations between the schools, demonstrating what can be achieved when artistic vision meets dedicated teamwork. And for the students who brought it to life, it was an experience they will cherish forever.
Reference
Hollis, E. (2025, June 6). Midnight – The Cinderella Musical Midnight: The Cinderella Musical | Stage Whispers
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