REVIEWS
Theatre Reviews
"I was privileged to attend the NZ Premiere of 'Connected' performed by Theatre Whakatane youth. The pace was fast moving and we witnessed the rapid snowballing effect born from the use of modern technology mixed with tricks, lies and deceit. 'Connected' is a perfect platform for young actors to perform to their utmost strengths, the work is vocally demanding and offers the best of opportunities for great acting. This rock musical is well structured to stretch young performers. 'Connected' is easily staged and a simplistic fixed set works well leaving the focus on the performance itself. The run time of an hour and fifteen without interval worked well and the audience by then is mentally exhausted from this thought provoking show."
- Scott Jarrett.
- Scott Jarrett.
Social Media (via Facebook)
" I encourage all high-schoolers and parents of teenagers to get along and see this show to hear this powerful message..."
"Great show. A must see...."
"Well done to the Connected team.... I was blown away by the... everything! A strong performance by the cast and what an amazingly powerful message they conveyed beautifully! Production team. ... wow! I am one very fortunate person to be able to have seen this, and I thank you all very much for your amazing performance! My son accompanied me, he is 10. He has taken a lot on board. .....thanks again."
" Well done! A powerful message and a great performance."
" Wow guys I was blown away. Congratulations to cast & crew!"
"Very well done. Huge congratulations to cast and crew. Very powerful message. A must see. "
" I encourage all high-schoolers and parents of teenagers to get along and see this show to hear this powerful message..."
"Great show. A must see...."
"Well done to the Connected team.... I was blown away by the... everything! A strong performance by the cast and what an amazingly powerful message they conveyed beautifully! Production team. ... wow! I am one very fortunate person to be able to have seen this, and I thank you all very much for your amazing performance! My son accompanied me, he is 10. He has taken a lot on board. .....thanks again."
" Well done! A powerful message and a great performance."
" Wow guys I was blown away. Congratulations to cast & crew!"
"Very well done. Huge congratulations to cast and crew. Very powerful message. A must see. "
School Reviews
MELBOURNE 2016 - in association with Essendon Football Club and the Bully Zero Foundation
"On behalf of the students at Langwarrin Primary School and Elisabeth Murdoch College, we would like to congratulate and thank you for the performance yesterday. CONNECTED The Musical is a great way to deliver a very important message to school aged students about cyber-bullying. The students all really enjoyed the show and we feel very fortunate that we were able to be part of it."
Nicola Pepper, Assistant Principal - Langwarrin Primary School & Elisabeth Murdock College
"Thank you so much for this opportunity. The musical gave students an opportunity to see how their actions affect others in a way that is very relevant to them. The fact that it was through social networking was particularly of relevance to our kids because this is a huge problem. Again thanks so much!"
Ilknur Moore, Leading Teacher - Athol Road Primary School
"Our Grade 3-6 students and teachers absolutely loved the musical. Not only was the show entertaining and fun, but the messages behind it still resonates with our students today. Thanks so much to all involved."
Daniel Bermingham - St Christopher’s Primary School
"The biggest impact [of CONNECTED] was that it encouraged students to talk ... really talk about bullying and the negative impact it has on all people involved. It also helped our students to realise that bullying is not just limited to the playground but extends to social media in various forms. The discussion wasn't limited to classroom follow up but the teachers noticed that students were talking about it amongst themselves which was very encouraging. The students at Oak Park Primary School are very grateful for the opportunity to see the musical and it has had a positive impact on our community."
Sue Annett, Student Welfare Officer - Oak Park Primary School
"At Moomba Park the Grade 6 children went back to their classrooms and were really excited about watching a performance where they “actually” learned something. The children were really eager to share their feelings about the show with class teachers, who had not seen the show, when they returned to their classrooms."
Tracy Gerdtz - Moomba Park P.S.
"Caroline Chisholm Catholic College was very impressed with the musical and we are still talking about it several weeks down the track. At the girl’s campus, we put little signs around the school, getting the students to ask themselves who they are as a friend. I feel the musical allowed for many discussions. It was extremely relevant to the age group. The musical was a great experience and we are grateful that we could see it. Thank you."
Veronica Argus - Caroline Chisholm Catholic College
"The grade 6 children gained a much better insight into how their words and actions, although not used person to person, can really impact the life of another. They were able to recognise that sometimes technology distorts reality and can be the cause of life-long problems. It was a fantastic and education experience for student and relevant to situations they are all more than likely to face."
Tarryn Healy - St Thomas Moore Public School
"[CONNECTED] was entertaining and engaging for students. The performers were very approachable and the students felt comfortable asking them questions. Grade 5/6 students got a lot out of the musical, the message came across well and I think they will put into practice some of the things they learnt. Music was a great way to get messages across, as students were engaged more than they would be with just dialogue."
Betty Stergiopoulos - Pascoe Vale North Primary School
"'Connected the Musical' has had a great impact on our Year 6 students at Keilor Heights Primary School. It has helped reinforce all of the important messages that have been delivered through the Bully Zero Australia and 'On the Ball' visit as well as Moonee Ponds Police association. Students know exactly what bullying is, how to deal with it and prevent it from happening. Once for allowing us to participate in this great opportunity."
Brad Scott - Keilor Heights Primary School
"Many thanks for making this performance possible at Melton West Primary School. Our 150 young people of the grade 5/6 group enjoyed the performance and readily willing to discuss the issues that arose. In my view, this session was very effective and had ‘high impact’ on students and other adults present. At one stage I felt that some of the staff were concerned whether ‘it had gone too far’, but the final scene of the play seemed to ease these concerns, and resulted in a healthy Q&A with surprisingly intuitive questions from children 10-12 years of age. The performance demonstrated clearly the serious nature of ‘bullying’ of the cyber type, it raised issues of trust, different personalities, perils associated with individuals whose self-interest can lead to significant harm in others, and also the critical nature of ‘telling somebody about these issues, and hopefully your parents’. As Community Engagement Officer I wish to thank those actors and director who attended our school like they ‘wanted to be here doing their thing’... also thank your representative attending from Bullying Zero Australia Foundation who led the Q&A admirably, and at a level where I believe our children gained maximum benefit from the messages from ‘Connected the Musical’. "
Tolley Cacavas, Community Engagement Officer - Melton West Primary School
"The greatest impact Connected: The Musical had on our students is that it made more accessible the messages we’d already been emphasising with the students. Any way we can get those messages into their heads the better, and Connected made them catchy, energetic and relatable. "
Brendan Bailey, Year 7 Student Engagement Leader - Buckley Park College
SYDNEY 2015
"Excellent performance, very engaging, fast paced, appropriate and relevant content. 9 out of 10.
I would definitely recommend the show to other schools."
Teacher, East Hills Girls Technology High School
"It was a wonderful learning experience for all of our students as well as parents and staff. Also great to see an ex-HSPA Primary student up on stage."
Khalil Khay - Hunter School of the Performing Arts
"Very realistic and relevant performance"
"Enjoyed learning about bullying in a different performance"
"Actors were really convincing"
Student responses - Pittwater House High School
“Lana did an amazing job as audio engineer and the actors were incredible. All the students and teachers really enjoyed the performances and the Q and A at the end.”
Teacher, East Hills Girls Technology High School
"The response from the girls and the staff has been overwhelmingly positive. There is no doubt that one of the major welfare concerns in modern schools is the fall-out from the inappropriate use of cyberspace. Teachers spend a great deal of time managing issues arising from this.
Thank you for providing our students with access to this thought provoking discussion piece."
Heather Emerson - Principal, Randwick Girls' High School, NSW
"The performance was engaging, fast-paced, entertaining and raised some very pertinent questions for today’s young people. The ending, which provided some suspense was especially strong. The idea that cyberbullying is incessant, pervades every area of life and from which there is no escape was shown particularly well in the production. The cast were excellent – good performers and singers – and young enough for the audience to identify with."
Heather Clark, The McDonald College, NSW
"The students enjoyed it and it showed in their questions that they were asking afterwards. They were saying how engaging the presentation was and how it tackled real issues into today's world."
TAGA PAA - Student Support Officer, Merrylands High School, NSW
"Congratulations on your production, as a parent I am immensely grateful."
Kim Honor - Marketing Manager, The McDonald College, NSW
"The cast did great! Absolutely awesome!!!"
Sally Schinckel-Brown, Randwick Girls' High School, NSW. (Via Facebook).
"Every kid should see it. It should be a TV show."
High School Teacher, The McDonald College, NSW
"The show was highly engaging."
Pittwater House High School, NSW. (Via Facebook).
“The musical is one of those ways that we can address the whole community, rather than just kids. I was trying to listen to the lyrics pretty carefully and it's pretty much on the money.”
Karen Romer - High School Teacher, Riverstone High School, NSW
“It is an issue within schools that really does need to be addressed and the best way to do that is to raise awareness.”
Kylie Adams - Deputy Principal, Riverstone High School, NSW
"The students enjoyed the performance and remained focused and engaged throughout."
Mr Rayner - Head Teacher Welfare, Woonona High School, NSW
"It was a great production and I thought it got the balance right between entertainment and a strong message. Your cast and crew were great."
Heather Clark, The McDonald College, NSW
“Look out for your friends, if they're ok. You never know who it could happen to.”
High School Student - The McDonald College, NSW
More School Reviews further down...
Social media:
Marianne (Mel) Rom @SocialEdiquette (Via Twitter)
"Fabulous! Bravo! Must share. @Connected_AUS, love your initiative and hope to see the musical one day! Needs to be seen by all!"
Kimberley Sutton @TeachMissSutton (Via Twitter)
"A musical about cyberbullying? I couldn't think of a better way to connect to our [school students] about this issue! @Connected_AUS"
"On behalf of the students at Langwarrin Primary School and Elisabeth Murdoch College, we would like to congratulate and thank you for the performance yesterday. CONNECTED The Musical is a great way to deliver a very important message to school aged students about cyber-bullying. The students all really enjoyed the show and we feel very fortunate that we were able to be part of it."
Nicola Pepper, Assistant Principal - Langwarrin Primary School & Elisabeth Murdock College
"Thank you so much for this opportunity. The musical gave students an opportunity to see how their actions affect others in a way that is very relevant to them. The fact that it was through social networking was particularly of relevance to our kids because this is a huge problem. Again thanks so much!"
Ilknur Moore, Leading Teacher - Athol Road Primary School
"Our Grade 3-6 students and teachers absolutely loved the musical. Not only was the show entertaining and fun, but the messages behind it still resonates with our students today. Thanks so much to all involved."
Daniel Bermingham - St Christopher’s Primary School
"The biggest impact [of CONNECTED] was that it encouraged students to talk ... really talk about bullying and the negative impact it has on all people involved. It also helped our students to realise that bullying is not just limited to the playground but extends to social media in various forms. The discussion wasn't limited to classroom follow up but the teachers noticed that students were talking about it amongst themselves which was very encouraging. The students at Oak Park Primary School are very grateful for the opportunity to see the musical and it has had a positive impact on our community."
Sue Annett, Student Welfare Officer - Oak Park Primary School
"At Moomba Park the Grade 6 children went back to their classrooms and were really excited about watching a performance where they “actually” learned something. The children were really eager to share their feelings about the show with class teachers, who had not seen the show, when they returned to their classrooms."
Tracy Gerdtz - Moomba Park P.S.
"Caroline Chisholm Catholic College was very impressed with the musical and we are still talking about it several weeks down the track. At the girl’s campus, we put little signs around the school, getting the students to ask themselves who they are as a friend. I feel the musical allowed for many discussions. It was extremely relevant to the age group. The musical was a great experience and we are grateful that we could see it. Thank you."
Veronica Argus - Caroline Chisholm Catholic College
"The grade 6 children gained a much better insight into how their words and actions, although not used person to person, can really impact the life of another. They were able to recognise that sometimes technology distorts reality and can be the cause of life-long problems. It was a fantastic and education experience for student and relevant to situations they are all more than likely to face."
Tarryn Healy - St Thomas Moore Public School
"[CONNECTED] was entertaining and engaging for students. The performers were very approachable and the students felt comfortable asking them questions. Grade 5/6 students got a lot out of the musical, the message came across well and I think they will put into practice some of the things they learnt. Music was a great way to get messages across, as students were engaged more than they would be with just dialogue."
Betty Stergiopoulos - Pascoe Vale North Primary School
"'Connected the Musical' has had a great impact on our Year 6 students at Keilor Heights Primary School. It has helped reinforce all of the important messages that have been delivered through the Bully Zero Australia and 'On the Ball' visit as well as Moonee Ponds Police association. Students know exactly what bullying is, how to deal with it and prevent it from happening. Once for allowing us to participate in this great opportunity."
Brad Scott - Keilor Heights Primary School
"Many thanks for making this performance possible at Melton West Primary School. Our 150 young people of the grade 5/6 group enjoyed the performance and readily willing to discuss the issues that arose. In my view, this session was very effective and had ‘high impact’ on students and other adults present. At one stage I felt that some of the staff were concerned whether ‘it had gone too far’, but the final scene of the play seemed to ease these concerns, and resulted in a healthy Q&A with surprisingly intuitive questions from children 10-12 years of age. The performance demonstrated clearly the serious nature of ‘bullying’ of the cyber type, it raised issues of trust, different personalities, perils associated with individuals whose self-interest can lead to significant harm in others, and also the critical nature of ‘telling somebody about these issues, and hopefully your parents’. As Community Engagement Officer I wish to thank those actors and director who attended our school like they ‘wanted to be here doing their thing’... also thank your representative attending from Bullying Zero Australia Foundation who led the Q&A admirably, and at a level where I believe our children gained maximum benefit from the messages from ‘Connected the Musical’. "
Tolley Cacavas, Community Engagement Officer - Melton West Primary School
"The greatest impact Connected: The Musical had on our students is that it made more accessible the messages we’d already been emphasising with the students. Any way we can get those messages into their heads the better, and Connected made them catchy, energetic and relatable. "
Brendan Bailey, Year 7 Student Engagement Leader - Buckley Park College
SYDNEY 2015
"Excellent performance, very engaging, fast paced, appropriate and relevant content. 9 out of 10.
I would definitely recommend the show to other schools."
Teacher, East Hills Girls Technology High School
"It was a wonderful learning experience for all of our students as well as parents and staff. Also great to see an ex-HSPA Primary student up on stage."
Khalil Khay - Hunter School of the Performing Arts
"Very realistic and relevant performance"
"Enjoyed learning about bullying in a different performance"
"Actors were really convincing"
Student responses - Pittwater House High School
“Lana did an amazing job as audio engineer and the actors were incredible. All the students and teachers really enjoyed the performances and the Q and A at the end.”
Teacher, East Hills Girls Technology High School
"The response from the girls and the staff has been overwhelmingly positive. There is no doubt that one of the major welfare concerns in modern schools is the fall-out from the inappropriate use of cyberspace. Teachers spend a great deal of time managing issues arising from this.
Thank you for providing our students with access to this thought provoking discussion piece."
Heather Emerson - Principal, Randwick Girls' High School, NSW
"The performance was engaging, fast-paced, entertaining and raised some very pertinent questions for today’s young people. The ending, which provided some suspense was especially strong. The idea that cyberbullying is incessant, pervades every area of life and from which there is no escape was shown particularly well in the production. The cast were excellent – good performers and singers – and young enough for the audience to identify with."
Heather Clark, The McDonald College, NSW
"The students enjoyed it and it showed in their questions that they were asking afterwards. They were saying how engaging the presentation was and how it tackled real issues into today's world."
TAGA PAA - Student Support Officer, Merrylands High School, NSW
"Congratulations on your production, as a parent I am immensely grateful."
Kim Honor - Marketing Manager, The McDonald College, NSW
"The cast did great! Absolutely awesome!!!"
Sally Schinckel-Brown, Randwick Girls' High School, NSW. (Via Facebook).
"Every kid should see it. It should be a TV show."
High School Teacher, The McDonald College, NSW
"The show was highly engaging."
Pittwater House High School, NSW. (Via Facebook).
“The musical is one of those ways that we can address the whole community, rather than just kids. I was trying to listen to the lyrics pretty carefully and it's pretty much on the money.”
Karen Romer - High School Teacher, Riverstone High School, NSW
“It is an issue within schools that really does need to be addressed and the best way to do that is to raise awareness.”
Kylie Adams - Deputy Principal, Riverstone High School, NSW
"The students enjoyed the performance and remained focused and engaged throughout."
Mr Rayner - Head Teacher Welfare, Woonona High School, NSW
"It was a great production and I thought it got the balance right between entertainment and a strong message. Your cast and crew were great."
Heather Clark, The McDonald College, NSW
“Look out for your friends, if they're ok. You never know who it could happen to.”
High School Student - The McDonald College, NSW
More School Reviews further down...
Social media:
Marianne (Mel) Rom @SocialEdiquette (Via Twitter)
"Fabulous! Bravo! Must share. @Connected_AUS, love your initiative and hope to see the musical one day! Needs to be seen by all!"
Kimberley Sutton @TeachMissSutton (Via Twitter)
"A musical about cyberbullying? I couldn't think of a better way to connect to our [school students] about this issue! @Connected_AUS"
Professional Reviews
Robyn Treyvaud, Founder, Cyber Safe Kids
|
“How refreshing to have CONNECTED, a musical about social media to give us insights in the real world of kids through a theatrical performance, and not some confection of ideas through the lens of adults.
CONNECTED really resonates with the lives of kids who seamlessly move between their digital and ‘real’ environments with incredibly rich experiences on one hand and those that impact negatively on relationships, reputations and privacy on the other. Musical theatre is a platform that kids engage with regardless of age and gender and Craig Christie has brilliantly captured the complicated lives they lead and the issues they face daily. As the founder of Cyber Safe Kids and an educator who regularly works with kids in schools and the wider community I can’t wait for CONNECTED to be shared with a wide, global audience. It will provide an opportunity for reflection and dialogue not just between the kids themselves but also with the adults in their lives…and we’re always looking for gems to help this inter-generational experience. This is gold!” |
Dr Rachael Murrihy - Director, Health Psychology Unit, UTS
|
"Following recent media
coverage of teenage suicides in Australia and the United States, the phenomenon
of cyber bullying has risen dramatically in the public consciousness. When a
young person suicides in the prime of their life the impact on family, friends,
school and the wider community is profound. Intense hurt, anger and disbelief
drives a shared focus on trying to understand why this tragedy has occurred in
the hope that it might be prevented from happening again in the future.
Moreover, suicide is not the only concern related to cyber bullying. Research has found that one in five students in Australia are cyber bullied and that the detrimental effects on health are at least as bad as that of traditional bullying. We know that students who are bullied suffer from higher rates of depression, anxiety, low self esteem, reduced concentration and helplessness." Read more >> Watch Dr. Rachael Murrihy at the "Connected" launch event>> |
Leonie Smith, Cyber Safety Expert
|
“One of the worse things that can happen is that a teenager or a child can be experiencing something really awful that is happening to them online, and feel they can't tell a soul.”
“70% of kids won't tell their parents what they are doing online.” “I would love to see the parents of every child coming along to the musical as well, so that they can start to have conversations with their own kids about what's really happening in their lives.” “I'm looking forward to seeing it in schools because I think we need to start some new conversations in different ways.” Watch Leonie Smith at the "Connected" launch event >> |
Matt Kean, State MP for Hornsby
|
“CONNECTED is critically important because it’s about helping to start the conversation – a simple conversation to let your kids know, to let your parents know about what cyber bullying really is and, most importantly, what help is available,”
“All of us have an important role to play in addressing this issue.” Watch Matt Kean MP, at the "Connected" launch event >> |
More School Reviews
“I thought the show was fantastic and very relevant! It is SO important that children are educated about this issue.”
Wahroonga Adventist School, NSW
“The students were shocked by some aspects of cyber bullying.”
Collingwood College, VIC
“The show is great as it covers real life issues, and the music and the performances were FANTASTIC!”
Bacchus Marsh College, VIC
“Great performance. Funny, engaging and educational way of presenting the dangers and repercussions of not thinking about how online actions affect others! Well Done!”
Parkwood Green Primary School, VIC
“Great performance. A very powerful presentation that hopefully will help keep our students safe from harm.”
Fawkner Primary School, VIC
“Kids loved the show and found it very relatable. Was a wonderful performance and gave a great awareness into Cyber Safety.”
Otahuhu Primary School, Auckland
“Loved that it was related to real issues, and the humour was spot on! The music kept the children engaged and the questions at the end were very relevant. A very important message was expressed to the students and has provided wonderful opportunities for follow up work and discussion.”
Karaka School, Auckland
“The children were very focused and engaged the whole time. The hot seating at the end was excellent! The two actors were so amazingly versatile!”
Muritai School, Wellington
Wahroonga Adventist School, NSW
“The students were shocked by some aspects of cyber bullying.”
Collingwood College, VIC
“The show is great as it covers real life issues, and the music and the performances were FANTASTIC!”
Bacchus Marsh College, VIC
“Great performance. Funny, engaging and educational way of presenting the dangers and repercussions of not thinking about how online actions affect others! Well Done!”
Parkwood Green Primary School, VIC
“Great performance. A very powerful presentation that hopefully will help keep our students safe from harm.”
Fawkner Primary School, VIC
“Kids loved the show and found it very relatable. Was a wonderful performance and gave a great awareness into Cyber Safety.”
Otahuhu Primary School, Auckland
“Loved that it was related to real issues, and the humour was spot on! The music kept the children engaged and the questions at the end were very relevant. A very important message was expressed to the students and has provided wonderful opportunities for follow up work and discussion.”
Karaka School, Auckland
“The children were very focused and engaged the whole time. The hot seating at the end was excellent! The two actors were so amazingly versatile!”
Muritai School, Wellington