Musical - The Addams Family
The Final Last Post
Since joining the College as a Year 8 student in 2021, Max Rossow (Year 12) has been a highly valued and dedicated member of the Music Department. Over the years, he has contributed his talents to a wide range of ensembles, including Performance Band, Symphonic Band, Brass Ensemble, Orchestra and Chorale, as well as starring as Gomez in the 2025 production of The Addams Family.
As a trumpeter, Max has had the extraordinary honour of performing The Last Post at ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies for the past six years. The Last Post is a deeply significant piece, played to honour the fallen and mark moments of remembrance with solemn respect; it is a privilege few musicians experience during their school years, and Max has carried this responsibility with great dignity and skill.
ANZAC Day 2025 marks Max’s final opportunity to perform this moving tribute. He has announced that he is now “officially retired” from the role, proudly passing the baton to the next generation of talented trumpeters at the College. Max’s contribution has left a lasting legacy, and he will be remembered fondly for the care and reverence he brought to each performance. Bravo!
The Addams Family
Our passionate musical students and staff spent the first three days of the April school holidays working tirelessly on singing, choreographing and blocking many key scenes. Despite the long, action-packed days, the students demonstrated outstanding engagement, energy and commitment throughout. Our exceptionally talented and dedicated staff deserve special commendation for their incredible efforts—there are so many exciting moments coming to life on stage.
There’s no rest for the wicked, with our enthusiastic cast and staff continuing rehearsals every Saturday afternoon for the remainder of Term 2. The energy in the room is electric and it is a joy to watch each scene grow and evolve. While the students are working incredibly hard during rehearsals, the breaks also provide a wonderful opportunity for them to mingle, socialise and unwind—a vital part of the experience that builds friendships, fosters teamwork and brings so much heart to the production.
Tickets for the general public will go on sale Tuesday 6 May. We encourage our College community to secure their seats quickly—these four fabulous shows, running on Thursday 31 July, Friday 1 August, and Saturday 2 August, are sure to sell out fast.
“Hi. I just came from the hospital. Cardiac ward. Boy, they're dropping like flies over there. I hope you're staying in shape. Grains, fresh fruit, 40 minutes on the treadmill?” – Grandma
Term 2 Rehearsals
- Saturday 03 May, 12.30pm – 5.30pm
- Saturday 10 May, 12.30pm – 5.30pm
- Saturday 17 May, 12.30pm – 5.30pm
- Saturday 24 May, 12.30pm – 5.30pm
- Saturday 31 May, 12.30pm – 5.30pm
- Saturday 07 June, 12.30pm – 5.30pm
- Friday 13 June, 3.15 – 6pm (in lieu of Saturday)
- Saturday 21 June, 12.30pm – 5.30pm (standby rehearsal, if needed)
Meet the Cast
Name: Callum Brady
Year: 11
Character: Fester
Musical experience: Big Deal in West Side Story (2023)
Q: What have you enjoyed about The Addams Family so far?
A: I have enjoyed that it’s much less violent than West Side Story – it’s much easier. And I have bigger role in this musical.
Q: What has been a highlight?
A: The face painting as part of my photoshoot makeup. I also got to wear a bald cap.
Q: Tell us a little bit about your character, Fester.
A: He is a very loveable character. He is very soft and funny. The biggest love of his life is the moon. He loves her so much because she is so far away.
Q: What are you looking forward to in playing Fester?
A: Performing. I love performing and this is one of my biggest opportunities to perform. I can’t wait to bring the clumsiness to life. This is something that comes naturally for me sometimes!
Q: What is your favourite line that Fester says?
A: Yes, in matters of love, my dears, distance is our friend. Closeness? No thank you. Quarter of a million miles away – that’s a good distance for romance.
Meet The Orchestra
Name: Miriam Farquhar
Year: 12
Instrument: Violin
Years playing instrument: 11 and a half years
Musical experience: A maid in Annie (2017), Violin in Wicked (2021), West Side Story (2023).
Q: What have you enjoyed about the musical orchestra so far?
A: It is really early days, but it will definitely be fun to join with the cast and make music with everyone.
Q: How does playing in a musical differ from other orchestral performances you’ve been part of?
A: The key signatures are horrible! The composer obviously does not play violin – we do not like flats! There are a lot of tricky and changing time signatures. It also requires a lot more focus.
Q: How do you prepare for a musical, and what is the rehearsal process like for the orchestra?
A: We have rehearsals every Wednesday morning with Mr Flottmann. I practise with Show Ready so I am confident in my part before I get to rehearsals. As an ensemble, we have been reading through the whole musical and getting a feel for it, while also picking apart some of the trickier sections.
Q: Why have you chosen to be a part of the orchestra as opposed to being on stage in the cast?
A: I don’t feel like I have time to make the commitment to the weekend rehearsals with my Year 12 studies. I also feel like I contribute more to the orchestra than I would to the cast, as violin is a passion and strength of mine.
Q: Why should everyone come and see The Addams Family?
A: *sings* Because it is going to be amazing!
Meet the Staff
Name: Rhiannon Strohben
Role: Choreographer
Years at the College: Student (Years 8-12), Staff (1 year), Teacher (3 years)
Musical experience:
- WestMAC Student: Sweet Charity, The Wiz
- Assisted with Lion King Jr for Junior School Musical, 2024
- Debut musical as choreographer!
Q: What have you enjoyed about the musical so far?
A: The students and their smiling faces! I have enjoyed the challenge of choreographing dances outside of my comfort zone. Being able to collaborate with all the other Staff on the Production Team as I don’t get the opportunity to work with them often as my role as a Junior School Teacher.
Q: What are you looking forward to in your role as Choreographer?
A: Experimenting with new and different movements and choreographing Just Around The Corner. I was really excited for that one! Collaborating with Cassie Hoiberg and Tobey Ogilvie on creative ideas to enhance the dance numbers. Being able to work with the Middle and Senior School students, as I don’t get to see them once they leave the Junior School.
Q: Why do you think it is important for schools to have musicals?
A: It provides the students an opportunity to demonstrate their creative abilities and talents. It also allows them to take on different personas to their everyday lives, where they can be someone else.
Q: How different is it choreographing a musical as opposed to a ‘standard’ dance number?
A: Firstly, you’re working with a live orchestra and you also need to take the students’ singing into account when thinking of movements. The students have to endure my singing, it’s not great! The timings, or the counts, for each number always vary and are different which can make creating movements a challenging process, but one that’s been fun!
Q: What is your favourite line?
A: RIGOR MORTIS! It’s so funny!