Belmont Christian College presents: Ali Baba and The Bongo Bandits

Welcome to Old Baghdad, where our heroine is really dressed in an Old Bag, Dad!

We are thrilled to present to you this year’s Primary Musical, “Ali Baba and the Bongo Bandits.”

The musical was written by Craig Hawes, a prolific writer of theatre for children, from the UK. This original comedy musical is based on two well-loved narratives set on the sands of Arabia.

Each year we look forward to a highly anticipated musical production by our students. This year we are privileged to be treated to the Primary School’s production of “Ali Baba and the Bongo Bandits.” The witty writer Craig Hawes gives the timeless tale a twist in this musical comedy! So slip on your sandals for some sandy silliness as we take a thrilling carpet ride with Ali Baba and his crazy camel on an amazing Arabian adventure! The adventure includes an ancient city being overrun with ruthless robbers, a vanishing princess, deception at the highest level, mischievous monkeys, tap-dancing camels, dusty desert dunes, hidden caves, bumbling bandits, and of course, the flying carpet. This hysterical show is filled with mayhem and laughs and will provide an Arabian night you’ll never forget. With colourful characters, a clever script and an enchanting score of show-stopping songs, this magical musical is everything you could wish for! Whilst this is a secular musical, it contains many values and principles with which we can identify. Life itself is an adventure! God has great adventures for our lives, and it is exciting when He puts dreams and desires in our hearts. God didn’t plan for us to live a shy and timid existence. He wants us to be strong and courageous, unafraid to try new things. I’m constantly surprised to see how God works through a person who boldly trusts His plan. When God asks you to leave the familiar behind and to set out on any new adventure, let His Word encourage you to keep moving forward. When you step into what God has for you, His anointing makes the impossible possible. Why live a life without God’s leading when there is a great, adventurous life available to you? What you see in these performances has involved many, many hours of planning, rehearsal and ‘blood, sweat and tears’. So many students, parents and friends of the College and almost every staff member has been involved in preparing for this evening. It involves a lot of behind the scenes people and activity. You will see many of their names in this program, however, there are many more people involved. I would like to say a huge thank you to each and every person who has contributed in some way to the success of this musical, allowing our students to be able to enjoy the gifts that God has given them. Come with me as we discover together, a treasure-trove of fun and laughter.

Open sesame!

Sharon Sopher

Principal

This year’s lead-up and preparation for our brightly colourful musical ‘Ali Baba and the Bongo Bandits’ has proven to be another example of exemplary teamwork in Primary School. Girls and boys have been energised as they’ve eagerly prepared their parts individually and collectively. The students have continually demonstrated vigour and zest during rehearsals, with the show presenting a treasure-trove of fun, laughter and surprise at every turn! Thanks go to each child’s significant contribution. The production is full of comedy, with a vast script that children learnt so eagerly and professionally. Congratulations to every member of our teaching staff, our incredible administrative staff and volunteers who have gone above and beyond to produce a high standard of excellence. Their effort and dedicated hard work have enabled the achievement of a high-quality production. This charming musical is a stand-out performance. It is an example of the outplaying of God’s gifts and abilities in our students, ever so uniquely. What a fantastic privilege to serve Christ as He has guided us in encouraging, supporting and loving our children throughout this colourful and exciting performance. Many, many thanks and congratulations to everyone involved!

Leoni McNeill

Head of Primary

The ancient city of Old Baghdad is in chaos. Whilst the bustling bazaar is overrun with ruthless robbers, up in the palace Sultan Pepper’s precious princess and Royal Ruby have vanished! To make matters worse, it seems the poor Sultan cannot trust his own Vizier, Mustapha Zeet, nor his mischievous monkey Booboo. So when Ali Baba discovers the hidden Cave Of Wonders, secret hideout of Balthazar Bongo and his bumbling bandits, it’s up to him to save the day!

Ali Baba and the Bongo Bandits is a funny, colourful and charming show. Just what we need after a challenging few years!

A production of this scale takes an incredible, dedicated team to put all the puzzle pieces together. We are thankful for a College Executive who see the tremendous value in nurturing and growing God’s gift of creativity and expression in our students.

We thank our Primary Stage Arts teacher, Mrs Stewart, who has stepped up as Director and used her creativity and passion for a positive and safe learning culture to guide this amazing show. To the Primary team who have given their individual gifts and talents to the show, we thank you for your time and energy and the wonderful way in which you’ve helped our students grow.

We have had many parents who have contributed and assisted in preparing for the show, but none more than Mrs Sarah Bell who, along with her team, have designed and made all the costumes you see today. We hope that “Ali Baba and the Bongo Bandits” will inspire and entertain you.

When a school decides to put on a production, there’s a buzz in the air. In the swirl of bright lights and showmanship there is something beautiful brewing underneath it all. The Greek word koinonia is a biblical word that describes the dynamic a community experiences when the members view each person’s strengths as a gift to the collective whole.

Our students have upheld the spirit of what it means to work interdependently, as they honour each other through the creative process. It has been both a privilege and a joy to cultivate a culture where students feel safe to confidently share their growing skills and talent, to make this year’s production the joint gift that it is.

1. Overture
2. Baghdad Bazaar – Citizens and Sellers
3. For The Very First Time – The Princess and Handmaidens
4. Stomp – Year 3 Yellow
5. Bongo Bandits – Bandits
6. Humphrey- Desert People
7. Up, Up And Away – Baghdad Airways
8. Finale – Can You Feel It- Whole Cast