The Australian movie musical Plan Bea is a pandemic reminder that restrictions can make room for creativity. When singing is banned and choir teacher Mrs. Grant (Clodagh Crowe) is fired, Bea (Mary Peter), a “diva-in-waiting” teenager, forms a secret underground show choir at Victory High School in 2020 with her girlfriends Izzy (Mia Skjellerup) and Lou (Jay Stocker).
With an opening that promises 2020 will be the best school year yet, the story takes a turn with unimaginable consequences. With her posse, fellow classmates, and new friends Penny (Tara Forghani) and Eric (Ollie Liell), Bea rallies the singing and dancing until the pandemic hits in full force.
Whether theater, singing, dancing, or music is your thing, Plan Bea offers a delightful, encouraging High School Musical with a dose of Mean Girls, revealing promise for how the next generation can handle crisis with a bit of humor, creativity, and a lot of hope when fear is in the way. The arts always seem to be an outlet when nothing else works, even in the worst and saddest times.
Izzy (Mia Skjellerup) checks her phone in the schoolyard in Plan Bea.
“…Bea rallies the singing and dancing until the pandemic hits in full force.”
Award-winning writer and composer Sean Peter, the visionary and director behind Plan Bea, scripted a film with lyrics and music that come together to create an entertaining, joyful work that casts a positive light on a very dark time. The storyline captures all the high school peaks and pits, providing space for an array of girls and boys, straight, gay, trans, or whatever the exploration may be, with acceptance. Plan Bea’s songs and numbers connect to all ages and are clever and entertaining while moving a storyline forward—it’s got it all.
Plan Bea also features comic relief from Principal Gaunt (Rob Carlton), the budding romance between Bea and Jake (Aden Zaki), and the development of Eric, a devoted singer and dancer seeking sexual identity, among the many personalities in this ensemble cast. And high school isn’t complete without jealousy and embarrassment, well crafted through high school influencer Mikayla (Zoe Beauchamp) and her duo team. Plan Bea has an underlying sense of creative freedom that runs through the film, adding another layer of enjoyment.
Each character in Plan Bea has a distinct place and identity, expressed through singing, dance, or simple interaction. The storylines seem typical of high school life until COVID-19 brings frightening consequences, including illness, death, and blame. However, the big closing number brings all the storylines together at a creative awards ceremony, where music, dance, and, of course, singing celebrate Mrs. Grant, who inspired Bea and others to find their voices and a desire to sing and dance.
With excellent editing and cinematography, well-executed performances and choreography, and a clear focus on music, song, and performance, Plan Bea also uses place and purpose in a playful way, opening with hip graphics and closing with behind-the-scenes shots that roll through the credits. Plan Bea’s journey makes it a film that will stand the test of time.
For screening information, visit the Plan Bea official website.
"…Plan Bea has an underlying sense of creative freedom that runs through the film, adding another layer of enjoyment."
