'Jersey Boy' takes a bow
IPSWICH Jersey Boys star Glaston Toft took a break from the hit musical to meet and greet with students at his former high school.
Mr Toft, 29, went from playing the role of smooth-talking, bass plucking Nick Massi to motivational speaker last Thursday as he addressed the crowd of senior school students at West Moreton Anglican College, where he graduated himself in the year 2000.
WestMAC principal Geoff McLay said Glaston was an inspirational member of the WestMAC family and that students were excited to hear his story of success.
"Our senior school students are at that point in their lives where they are considering their future after they finish their secondary studies at WestMAC," Mr McLay said.
"Having an accomplished WestMAC graduate speak to the senior school cohort personally about his experiences demonstrated to the students the enormous potential they each have inside of them."
Born and raised in Ipswich, Mr Toft was also a valued performer for the Ipswich Orpheus Chorale during his teenage years, which also included attendance at Bremer State High until Year 11.
He starred in the Ipswich Orpheus production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in 2000, shortly before deciding to expand his horizons and master his craft at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).
Jersey Boys is currently playing a series of shows at Brisbane's Lyric Theatre, allowing Mr Toft to spend some valuable down time in his old home town.
Mr Toft said he enjoyed being back at his old school, which he hadn't set foot in for 12 years.
"It has grown a lot since I was last there," he said.
"I just told the students to be persistent and resilient and you'll get to where you want to be.
"That has been my mantra."
Georgia Toft, a younger cousin of Glaston who attends the school and has dreams of studying engineering and marketing, said she was inspired.
"It is amazing to see how far he has come through dedication and hard work," she said.
Another 30,000 tickets have just been announced for the Jersey Boys' Brisbane run.
WestMAC's year 7 to 9 students weren't forgotten, with former student and Brisbane City councillor Julian Simmonds giving a talk on the importance of leadership.
