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StarCentral Kids Spotlight: Cris Cadungog Collection Shines at World’s Best Dressed 2026

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Strathfield Golf Club was transformed into a stage of elegance and creativity as the Cris Cadungog Collection took centre stage at World’s Best Dressed 2026, presented by MS Entertainment Network in collaboration with StarCentral Magazine and StarCentral Kids.

Far more than a fashion showcase, the event celebrated design artistry, with the Cris Cadungog collection emerging as the undeniable highlight of the evening. Each piece brought a unique blend of sophistication, structure, and modern flair, reflecting a designer with a clear vision for elegance and contemporary style.

A standout element of the showcase was the way teen models brought the Cris Cadungog designs to life on the runway. With confidence, poise, and personality, they elevated each look, adding movement and energy that highlighted the collection’s creativity.

For many young models, walking in such a professionally curated designer collection was a valuable experience — offering them the chance to engage with high fashion in a real-world runway environment.

The runway moments were beautifully captured by photographers, with images courtesy of Mohan Raj, preserving the elegance and atmosphere of the evening. From detailed close-ups of the garments to dynamic runway shots, the collection was showcased in its full visual impact.

Paramount Unveils Official Trailer and First Look Images for “The Angry Birds Movie 3”

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Get ready for feathers, fun, and family chaos as The Angry Birds Movie 3 is officially heading to cinemas this Boxing Day, with Paramount Pictures releasing the first trailer and brand-new images from the highly anticipated animated sequel.

Presented by Paramount Pictures in association with Rovio Entertainment Ltd., One Cool Group, Flywheel Media, and Dentsu, and produced by Prime Focus and John Cohen Production, the next chapter in the beloved franchise promises bigger laughs, higher stakes, and even more outrageous bird-powered action.

In The Angry Birds Movie 3, one angry bird faces his greatest challenge yet—not just saving the world, but surviving fatherhood along the way. The story takes fans on a wild and heartwarming journey filled with comedy, teamwork, and unexpected heroics, making it a perfect holiday treat for audiences of all ages.

The film is directed by John Rice, with a screenplay by Thurop Van Orman, and produced by John Cohen, Dan Chuba, Carla Connor, and Namit Malhotra. Executive producers include Louis Koo, Toru Nakahara, Ben Mattes, and a wide international team of creative talent helping bring the colourful world of Angry Birds back to life.

The star-studded voice cast features Jason Sudeikis, Josh Gad, Emma Myers, Rachel Bloom, Walker Scobell, Danny McBride, Marcello Hernández, Tim Robinson, Anna Cathcart, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Nikki Glaser, MrBeast, Salish Matter, Psalm West, Sam Richardson, James Austin Johnson, alongside Lily James and Keke Palmer.

With its official trailer and first-look images now released, excitement is already soaring for what promises to be one of the most entertaining animated releases of the holiday season. The Angry Birds Movie 3 lands exclusively in cinemas this Boxing Day.

StarCentral Kids Spotlight: Young Models Shine as Cover Stars at World’s Best Dressed 2026

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Strathfield Golf Club was filled with glamour, excitement, and runway energy as kids and teen models stepped into the spotlight as the official Cover Stars of World’s Best Dressed Magazine 2026.

Presented by MS Entertainment Network, in collaboration with StarCentral Magazine and StarCentral Kids, the event celebrated fashion, confidence, and creativity — with the next generation of models taking centre stage in a truly memorable showcase.

One of the most exciting highlights of the day was watching young models walk the runway with the confidence and presence of magazine cover stars.

For many of the participants, this moment marked a major milestone — stepping into a role that mirrors real magazine cover shoots and high-fashion editorial work.

A Runway Full of Confidence and Personality

What made the showcase truly special was the individuality each model brought to the stage. Some delivered bold, expressive walks, while others carried a soft elegance — but all shared one thing in common: confidence.

The audience watched as the runway transformed into a live magazine editorial, with each model representing the front cover of World’s Best Dressed in their own unique way.

Cheering families, photographers, and industry guests captured every moment as the young stars embraced the spotlight with pride.

StarCentral Kids Celebration of Young Talent

At StarCentral Kids, we love highlighting opportunities where young talent can grow and shine — and the Cover Stars segment of World’s Best Dressed 2026 did exactly that.

Seeing kids and teens step into the role of magazine cover models showed just how powerful fashion can be as a form of storytelling and self-expression.

From Ogre Makeup to Giant Dragons: StarCentral Kids Explores the Magic Behind Shrek The Musical

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Have you ever wondered what happens behind the curtain before Shrek, Donkey, Fiona, and all your favourite fairytale characters step onto the stage?

StarCentral Kids was lucky enough to get a special behind-the-scenes tour of Shrek The Musical at the Sydney Coliseum Theatre in Rooty Hill, thanks to director Jeremy Hinman. And wow — it was like stepping into a real-life fairytale!

Becoming Shrek

One of the coolest parts of our visit was meeting Zac Parkes, the actor who plays Shrek. We got to see how he transforms into everyone’s favourite green ogre.

Did you know that Shrek’s famous green look isn’t just face paint? Zac wears a specially made green mask, carefully blended with makeup, to make him look just like Shrek. It takes a lot of time and skill to get it just right!

On top of that, Zac wears extra padding and costume layers to make him look big and strong, like the ogre we all know and love.

Meet the Dragon!

Next, we got up close to one of the most amazing stars of the show — the Dragon!

The giant dragon puppet is operated by four talented puppeteers working together as a team. Every flap of the wings, turn of the head, and movement of the body has to be perfectly timed. Watching them bring the dragon to life was absolutely incredible.

It felt like the dragon was a real creature!

Hanging Out with Donkey

We also met Iosia Tofilau, who plays the hilarious Donkey.

Off stage, Iosia is friendly and relaxed, but once he steps into character, he becomes the energetic and funny Donkey that audiences love. We even got to see some of the warm-up exercises he does before each performance.

The Secret of Lord Farquaad

One of the biggest surprises came when we met Olly Humphries, who plays Lord Farquaad.

Have you ever wondered how Farquaad looks so short on stage?

The secret is that Olly performs on his knees throughout the entire show! His costume is cleverly designed to create the illusion that he’s much smaller than everyone else. It’s a challenging role that requires lots of strength and practice.

A Costume Wonderland

Backstage was filled with colourful costumes, wigs, and accessories everywhere we looked.

There were costumes for fairies, witches, guards, woodland creatures, and many other fairytale characters. The wig collection was especially impressive, with every wig carefully styled and ready for the next performance.

It felt like walking through a magical dress-up room!

The Magic of the Stage

Standing on the stage without an audience was a very special experience.

We got to see giant castle pieces, enchanted forests, moving scenery, and the famous bridge over lava up close. The set changes quickly throughout the show, and it takes an amazing team to make everything run smoothly.

Teamwork Makes the Magic Happen

Director Jeremy Hinman explained how every part of the show works together — from the actors and dancers to the puppeteers, makeup artists, costume designers, lighting crew, and stage managers.

What we learned is that Shrek The Musical isn’t just about the stars on stage. It’s about hundreds of people working together to create an unforgettable adventure for the audience.

A Whole New Way to Watch

After seeing all the hard work that happens backstage, we watched the show with completely different eyes.

Every costume change, dragon flight, funny Farquaad moment, and green Shrek transformation felt even more magical because we knew how much effort went into making it happen.

A huge thank you to Jeremy Hinman, Scott Broome from Black Sixteen Agency, and Showcase Entertainment Group for giving StarCentral Kids this amazing opportunity.

One thing is for sure — we’ll never look at Shrek The Musical the same way again!

Little Anastasia Cast Revealed for Sydney Premiere of Broadway’s Anastasia

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Maya Porragas, Willa Valaris, Arianna Lorusso, Willow Wilson ANASTASIA © Cameron Grant Parenthesy 31 | Photo supplied by IP Publicity

Producers of the hit Broadway musical ANASTASIA have just revealed the talented young Sydney performers who will be sharing the role of Little Anastasia in the highly anticipated musical opening in April at the spectacular Lyric Theatre Sydney.

The local performers who scored the coveted role amongst many keen auditionees are Arianna Lorusso aged 9 and based in Beacon Hill; Maya Porragas aged 10 from Cremorne; Willa Valaris aged 10 from Allambie Heights and Willow Wilson aged 11 from Lisarow.

The crowd-favourite musical made its Australian debut in December at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre wowing audiences and critics alike, and is now playing in Perth. New tickets for the Sydney season go on sale today for the final performances from 8 – 19 July.

Time Out Melbourne called the musical a “charming theatre experience’” that was “destined to deliver theatrical magic” while The Music said it was “a theatrical spectacle that dazzles on every front and will leave you spellbound” and Beat Magazine said that the musical’s “dazzling Australian premiere is rich with powerful performances.”

These hugely talented young performers will join cast members Georgina Hopson as Anya, Robert Tripolino as charming con artist Dmitry, Joshua Robson in the role of antagonist Gleb, Rodney Dobson as Vlad, the much-loved Rhonda Burchmore as Countess Lily and theatre icon Nancye Hayes AM in the role of the Dowager Empress.

The ensemble cast includes Sophia Bae, Elliot Baker, Nicholas Cunningham, Davis Giotopoulos Moore, Todd Goddard, Stephanie Kurlow, Keian Langdon, Bella Minniti, Nathan Stafford, Alexis Van Maanen, Patrick Volpe, Annie Wilson, Deone Zanotto and Andrea Zappacosta with the swings team featuring Manon Gunderson-Briggs, Iosefa Laga’aia, Nathan Pinnell and Emma Russell.

Inspired by the mysterious tale of Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov’s rumoured escape in the dawning days of the Russian Revolution, and the 1997 Oscar-nominated animated film of the same name, ANASTASIA has been brought to life on the stage by the Tony Award-winning creative team of Terrence McNally, Stephen Flaherty, and Lynn Ahrens.

ANASTASIA is a lavish musical for all ages, transporting audiences from the twilight years of the Imperial rule to the euphoria and exuberance of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman named Anya sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by an army officer determined to silence her, she enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family.

Directed by Tony Award-winning director Darko Tresnjak, ANASTASIA premiered on Broadway in March 2017. It received a Tony Award nomination for Best Costume Design in a Musical and won more than 15 major international awards, including Best Musical awards in Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain.

The book for ANASTASIA was written by the late five-time Tony Award-winning writer Terrence McNally, whose credits include Love! Valour! Compassion!, Master Class, Kiss of the Spider Woman and Ragtime.

Music and lyrics for ANASTASIA were written by the renowned writing team of Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens who have been referred to as “one of the greatest songwriting teams in Broadway history.” (Chicago Tribune).

ANASTASIA – THE BROADWAY MUSICAL

Produced by John Frost for Crossroads Live and Opera Australia in special collaboration with Stage Entertainment Productions, Tom Kirdahy, Hunter Arnold and Dan Hinde

SYDNEY SEASON DETAILS

Venue              Sydney Lyric Theatre

Season            From 7 April

Performance Times     Tue-Thurs at 7pm, Fr-Sat 7:30pm, Wed 1pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm, 3pm or 6pm (performance times vary each week)

Prices:             From $69.90 (Transaction fees apply)

Bookings:         anastasiathemusical.com.au or 136 100

Groups 8+ email groups@ticketmaster.com.au

Introducing Zara Griffiths: Get To Know The Rising Star Behind The Latest Issue Of StarCentral Kids

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At just 12 years old, Zara is already making a remarkable impact in the worlds of fashion, dance, and performing arts. Her career as a model has seen her grace prestigious runways and appear in numerous magazine editorials, showcasing versatility, style, and confidence far beyond her years. With every photoshoot and catwalk appearance, Zara proves she has the poise and presence of a seasoned professional.

Beyond the runway, Zara is an accomplished aerialist and acrobat. Combining strength, flexibility, and grace, she captivates audiences with performances that reflect both technical skill and artistry. Dance is another of her passions — she has competed at national levels as an elite dancer, earning accolades that highlight her dedication, talent, and expressive ability.

Athletics also play an important role in Zara’s life. As her school’s athletic champion, she has broken records and demonstrated exceptional physical ability, proving that discipline and hard work are key to achieving excellence. This combination of athleticism and performance talent makes Zara a truly well-rounded young achiever.

Zara’s love for the stage extends into musical theatre and acting, where her charisma and presence shine. She is equally comfortable performing in productions as she is hosting events, demonstrating a natural ability to connect with audiences. Her stage work, combined with her modelling and athletic achievements, underscores her versatility and dedication across multiple disciplines.

What sets Zara apart is not just her skill but her vibrant personality and commitment to excellence. She inspires her peers by showing that with passion, perseverance, and focus, extraordinary achievements are possible even at a young age. Balancing modelling, dance, athletics, and theatre, Zara exemplifies what it means to pursue multiple interests while maintaining grace and humility.

With a diverse skill set and a bright, engaging personality, Zara is more than a rising star — she is an inspiration. Her journey demonstrates that dedication and talent, when combined with heart and ambition, can create extraordinary opportunities. As she continues to explore new avenues in fashion, performing arts, and beyond, Zara’s story is one to watch, and her future shines incredibly bright.

Watch Out Hollywood: Kylee Levien Is the Rising Star Stealing Hearts

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Photo credit:  Ethan Sigmon

Rising young talent Kylee Levien steps into a captivating role in the heartwarming holiday film Chrismystery, which premiered on Apple TV and On Demand on November 4, 2025. Playing Leia, the spirited daughter of Hallmark veteran Jen Lilley’s character, Kylee, brings infectious energy and curiosity to the small-town Christmas crime story.

The film follows former big-city police officer Annie Willows (Jen Lilley), who returns to her quiet hometown seeking solace and a fresh start as deputy sheriff after the loss of her husband. Annie’s grieving process is interrupted by a local holiday crime, and it’s Leia’s inquisitive nature and determination that become central to unraveling the mystery. Together, mother and daughter navigate the investigation while discovering the true meaning of home, family, and unexpected romance amidst the festive season.

Fans of Kylee Levien have even more to look forward to: in 2026, she’ll be starring in the Christmas horror film CATNIP, acting alongside Chevy Chase, Joey Lauren Adams, and Bruce Dern, showcasing her versatility across genres.

With her charm, talent, and enthusiasm, Kylee Levien is quickly becoming a name to watch in both family-friendly and thrilling cinematic worlds. StarCentral Kids recently interviewed Kylee, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at her role, her approach to acting, and her experiences working on Chrismystery, and here’s what went down:

What was it like stepping into the role of Leia in Chrismystery?

Playing Leia was such a joy. She’s adventurous, hopeful, and has that classic kid-detective spark. Stepping into her shoes felt like returning to a version of myself that still believes everything is possible, especially at Christmas.

Photo Credit: Personal Collection

How did you connect with her curiosity and determination?

Leia has this really pure way of wanting answers, not to cause trouble, but to understand people and the world around her. I relate to that so much. I’m naturally curious, and once I’m passionate about something, I don’t let go. So it felt natural to lean into that energy.

The film captures a magical small-town Christmas energy. What moments from filming in Saint Joseph, Missouri, really brought that Christmas magic to life for you?

Saint Joseph honestly felt like a Christmas movie set even when cameras weren’t rolling. There were lights on real houses, wreaths on shop doors, and locals who were genuinely excited we were filming. My favorite moments were shooting our outside scenes with the tree lit or with the snow machine. People from the neighborhood came out just to watch and be a part of this magical filming experience. It felt like the whole town was part of the movie.

Photo credit: Cathryn Farnsworth

We’ve heard you have some funny stories about “small-town traffic.” What was the biggest culture shock for you while filming outside California?

Oh my gosh, if someone waved at you, they weren’t confused or trying to get your attention… They were just being nice. Also, I’m used to large numbers of cars on the freeway, but in Saint Joseph, “traffic” meant maybe… five cars. Total. It was the quietest, calmest filming experience I’ve ever had.

How did you prepare for a role that blends cozy holiday charm with mystery adventure?

I made two different playlists, one full of cozy Christmas music and one with suspenseful, detective-vibe instrumentals. I’d switch depending on the scene we were working on. I also watched some classic holiday mysteries to get inspired. Leia has to be warm and lovable but also sharp and brave, so I practiced balancing those moods.

Screengrab from Chrismystery

You worked closely with Jen Lilley, who plays your mom. What was that dynamic like, and did she give you any memorable advice?

Jen is the definition of professional. She made everything feel safe and fun. Something I carry with me from her is that the camera can feel when you’re thinking too hard. Just be present, and the audience will follow you. I used that every single day. She also made me laugh constantly, like between takes, we were basically our own comedy duo.

You go from a Christmas mystery straight into a horror film next year. How does it feel to jump from Chrismystery to CATNIP, and what was it like working with Chevy Chase?

It’s such a huge tonal shift, but honestly, that’s what makes acting exciting. CATnip lets me explore a totally different side of myself, darker, more intense, and definitely creepier. Working with Chevy Chase was surreal. He’s hilarious even when he’s not trying to be, and he gave me amazing tips about timing and staying relaxed on set.

Photo credit: Chrismystery [Kylee Levien with castmates Jen Lilley, Cody Mayo and Betsy Hume]

As a young actor with such versatile roles, what inspires you most about storytelling? Any genres or characters you hope to explore?

I’m inspired by stories that make people feel something, whether it’s joy, fear, nostalgia, or hope. I’d love to try a fantasy role someday (dragons, magic, mermaids, yes please!) or maybe an action adventure where I get to do stunts. Basically, anything that lets me live in a world totally different from the real one.

What does Christmas mean to you personally, and what do you hope audiences feel when they watch Chrismystery?

Christmas to me is about slowing down, being with the people you love, and finding joy in the small things. I hope audiences feel warm, hopeful, and a little nostalgic, like they’ve taken a trip back to a simpler, more magical holiday season. If they smile even once because of Leia’s journey, that means the world to me!

Welcome to StarCentral ZooniVerse: Where Music, Movement, and Magic Come Alive!

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StarCentral ZooniVerse is a vibrant, music-filled universe where animals dance, stories come alive, and children are encouraged to move, imagine, and shine. Created by StarCentral Media Group, ZooniVerse blends catchy songs, colourful characters, and positive storytelling to entertain and inspire young audiences around the world.

At the heart of the ZooniVerse are lovable animal characters—each with their own personality, rhythm, and world to explore. Through music, dance, and playful adventures, ZooniVerse promotes creativity, confidence, kindness, and self-expression in a safe and joyful environment designed especially for children and families.

Our content is thoughtfully created to be age-appropriate, uplifting, and inclusive, making it perfect for learning through movement, sing-along moments, and shared family fun. Whether it’s dancing along with a groove-loving monkey, bouncing with fluffy friends, or exploring exciting new worlds, every StarCentral ZooniVerse experience invites children to be active participants in the magic.

StarCentral ZooniVerse is more than entertainment—it’s a place where imagination grows, music brings everyone together, and every child is invited to dance with us.

“Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures” Blasts Back onto Disney+ This December!

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Get ready, young Padawans — the galaxy is calling once again! Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures is returning for its third season, and every episode will be available to stream on Disney+ from December 8.

Set during the exciting High Republic era, the series follows three brave Jedi Younglings — Kai Brightstar, Lys Solay, and the ever-adorable Nubs — as they learn the ways of the Force under the guidance of none other than Master Yoda. Together, they travel across the galaxy, meet new friends, and help anyone (or anything!) in need. It’s a show filled with teamwork, adventure, and heaps of heart — perfect for young Star Wars fans.

What’s New in Season 3?

This season promises even more action, surprises, and hilarious moments. In the brand-new trailer, we catch glimpses of exciting missions, mysterious planets, and some very cheeky trouble!

The Younglings will come face-to-face with Rek Minuu, a sneaky, mischievous master droidsmith who loves causing chaos. But don’t worry — they also make wonderful new friends along the way, including Dotti, a friendly shop owner known for fixing droids like a pro.

Speaking of droids, say hello to three brand-new robotic companions:
Beepers
Dozer
Gigi

With their unique personalities and skills, these droids are sure to become instant fan favourites.

A Star-Studded Voice Cast

Season 3 brings back an amazing voice cast, including:

  • Ja’Siah Young as Kai Brightstar

  • Juliet Donenfeld as Lys Solay

  • Dee Bradley Baker as Nubs

  • Emma Berman as Nash Durango

  • Trey Murphy as Cyrus Vuundir/Taborr

  • Gunnar Sizemore as Wes Vinik

  • Piotr Michael as Master Yoda

We also meet new characters voiced by Mason Wertheimer (Rek Minuu) and April Winchell (Dotti).
And as a special treat, Jamaal Avery Jr., who originally voiced Kai Brightstar in Season 1, returns to voice Padawan Kai in the epilogue.

Behind the Scenes

The series is produced by Lucasfilm together with Wild Canary, especially for Disney+ and Disney Junior. The show’s creators include Lucasfilm’s James Waugh, Jacqui Lopez, and Josh Rimes, with Michael Olson serving as showrunner. The animation is brought to life by talented artists at Icon Creative Studio, and the epic music is composed by Matthew Margeson.

Mark Your Calendars, Young Jedi!

Whether you love lightsabers, cute droids, or thrilling space adventures, Season 3 of Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures is set to be an out-of-this-world experience. So grab your snacks, fire up Disney+, and prepare for take-off on 8 December — the Force is strong with this one!

Masks, Magic and Mini Models: StarCentral Kids Models Dazzle In Masquerade At Sydney’s Best Dressed 2025

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Sydney’s Best Dressed 2025 was an evening full of sparkle, style, and excitement, held on Saturday, 13 September at the fancy Sir Stamford at Circular Quay. Brought to you by MS Entertainment Network, in collaboration with StarCentral Magazine and StarCentral Kids, the event celebrated not just fashion but also creativity, confidence, and amazing achievements.

The doors opened at 4:00 PM, and soon the red carpet was buzzing with colourful outfits, dazzling smiles, and flashes from cameras. Guests showed off their best looks, from cool suits to stunning dresses, setting the stage for an unforgettable night.

The main event kicked off at 5:00 PM, and it was full of action! There were runway shows, where models strutted their stuff with flair and confidence. The award presentations recognised stylish individuals and community heroes who have achieved remarkable things in their fields. And of course, one of the highlights for many was the StarCentral Kids, who stole the show with their charm, energy, and confidence on the catwalk.

The night was more than just looking good — it was about celebrating talent, creativity, and the joy of expressing yourself. Families, friends, and fashion fans came together to cheer, laugh, and be inspired by the colourful displays and incredible performances.

By the end of the evening, everyone left with smiles, ideas, and plenty of fashion inspiration. Sydney’s Best Dressed 2025 proved that style isn’t just about what you wear — it’s about confidence, personality, and having fun!

Photos courtesy of Shrirang Khandekar.