May Session: A Good Ol’ Fashioned Piano Party

Anastasia has been singing and dancing from a young age and was thrilled to discover at the end of primary school that the two could be combined! She has taken part in various school musicals and been involved in Pelican Productions since 2010. Anastasia is now studying Education at Flinders University, where she helped set up Flinders Uni Performing Arts Society to meet more theatre-minded people; FUPAS also recently produced their first play to great success. In her free time, Anastasia enjoys singing with Young Adelaide Voices and jamming out with her friends.

Anne has been performing in theatre for many years; her most recent roles being with The G&S Society playing Hebe in G&S Fest’s Pinafore, Mrs Medlock in The Secret Garden, The Duchess of Plaza Toro in Gondoliers, Domina in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and Ensemble in Les Misérables. Favourite roles over the years are Jennifer in Paint Your Wagon and Mrs Winthrop in The Secret Garden with Therry, Cecily in The Importance of Being Ernest, Ellie Dunn in Heartbreak House, Paquette in Candide with Independent Theatre and Gwendoline in Ernest in Love with Mayfair. Fun facts: My Fair Lady is Anne’s all-time favourite musical, having played Eliza with The Hills Musical Company 23 years ago – which, coincidentally was both the first and last time she worked onstage with her friend Adam Goodburn.

Beth Ann is the proud director of her own music tuition services in Adelaide, Music Eternal. With her team of 5 tutors, their mission is to provide lessons that are fun, and full of music and joy, looking to nourish the whole soul. Beth Ann knows that without music, life would be so much less and wants everyone to have the chance to receive the best possible music education, one that encourages the students to never stop learning, even outside their lessons.

Beth Ann loves to share music with anyone and everyone and takes every opportunity to learn and practice her own music.

Cory has always been passionate about the arts, dancing and singing from the age of 5. Some of their stage highlights include Jenny Lind in Barnum (2019, March Productions), Cosette in Les Miserables (2020, Now Productions) and Teen Fiona in Shrek The Musical (2022, Hills Musical Company). After falling in love with theatre, they branched out into working backstage and behind the scenes with companies such as Pelican Productions, Northern Lights Theatre Company, Broadway Sessions, and most recently Davine Productions sell out seasons of Beautiful. These backstage experiences led Cory to study sound production, and then a degree in Film and TV at MAPS film school in 2019. Cory currently works as a barista, and is moving to Melbourne in April.

Damien is no stranger to the stage, and has been regularly performing, singing and playing music since childhood. His introduction to musical theatre came when he was dragged along to an audition for The Wedding Singer by his older sister at the age of 13. This inspired a new passion, and Damien looked to maximise performing opportunities throughout high school, where he played Bugsy in Bugsy Malone and was involved in various solo and ensemble music performances.

After finishing high school in 2012, Damien re-entered the theatre with gusto, and has been a frequent performer ever since. Damien is part of the five-star award-nominated cabaret group 'The Bailey Beaus' created by Vintage Vendetta Productions, and has been fortunate to perform many interesting roles in well-known shows, including Mark in RENT, Doody in Grease, George in The Wedding Singer, and The Historian in Spamalot, as well as roles in Les Misérables, Oliver, The Sound of Music, Calamity Jane, and Catch Me If You Can.

David Gauci, proudly from Adelaide’s western suburbs, wouldn’t stop singing from an early age – so much so that the Sisters of St Joseph at primary school wished he’d just shut up and do maths.

At Woodville High, teachers and parents suggested – after David showed interest in acting or journalism – a career in accounting. He did study accountancy but also theology and music (Elder Conservatorium). David was introduced to opera and classical singing but went down the dark path of corporate functions, cabaret and music theatre. He worked in piano bars for 20 years in Adelaide, Darwin, Melbourne, Sydney and Townsville.

David wrote cabaret shows New York According to Bernstein, The Sinatra Show and The Broadway Show, performed with co-writer and accompanist Matthew Carey in Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, Townsville and Darwin.

He performed at the inaugural Adelaide Cabaret Festival and again in 2016 when he returned with the award-winning It was Worth the Weight. David also wrote and performed in The Big Book of Broadway, Cole’s Girls, Leading Men I’ll Never Play and Wireless.

He was equal winner in the 2015 Australian Cabaret Competition Adelaide final and most recently performed in the Australian Touring production of Hairspray as understudy to the role of Edna Turnblad – adding to professional stage roles in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney

David’s also appeared in TV commercials and films, e.g. The Brush Off, directed by Sam Neill.

This led to forming his own Davine Interventionz Productions in 2013 with a string of shows he’s produced, directed and/or designed to glowing reviews and a welter of awards. And David’s still singing!

Born into a family with a background in the performing arts, Emma has been immersed in the world of theatre ever since she can remember. Her introduction to Adelaide amateur theatre came when she joined the ensemble of G&S’s Oliver! in both 2013 and 2014, and was involved in the society’s production of Thoroughly Modern Millie in 2016. In 2017, Emma fulfilled her lifelong dream to perform the role of Cosette in Les Misérables, also with G&S, and in 2019 joined the cast of Therry's The Pirates of Penzance as Edith. Emma graduated from her Bachelor of Arts at Adelaide University in 2019.

Georgia is in her final year of a Bachelor of Music Theatre at the Elder Conservatorium of Music (ECMT). She is currently rehearsing for ECMT’s Mamma Mia where she plays Rosie (dir. Zoe Komazec). Earlier this year Georgia performed the role of Fraulein Schneider in Cabaret (dir. Erin James) in her second stage show with ECMT. Georgia joined her cohort in ECMT’s production of Spring Awakening where she played Martha (dir. George Torbay). Other roles include Tzeitel in Fiddler on the Roof (Therry Dramatic Society, dir. Norm Caddick) and Brenda in Catch Me If You Can (Marie Clark Musical Theatre, dir. Charissa McCluskey-Garcia). Georgia has also worked with Illuminart Productions as Narrator for East End Echos and Elizabeth Woolcock in the Old Adelaide Gaol (dir. Michael Mills).

Joseph has been doing theatre since childhood, though not properly hitting the Adelaide scene until Marie Clark's Jekyll and Hyde in 2017 as a member of the ensemble. Since then, he has played roles such as Mitch Mahoney in Spelling Bee, Marius in Les Misérables, Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid, and is currently in Marie Clark's Anything Goes. When not singing, dancing, or delivering a dramatic monologue, he's usually pouring something alcoholic (whether for a customer or himself remains to be seen).

Emerging composer, conductor, pianist and cabaret artist, Josh Belperio, is passionate about helping people better empathise with themselves and with each other through the unique power of music. Josh received his B.mus. in composition from the Elder Conservatorium of Music, Adelaide University, in 2015, studying with Graeme Koehne and Anne Cawrse. His choral compositions have been sung by ensembles such as the Elder Conservatorium Chorale, the Festival Statesmen Chorus, the Young Voices of Melbourne, and the Gondwana Chorale. His orchestral music has been played by the Australian Youth Orchestra, Canberra Youth Orchestra, and Adelaide Youth Sinfonia.

As a musical theatre composer, Josh was awarded a $10,000 Carclew Project & Development Grant to fund the first development of an original musical, produced by Release Creative, with support from the Adelaide Festival Centre. In cabaret, Josh accompanied in the 2015 Adelaide Cabaret Festival, and was recently awarded a Helpmann Academy Grant to undertake a mentorship with Michael Griffiths and Amelia Ryan, and vocal lessons with Rosanne Hosking for his upcoming show, Scarred for Life.

Kristin is a music teacher, musician, and performer based in the Adelaide Hills. Favourite musical theatre roles include: Muriel (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels - Hills Musical Company 2022); Laura (High Fidelity - Hills Musical Company 2021); Vivienne (Legally Blonde - The MET 2021); Simone (Shane Warne The Musical - Segue Productions 2020); Elizabeth (If/Then - Segue Productions 2018); Cathy (The Last Five Years - Segue Productions 2017); Clara (The Light In The Piazza - Davine Productions 2016); Inga (Young Frankenstein - Marie Clark Musical Theatre 2014); Smitty (How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying - Marie Clark Musical Theatre 2013); and Ensemble/Lady of The Lake Understudy (Spamalot - Marie Clark Musical Theatre 2018). Kristin will be playing Ms Gardner/Female Authority Voice in Carrie The Musical with Hills Musical Company in November 2023.

Kristin holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the Elder Conservatorium, majoring in Classical Piano, and has extensive accompanying and pit experience. Music Direction credits include: Heathers: The Musical (Segue Productions 2019); Calamity Jane (Marie Clark Musical Theatre 2014); Poor Expectations (Investigator College 2014); Mulan Jr (Investigator College 2013); and Honk! (Investigator College 2011).

Kristin teaches piano, voice, violin and music theory, and loves seeing students grow in confidence as they develop their skills in music.

Mitchell is so excited to be back at Broadway Sessions for the first time since almost 3 years living in Melbourne. Favourite past roles include Melchior in Spring Awakening (HMC), Marius in Les Misérables (PLOS - Melbourne), Jimmy in Thoroughly Modern Millie (G&S), and Monty in Violet (Davine). He currently works as a paediatric podiatrist in the public sector in Victoria and is so grateful to be able to get across the border (and hopefully back) to sing tonight.

Rebecca comes from a rich musical heritage and has been performing for most of her life. Versatile in her style she enjoys performing in all musical genres which has led to her performing as a soloist with many different groups and for varying audiences. She has been a leading soloist with Adelaide’s Soul Factor Gospel Choir for the past 16 years, performs regularly with her Sisters, The Raymond Sisters and for five years was the vocal soloist with the Melbourne Staff Band with whom she toured Australia, Korea and the UK where she had the privilege of singing in the Royal Albert Hall, London.

Rebecca performs corporately as a Singer and Actor. Appearing as a soloist at varying events in Adelaide and Nationally and in Theatre. Memorable roles include the role of Violet Hilton in SideShow (2018) and Aida in Aida (2017) with Hills Musical Company, Sandra Bloom in Big Fish with Therry Dramatic Society (2016), Laurey in Oklahoma! The immersive farm experience with Emma Knights Productions (2016 & 2017), and Cosette in Les Misérables with the G&S Society (2008 & 2009).

When not performing Rebecca teaches singing, has her own Mary Kay Cosmetic business and is a makeup artist. She also teaches Skincare & Self Esteem classes in schools and groups in the community.

Ruby’s passion for musical theatre began at a young age, receiving voice and acting training from industry professionals. Recently, Ruby played Rose in Dogfight with St Jude’s Players, Nicola in the Gilbert and Sullivan Society's 2019 production of Kinky Boots and was the ‘Turn Back, O Man’ soloist in Godspell, produced by Irregular Productions and Lydian Productions. She also performed as Hodel in the Therry Dramatic Society's production of Fiddler on the Roof, and understudied the title role and performed in the ensemble for Davine Productions’ Violet. Her performing credits also include Beautiful: The Carole King Musical witih Davine Productions, Thoroughly Modern Millie and Les Misérables produced by The Gilbert and Sullivan Society, and in 2023 Kiss Me Kate with Hills Musical Company.

Sandy knew from a young age that she was destined to be in the theatre, and as it turns out she was correct. Sandy is an Operating Theatre Nurse, and yes, she does sing at work! Sandy's first experience of music theatre was at age 11 when she understudied the role of Jane in a Come Out Festival performance of Tarzan's Narrow Escape. Not long after this she was introduced to the world of country music, and won a number of talent quests across Australia, including two amateur Golden Guitars at Tamworth, and her episode of Bert Newton's New Faces at age 15.

Since then Sandy has sung across a number of genres, studied AMEB Classical Voice to Grade 5, and worked as a Primary School Choir Trainer for the Festival Of Music. Her passion remains with Music Theatre and some of her favourite things have been playing the role of Nancy in Oliver!, Miss Hannigan in Annie (Balaklava Community Arts 2001/2005), Mrs Baskin in Big ( Northern Light 2015), and most recently being privileged to be in the ensemble of G&S Society's extremely well received production of Les Misérables.

Peter is a music director, accompanist, repertoire coach, and the founder of Irregular Productions - one half of the brains behind Broadway Sessions.

He has been a theatre music director since 2005, with a number of his shows winning local awards. Theatre Credits include: (as Music Director) Beautiful, Mamma Mia, Les Misérables, Next to Normal, Violet, The Story Of My Life, Songs For A New World, The Light In The Piazza, You're A Good Man Charlie Brown, Into the Woods, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, [title of show], Edges, Avenue Q, Bring It On, Singing In The Rain, Fiddler on the Roof, Oliver!, Monty Python’s Spamalot, Chicago, Sweeney Todd, The Sound of Music, Urinetown the Musical, Scrooge, The Witches of Eastwick, Little Shop of Horrors, Seussical the Musical, Grease, Once Upon a Mattress; (as Associate Music Director) Kinky Boots; (as Conductor) City of Angels, The Addams Family; (as Associate Conductor) Rent; (as Assistant Music Director) Jesus Christ Superstar, Godspell, South Pacific, Copacabana; as well as playing keyboard in over 25 other productions.

Besides co-producing Broadway Sessions, Irregular Productions has also staged the South Australian premieres of Songs for a New World, [title of show] and Edges, as well as a new production of Godspell (with Lydian Productions).

Peter is also the music director for Civic Park Carols, Australia's second-largest candlelight carols event, working with some of Adelaide’s finest musician’s and performers, as well as artists such as Justine Clarke, Guy Sebastian, Rachel Beck, and Jimmy Giggle.

Louis has been playing both double bass and bass guitar as long as he can remember. Beginning with lessons at the age of 7, he quickly developed his skills and decided that music was the career for him. Louis began playing for Musical Theatre shows in 2011, with the Northern Lights Theatre Company’s production of Beauty and the Beast, which coincidentally, was the beginning of a long-standing working relationship with Musical Director, Peter Johns! Since, Louis has played for many theatre companies around Adelaide, including Adelaide Youth Theatre, Lydian Productions, Pelican Productions, Davine Productions, Irregular Productions, Marie Clarke Musical Theatre, The Gilbert & Sullivan Society of South Australia, and Hills Musical Company. Some of his favourite shows to play for have been In the Heights, for Pelican Productions in 2019, and Beautiful: The Carol King Musical, for Davine Productions in 2020. In 2018, Louis had the privilege of playing in the pit for the Gordon Frost Organisation’s touring production of The Wizard of Oz. Louis graduated from the Elder Conservatorium of Music in 2016, with a Bachelor of Music (Classical Performance.) That same year, he began performing as a casual member of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra - some of his favourite performances include Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in Concert at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, and Last Night of the Proms at the Adelaide Festival Centre.