July Session: Disney

30 Sunday July 2017
When: 6:30pm Where: Norwood Live, Norwood Hotel Tickets: $15

About this Session

It’s a Whole New World for Broadway Sessions – that’s right, this month we’re inviting you to Be Our Guest while we make Disney Part of Your World with a Session dedicated to just that. Disney. Now, I Won’t Say (I’m In Love), but we think this one will really Go The Distance and complete the Circle of Life of Broadway Sessions themes. This theme is a Just Around the Riverbend from what we’d normally do, as many Disney movies aren’t technically musical theatre, but for the First Time in Forever, we thought it was time to Let It Go and get a bit Out There, and with a Smile and a Song, Listen With Your Heart.

There are plenty of both well-known and unknown Disney songs that can take you from Zero to Hero: don’t just sit in the audience thinking I Wan’na Be Like You, but register your suggestions and help turn the Poor Unfortunate Souls in the audience into true Disney addicts too. Trust us… Mother Knows Best.

Performances tonight will also include an appearance from the cast of Segue Productions newest show, so make sure you don’t miss this!

Session Setlist

Act 1
You're Welcome (Moana) – David MacGillivray
Zero To Hero (Hercules) – Jeri Williams
I Just Can't Wait To Be King (The Lion King) – Isabelle Letic
Beauty And The Beast (Beauty And The Beast) – Lisa Simonetti
Gaston (Beauty And The Beast) – Buddy Dawson
God Help The Outcasts (The Hunchback Of Notre Dame) – Tielah-Jade Cannon
Be Prepared (The Lion King) – Dylan Rufus
Just Around The Riverbend (Pocahontas) – Lucy Russell Byrne
Everybody Wants To Be A Cat (The Aristocats) – Eloise Quinn-Valentine
Almost There (The Princess And The Frog) – Chloe Hall
Promo Medley (The Last Five Years)* – Ben Todd, Kristin Stefanoff
Her Voice (The Little Mermaid) – Mitchell Smith
A Whole New World (Aladdin) – Cailene Kilcoyne, Mark Oates
Easy As Life (Aida) – Rebecca Raymond
Act 2
When She Loved Me (Toy Story) – Mim Sarre
How Does A Moment Last Forever (Beauty And The Beast) – Carlia Thomas
Watch What Happens (Newsies) – Alisa James
Friend Like Me (Aladdin) – Karen Muller
Proud Of Your Boy (Aladdin) – Cara Andriani
Colours Of The Wind (Pocahontas) – Jennifer Trijo
Love Is An Open Door (Frozen) – James Nicholson, Megan Doherty
Reflection (Mulan) – Georgia Slater
How Far I'll Go (Moana) – Maya Miller
Part Of Your World (The Little Mermaid) – Tash Tidey
Poor Unfortunate Souls (The Little Mermaid) – Lisa Simonetti
Let It Go (Frozen) – Sophie Stokes
Shadowland (The Lion King) – Carly Meakin, Casmira Lorien, Emma Haddy, Mark Oates, Mitchell Smith, Ruby Pinkerton
* promoting an upcoming show

Session Host

Mim Sarre (she/her)

Millicent Sarre (Mim) is a cabaret artist, singer-songwriter, vocal coach, and musical theatre performer, brought up and working on Kaurna Land. She has toured her original cabaret works Australia-wide; her most recent show Millicent Sarre is Opinionated won ‘Best Cabaret’ of the Adelaide Fringe 2023, and the album of the original songs from the show was released in February 2023. Previous musical theatre roles include Mrs Lovett in Sweeney Todd (ECMT, dir. James Millar), Hildy in On the Town (ECMT, dir. Erin James), Rona Lisa Peretti in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (ECMT, dir. Joseph Simons), and Ivy in the Australian premiere of Ivy + Bean: The Musical (The Gemini Collective, dir. Sarah Williams). Mim will graduate with a Bachelor of Music Theatre from the Elder Conservatorium in 2023.

Session Performers

Alisa James

Alisa has been performing in musicals in Adelaide for over 10 years. Alisa's favourite roles include Gary Coleman in Avenue Q (MBM, 2011), Reno in Dusty (The Met, 2011) and Enid in Legally Blonde the Musical (Hills, 2014). Most recently Alisa performed in Violet (Davine Interventionz) for the Adelaide Fringe. Currently Alisa is rehearsing for Aida with the Hills Musical Company. Alisa has trained in jazz, tap, contemporary and hip hop dance and has vocal tuition with Kirsty Roberts.

Ben Todd

Ben has been performing in theatre since 2011 when he stumbled upon auditions for The Crucible, staged by Gin and Vodka Productions. Since then he has appeared in various silent musicals (also called stage plays) and dipped his toes into the swim-spa of musical theatre properly in 2014 when he auditioned for Marie Clark Musical Theatre's production of Young Frankenstein, appearing in the ensemble.

He has appeared in various silent musicals and musicals over the years, most notably Jamie in The Last Five Years for Segue Productions and Patsy in the award winning Monty Python’s Spamalot for Marie Clark Musical Theatre. He directed the award winning Jekyll & Hyde The Musical for Marie Clark Musical Theatre in 2017.

Ben is looking forward to returning to the stage during the 2020 Adelaide Fringe in Forbidden Broadway with Marie Clark Musical Theatre.

Buddy Dawson

Buddy is a high school drama teacher who loves to perform. He has worked with a number of amateur theatre companies in Adelaide and has played many over-the-top characters (whilst breaking many bones in the process).

Cailene Kilcoyne

Cailene Kilcoyne came to Adelaide from San Diego, California. She has performed regionally around the United States as well as internationally. Cailene keeps busy singing these days with a wedding band as well as singing in the shower. She's super excited to be performing at Broadway Sessions :)

Cara Andriani

Cara, 17, graduated from King's Baptist Grammar School in 2016 and is excited to gain experience performing in Adelaide. Cara saw her first professional musical when she was just 5 and, like all of us, fell in love with the stage! Since, she has seized any opportunity to learn and grow as a performer. She began performing in school choirs, bands and in the ensemble for many youth shows including The Wizard of Oz, Beauty and the Beast, My Son Pinocchio, High School Musical (KBGS).

Her first experience as a lead role was playing Mrs Meers in Thoroughly Modern Millie, and she loved it! From there she played many other characters, her favourite roles were the Baker's Wife in Into the Woods and Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray! Cara was very honoured to have received the Performing Arts award at KBGS for her dedication to the arts in from 2014-2016.

Most recently, Cara performed in the ensemble for Fiddler on the Roof with Therry Dramatic Society, and is currently in rehearsals for their Jane Eyre. Cara loves coming to Broadway Sessions and is looking forward to performing again!

Carlia Thomas

Carlia has had a strong passion for music for as long as she can remember and has continued her musical journey that transformed her into a dedicated and heartfelt performer. Her love for music started in her early years of school, having the privilege of seeing a diverse range of concerts and musicals that came to Australia and New York. She performed in her school choir from the age of seven to twelve, developing her confidence and maturity on stage, thus leading her to perform as a soloist for TB Arts Performing Arts Academy.

From the age of fourteen, Carlia then commenced her passion of dance and continued developing her singing with Star Academy before joining TB Arts Performing Arts Academy. Presently, Carlia is continuing her journey with TB Arts where she performs in various concerts with the Senior Dance group as well as Private Singing. Pursuing a career that involves performance is something Carlia hopes for in the future, entertaining and motivating others to follow their dreams.

Carly Meakin

Carly started choral singing at a young age in the Adelaide Girls Choir. She performed with "Voiceworks Adelaide" during her tertiary studies and more recently has sung in the Adelaide Symphony Chorale. Her love of singing initially stemmed from performing with choirs, whilst her passion for performing in musicals started in 2005, when she was part of the MS Society's production of Les Misérables.

Since then, Carly has performed in Gilbert and Sullivan's productions of Les Misérables, Jesus Christ Superstar and Oliver. She has also performed in Davine Productions' Violet, It's Only Life, Beautiful The Carole King Musical, Summer of 69 and A New Brain.

Carly is a High School Music Teacher by trade and is currently the arts coordinator of Gleeson College. Her favourite part of her job is allowing her students to have the experience of performing in musicals. Some of her students from Gleeson are still heavily involved in the Adelaide music theatre scene and some have sung in Broadway Sessions here. She loves the thought that her past students are continuing on with their love of music and musicals.

Casmira Lorien (she/her)

Casmira is an experienced performer and teacher with a great passion for storytelling. Highlights have included performing the role of ‘Violet’ in Davine Productions’ Violet (for which she won the TASA award for Best Female Performance 2017) and 'Fantine' in the G&S Society's production of Les Misérables (for which she was nominated for a Curtain Call: Best Female Performance 2018).

In 2018 she performed in Edges with Irregular Productions for the Adelaide Fringe, ‘Shelby’ in Steel Magnolias with IpSkip,'The Lady of the Lake' in Spamalot with Marie Clark (winner of Best Ensemble Curtain Call 2018), and the ‘Sour Kangaroo’ in Seussical with Northern Light. In 2019 Casmira played nine characters in Judge Jackie: Disorder in the Court with Davine Productions (which won Best Ensemble and Best Musical at the 2019 Curtain Call Awards, as well as the TASA for Best Musical) and Lynette ‘Squeaky’ Fromme in Assassins for Hills Musical Company.

Professionally, Casmira has acted and provided voices for several short films and children’s productions. She also spent many years directing and music directing musicals for Adelaide Theatre Academy, including Snow White and Alice in Wonderland for the Festival Centre’s ‘Something on Saturday’ program. Her fondest memories are working with Peter Combe in directing and choreographing his Adelaide Fringe shows from 2013-2015.

Chloe Hall

Chloe is currently studying a Bachelor of Secondary Education at Flinders and a Certificate in Makeup at Media Makeup. She has enjoyed performing in many musical theatre shows over the years, including The Little Mermaid, Hairspray, Thoroughly Modern Millie and is currently currently rehearsing for G&S's Les Misérables.

David MacGillivray

Growing up performing in the Scouts’ Gang Show: Comedy Capers, David developed a love for musical theatre from a young age. Trained at the Centre for the Performing Arts; David has enjoyed performing Shakespeare with the State Theatre, Lightning Strike and Chopt Logic Theatre Companies and has toured in the past with Splash Theatre Company. Turning from professional acting to focus his energy on his family and work for the Anglican Church as a priest, David chooses to do shows that he loves.

It was in Marie Clark's production of Paris in the titular role that David hit the Adelaide scene in musical theatre. David has since performed with Marie Clark Musical Theatre in Miss Saigon (John) and as Carl Hanratty in the 2016 production of Catch Me if You Can. He has worked with Northern Light Theatre Company as Frederick in Pirates of Penzance and Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors. David also performed at the Adelaide Fringe Festival in 2015 with Lazy Saturday Productions' Australian premiere of Darkle. 2017 was a big year of theatre for David starting with Pale Ale Tales, a new work by local writer, Jason Hendy in the 2017 Adelaide Fringe, Jekyll and Hyde with Marie Clark and finishing with Les Misérables as Enjolras with G&S Society. Most recently David performed with the Hills Musical Company in Assassins as John Wilkes Booth.

David is thankful to his wife for her love and support, and for letting him play.

Dylan Rufus (He/him)

24-year-old Dylan Rufus has been part of the South Australian theatre community since 2011, assuming various roles onstage, offstage, and within production teams. Dylan’s onstage work has seen him in productions of Grease, West Side Story, Oklahoma, Jesus Christ Superstar, Sweeney Todd, and Spring Awakening, amongst other plays and pantomimes. Previous personal standout roles include Orin Scrivello D.D.S. in Little Shop of Horrors (2018, Adelaide Theatre Academy), Principal Gowan/Veronica’s Dad/Kurt’s Dad in Heathers (2019, Segue Productions), and John Hinkley, Jr. in Assassins (2019, Hills Musical Company). Lately, Dylan has been contributing to the musician side of musical theatre, playing guitar for Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (2020/2021, Davine Productions) and Mamma Mia! (2021, Northern Light Theatre Company).

Outside of theatre, Dylan has recently completed his Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in English (University of Adelaide), as well as a Masters in Teaching (Secondary) (University of South Australia).

Eloise Quinn-Valentine

Eloise Quinn-Valentine loves to tell stories on stage, and has performed in a variety of musicals, plays, cabarets, and choirs from a young age. Recent highlights include Othello and Seagull (Independent Theatre, 2022), The Hello Girls (Therry Theatre, 2021), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Davine Productions, 2020), Jerusalem (University of Adelaide Theatre Guild, 2019), It’s Only Life (Davine Productions, 2018), Violet: a musical (Davine Productions, 2017), and The Crucible (Royal Holloway University of London Drama Society, 2017). Eloise works and volunteers as an educator across a variety of disciplines and contexts, and particularly loves teaching others about faith, storytelling, compassion, and justice.

Emma Haddy

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 Slater

Georgia Slater has never strayed from her artistic passions. It has been all she has ever wanted to do, and knows confidently that she'll always continue to do this in future. Currently in year 12, she is studying music, drama and art. She enjoys singing opera, jazz, classical, and (her personal favourite) musical theatre. Georgia is currently rehearsing for the role of Ariel in her school's musical, as well as taking on the role of Musical Director. She also enjoys playing the piano, the guitar, and writing her own music.

In the future, Georgia knows she will be happy so long as she continues in her artistic pursuits. Her dream role is Fantine from her most adored musical, Les Misérables.

Isabelle Letic

Belle is very excited to be returning to Broadway Session to perform, six years after her first appearance. She has been very lucky to have been cast in a number of lead and supporting roles over the years with various companies. Some of her favorites include; Marty in Grease, Ursula in The Little Mermaid Jr, and Princess Fiona in the Shrek set of We’re All Made Of Stars. She is looking forward to playing the role of Margot in Pelican Productions Legally Blonde in August.

James Nicholson

James Nicholson relocated to Adelaide in 2010 from his hometown of Mildura. James has been performing in various concerts and musical theatre productions since the age of 9 with highlights including a choral performance in Opera by the Loch and playing Randolph MacAfee (Bye Bye Birdie), Angel (RENT), and Tony (West Side Story). James also achieved several first places, prizes and honourable mentions in voice at Eisteddfods. Since moving to Adelaide, James has completed a music degree at Elder Conservatorium as well as performing in the ensemble of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels for Opus Performing Arts and as Hero in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Albert Lennox in Secret Garden, and knife grinder in Oliver, with the G&S Society. James played ‘Tony’ in Maria Callas Masterclass and ‘Box’ in Cox and Box for Elder Hall Lunch time concerts, sang in the Chorus of Otello for the State Opera. And most recently played 'Nanki poo' in Co Operas Mikado. James ultimately wishes to pursue an international career in opera and musical theatre.

Jennifer Trijo

Jennifer is a passionate creative writer and frequently blogs through her website, The Serenade Files. Born in Manila, Philippines, she has lived in Australia since the age of 4 and grew up in Sydney, NSW. Jennifer studied music and drama from the age of 12, and dance from the age of 9.

While growing up in Sydney, Jennifer performed as a featured vocalist for Wayne Cornell’s Back to the Tivoli shows, and toured the country extensively as a singer for The Von Trapp Family (2004 – 2006), a corporate comedy show band. A highlight was sharing the stage with Human Nature during a corporate function in Tasmania. She was a cabaret performer for Skeed Entertainment and Australian Network Entertainment agencies. Jennifer has been a support act vocalist and dancer for many Filipino recording artists touring in Australia including: Gary Valenciano, Vina Morales, RJ Rosales, Kuh Ledesma, and Martin Nievera, and has made TV guest appearances on Channel 9 and GMA7 (Philippines).

Jennifer has worked as a producer and performer in the Adelaide and Sydney Fringe Festivals (2012 – 2014). She has performed in several professional and amateur musical productions including her professional debut as Kim in the Australian Tour of Miss Saigon (2007 – 2008). Other theatre credits include Mimi Marquez in RENT (MCMT), Mary Magdalene in The Cross (ACTS), and Linda Low in Flower Drum Song (AHA). Jennifer has also featured in the ensemble for Carmen (Alexander productions) and Jekyll and Hyde (MCMT). She composes for voice, piano, and guitar and has two commercial releases: Keys to a woman’s heart (2012), and the EP, Jennifer Trijo (2008).

She is a scholarship recipient and graduate of Martin College and has completed a Diploma of Business (Management), as well as a Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Education through the University of NSW. Jennifer is currently studying a Graduate Certificate of Education (Catholic Education) through the University of South Australia. She lives and works in Adelaide as a Coordinator of Music and Performance at Mercedes College. Jennifer will be playing the role of Eponine in G&S' production of Les Misérables – book your tickets now! For more information, subscribe to jennifertrijo.com.

Jeri Williams (she/her)

Originally from the US, Jeri Williams immigrated to Adelaide in 2011. She’s a born performer, growing up singing in choirs, glee club, a pop/R&B girl group, and musical theatre. She got her start in theatre performing in the ensemble of How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying at age 16. After school, Jeri got a job singing in an acapella group at a theme park in Florida, which led to being cast as Wendy Darling by Disney Cruise Line. Jeri spent her early 20s working and performing on various cruise ships with her husband.

Since making Adelaide her home, Jeri has delved into the local theatre scene on a few occasions, being cast in leading roles in NLTC’s Into The Woods (2012) as the Baker’s Wife; G&SSA’s Guys & Dolls (2015) as Adelaide and NLTC's Mack and Mabel (2016) as Mabel.

When life gets too busy for a full show schedule, Jeri enjoys singing with the Civic Park Carols Choir and joining in for a sing at Broadway Sessions as often as possible.

Karen Muller (she/her)

Karen has been involved with a number of theatre companies in Adelaide over the last 15 years. Some of her stage highlights include Oliver, Into the Woods, Beauty and the Beast, Avenue Q and Spamalot. Although she had a seven year run off stage in the role of "Mother of two", she recently made the return to the theatre by playing Ursula in Disney's The Little Mermaid, and in the ensemble of Les Misérables with Northern Light Theatre Company and Granny/Cinderella's Mother/Giant in Into the Woods with the G&S Society of South Australia.  You will also be able to see Karen in the upcoming production of Urinetown at the Hills Musical Company in the role of Old Ma Strong.

Kristin Stefanoff (she/her)

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.

Lisa Simonetti

Lisa has been singing since a very young age and has been receiving singing tuition since the age of 14 – most recently with David Gauci. Lisa has also been a vocal coach & singing teacher for almost 9 years and became involved in Adelaide community theatre around this time. Since then Lisa has gone on to be involved in many shows – some of her favourite roles include Ellie Greenwich in Leader of the Pack (NLTC, 2011), Mrs Potts in Disney's Beauty & the Beast (2011), Motormouth Maybelle in Hairspray (MBM 2012) and most recently Mama Cass Elliott in the South Australian premiere of Flower Children (Davine Interventionz, 2015).

Lisa has also had the opportunity to be involved with performing in the Adelaide Fringe Festival (Michelle & the Gentleman's Club, 2013 & Flower Children, 2015) & several workshops & masterclasses during the Adelaide Cabaret Festival (with Jason Robert Brown, Adam Guettel, Matthew Robinson & Scott Evan Davis). She was also recently in New York this year in July and was lucky enough to have a one on one class with Adam Guettel (lyrical writter for Light in the Piazza). By night she is a performer but by day works as a midwife at the Women's & Children's Hospital, where the song of choice is 'Happy Birthday' for all the new babies she gets to welcome into the world!

Lucy Russell Byrne

Music theatre highlights for Lucy Russell Byrne have included Gabriella in the SA premiere of High School Musical (Creative Souls) and the title role in Gigi (Therry Dramatic Society). Other credits include Joanie in The Full Monty, soloist in Smokey Joe’s Café (Hills Musical Company), and ensemble in Jesus Christ Superstar and The Mikado (G&S Society of SA). Lucy also wrote, produced and performed her one-woman cabaret, Sister Mary Lucy, a show exploring her misguided infatuation with nuns, for the 2012/2013 Adelaide Fringe and Adelaide Cabaret Fringe festivals.

Mark Oates (he/him)

Mark is an award winning South Australian performer whose credits include the Adelaide and Brisbane Festivals, State Opera South Australia, SINGular Productions, Co Opera, Various People, Aerial Artists Australia, and MOatesArt Productions.

In 2022 Mark was nominated for an Adelaide Critic's Circle Award for his body of work. He premiered the dual roles of Ian Duncan and Don Dunstan in Neil Armfield's Ruby Award-winning Watershed: The Death Of Dr Duncan for the Adelaide Festival – while for State Opera South Australia he performed Lt Tom in Voss and Gastone in La Traviata, as well as embarking on a national tour of Love Burns, completing the first orchestration workshop of When The Rain Stops Falling and appearing in Bright Lights, Big Dreams.

Previous Adelaide Festival appearances are Mozart Requiem (2020), Bernstein Mass – featured Street Singer (2012) and Le Grande Macabre - Ruffiak (2010).

In State Opera of South Australia's 2023 season Mark will be appearing as the Defendant in Trial by Jury and in Pirates of Penzance and HMS Pinafore, as well as hosting the Tra La La Bar for the Gilbert and Sullivan Festival, with further exciting projects to be announced. In 2021, Mark appeared as Beadle Bamford in Sweeney Todd and Jack in Love Burns, and opened the year in Carousel. Further highlights with the company include Njegus in The Merry Widow, Arjuna in Satyagraha, John Styx in Orpheus in the Underworld, The Cantor in Maria de Buenos Aires (co production with Leigh Warren Dancers – Adelaide Festival Centre Playhouse and Brisbane Festival). Mark is a proud and long-standing State Opera South Australia artist, both as a chorister and a principal performer.

Well known and regarded on the concert stage, Mark also mentors Class of Cabaret for the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, works extensively with Primary Schools Music Festival and regularly tours with Aerial Artists Australia in Le Aerial, including Perth Fringeworld, Adelaide Fringe, Auckland Fringe, Sydney Opera House, Melbourne Arts Centre and Port Douglas. Mark is Associate Producer and regular host of Broadway Sessions, Adelaide's long running monthly music theatre focussed, curated open mic night.

Maya Miller

Maya’s love of musical theatre began at an early age, with her journey in performance beginning with Pelican Productions. Since then, Maya’s theatre credits include The Gilbert & Sullivan Society’s Thoroughly Modern Millie (2016) and Les Misérables (2017), Lydian Productions and Irregular Productions’ Godspell (2018) as the ‘By My Side’ soloist, Marie Clark Musical Theatre’s Anything Goes (2019) as Hope Harcourt, Segue Productions’ Heathers (2019) as Heather McNamara, and most recently Davine Productions' Beautiful: The Carole King Musical as Cynthia Weil (2020). Maya is a primary school Dance/Drama teacher, and she finds so much joy in being able to share her love of musical theatre with her students.

Megan Doherty

Megan is a graduate of the Music Theatre program at the University of Ballarat and has been performing in theatre and cabaret in Adelaide and beyond for over fifteen years, including a two-year stint in the U.K., where she performed her show The Girl Who Won't Grow Up and premiered a new, as yet untitled piece, at the Pheasantry in London.

She has written and produced several cabarets and concerts, and produced the South Australian and amateur premiere of Matthew Robinson's Sing on Through Tomorrow in 2014. Favourite roles in amateur theatre have included Laurey in Oklahoma!, Phoebe in The Yeomen of the Guard, and Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady.

In 2018 Megan premiered a new cabaret at the Adelaide Fringe Festival, climbed Rocky Mountains once more as a part of The Pirates of Penzance (on the Popeye!), directed the Australian Premiere of Buffy Kills Edward, a Musical Parody, and is playing Petra in A Little Night Music for the G&S Society and Carrie in Rules for Living with the Adelaide Repertory. And that's only the stuff that's confirmed!

Mitchell Smith

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 Raymond

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 Pinkerton (she/her)

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.

Sophie Stokes

Sophie graduated from WAAPA in 2014 where she had the great opportunity and honour to work with such names as Tayna Mitford, Jason Langley, Lisa O'Dea and the head of Performing Arts at WAAPA Andrew Lewis. Throughout her time there she was featured in roles such as Sheila in Hair, Mae Colman in Reefer Madness and Consuela in West Side Story and had the privilege to perform with Hugh Jackman. After moving to Melbourne she took a contract as the lead vocalist on one of Royal Caribbeans newest ships – The Quantum of the Seas. She returns to Australia excited to continue pursuing her dreams of working in musical theatre.

Tash Tidey

Tash is a talented triple threat from the east coast of Australia. She started performing at the age of 3 and has not been able to stop since. Tash has received High Distinctions from Trinity College London in her ATCL in Musical Theatre. She has taught and performed musical theatre in Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Sydney and all throughout NSW, QLD and New Zealand. Tash has most recently performed in It's Only Life (Davine Interventions) with the one and only John Bucchinno , and many more. Tash has loved every minute of her experiences and can not wait to have many, many more opportunities to make people laugh, feel and experience theatre.

Tielah-Jade Cannon (She/her)

Tielah is a full-time History Honours student at the University of Adelaide who is working towards a Post-Grad degree and also pursues her passion for performing to keep her sane. Her deep-rooted passion for musical theatre has led to roles through many youth theatre productions, and several shows in more recent years. Tielah has featured as an ensemble member for shows such as Sweeney Todd, Cinderella and the Pirates (both 2017, South Coast Coral and Arts Society) and most recently, Assassins (2019, Hills Musical Company). She is currently in rehearsals for High Fidelity with Hills Musical company. Tielah is also involved in many different areas of Hills Musical Company, serving on the committee since 2019 and acting as Front of House Manager on multiple occasions.

Session Band

Peter Johns (Piano/Musical Director)

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 Cann (Bass)

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.

Max Ziliotto (Drums/Percussion)

Max Ziliotto has been performing since 2004, from concert bands, drumline and big band, to orchestral works and musical theatre. Prior to his acceptance as a Casual Percussionist with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, he completed his Bachelor of Music in 2013 at the University of Adelaide’s Elder Conservatorium of Music under the tutelage of Amanda Grigg.

Born in Adelaide, Max began his musical journey under the guidance of Peter Matzick. Attending Marryatville High School, Max gained a wealth of performance opportunities including the Generations in Jazz festival in Mount Gambier. During his Undergraduate studies, Max won first place in the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Snare Drum Award in 2011.

Max has been performing with the Elder Conservatorium's Music Theatre students' productions since 2021, most notably playing the drum score for Legally Blonde, directed by Broadway's Nikki Snelson in 2022.

Max was also an active member of the Raiders Drum Corps from 2006-2019, performing numerous times in the city's Christmas Pageant, and on stage with them at Australian Ultimate Drummers Weekend in Melbourne 2015. He has tutored at South Australian Music Camp multiple times, and has been in the house band of Broadway Sessions since its inception in 2015.