July Session: Role Reversal

Alex is 16, and is naturally an avid lover of musical theatre. He attends Pembroke School and has been doing Theatre Bugs for just over 10 years. Alex has played roles such as Michael Darling in Peter Pan with Pembroke School, Dexter in Singing In The Rain, and Patrick Martin in Little Shop of Horrors, in the 2017 and 2018 Adelaide Fringe Festivals with Theatre Bugs, Cogsworth in Beauty and The Beast with Theatre Bugs, and Jeter in Footloose with the Parks Community Theatre. Alex does not have a favourite musical, and will jam to most showtunes. Generally, he only cries when the song he is listening to is a reprise, but It's Quiet Uptown always does the trick.

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.

Brenton Edgecombe has been a professional entertainer since 1997, working in theatres, clubs, function venues and onboard cruise ships as one half of a unique music and comedy double-act called String Fever. String Fever is the winner of five Australian entertainment industry MO Awards, including Variety Entertainers of the Year.

Brenton also pretends to be Elton John in a tribute show called Elton by Brenton and records string lines for various projects in his home studio. Before embarking on the path of entertainment Brenton played violin with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and many other groups in Adelaide and Sydney.

Career highlights include performing onboard the historic QEII, shaking hands with Ita Buttrose and appearing as an earnest coffee drinker on Neighbours. Brenton also wrote and appeared in the original comedy-cabaret DON'T SHOOT! I'm a Vegan (Adelaide Fringe Festival 2020) which was four-star rated by the Advertiser and five-star rated by several lesser known (but more discerning) publications.

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).

One of Chloe's earliest memories is twirling and singing in an Adelaide Crows football guernsey. Following this passion, she landed her first professional role in the touring production of Turandot in 2008, as well as starring as Ariel in the 2013 Australian premiere of The Little Mermaid. Chloe loved being part of Big Dreams – a 2019 Book Week show.

Throughout her time at WAAPA, Chloe has had the opportunity to play Cora in Atlantis (Matthew Robinson. Workshop) and Diane Lorimer in 42nd Street (dir. Jason Langley) as well as being a featured soloist in both Rent (dir. Adam Mitchell) and Chicago (dir. Crispin Taylor). Chloe filmed Vivid ‘magination, a music video with WASA where she played female lead Drew which was released in 2018.

Most recently Chloe returned from performing in Disney’s PJ Masks live show in Singapore with Marilla productions.

Claire is proud to have been a part of Adelaide's musical theatre and cabaret scene for almost 20 years. She's had the chance to play some fantastic roles in shows such as Kiss Me, Kate, The Sound of Music, [title of show], The Wedding Singer, and Homemade Fusion. Over the years Claire has been a part of a number of Adelaide Fringe and Cabaret Fringe festival shows, and has also tapped into the local theatre scene in London and Rotterdam during her time living overseas.

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!

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.

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.

Emily Glew has been passionate about the performing arts all of her life and began training in voice and dance at age 11. She has trained with artists including Michaela Burger and David Gauci, and is trained in classical, contemporary, jazz and tap dance. Beginning participating in musical theatre at age 13, she has been part in many musical theatre productions including most recently, Violet with Davine Interventionz, and taking the role of Shprintze in the Therry Dramatical Society’s production of Fiddler on the Roof.

Standout roles for Emily also include Jellylorum in Cats, and Winifred Banks in Mary Poppins, both with Loreto College. Additionally, Emily has been studying music since the age of 6, and has played in numerous instrumental ensembles on the piano, guitar, and clarinet. Emily’s love for music has led to her teaching and musically directing multiple musicals in the past. Emily is happy to bring her enthusiasm for the dance and musicality of Sideshow to the stage.

Enzo's love of singing started at age 13 after taking voice lessons to prepare for an unexpected role as Horton the Elephant in Seussical the Musical Jr. He has since performed as Mufasa in The Lion King Jr, and Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid Jr.

Gil is a former member of the Elder Conservatorium Chorale and the Adelaide Symphony Chorus.

Gil has sung as part of the chorus in numerous concerts with the Adelaide Symphony Chorus and the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra in The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring and Andrea Bocelli Concert both at the Entertainment Centre Arena and in Ennio Morricone Live at the Elder Park. He also sang in the chorus in Leonard Bernstein’s Mass, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, Britten's War Requiem and Last Night of the Proms with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and Adelaide Symphony Chorus, all at the Adelaide Festival Theatre.

He has performed in various community theatres in Adelaide such as Miss Saigon (Marie Clark), Kiss of the Spider Woman (The Sterling Community Theatre), The Phantom of the Opera (Matt Byrne Media) as part of the ensemble. He played the back-to-back role of Pontius Pilate in The Way of the Cross Musical (Angelico Christian Theatrical Society Inc.) in 2013 and 2014 productions. He had a fabulous time being one of the Angels with the recent production of G&S' Kinky Boots in 2019.

Gil is a member of Four Seasonings, a quartet which performs in various venues and performed in various fund-raising concerts and private functions.

Jemma is chuffed that Broadway Sessions is finally back!! She is here for a good time and can't wait to jam with the band and see all of her lovely theatre friends again!! Yay!!!

Jeremy Thomas is a fresh graduate from the Elder Conservatorium’s Bachelor of Music Theatre. He thoroughly enjoyed his time there, especially with the roles of Marius in Les Misérables and Aaron Schultz in Legally Blonde. He is excited to join the wider community and establish a name for himself.

Having been singing since the age of 5, Jordan has been involved in music for almost his entire life. He has been involved in many choirs, musicals and other music events throughout his time at school, such as the Generations in Jazz festival, playing Kurt in The Sound of Music, and Jesus in Godspell. Now at University, Jordan seeks to involve himself further in the music scene in Adelaide.

Katie has played such roles in Adelaide as Little Buttercup in HMS Pinafore, Lady Thiang in The King & I, Antonia in Man of La Mancha as well as Footnote in Pratchett Pieces for the Adelaide Fringe Festival. After moving to Melbourne in 2005 she played The Narrator in Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Lt. Janice Fury in M*A*S*H, Pamela Lukowski in The Full Monty and received Lyrebird Award nominations for playing Sister Amnesia in Nunsense & Nunsense 2. She also played one of her dream roles, The Witch in Into The Woods as well as the wonderful Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn in The Music Man. Since moving back to Adelaide in 2015, Katie has portrayed Margaret Johnson in The Light In The Piazza for the 2016 Adelaide Fringe Festival and Jen in John & Jen. She had the opportunity to work with composer John Bucchino on his show It’s Only Life for the 2018 Adelaide Fringe Festival, to be a part of the small ensemble cast of Godspell, and portrayed Judge Jackie Justice in Judge Jackie: Disorder in the Court for the 2019 Adelaide Fringe Festival. Most recently she portrayed Alice Tinker in The Vicar of Dibley.

Katie has Musically Directed The Outsiders, All The New Stuff, Kids On Broadway, Monty Python’s Spamalot, Godspell, Little Shop Of Horrors, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, The Wedding Singer, Seussical The Musical, The Wizard Of Oz, Annie, Once Upon A Mattress and most recently Betty Blue Eyes. She also had the opportunity to co-direct for the first time with Avenue Q in 2014.

Kristin is a music teacher, musician, and performer based in the Adelaide Hills. Favourite musical theatre roles include: Ms Gardner/Female Authority Voice (Carrie The Musical - Hills Musical Company 2023); 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 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.

Lucy has been singing for around 20 years, and has been involved in musicals for the last 15 years. Lucy has previously played roles such as Ms Pennywise in Urinetown, Velma Kelly in Chicago, Jolene in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and performed one of the roles in Godspell. Since moving to Adelaide 10 years ago, Lucy has performed a number of shows with the Gilbert and Sullivan society including Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Sound of Music, The Gondoliers, Princess Ida and has had the opportunity to play Queen Aggravain in Marie Clark Musical Theatre's Once Upon a Mattress. Most recently, Lucy has performed the role of Ulla in the MCMTs 2021-2022 productions of The Producers.

Nikki is an Adelaide raised performer. Last year she graduated from the Bachelor of Music Theatre degree at Elder Conservatorium Music Theatre. Before ECMT she completed her Certificate IV in Dance at Australian Company of Performing Arts. In 2019 she played Heather Chandler in Segue Productions Heathers. In 2021 she made her Adelaide Fringe Festival debut in Friendly Feminism for The Mild Mannered and was also part of the choir in Chess: The Musical (dir. Tyran Parke). Nikki appeared in the second year production of Urinetown (dir. George Torbay) as Mrs Millennium. She was also the Josephine “Old Ma” Strong and Soupy Sue cover, and performed as Josephine “Old Ma” Strong for two performances. While at ECMT she performed in the third year production of In Pieces (dir. George Torbay). Nikki performed in the ensemble of ECMT’s third year production of Les Miserables (dir. Erin James) and she performed as Kate/Ensemble in the graduation production of Legally Blonde (dir. Nikki Snelson) Nikki has just finished a tour with Echelon Productions performing Way Too Cool for children’s book week in schools and will be moving to Sydney in January.

Oliver is 22 years old and a current second year student at the Elder Conservatorium’s Bachelor of Music Theatre. He has been performing in musical theatre since 2008 and has worked as a music director, performing arts teacher and private singing teacher. At ECMT, Oliver has performed as Ensemble/Beadle Bamford (U/S) in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (dir. James Millar), a featured soloist in the first year showcase Magic, Myths and Monsters (dir. Joseph Simons), and will perform in November as Pig (Bricks)/Lord Farquaad (U/S) in Shrek The Musical (dir. Erin James). Before university, he played Dewey Finn in School of Rock (Pelican Productions, dir. Jen Frith), Seymour Krelborn in Little Shop of Horrors in the Adelaide Fringe Festival (Adelaide Theatre Academy, dir. Michelle Davy) and performed as Marty the Zebra in Madagascar: A Musical Adventure in the U.S. Junior Theatre Festival in Atlanta (Adelaide Youth Theatre). Earlier this year, Oliver travelled interstate to perform as a backing vocalist in HELLO: Erin Jae’s Tribute to Adele as a part of the Under The Stars Festival (Australian Shakespeare Company).

Raymund was encouraged to start singing in Year 3 by his music teacher who entered him into a school singing contest which he went on to win. Having a Bachelors Degree in Engineering, a degree in Doctor of Medicine and now finishing a Masters in Clinical Research he has still found time to weave music through all those years of study. He has sung mostly in his university choir and has travelled extensively around Europe winning several awards. Not having performed in any musical theatre to date, but being a huge fan, he has seen every major musical in New York and London.

He currently performs with the award-winning Festival Statesmen Chorus.

Music has always been part of Ron’s life. As part of Novo Concertante Manila, an international award-winning chamber choir in the Philippines, Ron travelled to Europe and Asia performing a wide range of A Cappella music of various genres in competitions and concerts. Since moving to Adelaide in 2010, he found his passion for music theatre in both amateur and professional productions. Ron has done shows including Miss Saigon (MCMT 2011 & MMTC 2019), Bernstein Mass & Ennio Morriconne Live (ASO 2012), Forbidden Broadway (MCMT 2012), The Cross (ACTS 2013 & 2014), Chorus for Andrea Bocelli (ASO 2014), Rent (MCMT 2016), Godspell (IP & LP 2018).

Ron had a fabulous time with G&S' Kinky Boots in his first lead role as Lola in September 2019. Weeks after KB, Ron is covered up from head to toe as Sr Mary Amnesia in MBM’s production of Nunsense A-Men! Ron secretly wishes that like Hamilton, more shows and production outfits will now start to be inclusive and recognise talent over race and culture, to play roles not usually given to people of colour. In February 2016, Ron first took part in Broadway Sessions and is again thrilled to take part in this month's session.

Sebastian’s talent and passion for performing has stood out since he was knee high to a drama block and he shone in his breakout performance as ‘Oompa Loompa 1’ in the Red Cliffs Players production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Since then he has performed leading and supporting roles in amateur productions all around the country. He’s played a knight of The Round Table, two princes, an in-the-closet investment banker/puppet and been shot dead… twice.

He scored his first leading role as the Cat in the Hat in Suessical! (Adelaide Youth Theatre -2013), charmed as Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls (MMAC-2014), and performed in his first fringe as the Comfort Councillor in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (AYT- 2014). Most recently he performed as Sammy in The Wedding Singer (Marie Clarke -2015). Sebastian would like to thank his mother for not encouraging him to play sport.

Trevor hasn't been particularly active in the theatre community of late, having only performed in Pretty Boys in the 2017 Adelaide Fringe Festival since returning from interstate a few years ago. In the meantime, he has been busying himself with the Festival Statesmen Chorus, performing a variety of a cappella music. Highlights have included singing back-up for Adele, performing with Rob Mills and headlining the National Choral Festival in the past 12 months.

Trevor's theatre credits include Avenue Q (Matt Byrne Media), Curtains and Anything Goes (Therry), Orpheus in the Underworld and HMS Pinnafore (G&S SA), and Gypsy and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat (MS Society). Trevor's most recent theatre engagement was working on Promise Adelaide's 2017 production of All Is Calm which will be his musical directing debut; where he is excited to be combining his love of musical theatre and acapella together.

Vanessa holds an Advanced Diploma of Design for makeup, specializing in film, TV, theatre and SFX. She has been Head Makeup Artist for various feature and short films and theatre productions. Currently she is performing in G&S Les Misérables as Madame Thenadier and following this Vanessa is producing and performing the role of Claire in Ordinary Days. Her other performance credits include understudy to the role of Bec in Amity Dry’s musical Mother Wife and The Complicated Life with Popjam Productions, Co-Opera’s The Magic Flute throughout Australia and Europe and performing Frasquita in Carmen. Vanessa’s extensive musical theatre background includes Mrs Sowerberry in Oliver!, Ayah in The Secret Garden, Tessa in The Gondoliers, the Fairy Queen in Iolanthe, Annas in Jesus Christ Superstar, Edith in Pirates of Penzance, and Rapunzel in Into The Woods. Vanessa has recently directed and designed The Addams Family Musical for Walford School for Girls.

Zak is currently in his third year at the Victorian College of the Arts studying a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre). He has been passionate about theatre for as long as he can remember, undertaking both on and offstage roles for a variety of productions. He has completed a Certificate IV in Commercial Dance at Gravity Dance, specialising in tap, hip hop, jazz, contemporary, ballroom and ballet.

Zak’s choreography credits include Singin’ in the Rain JR (2017, TB Arts, Fringe Festival), A Peter Combe Extravaganza! (2017, Something on Saturday) and A Night on Broadway (2014, Glenunga High School). Zak made his professional debut with State Opera of South Australia’s production of Hansel and Gretel. Since then, he has played many memorable roles such as Boq in Wicked the Musical (2016, Matt Byrne Media), Mary Sunshine in Chicago (2017, Emma Knights Productions), The Tinman in The Wiz (2013, GIHS), Danny in Grease (2014, GIHS), Bert in Mary Poppins (2014, GIHS) and also appeared as a featured dancer in Thoroughly Modern Millie (2016, G&S Society of SA).

An avid performer, he has entertained at many events around Adelaide, such as the Adelaide Fringe Festival, the Royal Adelaide Show and Adelaide's Clipsal 500, as well as at private functions, weddings and parties. Zak also works as an entertainer for Nickelodeon and Showtime Attractions and has performed in many children’s shows with them.

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.

Paul specialises as a repertoire coach, accompanist and music director. He has worked as a pit musician, accompanist, choir leader and music director in musical theatre and cabaret shows throughout South Australia. He is currently a resident Music Director and Repertoire Coach for the Elder Conservatorium Bachelor of Music Theatre at the University of Adelaide. Paul is also the Choir Director for the ACH Group Sing for Joy Choirs, a social program for older people in the community.

Previous show credits include Music Director for ‘This Girl’ Cabaret - SA Regional Tour (Rachael Beck), Songs for a New World and Spring Awakening (ECMT), Kinky Boots (The G&S Society of SA), Avenue Q (Hills Musical Company), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Northern Light Theatre Company), Bye Bye Birdie (The MET), Wicked (Matt Byrne Media) and Mary Poppins (Whyalla Players). Paul has worked as eyboard Deputy on touring productions of The Sound of Music, Singin’ In The Rain and Mamma Mia and played in numerous Adelaide based productions.