Broadway Sessions Jr

Ariel is fifteen years old. She has enjoyed performing since the age of three, initially with Theatre Bugs and the Australian Girls Choir, before joining Pelican Productions in 2016 and attending their music theatre camps ever since. She made her professional debut in 2016, playing the role of Brigitta in The Sound of Music (Gordon Frost Organisation) and then performed the role of Young Cosette in Les Misérables with the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of SA and was nominated for Best Youth Female Actor in the 2017 TASA awards. She has since performed lead roles in The Little Mermaid and School of Rock (Pelican Productions) and most recently as Donna in Mamma Mia in her school production. Ariel attends dance lessons at Barbara Jayne Dance Centre and voice tuition with Kirsty Roberts, and when not performing can be found enjoying netball, volleyball, crocheting, reading and hanging with her friends.

Brianna is a 19-year-old musical theatre student. She has been studying music for eight years and has a passion for the Disneyland theatre. Her mentor is her singing teacher, Cindy Macdonald and her inspirations are Elaine Paige and Michael Crawford. Her list of favourite musicals consist of The Phantom of The Opera, Wicked, CATS and Frozen. Brianna would love to pursue her passion by being a performing Disney princess on Disney cruise ships.

Cooper is a singer, dancer, actor, musical theatre nerd, studying music theatre at VCA in 2024. He was part of the 2022 Class of Cabaret program. Cooper receives his vocal coaching from the fabulous Carolyn Ferrie and dances at Barbara Jayne Dance Centre. If he’s not at the piano playing and writing music, you will find him busking on Jetty Road Glenelg or playing vinyl.

Ella Spiniello is 17 years old and has been performing since the age of five in singing dancing and acting. She has performed in various amateur production shows around Adelaide, playing various different roles such as Charlotte in 13 and Scuttle in The Little Mermaid. More recently Ella has been accepted into Class of Cabaret where she is learning how to create her own cabaret performance.

Emma is currently a year 12 student with a passion for music and all things Disney. She performed with theatre bugs for many years and has most recently been part of the chorus for her school's productions of Hairspray and Legally Blonde. Emma now takes vocal lessons with Teresa LaRocca.

Hannah is 11 years old and has performed in 8 shows this far, this being her 9th. She takes singing lessons with David Gauci, dance lessons with Michelle's Dance School, acting lessons with Pelican Productions, piano with Sandi McMenamin and is a member of the Australian Girls Choir. She is delighted to be a soloist and a host for the 2018 Festival of Music and loves opportunities like this.

Jade started dancing lessons at age three and singing lessons when she turned five. She has performed in several Adelaide musical theatre productions. Some of her favourite performance experiences include Annie, Bugsy Malone and The Little Mermaid (Adelaide Youth Theatre), The King and I (The MET), Seussical (Pelican Productions) and Little Shop of Horrors (Adelaide Arts Academy). Jade has also performed in Disney World and Universal Studios in Florida, and in the Junior Theatre Celebration in Newcastle.

Jasper is 10 years old and has enjoyed several wonderful experiences in the performing arts. Some of which include: performing at the Adelaide Fringe with Peter Combe; recording songs for an educational CD with Sally Hardy; playing an orphan in Northern Lights production of Annie and the role of Katie Spoonapple in Theatre Bugs’ production of Dear Edwina Jr. Jasper played Janet the sister of young Mick Taylor in the Wolf Creek TV Series and had a feature role in the short film Playtime. She has also loved being mentored and performing in Music Theatre Camps with Pelican Productions and has received vocal coaching from Mim Sarre and Amelie Peters. She is soon to commence in the role of Chip in Shane Davidson’s production of Beauty and the Beast Jr. Jasper is very excited to have the opportunity to perform in her first Broadway Sessions Junior.

Coming from a family with a love of all things music, Katherine has developed a deep passion for performance of music and theatre. From a young age Katherine has performed solo, in choirs and ballet productions and has always welcomed the opportunity to visit the theatre and orchestra. Currently finishing Year 12 this year at Concordia College, Katherine has had great opportunities performing in competitions such as Generations in Jazz and school musical productions, highlights including dancing in Hairspray and playing Vivienne in Legally Blonde: The Musical. Favourite musical characters (currently) include Eponine from Les Misérables and Jenna from Waitress and as for a favourite musical... well, there's just too many to choose. When she's not performing or singing around the house, Katherine loves to settle down with a good book, watch Downton Abbey or bake something delicious! Katherine's inspiration comes from her parents and grandma who have always encouraged her to be bold, and from God who she thanks every day for the gift of music and the ability to share it with others.

Lluka is 17 years old and has loved performing on stage from a young age. She has been a company member of Pelican Productions since she was seven years old. She has played Gurtrude Mcfuzz in Seussical, Annie in Annie Jr, Tracy in MTC 2018, Jasmin in MTC 2020 and Muriel in MTC 2023. She looks forward to playing Elsa in Frozen Jr this August 2023. Lluka recently performed in Class of Cabaret at the Festival theatre as part of the Adelaide Cabaret Festival. She also enjoys playing the piano, guitar and ukulele.

At 17 years old, Lucy is an accomplished performer who has been singing, dancing and treading the boards for as long as she can remember. Lucy is currently in year 11 at Walford Anglican School for Girls where she is Choir Leader and a key member of their principal performing choir, Chanterelle. This year, she has completed year 12 Drama and a Certificate 3 in Dance (Music Theatre) and has most recently played the roles of Annas/Queen Herod/Soul Girl in the Walford Anglican School for Girls x St Peters College production of Jesus Christ Superstar,  the lead role of Laura Black in Angela Betzien's Girl Who Cried Wolf, and as Tangled's Rapunzel in Pelican Productions Music Theatre Camp.

Her previous performing highlights include Ariel in The Little Mermaid Jr (Shane Davidson Presents), Margot in Legally Blonde Jr (Shane Davidson Presents), Cinderella in Into the Woods Jr (Shane Davidson Presents), Rafiki in Lion King Jr (Shane Davidson Presents), Mary Poppins (Pelican Productions' MTC), as well as being a part of OzTheatrics Junior Theatre Festival Australia showcase of Guys and Dolls Jr and the pilot of Mean Girls Jr.

Lucy receives vocal coaching from the glorious Millicent Sarre and dances at GWB Studios.

Madaleine is ten years old and has been singing for 4 years with the Adelaide Hills Arts music school. She adores musical theatre and has recently performed for the Hills Youth Theatre company in productions such as Pollyanna, Blinky Bill and Snow White. She regularly performs at her music school showcases at the Governor Hindmarsh, and has just been selected to sing a solo at the Festival of Music (Festival Theatre) in September with her school choir. Her favourite musical to date is Matilda, and Madaleine would love the opportunity to play this character one day on stage. Madaleine has also recently completed her Grade 3 AMEB Rockshool singing exam and is also learning to play the guitar.

Madeleine is an 11 year old who loves to sing... (loudly)! In late 2017 she started singing lessons with Tori Marshall at the Studio & Star Factory. She is in grade 5 at St Peters Lutheran School in Blackwood and spends a lot of her time Dancing at Accent on Dance. Madeleine has spent her last 3 summers performing in Pelican Productions Music Theatre Camp.

In 2018 she had the privilege of being the understudy for Jemima Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (NLTC) and playing Cecile in Annie Jr (Pelican Productions). One day she would like to play Elphaba in the show Wicked.

Oliver Lawes is 13 years old and has been studying singing since the age of 8. He has performed with the Adelaide Youth Theatre for the past 4 years in shows such as Bugsy Malone, Peter Pan, Shrek and Madagascar. He has performed as a member of the Australian Youth Performing Arts Team in the USA in 2017 and 2019. This year he has sung in Musical Moments with Promise Adelaide at the 2019 Adelaide Fringe Festival, he has played the role of General Tom Thumb in March Productions' Barnum and Simple Simon in Porridge with Theatrebugs. He is soon to perform as Gavroche in Les Misérables, Richie in 13 and the Park Keeper in Mary Poppins. He will be taking part in Pelican Productions Music Theatre Camp early in 2020.

Sam Stringer is a 12 years old performer who enjoys entertaining audiences through singing, dancing, acting and stand up comedy. Sam started drama at Theatre Bugs at the age of 4. From the age of 6, Sam started to learn hip hip and jazz at the Australian Company of Performing Arts where he performed for a few years taught by an incredibly talented dance teacher Pep Rigano.

At school, Sam has enjoyed performing lead roles in Wakakirri productions for the past 4 years, with the highlight being last year when they won the state award for Best Celebration Story, National Entertainment Category Award and were nominated for the National Story of the Year Award. Last year, Sam performed the part of Fritz in the end of year school production of The Nutcracker, and he is currently working on the role of Weasel Norman in the middle school production of Toad Hall.

Sam has performed in the children’s community choir, The Main Event led by Benji Riggs and is currently involved in the Northern Sound System Choir and his school’s Festival of Music Choir.

This year, Sam joined The Parks Youth Theatre where he was provided with incredible support and encouragement and amazing instruction and performance opportunities, such as various roles in Broadway Bootcamp and Seussical the Musical Junior as a Wickersham Brother. This year he also started hip hop and musical theatre at TIDC taught by the amazing Mackenzie Dael.

Sam is currently playing the role of Jojo in the Northern Light Theatre Company’s production of Seussical the Musical and is looking forward to wowing audiences at The Shelley Theatre during their performance season in October.

Sam proudly identifies as a person on the Autism Spectrum with ADHD, Dyslexia and Dyscalculia. Although Sam experiences many challenges with daily life and learning, he has found his natural talent in performing arts and is excited for every opportunity to develop his potential.

Saphron is 20 years old and loves to put on a show! She has performed on the Royal Caribbean cruise line as featured singer and an ensemble dancer. Her favourite roles she has played include Mrs Potts in Beauty and the Beast, Widow Corney and Rose Seller in Oliver! and Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music, both with Now Productions. She has also done many plays in her high school days, and was a featured ensemble member in Seussical (NLTC). In her spare time, she loves to perform with her friends, write scripts and attempt a baking recipe. Saphron studies education and majors in history in her everyday life.

Sean is 19 years old and has loved music, performing and dance from a young age. Since training voice with David Gauci, Sean has taken every opportunity to perform on stage through school productions and Pelican Productions' Music Theatre Camp. Sean's first role in a musical was Hugo Peabody from Bye Bye Birdie. From there, Sean has also been involved with Star Theatres Teen Dream and has played the role of Ryder numerous times in Nick Jr's Paw Patrol. He has also performed in many theatrical plays including The Ham Funeral and Hedda Gabbler. Most recently, Sean played the role of La Cienega in Pelican Production's adaption of Bring It On The Musical for which he won the 'Best Young Performer' award at the 2017 ATG Curtain Call Awards.

Outside of theatre, Sean is currently studying a Bachelor of Primary Education at the University of South Australia. He is also working as a children’s performer with the company Bop Till You Drop.

Tahlia loves to dance, sing and sparkle on stage – and off stage too! She has been a student of TIDC Performing Arts Studio for nearly 6 years, where she studies all genres of dance and performance, in troupes and solo lessons. During this time, Tahlia has been a part of Adelaide Youth Theatre productions of The Little Mermaid (Junior Dancer), Peter Pan Jr (Skunk- lost boy), and Elf Jr (Shawanda). She has performed as a dancer in High School Musical, Footloose, and Seussical with The Parks Theatre, and participated twice in YMCA Broadway Bootcamp. Through TIDC, Tahlia discovered her passion for singing and musical theatre and started vocal lessons late 2016. Tahlia performed with The Parks Youth Theatre in their production of Fame Jr as Miss Sherman in 2018 and was also part of the first Broadway Sessions Jr, also in 2018.

Tahlia is a vibrant, determined, brave and happy girl, and when she grows up she wants to be a vet. She loves her pets, her trampoline, and playing practical jokes! She believes that all of your dreams can come true if you believe in yourself, never give up and keep reaching for the stars.

Zachary Baseby is 23 years old and has had a burning passion for all things musical theatre related from a very young age, starting from his first performance in 2008 as Humpty Dumpty in Surprising Old King Cole (Stars on Stage). From there on, he has trained with various acting schools such as Actors Ink., Theatrebugs, Mighty Good Productions, and Heesom Casting before performing in his first musical theatre show in 2017 with The Parks Youth Theatre as an ensemble member in Grease.

Some of Zachary’s theatre highlights over the past few years have been: The Grinch in Seussical (NLTC, 2018), Horton the Elephant in Seussical Jr (Shane Davidson Presents, 2020), Javert in Les Misérables (NOW Productions, 2021), The Wolf in Into the Woods (Adelaide Youth Theatre, 2022), Uncle Fester in The Addams Family (Alternative Theatre Company, 2022), Wadsworth in Clue (Phoenix Variety & Music Group, 2023), Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid (Balaklava Community Arts, 2023) and most recently, the titular role in Peter Pan: A Christmas Pantomime (Blackwood Players, 2023).

Other than theatre, Zachary has also appeared in two short films to date created by students of Flinders University: Plastic Aeroplane (2018) and Rock, Paper, Scissors (2019). He has also appeared in two full length film projects with NOW Productions as the role of Bobby Packer in TEN FOUR, Agent Percash: REWIND, and Detective Jamieson in their spin-off adaptation: RED DAWN.

Recently, Zachary has landed his most recent roles as Cretin in Agatha Twisty: A Murder in Pantoland for the Adelaide Fringe 2024 and venturing into his first show with the G&S Society of South Australia in their May 2024 production of Oklahoma!

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.