May Session: Rock Night v4.0

AJ Patel is ecstatic to be performing at Broadway Sessions once again! AJ was born and raised in Maryland, USA, where he performed in several musicals since the age of 8. When he's not in class studying musical theatre at The University of Adelaide, he likes to spend his time eating. AJ would like to thank his friends and family back home who helped have him throughout his journey in the theatre.

There would be few things in life that mean more to Anthony than music (except for his amazing family). Whether listening or participating, dancing or reflecting, building up or winding down, on piano at a party or on stage in a show, music is one of his greatest passions, right up there with the wonderful world of cinema.

In his working life, Anthony is an adjudicator for Debating SA, and part of the staff at Second Chances Furniture Warehouse on Richmond Road.

His on-stage musical experience has included Mack and Mabel, Little Shop of Horrors, A Chorus of Disapproval, Company, If/Then, and Summer of '69 - plus the recent/upcoming Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.

Ben has many years of musical experience. His training has taken him around Australia, to Hong Kong, Paris and to London where has performed in the West End and The Royal Albert Hall. He has a number of musical theatre credits including The Little Mermaid (Prince Eric), Pirates of Penzance (Frederic), Jesus Christ Superstar (Jesus) and Barnum (P.T Barnum). Opera credits with the State Opera of South Australia include Cloudstreet! (Lon Lamb), Carmen and La Bohemé. Drama credits with Independent Theatre include Peter and Alice (Peter Pan), Amadeus (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart), Brideshead Revisited (Sebastien Flyte) and Old Wicked Songs (Stephan Hoffman).

In 2017 and 2018, Ben produced and starred in Private Peaceful, which won the Theatre Association of South Australia’s ‘DramatiCAL’ award for Best Drama. Ben was also awarded Best Youth Actor for his performance. Off stage, Ben’s accolades include director, musical director, orchestral conductor, producer and writer. Ben has musically directed and conducted several local productions, including Bugsy Malone and 13! with Adelaide Youth Theatre, and Beauty and the Beast with Shane Davidson Presents. He is currently working as Musical Director of Chicago with Pelican Productions.

As co-founder of the highly successful youth performing arts company, Promise Adelaide, Ben has provided opportunities for over 100 young performers while raising over $20,000 for charity organisations. Ben is also the lead vocalist and musical arranger of The 60 Four, where he scales the vocal heights of Frankie Valli in venues around Australia in Adelaide’s first-class ‘60s tribute act.

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.

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.

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.

Emilene has always loved singing from an early age. She found her love for music theatre when at the age of 11 she was cast as Ida in her primary school musical Honk! Jr. Since then Emilene began vocal tuition with Rosanne Hosking who has helped her further develop a wide range of vocal skills. Emilene was part of the G&S Society of South Australia’s 2013 and 2014 productions of Oliver! as a member of Fagin’s Gang. As a student at Concordia College she had lead roles in their productions of The Sound of Music (2014), Godspell (2015) and most notably played Tracy in their production of Hairspray (2016). Emilene played the role of Anne Egerman in the G&S Society of South Australia’s production of A Little Night Music (2018) and most recently she played the role of Bridget in Pelican Productions' production of Bring It On (2018). Emilene also enjoyed doing Pelican Productions Music Theatre Camps between the years of 2015-2018.

Emilene has taken a short break from performing due to university commitments but is excited to begin performing again when possible. She is grateful for opportunities like Broadway sessions where she gets a chance to perform!

Grace Carter is an upcoming musical theatre performer based in Adelaide. She is a high school graduate from the class of 2019, and throughout her time at school, she studied both music and drama. Her love of musical theatre began in year 12 while playing Nessarose in her school's production of Wicked. Her other experiences include playing the Rose Seller in Oliver! (St Aloysius College, 2017) and Rapunzel in Into the Woods (Elephant in the Room Productions, 2020).

Grace has, so far, had a busy 2021. She performed at the February session of Broadway Sessions: You're Menken me Crazy. Her most recent musical theatre role was as Peron's Mistress in the G&S Society of SA's highly reviewed production of Evita. Grace has just come off the success of her debut (and, regretfully, self produced) cabaret show NeverAfter - A Cautionary Tale of Marriage (as told by a child of divorce). She hopes to bring this show to the 2022 Adelaide Fringe Festival.

Originally from Adelaide, Jessica graduated from the Queensland Conservatorium in 2016 with a Bachelor of Musical Theatre. She made her adult professional debut early 2017 with The 7 Sopranos in their tour of Songs from Stage and Screen, and has since toured with them internationally.

With State Opera of South Australia, Jessica understudied and performed the lead role of Angela, and covered all of the female roles in their tour of Love Burns. She has performed as a soloist in Bright Lights and Big Dreams, and Emerging Artists In Concert. Currently, she is looking forward to stepping into the role of Isabel in Pirates of Penzance. Jessica has also performed in the chorus of La Bohème, Voss, and La Traviata.

Other stage credits include: Nella – Gianni Schicchi (CoOpera), Messa da Requiem (Adelaide Festival), Study Cover La Strega Buona del Nord – Il Mago di Oz (Victorian Opera), Choreographer, TweedleDee – Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland (Australian Contemporary Opera Co.), Mab/Day, Dance Captain – The Enchanted Pig (postponed, ACOCo.), actor/dancer - Don Giovanni (Opera Australia), actor - Il Viaggio a Reims (Opera Australia), U/S Mary Maguire, Ensemble - The Beautiful Game (Manilla Street Productions), Cinderella - Cinderella (Pantomime Productions), and Aurora - Sleeping Beauty (Tivoli).

Jess has been involved in Adelaide's theatre scene since 2015, from Guys and Dolls to The Addams Family, to (most recently) A New Brain with Davine Productions. Working as a Stage Manager and general backstage all-rounder, for companies such as Adelaide Festival Centre, State Opera, and Slingsby; they still love to perform – though it's mostly in the car on the way to and from work!

John is a graduate of the Bachelor of Musical Theatre at the Elder Conservatorium, and has previously completed a BA in Classical Voice at the University of Western Australia, the Certificate course at WAAPA in Musical Theatre, and the Music Theatre Intensive at the Stella Adler Studio NYC. John is also executive producer and co-founder of the theatrical collective EXEUNT (Pursued By A Bear) Productions which most recently performed Rodgers & Hammerstein's: A Grand Night for Singing at the Adelaide Fringe.

Josh, 22, first unearthed his passion for Musical Theatre in 2008. He is currently a student at the Elder Conservatorium of music in Adelaide studying a bachelor of Music Theatre. Just last year, Josh was one of ten selected in New South Wales by Queenie van de Zandt to attend her Professional Music Theatre Intensive Masterclass course in Sydney. In 2016 he Graduated from the Talent Development Program working with talents such as Shaun Rennie, Peter Cousins, Avigail Herman and Robert McDougall. From 2013-216, Josh was a Featured Artist in the New South Wales Schools Spectacular and was fortunate enough to workshop Bohemian Rhapsody with Adam Lambert.

Mark’s passion for Education has lead him to the role of Head of the Arts at St. Peter’s Woodlands Grammar School. His favourite onstage role was playing Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors where he met his wife Fiona. Mark also had the opportunity play his favourite character role Amos in Chicago for Emma Knights Productions. He is a well known Musical Director working with many musical companies across Adelaide. Favourites include Curtains, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Sweeney Todd, Crazy For You, The Drowsy Chaperone and Company.

Mark produced the sold-out Adelaide premiere of The Musical of Musicals - the Musical! for the 2011, 2012 and 2013 Adelaide Fringe Festivals (also playing Bill). Mark made his debut as guest conductor of the Norwood Symphony Orchestra presenting the Australasian premiere of The Trumpet of the Swan in the 2014 and 2015 Adelaide Fringe Festivals. Recently Mark musically directed the award-winning Big Fish for Therry, Spring Awakening and Side Show for Hills Musical Company. He was also the musical director for Oklahoma, performed outdoors on Four Oaks Farm for Emma Knights Productions. Mark performed the role of Brian in Avenue Q fulfilling all his muppet dreams.

Mark’s greatest production to date is his son Bryce who keeps his parents extremely busy.

Mark has trained throughout Australia and New York studying Musical Theatre at Schools including The Victorian College of the Arts (VCA Bachelor of Musical Theatre), APO Arts Academy (Advanced Diploma Musical Theatre), and Broadway Dance Centre (Scholarship Program). Mark is most well known from his appearances on The Voice, most recently in this years series making his way on to Team Ricky!

This ignited that theatre bug which led Mark to tour Australia, Asia, America and Europe with multiple musicals/productions including Kinky Boots (Australian Tour), Godspell (Australian Revival), Hello, Dolly! (Australian Revival), Hairspray Arena Spectacular (Tour), Priscilla Queen of the Desert (NCL European Tour), and Magic to do – Stephen Schwartz (USA/Euro Princess tour 3.0). Mark is proudly represented by Emma Raciti Management, and is excited by the opportunities that are popping up within South Australia in the Arts!

Most recently Mark has been working with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra as the vocal captain for Disco Wonderland for the Brisbane Festival. Mark is about to head out on tour for the Japanese and Australian tour of Burn The Floor as their lead vocalist.

Originally from Adelaide, Matthew moved interstate to Melbourne to study Music Theatre at the VCA. After completing his BFA, Matthew made his professional debut in the Australian tour of Jersey Boys (New Theatricals). Since returning to Melbourne, he has performed in The Production Company's Thoroughly Modern Millie, Manilla Productions The Beautiful Game and most recently played the role of Jimmy in the production of Bright Star (Pursued by Bear).

Mikari Zollo Semmler started vocal training at the age of 10 and commenced acting and dancing classes shortly after; training in Jazz, Tap, and Ballet.

Mikari has participated in many shows and productions; including musicals, solo performances, and cabarets. She has played leading roles such as Mrs. Darling in Peter Pan and ensemble roles in shows; 13 The Musical, Seussical the Musical, Pipi Long Stockings, Madagascar, Wicked, and many more. She has also been to NSW twice to compete in the Junior Theatre Celebration.

Mikari really came to love music in the Marryatville Special Music Interest Program, where she auditioned on voice as her primary instrument. Being in the Marryatville Music Program has provided Mikari with many opportunities such as learning several instruments and being involved with many co-curricular ensembles, which have consistently placed first in the Eisteddfods (Concert Choir) and Generations in Jazz (Pops Vocals). She also went on a jazz tour to America last year where she performed around New York and Los Angeles, as well as attending broadway and jazz workshops with well-renowned musicians.

Currently, Mikari is in the Class of Cabaret program working on her set which would've been featured in the 2020 Adelaide Cabaret Festival.

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).

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.

At 23, Scarlett has been passionate about performing since she was young. She began dancing at Barbara Jayne Dance Centre when she was 3 years old where she developed her singing and dancing skills for 13 years and has now begun focusing on her passion for musical theatre. Scarlett graduated Concordia College in 2017 as the Dux of Solo Vocal Performance where she was and will continue to be taught by her singing teacher Rosie Hosking.

With 18 years of combined performing experience, Scarlett's love for the stage has never ceased, with her previous roles including Amber Von Tussle in Hairspray, and Campbell Davis in Pelican Production's production of Bring It On the Musical's first season and its 2018 return season - for which she received a TASA nomination for 'Best Youth Female Actor'. Her most recent musical accreditation included a performance season of Godspell with Lydian Productions and Irregular Productions. In addition to this, she was also selected to perform as a featured soloist at the nationally televised 2018 Elder Park Carols By Candlelight. Her professional accolades in Adelaide have also included working with Ding Productions and Shane International each year for varying statewide productions. She has also been contracted with Royal Caribbean International (Miami) as a featured lead vocalist since January 2019 and has recently returned from a 10 month LA season with them. She’s set to resume her overseas work with them for another year, beginning in October 2022.

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.