July Session: Performer’s Choice

Amelia has been singing her whole life, starting with Adelaide Girls Choir when she was just 5 years old. She was a clarinettist while at school and after graduating in 2010, Amelia began her tertiary studies on classical clarinet. However, after seeing her first opera, La Sonnambula, she fell in love, switched to classical voice and has never looked back. She now has a keen interest in European languages and loves singing Lieder and French Art Song. Amelia recently completed her Bachelor of Music in Classical Voice with honours in 2019.

Blake has been performing in the South Australian musical theatre scene since his debut in Therry society's production of Big Fish in 2016. Since then he has worked with HMC on the two productions and three State Opera of South Australia and Elder Conservatorium collaborations being Die Fledermaus, Don Pasquale and Dido and Aeneas. In 2020 Blake took part in Shane Warne the Musical, presented by Segue Productions at the Adelaide Fringe Festival. Recently Blake performed as Cinderella's Prince and the Wolf in Into the Woods.

Blake has just completed his debut cabaret season in the 2021 Adelaide Fringe Festival with great success.

Cassidy is an accomplished singer/songwriter, having split her time between Australia and the USA for the past 4 years. She released her debut EP in 2017 that shot to Number 1 on the iTunes country chart! Cassidy has also trained professionally at the Australian Institute of Music in Sydney graduating with a Bachelor of Music (Music Theatre). While in Sydney she was fortunate enough to perform in many theatre productions, some of her favourites include Mary Lane/ Reefer Madness, Elle Woods/ Legally Blonde, Gabriella Montez/ High School Musical and Hermia/ A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Most recently Cassidy appeared in her dream role of Sophie Sheridan in Mamma Mia! with the Met!

Cais is a musician, Scout Leader, swimming teacher and audio-visual technician who has been involved in the creative arts for many years. In 2023, Cais was the Musical Director for Big Fish by Tatachilla Lutheran College at the start of May 2023, which has been their absolute favourite show to have done to date. Cais was studying a Bachelor of Music, however has recently swapped into a Cert IV in Live Production and Technical Services (Tech/Stage Management) at TAFE SA, and will pursue theatre fulltime. They are the Stage Manager for Trail's End for Adelaide Fringe 2024, and And Then There Were None for Phoenix Music and Variety Group in 2024. In 2023, they were also the Lighting Operator for Finding Nemo Jr for Adelaide Youth Theatre, as well as the Graduation Dance Show for TAFE SA's third year Bachelor of Creative Arts - Dance Students.

Some of Cais' other theatre credits include playing violin for Marie Clark's seasons of The Producers, and violin/clarinet for SALO's The Gondoliers. They also worked backstage/mic tech for Now Productions Oliver Jr (2021) and The Addams Family (2023), played in the pit for Comedy Capers Gang Show, clarinet in My Fair Lady and violin in the Australian Premiere of Betty Blue Eyes. Cais was also the Musical Director for Scouts Shouts Youth Theatre 2021-2022 and worked backstage with Comedy Capers Gang Show in 2023, alongside other festivals and events and shows. Cais' favourite festival to have worked for was the Illuminate Adelaide Festival in 2023.

Overall, Cais loves working and studying as an audio-visual technician, with Lighting being their favourite department. Cais is also a volunteer crew member for the South Australian State Emergency Service (The ones in orange!).

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.

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).

Eilish Webb is an emerging Australian classical soprano and actress who is currently studying their Bachelor of Music Performance (Classical Voice) at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). Eilish has a passion for classical musical theatre, operetta and pantomime. They love to perform in a diverse range of roles. Eilish has performed in lead roles such as: Sarah Brown (Guys and Dolls), Wendy Darling (Peter Pan), Little Red Riding Hood (Into the Woods), and Miss Hannigan (Annie) to name a few. They made their directorial debut in 2019 when they directed and stage-managed their own production of The Pajama Game. Alongside their theatrical performing, Eilish maintains their experience for their other passion makeup artistry. They completed their Diploma in Screen and Media Makeup in 2020. Upon completion of their Bachelor, they would love to build their career as a performer and perform in classical or Golden Age musicals and operas in London and New York.

Although no stranger to the stage, Emma has spent the last few years focussing on her career in history and museum curation, and is excited to be dipping her toes back into the performing pool once again. In 2017, she performed the role of Cosette in Les Misérables with G&S, and in 2019 played Edith in Therry's The Pirates of Penzance. She also joined the ensemble of Thoroughly Modern Millie in 2016 and Oliver! in 2013 and 2014, both with G&S.

Harley Dasey is an up-and-coming musical theatre performer originally from Perth. After completing a Diploma of Musical Theatre in 2019, he moved to Adelaide in 2020 begin a Bachelor of Arts in Music Theatre at the Elder Conservatorium of Music. Harley's love for Musicals came at the age of 13 when he performed the role of Mr Mayor in everyone's favourite musical, Seussical. He is currently rehearsing for ECMT's production of Les Misérables.

Originally from Auckland, NZ, Heim got involved with the local arts, music and theatre scene as a teenager. There he learned how to play musical instruments, sing RnB, scratch vinyl, and do a bit of acting. He enjoys all genres. Some of his favourite artists include Prince, Bob Marley, and RATM. His favourite actor is Shemar Moore. His favourite musical is West Side Story. Heim received a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Auckland before heading overseas to work, perform and travel, finally ending up in Adelaide. Other interests include Surfing, Rugby, the Gym, and the Financial Market.

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!!!

Jemma is originally from the UK where she trained professionally in Musical Theatre at The Brit School, The Betty Wivell Academy and Bird College in London. Jemma has Advanced Diploma’s in both Musical Theatre and Music and was also selected by the BBC (in London) for a young performer's bursary for outstanding achievement in Musical Theatre whilst she was studying. Jemma has been fortunate enough to have performed in various Musical Theatre concerts and workshops in London’s West End and even one in Broadway!

Jemma is relatively new to Adelaide - only having moved here last year. She has just finished playing the role of Carole King in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical with Davine Productions for the Adelaide Fringe Festival 2020. This was the best experience she has ever had on stage - she loved every minute of it!! Jemma also performed in Kinky Boots with The G&S Society in which she played the role of Lauren. Jemma’s other roles in Theatre have included Ellen in Miss Saigon (The Met), Charity in Sweet Charity, Nancy in Oliver!, Mary in Mary Poppins and Ariel in Footloose.

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.

Hi! I am Kira Yang, a student from the Adelaide uni's Music Theatre course.

Lily Coats is an Adelaide-born musician and music teacher who completed her studies last year at the Elder Conservatorium, holding a Bachelor of Music (Composition) and a Bachelor of Arts (French and History). Originally a pianist and formerly a cellist, Lily has been heavily involved with Adelaide choral music for many years as both a singer and a conductor. She sings in weekly services at Christ Church North Adelaide, has made occasional appearances with the Adelaide Chamber Singers and has been a member of the National Youth Choir of Australia for the past three years.

She was recently part of the Adelaide Festival Chorus for Romeo Castellucci’s production of Mozart’s Requiem. Lily also enjoys singing in pop, jazz and Broadway styles and is passionate about music education. She privately teaches piano and singing whilst also tutoring for music theory and aural development.

Michele started singing in choirs aged eight, and she still enjoys ensemble singing. After graduating in Music and French from the University of Queensland, Michele left to work overseas for a few years. She did her first Fringe show in Edinburgh in 1981. Then, life got in the way and her next solo Fringe show was not until 2014 in Adelaide. Since then, she has been in a show every year with one of the ensembles she belongs to.

Since moving to Adelaide in 2010 she has performed with auditioned local choirs, as a chorus member with the G and S Society (HMS Pinafore and Princess Ida), Co*Opera (Il Trovatore and La Bohème) and Elephant in the Room Productions (Carmen, Midnight Sun and Once and Future).

Michele spent a large part of 2016 and 17 living in London, where she had the excitement of being a backing singer in such venues as the Royal Albert Hall, The Palladium, and Studio 2 at Abbey Road Studios.

In November 2020, Michele will be performing the role of Cinderella's Stepmother in an Adelaide production of Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods.

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.

Phoebe, aged 18, is currently in her first year of a Bachelor of Music Theatre at the Elder Conservatorium, University of Adelaide. Over the past ten years she has performed in many shows with Pelican Productions, including nine Music Theatre Camps, The Little Mermaid, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Seussical, Annie Jr, Pelican’s USA performing arts tour, Bring it On (Return Season), and In the Heights. Phoebe has also enjoyed playing the roles of Kendra in 13! the musical, and Medda in Newsies Jr with Adelaide Youth Theatre. Last year, Phoebe enjoyed playing the role of Donna in her final school musical, Mamma Mia!

Sasha has recently come back from spending the last five years abroad working in Japan, Miami, Abu Dhabi and the Bahamas as an entertainer, he is currently studying a Bachelors of Music Theatre at the Elder Conservatorium of Music in Adelaide.

In her second year at Adelaide a University, Shanee has moved across from Perth to undertake a Bachelor degree in Music Theatre. Cast to play Ilse in the university’s 2019 production of Spring Awakening, and she was also involved in the Adelaide Fringe Festival with Beautiful: the Carole King Musical.

Sophie is a recent graduate of a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre) at the Victorian College of the Arts. Before moving to Melbourne, Sophie was heavily involved in the Adelaide theatre scene. She began dancing at the age of 6 which naturally progressed to discovering the allure of music theatre. She has been involved in a variety of cabarets, competitions and musicals including Rent (MCMT), The Little Mermaid as Ariel (AYT), Beauty and the Beast as Belle/Babette (AYT) and The Wizard of Oz as Dorothy (AYT and Gleeson College).

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.

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.