January Session: Performer’s Choice

Amber Fibrosi is an Adelaide performer and musician who performs regularly in gigs. Over the years she has been involved in several performances, most recently performing as a pianist and back-up vocalist for Jennifer Trijo’s Adelaide Fringe Festival Cabaret show Someday. Amber has performed as a soloist for Trevor Jones Piano Bar in the Cabaret Festival. Amber also played Radio Voice, a Greasette and understudied Sandy in AYT's production of Grease. She played the role of ‘Wendy’ in Adelaide Theatre Academy’s Fringe show of Peter Pan , along with being a soloist in another fringe show Musical Moments. Amber has also been a featured ‘Defying Gravity’ soloist in the Catholic Schools Music Festival in 2019 and since graduating from school has been gaining further experience in the music industry. She enjoys writing her own music as an outlet of self expression. Amber is currently studying a Bachelor of Music Theatre at Adelaide University.

Enthusiastic ensemble singer and music lover, Andrew neglected music for a long time and is now trying to make good; picking up the piano again after a 40 year hiatus and looking for opportunities to sing.

Benjamin has a passion for musical theatre and lust for validation. His most iconic roles consist of Evan Goldman from the musical 13!, and Granpda Joe from the South Australian debut of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He writes and directs for the Adelaide Gang Show aswell as starring in the production, looking to help the younger scouts and guides of Adelaide share in his obession of theatre. He can sing, he can act, he can't dance for the life of him and he's excited to entertain!

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.

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!

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.

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!

Hannah Smith (she/her) is originally from Murray Bridge and moved to Adelaide to study technical productions and work for the Adelaide Fringe. Her passion is directing having directed 9 plays and musicals under her production company Hannah Catherine Productions. This year she aims to secure grant funding to put on Bumming with Jane by Tahli Corin as her first-ever show in Adelaide. After focusing on the tech side of the theatre for a long time Hannah enjoys every special occasion she can get singing in front of an audience.

Isabella is a young singer who is very passionate about musical theatre and performing arts. Some of her favourite roles have included: Wendy in Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure, Winifred Banks in Mary Poppins, Dragon in Shrek Jr and Terpsichore in Xanadu Jr.

Jack Raft is an 18 year old singer and musician from Adelaide. A lover of all sorts of music, Jack had performed extensively throughout his teens in stage musicals, school productions, professional operas, and in live music gigs around town. As a singer/songwriter, he has played with several bands, and sings in an acoustic duo with his sister Georgie. In between working and performing, Jack is looking forward to the return season of his sold out Fringe jazz cabaret show, Swinging on a Star! for the 2021 Adelaide Fringe Festival season.

Jaxon is an avid 19 year old musical theatre performer and fan in Adelaide. Since he began performing regularly in 2017, Jaxon has explored various outlets of Adelaide theatre, performing in major shows, original musicals, and even his own cabaret. Jaxon’s love of Music Theatre has only grown since finding his niche, a challenge for him as a performer on the spectrum. Some notable roles include Captain Hook in Adelaide Theatre Academy’s Peter Pan (2020), Grantaire and Courfreyac in two productions of Les Misérables; the first with Adelaide Youth Theatre (2021), the latter with Northern Light Theatre Company (2022), and Joe Pesci in Northern Light Theatre Company’s Jersey Boys (2022). Jaxon is also keen within the background of theatre as the youngest MD in the history of Scouts SA's Performing Arts Branch for Adelaide Gang Show, where he initiated the return of a full youth band. Jaxon is also a keen Theatre Technician, working casually in a northern adelaide theatre. Jaxon is currently studying the Bachelor of Music Theatre at the Elder Conservatorium, with an aim to finish at the end of 2025.

Next year, Jaxon will be performing in the Fringe Show Fountain Lakes: A Very Foxy Parody, a Kath and Kim Musical, where he will be playing the role of Kel Knight.

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.

Megan’s love for the arts began as a child, when she fell in love with musicals after playing the role of Fizzy in her school’s production of Bugsy Malone. She has performed in productions such as: The Unsinkable, Alice in Wonderland, The Producers, Pippin, Heathers and the Addams Family (as Wednesday Addams).

Mikala Lane Wood is a singer/actor who has performed in both Adelaide and interstate in shows such as; Aida (Tabor College 2022), Jersey Boys (NLTC 2022), Heathers the Musical (Segue Productions 2019), and Songs For A New World (Brisbane Academy of Musical Theatre 2017). In 2023 she presented her first sold-out Adelaide Fringe show My Little Voice: A Sara Bareilles Tribute and this year will present Boombox Bootscoot: 80s Hits Country Style. Mikala is currently studying a Bachelor of Music, and regularly performs in local venues and events with her duo Acoustic Amigos.

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.

Millie recently completed her Year 12 studies and is very excited to be heading to WAAPA next month to study Classical Voice under the tutelage of renowned soprano, Emma Matthews. Millie's passion for performing started from a young age, growing up in the UK, where she took every opportunity to perform in school plays and sing with many different choirs. She particularly enjoyed the challenge of playing Tracy in Hairspray, as well as the challenge of getting in and out of the fat suit! On one choir tour to Italy, she also had the privilege of singing Mass at St. Peter's Basilica, Rome.

More recently, Millie has focussed her attention on developing her classical repertoire and enjoys performing pieces in French, German and Italian. However, Millie is keen to never lose sight of her musical theatre roots and hopes one day to grace the stage as the Phantom's Christine. Millie played Cosette in Scotch College's recent production of Les Misérables and also enjoys many styles of dance, particularly jazz and tap. As well as solo performance, Millie loves performing in ensembles and was delighted to be awarded a Merit for ensemble performance in the very successful, all girls' group "Scotch Six".

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.

Polly performed as backing vocal in Peter Coombe’s 2022 Adelaide Fringe program. She was 'Jane Banks' in the Adelaide Theatre Academy 2021 Fringe Festival production of Mary Poppins. In 2020, she played 'Tigerlilly' in the Academy's Peter Pan. She won Excel Dance Studio's Musical Theatre Performance Award in 2018 and is currently a member of the Elite Program at Star Academy. She trains in solo vocals and guitar, and sings in her school's concert choir.

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.

Sammi is an enthusiastic performer who is currently rehearsing for the upcoming stage-show Mary Poppins as Mary. She has trained in performing arts for the past 6 years with Theatre Bugs and Adelaide Theatre Academy. Her first big role was in the company’s 2019 production of Oliver! in which she played the commanding role of “Nancy” when she was 13. Later that year, she portrayed the role of “Patrice” in 13 The Musical. Sammi is also an involved music student, participating in choirs, concert band and other instrumental ensembles.

Scarlet is in her final year of study for the Bachelor of Music Theatre at the Elder Con, University of Adelaide. She is a Broadway Sessions virgin and very excited to perform (finally!)
Originally from Sydney, Scarlet has always had a passion for musicals all throughout high school and was awarded the Music prize for her graduating year.

She is keen to get into the industry and add some body diversity and be the loudest woman in recorded history.

Thomas Tirrell is a passionate performing artist, having been with Theatre bugs/Adelaide Theatre Academy (ATA) for the past 5 years. He is experienced in various genres including: hip hop, tap, ballet, singing, dancing and acting and has performed regularly in Cabaret, Fringe Festivals and end of year productions. Thomas was an ensemble cast member in Harvest Rain’s The Wizard of Oz Arena Spectacular and ATA’s production of Oliver! and Peter Pan, while in 2020, he performed as Right Claw in ATA's Moana Jr. Thomas has also represented Theatre bugs on Channel 9’s The Today Show and acted in the role of Edward Hargraves, in the Gold Rush story on ABC’s Behind the News program. At 12 years old, Thomas will debut his first lead role as Michael Banks in ATA’s production of Mary Poppins the Musical. Thomas aspires to a successful career in the performing arts industry.

Trish comes from a musical family. Dad, Ted Spence, was a well-known pianist around town often playing in the Wonderland Ballroom in its heyday and with the Penny Rockets. Mum, Faye, is a life member of the Adelaide Harmony Choir and her sisters Joanne and Margot also have talents of their own with Margot still even now playing the piano beautifully and Joanne singing in the shower! Trish reckons Joanne could have had quite the career in music theatre if she wanted to!

Trish has been lucky enough to play a wide range of roles in many musicals for lots of different companies. Music teacher by day and performer by night, Trish can be found regularly performing in cabaret performances, rocking out with the Jus-Fa-Fun band and in local music theatre....and she’s looking forward to things returning to normal soon!

She is also an accomplished director and musical director. Favourite stage roles have included Maria (The Sound of Music), The Witch (Into the Woods), Mrs Lovett (Sweeney Todd), Marmee (Little Women), Annie Oakley (Annie Get Your Gun), Dolly Levi (Hello Dolly) and Donna Sheridan (Mamma Mia) to name a few. Even though Trish loves the stage, it’s the friends she has made on stage, in the pit, backstage and in the audience that mean the most.

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.

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.