November Session: Performer’s Choice

Abi has been dancing since she was two but her first taste of musical theatre was in 2017 with NLTC in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Abi has been a regular in Adelaide's youth theatre scene with various roles including Fiona in Xavier Secondary College's Shrek, Ariel in The Parks Youth Theatre production of Little Mermaid Jr and most recently Anna in Pelican Youth Theatre's production of Frozen Jr She is currently studying at a part-time dance program while completing secondary school and hopes to pursue a career in performing arts.

Alyssa has grown up in the dance scene and decided to focus on singing once she returned from Patrick School of the Arts due to an injury. This is her second time performing at Broadway Sessions and she is so excited to spend the night celebrating our beautiful theatre community!

Ange is an amateur performer who loves to express herself through music and dance. Although she has never performed in a musical, she had the opportunity to play the role of Motormouth Maybelle, a charismatic and influential R&B record producer, at  the end of year Christmas concert in year 7. She also has some experience with playing the trombone, which she learned in high school as a way to keep herself busy and avoid loitering. Her musical inspiration is Ella Fitzgerald, the legendary jazz singer who is known for her pure tone, impeccable diction, and scat singing.

Annabelle is 15 and is a emerging singer songwriter. She loves music theatre and has performed in many roles in both youth and professional productions and is an active member of her school's music department, and performs at ABODA and Generations In Jazz in the school's specialist choir and playing French Horn and Trombone. Annabelle is a two time Grand Champion of the Vocal Division at the Balaklava Eisteddfod, and also placed first this year in her age category for Music Theatre singing 'With You' from Ghost the Musical. She is also a two time Grand Champion of the Vocal Ensemble 2-3 Voices' Category singing with her brother William.

Ava is 16 years old and has been singing and acting since the age of seven. She has performed in over 25 musicals with various Adelaide theatre companies and in 2022 landed one of her favorite roles, Little Red, from Into The Woods with AYT. This year see's a big year for Ava being the 2023 recipient of the Clara Serena Memorial Scholarship. Ava currently takes vocal and acting lessons as well as dance classes. On top of this she also plays the piano and has tried her hand at the drums. She is literally an all rounder. Ava is currently studying for her Grade 7 AMEB Musical Theatre Exam which will take place early this year, and hopes to pursue a career in the musical theatre world as well teaching vocals to others.

Carolyn has just finished her Bachelor of Music Theatre at Adelaide's own Elder Conservatorium and also hold a Diploma of Music Theatre from WAAPA. While at ECMT, Carolyn has performed as Lori in A Chorus Line, Ensemble in Sweeney Todd and On The Town, and as Mrs Ostrovsky in the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. She was also Dance Captain on A Chorus Line and Spelling Bee and an Onstage Swing in Songs and Scenes: Death, Divorce and Other Happy Endings.

Catherine is an actor, singer, director and educator. Their credits include performances in Australia and New York in cabaret as well as nationally and internationally in musical theatre, opera, comedy, show bands, theatre, with Adelaide Chamber Singers and as an MC/host.
Cabaret includes: various Cabaret Festivals: solo show My Blue Angel (created & co-written with Frank Ford & toured to New York); trio Gentlemen Prefer Curves; Secret Love; various shows with visiting artists, including Jason Robert-Brown (Songs For A New World), Maltby & Shire (Take Flight), and Andrew Lippa. Other cabaret: Award-winning Berlin Cabaret (created the role of Greta); various solo shows including Baby! It’s Cabaret (at 9 months pregnant) and Around The World In 80 Bars. Music Theatre includes: The Witch in Sondheim’s Into The Woods (SA Premiere, Space Theatre); Mrs Mullins, Carousel (State Opera SA);  Mimi Schwinn, A New Brain (Davine Productions). Opera: State Opera SA (chorus member since 1997; various minor principal roles); roles with Co*Opera and Various People.
Teaching: UniSA Performing Arts (SA’s only non-auditioned experiential performing arts course); Elder Conservatorium; Ballarat Academy of Performing Arts; lead vocal tutor in Adelaide Festival Centre’s OnStage Performing Arts program. Catherine once sang backing vocals for Split Enz and has never quite gotten over it.

Ellie Esdene McMahon is a Queensland-based performer who is currently studying a Bachelor of Musical Theatre at the Elder Conservatorium of Music in Adelaide. She recently completed her Diploma of Musical theatre at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. Whilst training at WAAPA she played the role of the Drowsy Chaperone in their production of The Drowsy Chaperone. Ellie also achieved her Certificate III in dance in 2021 whilst studying at Launch Performing Arts Centre where she trained in Tap, Commercial Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Broadway Jazz, and Ballet, and was lucky enough to be trained by Mr Mark Wilson in various styles of ballroom throughout 2019.

In 2020, Ellie landed a lead Voice-Acting role in the upcoming game Project Haven produced by Code 351 Games and has since landed many more roles in games and audio dramas. Her other credits include Half-time Dancer for the AFL Grand Final (Nathan Mark Wright), Ensemble in Matt Ward Entertainment’s production of Fame, Sarah in Hellion: A Horror Anthology produced by Drive By Night productions, an extra in the Inbetweeners 2 produced by Film4 Productions and Bwark Productions, and an extra in Ticket to Paradise. Her amateur credits include Polly in Crazy For You (Michelle Hopper-Doyle),  Mrs Lyons in Blood Brothers, Pam Short in Strictly Ballroom, Astrid Pollard in Spontaneous Human Combustion and Jane Banks in Mary Poppins. For her role in Spontaneous Human Combustion she won the Outstanding Actress Award presented by the Gold Coast Drama Festival.

Gracie has recently just graduated from Elder Conservatorium of Music at the University of Adelaide with a Bachelor of Music Theatre and is so excited to be entering the industry! Gracies favourite role she’s recently played was Val Clark in ECMT’s graduating show A Chorus Line. This is Gracie’s last opportunity to perform in Broadway sessions before moving to Sydney.

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!

Josie grew up in Dubbo in regional New South Wales where she danced at Dubbo Ballet Studio. After completing her Diploma of Music Theatre at WAAPA in 2020, she moved to Adelaide to study a Bachelor of Music Theatre at Elder Conservatorium, where she has just graduated. She most recently played the role of Judy in her graduating show A Chorus Line directed by Matthew Hyde. This is Josie’s final Broadway Sessions as she is moving to Sydney in less than a month!

In 2021 Lara embarked on the Australian national tour of Bluey’s Big Play: The Stage Show (dir. Rose Myers) as a puppeteer for the role of Bingo. She then completed her Diploma of Musical Theatre in 2022 at the Queensland College of Dance. Earlier this year she was fortunate enough to perform in the United States tour of Bluey’s Big Play before joining the ECMT family for her first year at the Elder Conservatorium.

Lily, aged 19 is a dedicated young performer, who’s passion for the stage is evident in her diverse array of roles, some including Alice Beineke in The Addams Family, the fearless Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz, and Mrs. Gloop in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Lily's commitment to the theatre extends beyond the spotlight. With a keen interest in the behind-the-scenes magic, she has helped to work through the production process. From helping with hair and makeup, to stage management and soon to be directing! Lily is also a keen dancer and taught at her local Studio, SAPA teaching Musical Theatre, Acting and Tap.

Lily has moved to the great Festival State from Melbourne, to study the Bachelor of Music Theatre at the Elder Conservatorium of Music. In April this year, she will be performing as Jo March in ECMT's production of Little Women (dir. Erin James). Previous ECMT credits include Fairy Godmother/Ensemble in Shrek the Musical (dir. Erin James) and Songs and Scenes: Magic, Myths and Monsters (dir. Joseph Simons). Prior to her move, Lily completed a Diploma of Musical Theatre at APO Arts Academy in Melbourne, graduating with the 2019 Achievement Award and the 2018 Showmanship Award. Lily is very excited to be joining this month's Broadway Sessions line-up!

Mat Monti is a proudly pansexual, non-binary artist with a passion for theatre and activism. With training in musical theatre, cabaret, comedy and jazz, Monti is a performer with a diverse skill set; having performed in the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, Fringe Festival, and was part of the Australian Premiere of Considering Matthew Shepard as part of Feast Festival in 2019. Monti took every opportunity thrown their way at the Elder Conservatorium, having played Chip Tolentino and U/S Mitch Mahoney in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Judge Pitkin in On The Town: In Concert and Judge Turpin in Sweeney Todd.

Mia is so excited to be performing in her first Broadway Sessions! A highlight of her performing journey so far would be attending Kristin Chenoweth's Broadway Bootcamp this year in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. She worked with so many incredible mentors including Kevin Chamberlin, Elizabeth Teeter, Kenny Ortega, Kristin Chenoweth, and so many more. Mia was also a part of the 2022 Class of Cabaret Program as a part of the Adelaide Cabaret Festival and is looking forward to playing Ms Hannigan in her school’s upcoming production of Annie Jr.

Noah Byrne is a tenor singer and composer who is currently undertaking music studies at Marryatville High School. From an early age Noah has had a love of music, making his opera debut at age twelve with the solo part of Frantik in Leoš Janáček’s The Cunning Little Vixen with State Opera SA for which he was also in the children’s chorus. Noah has been a regular vocal soloist at the South Australian Primary School Festival of Music, first performing a solo in 2018 and again in 2019 and was a guest artist in 2021 and 2022.

In March 2021, Noah took to the stage in the children’s chorus in the Adelaide Festival production of Neil Armfield’s adaptation of Benjamin Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, at the Adelaide Festival Theatre, with the ASO and the following year performed in The Armed Man. He has been fortunate enough to travel to Tasmania to be a part of The Festival of Voices and to Mt Gambier for Generations in Jazz. He has just returned from The Junior Theatre Festival in Newcastle where he played Evan Goldman in 13 Jr, Davey in Newsies Jr and Hiccup in How to Train your Dragon Jr. He has performed in Les Misérables with AYT, Kristoff in Pelican’s Frozen Jr. and has recently been selected to participate in the 2024 Class of Cabaret.

Noah was previously a performer in Young Adelaide Voices Concert Choir and is currently the youngest performer in the Festival Statesman Chorus. His dedication to his studies has also rewarded him as winner of the Lobethal Harmony Club’s, Clara Serena Memorial Scholarship in 2022 and more recently is the 2023 June Genders Award recipient through the Male Metropolitan Choir of SA.

After completing her Diploma of Musical Theatre at WAAPA, Sally is now studying a Bachelor of Music Theatre at the Elder Conservatorium of Music. Most recently, she performed the role of The Tooth Fairy in ECMT's production of Shrek the Musical. Her other credits include Janet Van de Graaff in The Drowsy Chaperone (WAAPA, dir. Tyler Jacob Jones), a touring production of Seussical with SSA (Malthouse Theatre & Adelaide Fringe, dir. Robert Coates) and Guys and Dolls (National Theatre, dir. Robert Coates). Since moving to Adelaide, Sally has performed in the Adelaide Cabaret Festival as well as ECMTA's Musical Mania hosted by the Adelaide Fringe Festival.  Sally is delighted to be performing at Broadway Sessions again!

Sophie graduated from WAAPA in 2014 where she had the great opportunity and honour to work with such names as Tayna Mitford, Jason Langley, Lisa O'Dea and the head of Performing Arts at WAAPA Andrew Lewis. Throughout her time there she was featured in roles such as Sheila in Hair, Mae Colman in Reefer Madness and Consuela in West Side Story and had the privilege to perform with Hugh Jackman. After moving to Melbourne she took a contract as the lead vocalist on one of Royal Caribbeans newest ships – The Quantum of the Seas. She returns to Australia excited to continue pursuing her dreams of working in musical theatre.

William has been performing in musical theatre productions since the age of nine. He has been Shrek, in Shrek Jr, Oliver Warbucks in Annie Jr and Scar in The Lion King Jr with Riverland Musical Society productions. He has appeared as Troy in High School Musical and Judas in Godspell with Loxton High School, where he is currently in Year 10. William studies voice with David Gauci through the Open Music Academy and is a keen performer within his Riverland community, singing at many local events, often with his guitar in hand. He couldn’t pick a favourite musical but would love any of the roles from Les Miserables. One of his highlights to date has been appearing as Elder Price in a local performance of Hello from Book of Mormon.

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.

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.