April Session: Performer’s Choice

Adam has been involved in the theatrical scene for many years. He is a co-founder of SINGular Productions and produced I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (Fringe Festival, 2007), Elegies: A Song Cycle, Different Fields and It’s a Dad Thing: The Musical. He currently has two productions in ‘development limbos’: Innocence, The Unknown Man and  has two scripts hoping to be developed (The Travelling Doll and a musical adaptation of Picnic at Hanging Rock). Adam recently performed the role of Derek in Erin McKellar’s' Where’s the Dog? in 2024 Adelaide Fringe and has just started directing Marie Clark’s The Music Man opening at the Arts Theatre, July 2024. Adam has a podcast The Struggling Artist: Creative Resilience available on all good podcasting apps (and some bad ones too).

Back in the saddle and ready to phonate Angela is returning for another Broadway Sessions extravaganza! Singing from the tender age of five, Angela has gone on to complete a BMus majoring in Musical Theatre at AIM. She loves a sad slow ballad and is a sucker for any song with a high G5 to boast. She is trilled to be gracing the stage once more and sharing stories with such a supportive bunch!

Ben is currently studying music theatre at the Elder Conservatorium of Music and  previously completed his Diploma of Music Theatre at Queensland College of Dance under the direction of Jacqui Devereux. Some of Ben’s previous credits include Pig (Sticks), Shrek (U/S) and Donkey (U/S) in the ECMT production of Shrek the Musical (dir. Erin James) and a featured soloist and ensemble member in the music theatre showcase Treading the Boards (QCD, dir. Tim Hill).

Daniel's recent roles include: Fred Graham/Petruchio (Kiss Me Kate - HMC), Tony (West Side Story - AYT), Jasper (Parlour Games - Green Guys Co.) Whilst studying he played Professor Bhaer (Little Women), Thomas Aquinas/John the Baptist U/s (Godspell), Snowboy (West Side Story), and was also a Featured Performer with the Queensland Pops Orchestra, understudying Teddy Tahu Rhodes and as a soloist. He participated in a creative development of Yve Blake's Fangirls, and developments of works by playwright Will Hinz. Daniel is a huge proponent of new works and lesser known theatre getting its time in the sun, and is a proud union member.

Originating from Queensland, Eligh is no stranger to musical theatre. Over the years, he has taken on many roles within shows, including performer, accompanist, director, musical director, and even writer/composer. Participating in many community shows from 2019-2022, with highlights including Little Shop of Horror (Orin Scrivello), Rock of Ages (Lonny Barnett), Be More Chill (Accompanist), and School of Rock (Ensemble), Eligh considers the start of his professional journey to be the production of their original musical, Baitman: The Super Musical. The success of this show led them to the Queensland College of Dance in 2023, where he studied a Diploma of Musical Theatre. Eligh is currently studying a Bachelor of Music Theatre at the Elder Conservatorium, and looks forward to all the opportunities they are lucky enough to have. In the future, he hopes to continue writing new material for audiences to see and enjoy!

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.

George Kallika is a composer and vocalist who studied Jazz Voice at Adelaide University, and Classical Voice at the Elder Conservatorium of Music. For many years, he was an active member of The George Street Company and G&S Society before pursuing his composing career in Toronto, Canada. After a long break, he returned to singing in 2015 and continued his voice training with esteemed music theatre vocal specialist, Louisa Burgess. Since then, George has performed in many cabaret shows and venues across Canada and was a member of the acclaimed Canadian Men's Chorus.

Gracie has always been a performer, with her first public performance at the age of 2. She began performing in musicals in 2018, featuring in Cinderella Kids (2018), and she has since had the opportunity to perform in many productions. With AYT, she has played Baby Kangaroo in Seussical Jnr (2020), Iago in Aladdin Jr (2020), Hei Hei in Moana Jr (2021), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2021), Teen Fiona in Shrek Jr (2021), Young Nala in the Lion King Jr (2022) and Middle Anna in the Frozen Jr (2023). Gracie also played Marcy in the School of Rock (2021), with Pelican Productions, sang with the State Opera’s production of La Boheme (2022), and played Ewing in the debut season of The Boy with the Golden Fox (2022) with the Flying Elephant Company. Gracie has awarded a prize in AMEB musical theatre examination (2023), outstanding performance at MTC (2024) with pelican production. Gracie competed in 2022 Balaclava Eisteddfod, coming first for her vocal solo as well as claiming the prize of the vocal solo champion of the year and Roger Manuel award. Gracie has been undertaking voice lessons since she was 8, and is passionate about music, playing violin and double bass. At home, she enjoys watching musicals with her family, and is excited for future opportunities to participate in more productions.

Isabella found her love of music theatre performing in her Year 4 musical Pando Pandemonium and has been involved in amateur theatre ever since. Isabella has just graduated from Pulteney Grammar School and is now studying Medical Science at Flinders University. She has played roles such as Pilate in Jesus Christ Superstar (Pulteney Grammar School), Olaf in Frozen (Pelican Productions), and Lavender in Matilda. She's currently being mentored by Kirsty Roberts and Peter Johns and is excited for what the rest of her performing journey brings.

Jack Keukenmeester is a 16 year old singer, actor and developing dancer. Of Canadian-Australian descent (with a hint of Dutch), he has been performing since the age of 7 when he won his school's talent competition for singing - although he initially signed up to dance! Jack's love of music theatre started when he was cast as Jojo in Adelaide Youth Theatre's 2020 production of Seussical Jr. Since then, Jack has been in many productions. Most recently Jack wrote and performed an 8 minute cabaret set for Hive Inspire's Chrysalis during the 2024 Adelaide Fringe. Jack is excited to be cast as Ram Sweeney in Pelican Productions upcoming production of Heathers the Musical. Jack is currently in his second year at ACPA Academy/Thebarton Senior College Special Interest program, where he is on a mission to be a triple threat.

James is a 19-year-old singer and musician with a passion for acting. Some of his highlights include Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Gomez Addams in The Addams Family, ensemble member/Orin swing in Little Shop of Horrors and Troy Bolton in High School Musical. He is currently in his second year studying a Bachelor of Teaching and a Bachelor of Music at the Elder Conservatorium.

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.

Most recently, Jaxon performed in the Fringe-award winning Show Fountain Lakes: A Very Foxy Parody Musical, where he played the role of Kel Knight.

Joey is 19 years old originally from the regional town of Loxton but moved to Adelaide for study last year. He is in his second year at the Elder Conservatorium studying a Bachelor of Music Theatre. He has performed in several amateur productions back at home with the Riverland Musical Society, most recently playing Raoul in Phantom of the Opera. He is a Class of Cabaret Alumni and was fortunate to be the keynote speaker for the opening ceremony of the 2023 DreamBIG Festival. He played Papa Ogre in ECMTs production of Shrek in 2023 and in his spare time he enjoys playing gigs on weekends at various venues around the Adelaide and Riverland areas.

Kristin is a music teacher, musician, and performer based in the Adelaide Hills. Favourite musical theatre roles include: Ms Gardner/Female Authority Voice (Carrie The Musical - Hills Musical Company 2023); 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 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.

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 12 at Walford Anglican School for Girls where she is Choir Leader and a key member of their principal performing choir, Chanterelle. In 2023, she completed a Certificate 3 in Dance (Music Theatre) and has most recently played the roles of Descendant's Maleficient in Pelican Productions Music Theatre Camp, Annas/Queen Herod/Soul Girl in the Walford Anglican School for Girls x St Peters College production of Jesus Christ Superstar, and the lead role of Laura Black in Angela Betzien's Girl Who Cried Wolf.

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), Tangled's Rapunzel and 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 Millicent Sarre and is studying Music Theatre as part of GWB Studios Pre-Professional program. Lucy is also looking forward to performing at the Australian Music Theatre Festival in Tasmania in May.

Nam is currently a 2nd Year student at the Elder Conservatorium studying Musical Theatre. Originally from Melbourne, before moving to Adelaide Nam studied at the Melbourne Conservatorium majoring in Saxophone.

Sarah graduated from the Queensland Conservatorium of Music with a Bachelor of Musical Theatre. Whilst studying at QCGU, Sarah performed as Maureen in RENT, Doatsy Mae in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, and Martha in The Secret Garden. In her final year, Sarah had the opportunity to perform in the ensemble of Opera Queensland’s Kiss Me, Kate!. Since graduating Sarah has played Bebe Benzenheimer in the QLD Coastal Tour of A Chorus Line, Nadia in Understudy Production's Bare, Tweedle Dee in the national tour of Alice in Wonderland LIVE, and performed to numerous schools across the nation with Meerkat Productions. Since moving to Adelaide, Sarah has appeared as Marcy in Dogfight (St Jude’s Players) Princess Fiona in Shrek (HMC), Ensemble in Kiss me, Kate! (HMC) and most recently appeared as Chris Hargensen in Carrie (HMC).

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.

Teresa is a seventeen-year-old performer based in Adelaide, South Australia. Although she was surrounded by the arts from a young age, it wasn't until she discovered Adelaide Theatre Academy in early 2021 she became active in the local theatre scene. Some of her highlights include Cinderella's Mother in Into the Woods (2022), Violet Beauregarde in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2022), Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family (2023), and most recently Sharpay Evans in High School Musical (2024). She has also taken on leadership roles in her schools music scene; music directing and vocal coach for Lion King Jr and co-choreographing Oliver! She was also selected to sing for The Festival of Music at The Adelaide Festival Theatre.

Wynona is an aspiring singer, actress and performer. Her love for the stage began when she started performing in an alternative Morris dancing troupe at age 14, and her fondness for the stage only grew when she won best performance at Supanova Adelaide's Cosplay Competition in 2019. This cemented Wynona's love for the performing arts, dedicating herself to study and taking lessons in singing to further hone her skills. Wynona has aspirations to work as a singer and songwriter, as well as an actress in the future. Her biggest inspirations as a performer would be Siouxsie Sioux, Amy Winehouse and of course, Winona Ryder.

Zoe’s adoration for performance has been observed from a young age - from "passionate" karaoke performances of Dusty Springfield's greatest hits in her grandparents living room, featuring in ‘Actor’s Ink’ productions, to additionally starring in The Wedding Singer as Julia Sullivan at Sacred Heart College in 2014. Her passion for performance extended past high school, delving into the Adelaide music scene through Fringe performances, featuring in music groups including The Adelaide Gospel Project and Adelaide Queer Qwire. After a brief hiatus from the stage due to the pandemic, Zoe recently featured in the Australian Premiere of Spies are Forever as the Lounge Singer, described as 'phenomenal' by reviewer Andrew Broadbent.

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.