Boy From Oz

Chris Bradtke Grant Alley Director President Director’s Note President’s Note The Boy from Oz has enjoyed enormous success in Welcome to CLOC Musical Theatre’s production various forms: Gale Edwards’ great production that of “The Boy From Oz”. We are very excited to bring toured Australia providing (such) a starring vehicle for you the Victorian non-professional premiere of Todd McKenney, the Broadway blockbuster with our this spectacular and unique look at the life of a true own Hugh and the recent Australian arena production Australian icon, Peter Allen. with the same. All three were successful and are all Nearly five decades of enthusiasm, dedication and major theatrical events, each, however, with their own sheer hard work to produce over eighty major interpretation, style and target audience. It is this that productions have made the name CLOC synonymous interests me that Nick Enright’s original script allows for with high quality musical theatre entertainment. Over some major directorial freedom. It is not particularly the past twenty years alone, we have been recognised prescriptive nor is it linear, chronological or a simple by the Music Theatre Guild of Victoria with nearly narrative. It is intensely theatrical. 300 nominations and 99 awards for excellence, in Enright’s concept easily accommodates the Peter Allen fields ranging from on-stage performances, creative words and music but, unlike other “juke box” musicals, teams, production personnel, technical achievement, it avoids the obvious convention of manipulative story administration and life time achievement. The telling that culminates in the inevitable: the song we all accolades we have received over the years recognise knew was coming from the beginning of the scene. He our long-standing commitment to bring you, our loyal skillfully weaves his plot around the life and complexities patrons, a wide range of new, innovative and first class of the singer/song writer himself. The songs and lyrics productions that excite, challenge, thrill and above all sit easily with the rhythm of the piece and with the else, entertain. characters as they enter and re-enter his life, be they We do this with a loyal and passionate group of dead or alive. It leaps, as does Peter himself, from past incredibly hard working and tireless volunteers, who to present and back to past, all within the familiar context are the backbone of CLOC’s success and much of the of one of his energy packed concerts. We, as audience, reason for your continued enjoyment of our shows. continually empathise with him, both as a performer and (They are also responsible for the installation of the as a person. In fact, we never really leave the concert approximately 22,000 little lights in the set you are stage where Peter nightly poured out his heart, soul and about to see tonight!). The accolades have continued invited us into the intensity of his own life. into 2008, as in honour of the dedication and hard As director, this has been my starting point for CLOC’s work of these volunteers, Kingston Council, as part of production. The concept springs from what I see its recent Australia Day Awards, presented CLOC with as Nick Enright’s original intention: a fairly intimate the award for ‘2008 Community Organization of the in-concert-style production wherein the concert itself Year’. We are very grateful and humbled to have been is the vehicle for the performance, where the staging recognised in this way. allows us to glimpse the moments in Peter’s life without We are also very proud to announce that John Michael cumbersome scene changes. We accept the songs Howson has agreed to become our first CLOC Patron. as both a mechanism for moving the action and as With his vast experience in all forms of show business, performance pieces in their own right. most especially musical theatre, both in Australia and The night belongs to the charismatic Peter Allen as he internationally, we are thrilled that John Michael has works the audience, tells his story, manipulates our agreed to formalise his already close association with us. emotions and conjures the magic that permits us to In light of our Australia Day award, it is fitting that 2008 believe that he, Judy and Liza are performing live for us is a year that sees CLOC stage two original Australian tonight. This, and the capacity for the simple to transform musicals, both big song and dance spectaculars. to the fabulously energetic high camp, have been the Later in the year, we will be performing “Hot Shoe challenge and the thrill. Shuffle”, another premiere production of a tap dancing Meeting the challenge has been made all the easier by extravaganza. And tonight, with great pride, we salute the immense pleasure it has been to work with Set the larger than life Australian show business legend, Designer, Brenton Staples, Choreographer, Susan Lewis Peter Allen, who no matter where he was or what he and Musical Director, Greg Smith. A happier artistic achieved, ‘still called Australia home’. collaboration would be hard to repeat. Mix this with the We would like to thank you, our patrons, for your extraordinary support from all at CLOC, including the significant contribution to our ongoing success. Without inimitable Grant Alley and Sandra Davies, add the talents your continuing support, CLOC would not be here to of Costumiére, Kelly Farrow, Lighting Designer, Stelios transport you yet again into the magical world of music Karagiannis, Audio Designer, Alan Green, spice it with theatre. We pay tribute to you in the way we know a director’s dream cast and you have an entertainment best – so sit back, relax and enjoy yourselves as we that is both satisfying and thrilling. Hopefully, this new entertain you. And if you can’t help yourself, feel free to CLOC production of The Boy From Oz will be another sing along, tap your feet or shake a maraca! version of which the late Messrs Enright and Allen could have been rightly proud.

1 presents Music & Lyrics by Peter Allen Book by Nick Enright Original production by Ben Gannon and Robert Fox with Jonathon Sebastian, Liz Dark, Bree Cahill, Beryle Frees, Heath Harney, Jackson Laidlaw, Thomas New, Lee Threadgold, Adrienne George, Steven Rostron, Pip Smibert, Carolyn Bruce, Rebecca Ginsberg, Amelia Ropé, Tim Addicoat, Jacqueline Addison, Maree Barnett, Peter Dennis, Nadia Gianinotti, Melissa Hedstrom, Brendan Lee, Deborah Marinaro, Jay Miller, Robert Mulholland, Helen New, Ashley Tynan, Tailem Tynan Chris Bradtke Susan Lewis Gregory Smith Director Choreographer Musical Director Brenton Staples Kelly Farrow Stelios Karagiannis Alan Green Set Design Costume Design Lighting Design Audio Design Sandra Davies Grant Alley Helen Schleiger Cameron Osborne Stage Manager Technical Director Production Manager Marketing Manager Catherine Ellen Karen Warrington Costume Co-ordinator Props Co-ordinator May 9-25 2008 Alexander Theatre Monash University, Clayton By arrangement with David Spicer Productions www.davidspicer.com

2 Chris Bradtke Gregory Smith Susan Lewis Director Musical Director Choreographer Susan has been involved in dance all her High profile, multi award winning Born in New Zealand, Greg studied life, having trained from an early age in director and actor, Chris Bradtke, has composition at the University of a variety of dance styles. Her dynamic created some of Melbourne’s most Canterbury and has taught music from choreography has been featured in six commercial and artistically successful primary to tertiary, teaching currently previous CLOC productions, all of which theatre. In a career that spans all at Princes Hill Secondary College. His have been recognised by the Music aspects of theatrical production, Chris skills in musical direction have been Theatre Guild with either nominations has developed an enviable reputation sought in many professional productions, or awards as Best Choreographer of as one of Melbourne’s most creative, including Joseph and the Amazing the Year. These include My One and dynamic and innovative music theatre Technicolor Dreamcoat for the Really Only (nomination), 42nd Street (award), personalities. His achievements in Useful tour of Asia and Australasia. Greg Mack and Mabel (nomination), Singin’ directing have not only won Chris much has played keyboard in productions in the Rain (nomination), and her critical acclaim, but seven Guild awards of Mamma Mia!, Cats, Les Miserables, most recent production for CLOC, and twelve nominations for productions Into the Woods, 42nd Street, Me And Steel Pier, for which she not only won such as: Candide, My One and Only, On My Girl, Pirates of Penzance and Evita. Best Choreographer for 2005, but the Twentieth Century, Chess, La Cage He has also performed the role of for which the entire dance ensemble Aux Folles, A Chorus Line, The Secret Manny Weinstock in Terance McNally’s also won the Dancer’s Award. Susan Garden, Beauty and the Beast, CLOC’s Masterclass at the Court Theatre in also directed and choreographed the hugely successful 1993 blockbuster, Christchurch. A versatile accompanist, Altona Theatre Company’s premiere Les Miserables and its highly acclaimed Greg is in demand with orchestras and production of A Chorus Line in 1997 productions of A Little Night Music, Gigi singers, and has even enjoyed a stint (for which, for a change, she won Best and Jekyll and Hyde. In 2006, Chris as repetiteur with Canterbury Opera. Director of the Year). In addition to won Guild awards for Best Director Highlights include playing in Eugene her huge commitment to Melbourne and Best Production for CLOC’s The Onegin and working with Teddy Tahu theatre, Susan is busy as a freelance Scarlet Pimpernel, and most recently, he Rhodes. choreographer, dance instructor, directed Whitehorse’s production of Since arriving in Melbourne, Greg director/choreographer to many school The Producers, for which he was again has won a Guild Award for his piano productions and mother of four. Susan is nominated for Best Director. We are playing in CLOC’s season of My One doing a double act for us in 2008, as she thrilled to welcome Chris back to direct and Only, and last worked with CLOC felt she couldn’t pass up to opportunity his ninth production for CLOC. in our 2005 production of Steel Pier (for to return to choreograph the fabulous which he received a Guild nomination). tap sequences in Hot Shoe Shuffle later During 2007, Greg received two Guild in the year. nominations for Best Musical Director – for the Fab Nobs’ production of Return to the Forbidden Planet (which he combined with the on-stage role of the Navigation Officer), and then for Whitehorse’s production of The Producers (in which he again had lines – can’t keep the actor in him down!). Tonight, he will again take to the stage, as he and the entire orchestra will reside and play onstage throughout the show.

3 Brenton Staples Kelly Farrow Lighting Design Alan Green Set Design Costume Design Stelios Karagiannis Sound Design Brenton first became interested in the Born in America, Kelly moved to A veteran lighting designer, Stelios has Alan’s creative input for The Boy from Oz world of musical theatre as a result of a Australia in 1999. A graduate in literature been involved in theatre for more than represents his twenty-third production long career playing the flute for Gilbert and history, her long standing interest fifteen years and has worked on more with CLOC following his highly successful and Sullivan operettas, while at the same in costume began while she was a high than a hundred productions, including audio design for Blood Brothers. Alan and time studying to become a classical school student. In 2003 she completed a the award-winning One Last White his audio company Greenland have had flautist. This early interest was rekindled Diploma of Entertainment with a major Horse, Passion Play and Hay Fever. a close and long-standing association with some years later when his daughters in costume and also won the CLOC Other productions include How I Learned many theatre companies, special events, became involved, first in school musicals Costume Award. A specialist in medieval to Drive, Playing the Victim (Red Stitch), pantomimes and functions throughout and then with Whitehorse Musical costuming, Kelly is involved with re- A Devil Inside (Act-O-Matic 3000), Victoria. Theatre and other non-professional enactment societies and has also worked Bug (Red Stitch), and Love: A Multiple Audio credits for CLOC include : Shout!, companies. for HIT productions, JC Westend, Altona Choice Question (which travelled from Cats, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Pippin, My Over the past twenty years, Brenton has City Theatre, National Theatre Drama New York, having successful seasons in One and Only, Hot Mikado, Chicago, performed in, stage managed, crewed, School, National Institute for Circus Melbourne (Forty Five Downstairs) and West Side Story, A Little Night Music, built scenery and more recently designed Arts, Monsalvat Shakespeare Festival Sydney (The Stables, Griffin Theatre). Crazy for You, Singin’ in the Rain, City of and painted sets for many musical and and Heidelberg Fancy Dress. In 2006 Stelios enjoys the challenge of Angels, Forum, Barnum, 42nd Street, repertory theatre companies. Many of she was design assistant and wardrobe working on different styles of theatrical Into the Woods, Les Miserables, Funny his set designs have received awards and coordinator for the “Sink or Swinburne” productions in many unusual settings all Girl, Sunday in the Park with George and nominations from the Music Theatre show as part of the Melbourne around Melbourne including Federation Can Can. Guild. In recent years, he has won best Commonwealth Games Arts Festival. Square, The Athenaeum, La Mama, Set Design for CLOC’s Gigi (along with She also assisted with costumes for The Comedy Club, The Organ Factory, the late Les Cook), was nominated for Beauty and the Beast (Whitehorse) and Chapel-off-Chapel and Theatreworks. our 2005 production of Jekyll and Hyde, Urinetown (MUMCO). He is also the resident lighting designer and won in 2006 for his extraordinary For CLOC, Kelly was nominated for a for Red Stitch Actors Theatre. set design for our Production of the Music Theatre Guild Costume Design For CLOC, Stelios has created brilliantly Year, The Scarlet Pimpernel. He was award in 2005 for Steel Pier. Aside conceived and innovative lighting designs also nominated in 2007 for his design from designing, Kelly has also worked for Company, West Side Story, Hot of SHOUT!, and in fact, competed as CLOC’s Costume Coordinator for Mikado, Gigi, Cats and Blood Brothers, against himself and lost out to the other Steel Pier, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Cats, receiving Guild nominations for all six brilliant set he designed in 2007, for and Shout!, and assisted with costumes productions. Stelios also won well- Whitehorse’s The Producers. for Hot Mikado and Jekyll and Hyde. She deserved consecutive Guild awards for Brenton has given much to championing most recently worked as both Costume his brilliant designs in 2005 for CLOC’s and supporting the cause of musical Designer and Costume Coordinator for Jekyll and Hyde, then again in 2006, for theatre production and is a Life Member Blood Brothers. our Production of the Year, The Scarlet and past President of Whitehorse Musical The Boy from Oz marks Kelly’s swan Pimpernel. Theatre and a Life Member of the Music song with CLOC, as she returned to the Theatre Guild of Victoria. United States shortly after completing the costume designs for this show. Through her many faceted involvement with CLOC, Kelly became well respected and much loved by the CLOC sewing and production teams, and by the wider theatrical community. We will miss her smiling face and enormous contribution to our wardrobe department. Good luck, Kelly, and thanks for all those wonderful creations!

4 Jonathon Sebastian Elizabeth Dark Beryle Frees Peter Allen Judy Garland Marion Woolnough Beryle works as an administration manager Jonathon combines his day job as a A triple treat talent – she acts! she sings! for a firm of consulting engineers. With Business Analyst and IT whiz with his she dances! – Liz is acclaimed by the Guild a background in classical ballet, school all-consuming passion for musical theatre. and audiences alike every time she steps and church choirs, eisteddfods and the He has been involved in all aspects of on to a stage. In recent years, she has been Hamilton Light Opera Company, Beryle the music theatre community, from nominated for her roles in City of Angels, has a wide range of experience as a performing, to backstage crewing, Anything Goes, Chicago, Steel Pier (all with performer in music theatre productions committee work and he is also involved in CLOC), and A Chorus Line (Altona City with companies such as Dandenong (Mrs the administration of the Theatre People Theatre), and she has won best Supporting Sowerberry in Oliver, Cinderella’s Mother website, the ‘bible’ for thespians. Actress for Singin’ in the Rain (CLOC), and in Into the Woods), Whitehorse (Les He is equally at home singing, dancing Best Actress for The Sound of Music and The Miserables), Williamstown Little Theatre and acting, and is happiest when he has a King and I (both Geelong Lyric Theatre). (Lucky Stiff) and Fab Nobs (Baby). In 2006, chance to do all three simultaneously. This As well as performing, Liz is a she won the Music Theatre Guild award show provides Jonathon with a wonderful choreographer, dance teacher and director. for Best Supporting Actress for her role as opportunity to do just that, as you will see We welcome her back to CLOC to Fraulein Schneider in PLOS’ production of tonight. recreate the dynamic legend that was Judy Cabaret. For CLOC, Beryle last appeared Jonathon returns to CLOC after Garland, her first venture with CLOC and met a rather nasty end as Lady appearing in several of our most since her memorable portrayal of Shelby Beaconsfield in our 2005 production of successful productions. He starred as Stevens in 2005’s Steel Pier. Jekyll & Hyde. Don Lockwood in our 1998 premiere production of Singin’ in the Rain, and Bree Cahill Heath Harney followed this with the role of Gregory Liza Minnelli Greg Connell/Ensemble Gardner in A Chorus Line. He also A graduate of the National Theatre’s music Heath’s career in the performing arts performed several minor roles in 2005’s theatre course, Bree currently works in industry spans more than fifteen years and Jekyll & Hyde and appeared as Farleigh, one real estate and is widely experienced as a his impressive list of show experiences of the Bounders, in our 2006 Production performer (television, film, stage, corporate encompass music hall, solo cabaret of the Year, The Scarlet Pimpernel. functions) and model. Following roles in and musical theatre. His theatre credits Roles he has performed for other The Sound of Music, A Chorus Line, Singin’ in include roles in Barnum (P.T. Barnum), companies include Bobby Child (Crazy for the Rain and various Disney pantomimes, Blood Brothers (Edward Lyons), Jekyll and You), Freddie Eynsford-Hill (My Fair Lady), Bree had a bumper year in 2006. She Hyde (Simon Stride), La Cage Aux Folles Enjolras (Les Miserables) and Lumiere in performed as Polly Baker in Whitehorse’s (Chantal), City of Angels (Jimmy Powers), Whitehorse’s 2006 production of Beauty production of Crazy for You, for which she Gypsy (Angie), The World Goes Round, and the Beast, for which he received a won both the Music Theatre Guild and Rent and Songs for a New World, as well Guild nomination as Best Supporting Actor. the Lyrebird Musical Theatre Awards for as ensemble work in a host of other 2007 was a very busy year for Jonathon Female Performer in a Leading Role. The shows such as Annie Get Your Gun, Funny – he performed back-to-back shows with Guild also awarded her Dancer of the Girl, On The Town, Anything Goes, 42nd Fab Nobs, playing Captain Tempest in Year for Crazy for You. Later the same year, Street and Guys and Dolls. In addition to Return to the Forbidden Planet, followed she performed the role of Demeter in his performance credits and his work as a immediately by the role of Jon in Tick, CLOC’s premiere production of Cats. The massage therapist, Heath’s interests include tick…Boom! (for which he received a Boy from Oz marks Bree’s first theatrical yoga, painting, gym and film. Guild nomination as Best Actor). Jonathon appearance since Cats, and we welcome finished off the year by bleaching his hair her back to the stage. (very) blonde and dressing up as a singing Nazi to perform “Springtime for Hitler” in Whitehorse’s The Producers. Thankfully, Jonathon has returned his hair to its normal colour and put away the Nazi uniform, and instead has put on the glitz and glamour (as well as the sequined shirts!) and has picked up a maraca to take on the enormous challenge of portraying the larger-than-life Peter Allen, which we are sure you will agree, he does with style and panache.

5 Jackson Laidlaw Thomas New Lee Threadgold Pip Smibert Young Peter Young Peter Wally/Ensemble Dee Anthony, Dick Woolnough/Ensemble Trained in singing, acting and dance, Thomas is currently a Year 7 student Pip began his career Jackson has already developed a profile at Mentone Grammar School. Highly Born in the United Kingdom, Lee trained in non-professional theatre in 1968 while as a hugely talented and accomplished proficient as a dancer – having studied at at the Arts Educational School, Chiswick. still a student at Monash University. His young performer. Though still at the Jane Moore Academy of Ballet for the Lee worked extensively in London, both first major role was with the Toorak school, he has performed in a wide past seven years often under the tutelage as an actor and director, in productions Players in Brendan Behan’s The Hostage range of music theatre productions, of his mother – Thomas also enjoys including Grease, Anything Goes, Guys and – followed by leads in Witness for the television commercials, talent quests and acting, singing, hockey, movies, tennis and Dolls, The Pirates of Penzance, Chicago, Prosecution, Sherlock Holmes and ensembles. Stage experiences include windsurfing. Previous stage experience Half a Sixpence, 42nd Street, The Wiz plus A Day in the Death of Joe Egg. He was Les Miserables (Gavroche), Grease, Young includes the PLOS production of Annie in a variety of pantomimes and cabarets. voted the Toorak Players Best Actor David Copperfield and Joseph and the 2006, in which he appeared with both Since arriving in Australia nine years ago, on three occasions and served on their Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. When mother Helen and sister Caitlin. Thomas Lee has performed and/or directed committee for many years. not dancing and singing up a storm on is delighted to again be sharing the stage shows with many companies in In 1988 Pip moved into music theatre, stage, Jackson loves to skateboard, surf, with his mother. Melbourne, receiving a Music Theatre appearing as Captain von Trapp in fish, write, play the piano and listen to Guild nomination or award almost every Whitehorse’s The Sound of Music. Other music. Adrienne George time he has stepped onstage. He has singing roles were in Jack the Ripper, Valerie Anthony/Josie played Billy Bigelow, (Carousel, MDMS, (Spectrum), The King and I (Whitehorse), Steven Rostron Adrienne has a degree in business nominated Lead Actor), Prof. Harold Chorus of Disapproval (Trak Players) and Chris Bell/Ensemble management and has also studied singing Hill, (The Music Man, MDMS, which a number of revue productions. The Steve hails from Wollongong, works and dancing. She has had a wide range he also directed and choreographed, Boy from Oz marks Pip’s fifth appearance in IT for Optus and is also a qualified of performance experience in music and nominated Lead Actor), Billy Flynn with CLOC, after he created the role teacher of tap and ballet, having danced straight theatre productions, concerts (Chicago, Catchment), Pooh Bah, of Frederik Egerman in CLOC’s 2000 for many years and completed studies for and reviews. Some of her musical credits (Hot Mikado, CLOC, won Supporting production of A Little Night Music, a Bachelor of Applied Arts (Dance) and include Lucy Harris in Jekyll & Hyde Actor); Leading Player (Pippin, CLOC, followed by an appearance in Gigi in Education from UNSW. Performance (Nova Music Theatre), Reno Sweeney nominated Lead Actor), Jean Valjean, 2003, a sympathetic portrayal of Sir credits include Seven Brides for Seven in Anything Goes (Mountain District (Les Miserables, Whitehorse, nominated Danvers Carew in Jekyll & Hyde (2005), Brothers (ensemble), Little Shop of Horrors Musical Society), Mary Magdalene in Jesus Lead Actor), Mack Sennett (Mack & and in contrast, in 2006 he played the (Seymour), 42nd Street (Billy Lawlor), Christ Superstar (Plenty Ranges Theatre), Mabel, CLOC, nominated Lead Actor), evil Robespierre in The Scarlet Pimpernel. Oklahoma! (Will Parker), A Chorus Line Carmen Diaz in Fame (Dandenong all of which was surpassed by his stunning Pip has just finished having the time of his (Mike/choreographer), Merrily We Roll Theatre Company), Emma Goldman and mesmerising performance as Dr life dressing up as the evil Stepmother Along (Franklin Shepherd/choreographer) in Assassins (Night Owl Productions), Henry Jekyll/Edward Hyde in CLOC’s in Whitehorse’s summer pantomime and Grease (Johnny Casino). Penelope Pennywise in Urinetown 2005 production of Jekyll & Hyde, for Hansel and Gretel. Since moving to Melbourne in 2006, (Werribee Theatre Company), Mayzie which he received the award for Best In his day job, Pip works in the Steve has played Mingo in Whitehorse’s LaBird in Seussical (Players Theatre Male Performer in a Leading Role. Lee computing and telecommunications production of Crazy For You, and will be Company) and Miss Scarlet in Clue The then took a break to perform in Sunset industries. With a patient wife remembered for his brilliant performance Musical (Fab Nobs). She has also lent Boulevard with The Production Company and three children he is also of Skimbleshanks, the railway cat, in her considerable vocal talents to many at the Arts Centre, and then decided to involved in a range CLOC’s premiere production of Cats. concerts and revues. She was one of work on the other side of the footlights of sports. Not having had enough of crawling the pit singers contributing to the brilliant by directing our record-breaking 2006 around on all fours, Steve then went harmonies in our 2006 production of production of Cats. In 2007, Lee found straight into Nova’s production of Cats, Cats, and most recently, Adrienne had a himself back onstage and back in familiar this time playing Rum Tum Tugger. ball flying around, being green and really award territory, as he took on two roles, nasty as the Wicked Witch of the West in Darryl Van Horne in Catchment’s The Catchment’s production of The Wizard Witches of Eastwick (nominated for Best of Oz. Actor), followed by the show stealing role of the camp goose- stepping Hitler impersonator Roger De Bris in Whitehorse’s The Producers (awarded Best Supporting Actor).

6 Carolyn Bruce Amelia Rop´e Rebecca Ginsberg Timothy Addicoat Trio Trio Trio Ensemble Carolyn began singing and dancing at Amelia completed a course in music Rebecca began her foray in the Trained in voice, dance and acting, Tim the age of eight. Since then, performing theatre at the National Theatre then wonderful world of non professional has been with the Young Australian in non-professional theatre has continued on to a year of full time study theatre at the end of her schooling. Since Broadway Chorus for the past four become an important part of her life at Dance World 301 and also completed then she has thrown herself into the years and three years in the Victorian outside of her job as Manager of the Louise Tallmadge’s Advanced Screen performing arts appearing in numerous Children’s Choir. Stage experience to PricewaterhouseCoopers Foundation. Acting course. In 2000 she was a finalist productions including Guys and Dolls, date includes roles in Bugsy Malone, Originally from Perth, Carolyn in the BBC Radio2 Voice of Musical The Boyfriend, Patience, The Best Little Orpheus in the Underworld and Funny became involved in music theatre Theatre competition held in Wales. Whorehouse in Texas, Chess, Half a Girl. In addition to his occupation as a almost immediately upon her arrival Stage performances include several Sixpence, Mack and Mabel and Hot rock climbing instructor, Tim enjoys in Melbourne in 1997, appearing in pantomimes, Little Shop of Horrors Mikado. A qualified teacher, Rebecca is performing, chilling out and singing. Whitehorse’s production of The Music (Audrey), Tell Me on a Sunday and currently working at McKinnon Secondary Man, then as Kathy Seldon in CLOC’s CLOC’s A Chorus Line (Judy), Crazy for College teaching English, History and Jacqueline Addison hugely successful Australian premiere You (Polly) and Hot Mikado (Pitti-Sing). Drama. When not at work or involved Ensemble season of Singin’ in the Rain, followed Amelia has also performed with Disney in a production, she loves reading, by an inspirational interpretation of as Melody in children’s group JAAM travel, art, AFL footy and movies. Recruitment consultant Jacqueline joins Diana Morales in A Chorus Line (Guild touring Asia and Australia providing TV CLOC for this dynamic production of nomination Supporting Actress) and a and recording opportunities. She has sung The Boy from Oz. Highly proficient in show-stopping star turn as Rita Racine in many bands including “Rouge” (musical a range of dance styles (tap, ballet and in Steel Pier (Guild Nomination Lead arranger) and currently “Good Woman” jazz), she is also a qualified tap teacher. Actress). Carolyn has also performed a soul/disco corporate band. More Previous experience includes roles in with CLOC in Gotta Sing, Gotta Dance, recently, she has appeared in Devanesen fashion parades, commercials, television My One and Only, Pippin (Fastrada), Productions’ Avenue Who? and Evolutions, shows, film and stages shows such as Jekyll & Hyde and The Scarlet Pimpernel. and last year appeared as Woman 1 in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Most recently, she appeared in SHooSH Octave Theatre’s Songs for a New World. Dreamcoat. For relaxation, Jacqueline Productions’s 2007 concert of Closer pursues photography, travel and pilates. than Ever. Peter Dennis Maree Barnett Ensemble Ensemble Peter most recently performed the role A graduate of the Victorian College of the of Bryan in Whitehorse’s production Arts and the prestigious West Australian of The Producers. Late last year he also Institute of Performing Arts, Maree is a performed his one man show entitled highly experienced performer across NEXT! The Ups and Downs of Auditioning the range of theatre styles. Amongst her as part of the Mechelec Cabaret many theatrical appearances are several Festival presented by Williamstown CLOC shows, including Kiss Me Kate, Musical Theatre Company. In 2006, he Can Can (Celestine), Sunday in the Park understudied the role of Angel in the with George (Celeste), and Company Stella Entertainment’s production of Rent (April). Professionally, Maree appeared and then went on to play Ozzy, one of as a dancer in the original Cameron the Bounders, in our Production of the Mackintosh production of Phantom of Year, The Scarlet Pimpernel. Later that the Opera from 1993-1998, and then year, Peter cartwheeled his way into the in 2000, played June in the Production role of Bill Bailey in our premiere smash Company’s Gypsy, directed by Nancye hit Cats. Hayes. Most recently in 2007, she In 2004 Peter was nominated for a played Connie in Whitehorse’s A Chorus Guild Award for his interpretation of the Line and Babette in PLOS’s Beauty and principal role of Agamenmon in Paris and the Beast. Maree works as a Pilates has also appeared as Billy Flynn (Chicago), instructor. Ralph Rackstraw (HMS Pinafore) and in Cinderella, Billy Mack’s War, La Cage Aux Folles and Oklahoma. Peter is currently employed as a home carer.

7 Nadia Gianinotti Melissa Hedstrom Brendan Lee Deborah Marinaro Ensemble Ensemble Ensemble Ensemble Nadia is highly experienced as a singer, A qualified speech pathologist, Melissa Brendan is a graduate in Media and Arts A recent arrival from Sydney, Deborah dancer (tap, modern, jazz, national and is highly trained as a dancer (tap, jazz, and currently works as a production has completed Certificate IV courses in contemporary) and actor and has many ballet) and singer (classical and jazz). manager for Channel 9. He has studied both business management and music performance credits to her name. She Though The Boy from Oz marks her first ballroom and Latin dancing and is theatre and currently works in retail. loves performing in music theatre and appearance in a CLOC production, she interested in photography. Brendan has Joining CLOC for this production of The plans to increase both her knowledge has an impressive range of stage credits worked as a member of the lighting Boy from Oz, Deborah’s previous stage and experience of this wonderful form that include the role of Polly Baker in crew for CLOC’s acclaimed production appearances have been in Patience, Nine, of entertainment. Having trained with Leongatha Lyric Theatre’s Crazy for You of Chicago and also worked in audio, West Side Story, Rent, Copacabana and Regina Allen and others, Nadia is a (for which she received a Gippsland stage management and production Bats. An accomplished salsa instructor and qualified teacher of jazz dance and a Associated Theatre Award nomination), management for a wide range of events. performer, in her spare time, Deborah veteran of numerous productions that Jennifer in ARC’s The Witches of Eastwick, Brendan has appeared as a dancer loves to pursue her interests in reading include: A Chorus Line (Maggie), West Whitehorse’s Cinderella and Bye Bye in CLOC’s hugely successful, record and creative writing. Side Story (Consuela), Grease (Cha-Cha Birdie, and Catchment’s Fame and The breaking productions of Gigi, Pippin, Steel Di Gregario), The Producers, Little Shop King and I. Pier and Shout! of Horrors, Crazy for You, Sweet Charity, Fiddler, Kiss Me Kate and Guys and Dolls.

8 Jay Miller Ensemble Jay is a singer and dancer who is currently studying to become a make-up artist. Jay worked as a member of the make up team for CLOC’s Australasian Premiere of Cats. He appeared in CLOC’s sell-out season of My One and Only, Mack & Mabel and last year he featured as a Drag Queen in Shout! Other credits include Nova’s A Chorus Line (Mike), Catchment’s Fame (ensemble) and The Wiz (Scarecrow), The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Aggie Boy), The Boyfriend (Marcel), How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (Bud Frump), all with MLOC. Jay also performed in Dandenong Theatre Company’s West Side Story as a Shark Boy.

9 SynopsisThe Boy from Oz tells the dazzling, funny and heart-breaking story of the great Australian entertainer and larger-than-life showman, Peter Allen. Peter himself narrates the story as he reflects on his life, which comes alive before us as he speaks. Born in 1944, Peter takes us back to his childhood in the small New South Wales country town of Tenterfield during the 1950s, where as a young boy named Peter Woolnough, he is already earning a living by singing, dancing and playing piano in the local pub, determined to escape small town life and an abusive, alcoholic father who commits suicide when Peter is 14. By the age of 16, Peter has formed a singing duo with Chris Bell called The Allen Brothers, who feature on local television programs, including Australian Bandstand. After some success, they travel to Hong Kong, and while singing at the Hilton Hotel, Peter is discovered by the legendary Judy Garland. She agrees to make the Allen Brothers her opening act in New York, and introduces Peter to her daughter Liza Minnelli. Peter and Liza marry and become part of the swinging, decadent and hedonistic 1960s New York scene, until their divergent paths and lifestyles, and finally Judy Garland’s death, cause the marriage to crumble. Peter is now free to live his life true to himself. He develops his solo cabaret act and increasingly exuberant stage persona. He also meets the love of his life, the down-to-earth and hard working Greg Connell. After signing with his new American manager, Dee Anthony, Peter goes on to perform at Carnegie Hall, and then break all records with several sell-out extended engagements at the fabled Radio City Music Hall in New York in shows full of glitz and glamour, featuring the world famous high-kicking Rockettes (and Peter riding a camel!). At the same time, Peter continues to write songs, both up-tempo and ballads, which become world-wide hits through recordings made by both Peter and many other famous artists. He wins a Grammy, an Oscar, and far-reaching fame and admiration, as he continues to tour in huge arenas and stadiums throughout the United States, and is then re-discovered by an adoring Australian public, after he writes what becomes the unofficial Australian ‘anthem’, I Still Call Australia Home. By this time it is the early 1980s and AIDS has started to take a grip on the creative communities of America. When Greg becomes ill, and finally dies, Peter attempts to stifle his grief by throwing himself into writing and starring in the Broadway Musical Legs Diamond, which turns out to be the biggest flop of his career. Bitterly disappointed but undaunted, Peter reverts to what he does best – entertaining at live concerts. He returns home to a triumphant tour of Australia, but discovers that he, too, is ill with AIDS. He tries to tell his mother, Marion, who has been so supportive of him all his life, and make his peace with the ghost of his father. Eventually, he succumbs to the disease at the age of 48 in 1992, but not before going out in style, as only Peter Allen can – with flamboyance, extravagance and dynamic showmanship. Robert Mulholland Helen New Ashley Tynan Tailem Tynan Ensemble Ensemble Ensemble Ensemble Robert has studied gymnastics, tap and Helen works as a dance teacher at the Ashley joins CLOC for the very first Tailem has degrees in Primary Teaching jazz and has appeared in six previous Jane Moore Academy of Ballet and is time, making this the first time both and Arts (majoring in Dance) and is CLOC productions: Barnum, Chess, trained in jazz, tap, classical and ballroom. Ashley and her sister Tailem have danced currently working as a kindergarten Singin’ in the Rain, Anything Goes, West Her performance experience includes together in a CLOC show. However, teacher. With extensive experience as Side Story and Chicago. He was the 2000 roles in Cabaret (Lena), The Sound of Ashley has worked extensively as a a performer in non-professional music winner of the Guild Dancer’s Award Music (Baroness), Pal Joey (Gladys), performer with other companies, theatre, Tailem is trained in a range of for his role as the police sergeant in Finian’s Rainbow (Susan), Annie and The namely Dandenong (The Sound of Music, dance styles including classical ballet, Dandenong’s production of The Pirates Boyfriend; while as a choreographer she West Side Story), Nova (Annie, 42nd tap, jazz, contemporary and singing, of Penzance. Other shows in which has worked on Showboat, Annie Get Street, Singin’ in the Rain), MLOC (Annie performing in various choral ensembles he has appeared include 42nd Street, Your Gun and Call Me Madam. She has Get Your Gun), Babirra (Guys and Dolls), and musical groups from an early age. In Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph and the passed on her many theatrical talents to and most often Whitehorse, where addition to roles in school productions, Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and both her children Caitlin and Thomas, she is a regular (42nd Street, Hello Dolly, Tailem has appeared in Nova’s 42nd Les Miserables. Robert has also worked and has appeared with them in several West Side Story, Crazy for You, A Chorus Street and Singin’ in the Rain, Catchment’s for Disney Special Events, the Wiggles shows. Tonight she is very proud to Line - role of Kristine, and The Producers). Give My Regards to Broadway, Babirra’s (playing several characters on tour), and share the limelight with Thomas as he Ashley has a Bachelor of Contemporary The New Moon and Whitehorse’s The spent two years working as a dancer on alternates the role of young Peter Allen. Arts from Deakin University, majoring in Producers, Crazy for You, and Hello Dolly! luxury cruise ships. Dance, and now works in hospitality. We (for which she was nominated for Best welcome Ashley for her debut CLOC Dancer). The Boy from Oz represents performance. Tailem’s seventh show with CLOC, after previously appearing in productions of Anything Goes, Chicago, Mack and Mabel, Shout!, Cats (Jemima) and as part of the Music Theatre Guild award winning ensemble in Steel Pier.

10 Scenes & Musical Numbers Overture ACT 1 Scene 1 Armidale, New South Wales (1955-1958) Not The Boy Next Door Peter and Trio If You Were Wondering Peter and Young Peter Name In Lights Young Peter and Company Scene 2 Surfers Paradise to Bandstand (1959-1963) My Pretty Keen Teen Peter, Chris Bell and the Bandstand Dancers Scene 3 Hong Kong to New York City (1964-1965) My Pretty Keen Teen (Reprise) Peter and Chris Bell All I Wanted Was The Dream Judy Garland Only An Older Woman Peter and Judy Garland Scene 4 New York City in good times (1966) Don’t Wish Too Hard Liza Minnelli, Peter and Disco Dancers Somebody’s Angel Trio Scene 5 On the road (1967-1969) Sure Thing Baby Liza Minnelli and Dancers Quiet Please Peter, Liza Minnelli, Judy Garland and Company Scene 6 New York City in bad times (1970-1973) I’d Rather Leave While I’m In Love Liza Minnelli, Peter and Trio Bicoastal Peter, Trio and Dancers Scene 7 Moving on (1974) Peter and Judy Garland Taught By Experts Peter Name In Lights (Reprise) Scene 8 New York City and Armidale (1955-1974) Name In Lights (Reprise) Young Peter and Company Not The Boy Next Door Peter, Trio and Company Entr’acte ACT 2 Scene 1 Radio City Music Hall (1981) Everything Old Is New Again Peter and The Rockettes Arthur’s Theme Liza Minnelli and Peter I Honestly Love You Peter Scene 2 New York City to Sydney (1982) Love Don’t Need A Reason Peter and Trio She Loves To Hear The Music Trio Fly Away Peter I Honestly Love You Greg Connell Scene 3 Sydney (1983) Peter and Company I Still Call Australia Home Scene 4 Broadway (1988) Peter and Dancers Legs Diamond Slow Dance, Charleston and Opener Scene 5 Armidale, New South Wales (1955-1992) Name In Lights (Reprise) Young Peter and Company Don’t Cry Out Loud Marion Woolnough and Company Tenterfield Saddler Peter I Go To Rio Peter and Company Once Before I Go Peter Orchestra List Gregory Smith Keyboards Danny Forward Liam D’Hondt Bass Mark George Guitar David George Drums Kurt Abell Percussion Kent Ohanessian Trumpets Aimee Stirton Matt Amy Trombone Sharon Loftus Reeds Robert Simone Glenn Taylor

11 Cast List Jonathon Sebastian Peter Allen Elizabeth Dark Judy Garland Bree Cahill Liza Minnelli Beryle Frees Marion Woolnough Heath Harney Greg Connell / Ensemble Jackson Laidlaw, Thomas New Young Peter Lee Threadgold Dee Anthony/ Dick Woolnough Adrienne George Valerie Anthony/ Josie Mann Steven Rostron Chris Bell/ Ensemble Pip Smibert Wally Bell Vocal Trio Rebecca Ginsberg Ensemble Amelia Ropé Carolyn Bruce Tim Addicoat Jacqueline Addison Maree Barnett Peter Dennis Nadia Gianinotti Melissa Hedstrom Brendan Lee Deborah Marinaro Jay Miller Robert Mulholland Helen New Ashley Tynan Tailem Tynan Young Peter Performances Jackson Laidlaw: Thomas New: Friday May 9 Saturday May 10 Sunday May 11 Tuesday May 13 Thursday May 15 Wednesday May 14 Saturday May 17 Friday May 16 Tuesday May 20 Sunday May 18 Thursday May 22 Wednesday May 21 Saturday May 24 Friday May 23 Sunday May 25

12 THANKS ALSO TO Rosie Ainley, Rik Birkett, Jason Bovaird, Pam Collins, John Davies, Nicholas Fitrolakis, Karen Garaway, Ashleigh Graham, Gemma Hedger, DIRECTOR Chris Bradtke Vicky Horne, Peter Jarvis, Valerie Lancashire, Lesley Knudsen, Wendy McCrae, Allan Paul, CHOREOGRAPHER Susan Lewis Stephen Ransom, Goldele Rayment, James Rowland, Peter Turley, Kerryn Weidemann, MUSICAL DIRECTOR Gregory Smith Neville West PRODUCTION MANAGER Helen Schleiger TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Grant Alley MARKETING MANAGER Cameron Osborne STAGE MANAGER Sandra Davies MARKETING TEAM Sandra Davies, Jennifer Chandler, Jocelyn Clarke, ASSISTANT TO THE DIRECTOR Tracey Baird, Karen Greenwood Karen Greenwood, Sue Johnston, Michell Patterson PROGRAM Cameron Osborne SET DESIGN Brenton Staples GRAPHIC ART/DESIGN Matt Rowan at The Wizarts SET PAINTING Brenton Staples, Tracey Baird, Suzanne Farrell, Karen Warrington PHOTOGRAPHY Richard Crompton, Shirley Wodson TECHNICAL DESIGN Grant Alley PRINTING Just Add Water Marketing, Miss Print SET CONSTRUCTION Grant Alley ASSISTED BY John Davies, Craig Dixon, David Hobbs, John Moran, Bruce Simons, ADMIN SUPPORT Janet Cameron, Karen Greenwood Brenton Staples, Barry Venning TICKET SALES/BOX OFFICE Carol Humphrey, Cheryle Osborne LIGHTING DESIGN Stelios Karagiannis FRONT OF HOUSE CO-ORDINATORS Dorothy Tyson, Meryl Withers ASSISTED BY Linda Hum BOX OFFICE MANAGER Grant Alley LIGHTING OPERATOR Rohan Fotheringham DUTY MANAGERS John Davies, Ed Scott, Dorothy Tyson, Barry Venning, FOLLOW SPOT OPERATORS Patsi Boddison, Natalie Vincent Meryl Withers, Peter Witney SET ELECTRICS Rohan Fotheringham CATERING Paul Belli, Janet Cameron, Robert Griffin, Yvonne Larmour, SET ELECTRICS COMPUTERISATION Natalie Vincent Kelly Hall, Tony Hall REMOTE CONTROL ELECTRONICS Michael Bates FIRST AID Ian Simmonds AUDIO DESIGN & OPERATION Alan Green, Cail Young (Greenland Audio) REHEARSAL PIANISTS Danny Forward, Gregory Smith, Shirley White ASSISTED BY Natalie Coleman, Stacey Harper, Blair Portello ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS : COSTUME DESIGN Kelly Farrow Thanks to all friends of CLOC who work Front Of House COSTUME CO-ORDINATOR Catherine Ellen Thanks to the staff of the Alexander Theatre COSTUME CONSULTANT Nancy Matthews Peter Gilmour (Transport) ASSISTED BY Carol Humphrey Thanks to Frank Tonon from VESPA HOUSE, COSTUME ASSISTANTS Emily Collett, Lara Conway, Helen Curry, 157 Johnston St Collingwood. 9417 0342 Lorna English, Eva Fabian, Bill Farrow, Emi Hirose, Deborah Ives, Tayla Ives, www.vespa-house.com.au Annette Lowe, Cheryle Osborne, Naree Osmers, Antoinette Pleasants, Delwyn Poyser, Roy Rooney, Reveal Productions Carol Ray, Pam Stephens Grand piano courtesy of Harvey Mawson, Prop It Up MAKE UP/HAIR CONSULTANT Louise Jenkins Classy Cuts in Hampton 9598 1457 ASSISTED BY Jodie Lawson VOICE CONSULTANTS Anna McCrossin-Owen, Susie Ahern CLOC acknowledges the support of The STAGE DIRECTOR Bernard Hedger ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER Tracey Baird City of Kingston FLOOR MANAGERS Paul Belli, Robert Griffin FLY MANAGER Tony Hall FLAT BED TRUCK OPERATORS Michael Bates, Rosemary Correll PIANO REMOTE OPERATOR Craig Dixon DRESSERS CO-ORDINATOR Melinda Peebles PROPS COORDINATOR Karen Warrington ASSISTED BY Tayla Ives ARMOURER Len Steel CHILD CHAPERONE Iain Masheder STAGE CREW Steve Ainley, Michael Bates, Peter Bates, David Boddison-Gray, Gordon Bull, Janet Cameron, Steve Cramond, Tyrell Cramond, Rod Gillett, David Hobbs, Ian Simmonds PRODUCTION

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14 The Businesses who choose to advertise in this program support CLOC Musical Theatre – We hope you will support them. 152 Bourke Street Melbourne Vic 3000 Ph: 03 9654 8444 56 Cotham Road Kew 3101 Ph: 03 9852 7645 Complete range of Sheet Music and Instruments Broadway, Show and Film music Backing tracks for singers Audition Songbooks with CD backings CREATIVE FRAMERS Est. 1983 Proudly sponsors CLOC 115 Highbury Rd., Burwood Ph: 9888 8225 OPEN MONDAY ~ SATURDAY 9am ~ 5pm PICTURE FRAMERS-RESTORERS-LIMITED AND OPEN EDITION PRINTS Proud supporters of Uniforms CLOC Musical Theatre Schoolwear Workwear Tel 9581 3333 www.psw.com.au For all your photographic needs a OCnOeHSSITtRoUpEMSEhop Thousands of costumes, stage props and furniture. From Sullivan to Sondheim You know the standard of our costuming! R9in8g5A9llan5n3o5w 7on

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16 CLOC PATRON John Michael Howson CLOC COSTUME HIRE CLOC COMMITTEE Thousands of costumes, stage props and furniture. From Sullivan to PRESIDENT ADMINISTRATOR Sondheim, you know the standard of our costuming! Grant Alley Sandra Davies Ring Allan now on 9859 5357 CLOC VOLUNTEERS Musical Theatre is a non-professional theatre company where most of the work done to produce our productions is undertaken by our dedicated group of volunteers. And you can join CLOC us. Are you looking for new experiences, challenges or training? Whether you are retired, semi-retired or just looking for something interesting and satisfying, CLOC are always looking for more people to come and join in the fun of mounting our hugely successful productions. This is a fantastic opportunity to mix with people passionate about theatre. CLOC might have something for you. We are always looking for anyone with the following skills, talents or interest to work behind the scenes: - Scenery construction (carpentry, steel work, welding, etc.) - Costume making, decorating or finishing off - Backstage crew - Publicity / Marketing - Front of house (ushering) For more information please call 1300 362 547 SECRETARY TREASURER Barry Venning Liz Smallridge COMMITTEE COMMITTEE Janet Cameron John Davies COMMITTEE COMMITTEE Carol Humphrey Cameron Osborne COMMITTEE COMMITTEE Allan Paul Meryl Withers CLOC Musical Theatre CLOC Musical Theatre PO Box 2163 is a member of the Music Hampton East, VIC, 3188 Theatre Guild of Victoria Ticket Enquiries: 1300 362 547 Web: www.cloc.org.au Email: [email protected]