A CHORUS LINE 2012 Melbourne Poster

A CHORUS LINE (2011/2012 Australia and Singapore)

As Vice President of Asia Pacific for TML Enterprises, lead producer of the Australian tour and my consulting, A CHORUS LINE originally conceived, choreographed and directed by Michael Bennett with Music by Marvin Hamlisch, Book by James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante, with Lyrics by Edward Kleban toured Australia (Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Brisbane) and Singapore from December 2011 to December 2012 prior to transfer to London.

Produced by Tim Lawson and TML Enterprises.

Directed and re-staged by Baayork Lee based on Michael Bennett’s original Direction and Choreography; Set Design by Robin Wagner, Costume Design by Theoni V. Aldredge, Lighting Design recreated by Gavan Swift based on the original by Tharon Musser with Sound Designed by John Scandrett and Musical Supervision by Peter Casey, Production Managed by Frank Harlow. In Adelaide, the Musical Director was Paul White leading the Adelaide Art Orchestra.

STARRING Josh Horner (Zach) and Anita Louise Coombe (Cassie),  Gerrard Carter (Larry), Mark Hill (Don), Stephanie Grigg (Maggie), James Maxfield (Mike), Leah Lim (Connie), Rohan Browne (Greg), Debora Krizak (Sheila), Karlee Misipeka (Dianna), Ashley McKenzie (Bobby), Monique Salle (Bebe), Will Centurion (Al), Renee Armstrong (Judy), Sian Johnson (Kristine), Hayley Winch (Val), Scott Morris (Mark), Euan Doidge (Paul), Mitchell Hicks (Roy), Jakob Ambrose (Tom), Mark Strom (Frank), Joel Hewlett (Butch), Samantha Dodemaide (Lois), Amber Jean Thomas (Vicky), Meghan O’Shea (Trisha), Alice Ramshaw (Dance Captain) and Heath Keating (Swing).

TML EnterprisesFor TML Enterprises: Tim Lawson (CEO); Toby Simkin (VP Asia Pacific); Adrian Storey (Associate Producer); Gabi Overton (General Manager); Frank Harlow (Production Manager); Robbert Van Der Zwaag (Company Manager); Jay Lawrence (Ticketing); Damien Chambers (Production Associate); Tom Lambert (Production Associate); Pitcher Partners (Accounts); Peter Hourigan (Insurance); William Mulholland (Legals); AKA Australia (Marketing) and Julie Cavanagh, Bruce Pollack (Publicity).

A CHORUS LINE received 6 Helpmann Award nominations:

  • Best Choreography in a Musical Michael Bennett
  • Best Direction of a Musical Michael Bennett
  • Best Male Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical Euan Doidge
  • Best Female Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical Debora Krizak
  • Best Female Actor in a Musical Anita Louise Combe
  • Best Musical A Chorus Line Award Helpmannwinner

The Australasian tour included:

  • Adelaide Festival Centre’s Festival Theatre opened December 31, 2011.
  • Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theatre opened February 4, 2012
  • Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands opened May 4, 2012
  • Sydney’s Capitol Theatre opened July 20, 2012,
  • Perth’s Burswood Theatre opened October 20, 2012
  • Brisbane’s Lyric Theatre, QPAC opened November 16, 2012.

Formally Broadway’s longest running show, A CHORUS LINE has gone down in history as being one of the most popular musicals ever. Having won 9 Tony Awards, 1 Laurence Olivier Award and the 1976 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, the original production of the show was vastly well received.  The West End production of A CHORUS LINE was the first London revival of the show since it closed 34 years prior.

The story is simple; it is based on the real life experiences of dancers auditioning for parts in a Broadway show. With a cast of 26 and 15 principal roles there is certainly a lot on in the show with many different strands of action. Stand out characters include Broadway director Zach, aggressive tap dancer Mike, fallen star Cassie, homosexual Puerto Rican Paul and preppy but provocative Val. The show demonstrates the brutality of choosing a career as a performer and the perils of the job, such as being cut from a show and dealing with the image obsessed culture.

The show hangs on a simple dramatic device; scenes take place in front or behind a vast white lane across the stage. Scenes behind the line are representative of offstage action, scenes in front are considered to be onstage.

Although there are serious and heartfelt moments, such as the classic music numbers “What I Did For Love” and “The Music and the Mirror”, there are also amusing moments in the show, such as Val’s “Tits and Ass” rendition. Above all the show is known for its whole company dance and musical numbers such as “I Hope I Get It” and “One.”

More Information

Opening Off-Broadway at The Public Theater on April 15, 1975, A CHORUS LINE, originally starring Donna McKechnie, Sammy Williams, Robert LuPone and Carole Bishop, transferred to the Shubert Theatre on Broadway on July 25, 1975 and ran for 6,137 performances before closing on April 28, 1990. On September 29, 1983, A CHORUS LINE became the longest-running show in Broadway history. In London it played 903 performances at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. It was revived at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre on Broadway in 2006 and played for 759 performances.

A Chorus Line (2011/2012 Australia and Singapore)

A CHORUS LINE 2012 Melbourne Poster A CHORUS LINE 2012 Australia Photo 02 A CHORUS LINE 2012 Australia Photo 04 A CHORUS LINE 2012 Australia Photo 08 A CHORUS LINE 2012 Australia Photo 05 A CHORUS LINE 2012 Australia Photo 03 A CHORUS LINE 2012 Australia Photo 06 A CHORUS LINE 2012 Australia Photo 07 A CHORUS LINE 2012 Australia Photo 01

TV AD

The Australian tour TV Ad  for A CHORUS LINE at Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s  Theatre in 2012

PROMO

The Australian tour promo video for A CHORUS LINE in 2012

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A CHORUS LINE

A CHORUS LINE examines one day in the lives of seventeen dancers, all vying for a spot in the “chorus line” of a Broadway musical. After the first round of cuts, Zach, the director and choreographer, asks each dancer to speak about themselves. Discomfort opens into revelation, confession leads to redemption, and within the bright, outwardly homogenous chorus, the audience begins to see each dancer’s individuality. From Cassie, the star who just needs the “music and the mirror and the chance to dance,” to Val, a small-town girl with a brand-new big-town body, to Mike, who took his sister’s place in dance class, saying “I can do that.” Based on real Broadway dancers’ stories, as told to fellow dancer and choreographer Michael Bennett, A CHORUS LINE is funny, heartbreaking, and refreshingly honest.

Josh Horner: Zach

Joshua Horner has been a versatile professional dancer all over the world. Starting out in the Australian Ballet for 5 years he then moved into Musical Theatre where he performed and created the role of ‘Jack’ in Tivoli (Best Male Dancer Helpmann Award nominee and winner of Australian Dance Award for Outstanding Performance), he then covered the role of ‘Johnny Castle’ in the World Premiere of Dirty Dancing. Joshua then went to London to star in Twyla Tharp’s Movin’ Out on the West End where he played ‘Tony’ followed by a tour of Guys and Dolls throughout the UK. Returning to Australia he played the role of the ‘Older Billy’ in Billy Elliot The Musical, a year later he moved to New York to join the Billy Elliot cast on Broadway. Joshua currently resides in Los Angeles and is a freelance choreographer and TV Host. The majority of his work is being a creative consultant for the Walt Disney Company. He choreographed Disney’s attraction ‘World of Color’ (Water fountain night time Spectacular), ElecTRONica for Disney’s Californian Adventure and Disneyland’s newest Parade ‘Soundsational’. Joshua is also the new judge on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ in Australia and Creative Director for Shuhorn Productions.

Gerrard Carter: Larry

Gerrard trained under Vivienne Dunn and Karen Stephens in Melbourne. He performed in the Australian cast of Cats and West Side Story before moving to the United States. Credits include the Broadway productions of Sweet Charity starring Christina Applegate, Dame Edna: Back with a Vengeance, Urban Cowboy, Hot Feet and Off-Broadway in Can-Can starring Patti Lupone. Other US credits include featured performer in Fosse (1st US National & Japan), Peter Pan with Cathy Rigby and Guys & Dolls. West End and European credits include Candide, The Phantom of the Opera and West Side Story. He danced in numerous operas for Opera Australia, Victorian State Opera, Opera Pacific (CA) and Los Angeles Opera. Highlights include performing the bacchanal solo in Samson & Dalila starring Placido Domingo. Film & Television credits include the 81st Academy Awards with Beyoncé, Kennedy Center Honors, One Life to Live, Days of Our Lives, Passions, Cursed, Logies, MAD TV, and as a series regular on Your Big Break. Gerrard also has a passion for foreign languages and literature. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Columbia University in NY with a BA (Honours) in French and Italian. Love and thanks to Deb and Gerry.

Mark Hill: Don

Mark Hill began singing dancing and acting at the age of three, and by the time he started school had appeared in professional touring productions of Faust and the Wizard of Oz. During school, Mark scored lead roles on kids television series The Wayne Manifesto (ABC), Cybergirl (Channel 10) and performed live on stage with Michael Jackson in his History Tour. On completing school, Mark became an integral part of Raw Metal Dance Company, performing and choreographing tap throughout Australia, New Zealand & Asia. He was also a member of Bindi Irwin’s Crocmen. Alongside Bindi, Mark has worked extensively on stage and screen throughout Australia and the USA. Highlights include the Macy Day Parade, Gooday USA & the DVD release of Bindi Kid Fitness, Jungle Dance Party. On turning his focus to musical theatre, Mark has featured in Hot Shoe Shuffle, Crazy For You, The Boyfriend, The Australian Premiere of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels & Eurobeat. Mark was also an original Australian cast member in the smash hit Mary Poppins, covering the role of Bert, which he has performed many times.

Stephanie Grigg: Maggie

Stephanie is a 2010 graduate of WAAPA’s BA in Music Theatre. Whilst at WAAPA, Stephanie performed the roles of Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes, Fritzie in Cabaret, Sarah’s friend in Ragtime and Marta in Company. Other credits include roles in John & Jen, 42nd Street and The Tales of King Arthur. Recently Stephanie was awarded the Leslie Anderson Award for best showcase. Straight out of WAAPA, Stephanie scored an On Stage swing role in the Really Useful Company’s Love Never Dies for their 2011/2012 Australian tour. Previously Stephanie studied at the Barbara Jayne Dance Centre, training extensively in all aspects of the performing arts. She also studied singing with Pauline Jamieson.

James Maxfield: Mike

Since graduating from Brent Street School of Performing Arts in 2004, James has performed in Wicked (Dance Captain) King Kong (Workshops), Grease: The Arena Spectacular, The Boy From Oz with Hugh Jackman, Sweet Charity, Miss Saigon, and Alcina for Opera Australia. Commercially, he was a resident dancer on X Factor, performed in various events such as the NRL Grand Final, MTV Video Music Awards with Fergie (Black Eyed Peas). Australian Dance Awards, Live performances with Caroline O’Connor, Aria Awards (Delta Goodrem) and Australian Idol Live and Unforgettable Special, James has worked with music artists Alexis Jordan, Sneaky Sound System, Kelly Clarkson, Guy Sebastian, Young Divas and TV Rock. Television credits include Home and Away, Always Greener, All Saints, Farscape and Escape of the Artful Dodger as well as numerous television commercials. Film credits include the hugely successful animated feature Happy Feet. James is thrilled to be a part of A Chorus Line and would like to dedicate his performance to his late Father Ronald. Thank you for always making me feel like “I Can Do That”

Leah Lim: Connie

Leah has recently returned from London and Tel Aviv performing the role of Connie in A Chorus Line. She is now thrilled to return home to recreate the role of Connie for Australian audiences. After graduating from the Inaugural year level of the VCA Musical Theatre Course in 2004, Leah has been fortunate to work, steadily gaining work with Disney Cruise Line, Special Events Disney and X Systems throughout the US, Canada, the Caribbean and Asia. In Australia she made her Musical Theatre debut in 2007 with Cameron Mackintosh’s Australian production of Miss Saigon as Ensemble/Swing. Other credits include Trixie, in Andrew Kay & Associates tour of Lazytown and her success continued when Leah had the honor of performing original Jerome Robbins choreography, in the 2010 Australian tour of West Side Story, playing Francisca, 1st cover Rosalia & 2nd cover Anita. This year Leah performed in Production Company’s acclaimed version of Kismet. She thanks her mentors and agents (IWM Management) for their continuing guidance throughout her career, but most importantly her loving parents for their unwavering support and faith in her.

Rohan Browne: Greg

Rohan began his training as a ballet dancer at the age of 4 under the guidance of Mrs. Mahr at the Seaford Ballet School. His formative years, where he trained in all facets of dance, were spent at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School. Rohan’s professional career has collectively been an array of work across all facets of performing mediums including stage, television and film. His Australian and international theatre roles include Riff in West Side Story (Green Room Award nomination), George in The Drowsy Chaperone (Green Room Award nomination), Purser in Anything Goes, Fred Casely in Chicago, Rum Tum Tugger in Cats, Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar and Wing in Hot Shoe Shuffle. Other theatre credits include Mame, Follies, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Dirty Dancing, Kiss Me Kate, Sydney Dance Company’s Tivoli, the original The Boy From Oz and Grease. Rohan has made numerous television appearances including the Top of the Pops (Europe), Channel (V), MTV, TV Week’s Logie Awards, Rove, The Micallef Show, GMA with Bert Newton, Mornings With Kerri-Ann and Starstruck. He was also a motion-capture artist for the Academy Award winning film, Happy Feet. Rohan is thrilled to be part of the cast, believing he has had the wonderful opportunity of performing in the three great dance musicals of all time, West Side Story, Chicago and now, A Chorus Line.

Anita Louise Combe: Cassie

Anita Louise Combe made her first professional appearance on stage as Sillabub in the Australian Premiere Production of Cats followed by Cosette in Les Miserables. Anita is one of the few people in the world to date who has played both roles of Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly in the production of Chicago in the West End. Anita created the role of Stephanie Mangano in the World Premiere Production of Saturday Night Fever opposite fellow Australian, Adam Garcia and played Betty in Sunset Boulevard in London and Toronto.

Debora Krizak: Sheila

Debora was born and raised in Adelaide where she obtained a Bachelor Of Arts Degree in Performing Arts before moving to Sydney in 2001. Debora made her music theatre debut in GFO’s “The Producers” in which she also understudied and performed the role of Swedish secretary “Ulla”. This soon led to many more theatre credits including the role of Madame Aubert in Titanic a New Musical, Respect The Musical: as a walk in cover to Rhonda Burchmore, Shania in Guy Noble’s Karaoke The Musical and last year saw her return to GFO for the Australian debut of Calendar Girls, playing the role of Elaine. She was most recently featured as the femme fatale Gina in Stalker Theatre’s world wide debut of “Shanghai Lady Killer” for the Brisbane Arts Festival. Debora’s other stage credits include lead vocalist for some of Australia’s most successful corporate touring acts as well as featuring as a solo performer for Tennis Australia, the Australian Grand Prix and the opening ceremony of the Para Olympic Games to name a few. Debora has also established a successful television career having hosted Network Ten’s The Music Shop and has been a featured advertorial presenter on The Circle and numerous morning shows. She has appeared in many TV commercials, corporate videos and Australian films and takes a keen interest in supporting new, up and coming Australian work. Debora has also embarked on one of her most rewarding and challenging ventures to date: Becoming a Mum to 3 year old twins, Ayden and Kiana. She would like to thank her ever supportive family and her Adelaide dance teachers, Lynne Clayton and Kerreane Wilkinson-Sarti for starting me off on this wonderful life journey! www.deborakrizak.com

Karlee Misipeka: Dianna

Karlee began her training with Kathryn Orford and then attended The McDonald College of Performing Arts High School. Karlee completed her HSC at TDHS and then graduated her fulltime performing arts course at Brent Street in 2006. Some of Karlee’s television credits include; “Dance Academy” ABC Television, “So You Think You Can Dance Grand Finale” for Network Ten and most recently performing at “The Helpmann Awards” Karlee made her Musical Theatre debut in 2009, performing in Disney’s “High School Musical Live On Stage” where she was understudy to Kelsie. Most recently Karlee was cast in David Atkins’ “Hairspray The Musical”, understudying Little Inez, playing in both Sydney and Melbourne. Karlee would like to thank her brilliant mother Carol for all her love and hugs, and her family and friends for their continuous support.

Ashley McKenzie: Bobby

Ashley completed a Diploma of Performing Arts at Danceworld Studios. Professional Theatre Credits Include Saturday Night Fever, Wicked, Sweet Charity, 42nd Street, The Boyfriend and Guys and Dolls. Television credits include Neighbours and various commercials. Along with being a well respected teacher, Ashley’s career as a dancer and choreographer has allowed him to work extensively throughout Australia and overseas. Ashley recently choreographed and starred in ARIA nominated Kimbra’s film clip ‘Good Intent’. After spending the last 2 years focusing on acting training, Ashley is thrilled to be returning to the stage in ‘A Chorus Line’.

Monique Salle: Bebe

For A Chorus Line to mark Monique’s professional debut is nothing short of nirvana for her, and she cannot thank the ACL team enough for this gift. Monique studied a Bachelor of Music (Musical Theatre) at the Australian Institute of Music (AIM) and has just completed a Certificate IV in Performing Arts at Brent Street Studios. Her AIM credits include; Dusty: The Original Pop Diva (Mary O’Brien), and Promises, Promises (Swing and Soloist Dancer). Other musical credits include; A.Void (Jessie) for New Musicals Australia directed by Kris Stewart, Avenue Q (Gary Coleman), and Bare: A Pop Opera (Diane Lee). Monique also choreographed Squabbalogic’s successful production of [Title of Show]. Monique would like to thank all of her brilliant teachers for the incredible training experiences they have provided. In particular; Miss Amanda at the A.R Academy of Dance, Jennifer Murphy, Gerry Sword, Greg Crease, and Cameron Mitchell. Monique wishes to thank her amazing parents, beautiful Nonna, idols Simone and Christian, and her wonderful friends for their remarkable love and generosity.

Renee Armstrong: Judy

Renee’s dream to perform in music theatre came true in 2009 when she was cast in the Australian production of Wicked. That dream continued when she landed the role of Amber Von Tussell in Hairspray The Musical. Renee trained at The Australian Institute of Music and Brent Street Studios. At the age of twenty she was signed to record label Sony BMG. She quickly gained a profile in the music industry with national tours, personal appearances, and a tour as part of the support band for the Rogue Traders. She also toured with TV Rock and has performed alongside Cyndy Lauper, Olivia Newton-John, Caroline O’Connor and Paulini Curuenavuli to name a few. Renee’s guest TV appearances included Sunrise, So Fresh, Channel V, Mornings with Kerry-Anne, The Shak and The Midday Show & feature film credits Bootmen and the Bollywood film Heyy Baby. In 2010 Renee performed the role of Florinda in the GFO Rob Guest Endowment performance of Into The Woods. Renee is excited to be playing the role of Judy in A Chorus Line & would like to thank her family, friends, teachers & Kermond Management for being there every step of the way.

Will Centurion: Al

WILLIAM began his dance training aged 14 and has studied dance professionally at Brent Street and Danceworld 301. Studying at NIDA on a full Village Roadshow scholarship as part of the Young Actors Studio he then left for Paris in 2000 as part of multicultural dance company DANCE OF THE WORLD embarking a 6-month European tour. Settling in Germany/Switzerland for 6 years his credits include: SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER, WE WILL ROCK YOU, AIDA, MIAMI NIGHTS and A TRIBUTE TO ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER with Elaine Paige. Commercial dance/choreographic achievements include launches for JOOP, GIVENCHY, BMW, CHRYSLER, OPEL , HUNDERTWASSER/McDONALDS CHARITY GALA, CANNES FILM FESTIVAL, MTV, TOP OF THE POPS, COCA-COLA ‘Ibiza Club Tour’ and SKODA ‘World Dealer Conferences’ Mallorca and Portugal. Upon returning to Australia William created a modern Tango production company Three2TANGO Entertainment and has choreographed/performed in SHORT SWEET + Dance and launches for QANTAS, LATTOUF, invited Industry nights at Slide, Sydney Fringe Festival and various corporate events. William’s other Australian performance credits include So You Think You Can Dance (top 20), West Side Story, King Kong Live and he very proudly dedicates his performance in A Chorus Line to his family.

Sian Johnson: Kristine

Originally from North Queensland, Sian commenced her dance training at age 6. She went on to study music theatre at the Victorian College of the Arts and has recently graduated from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts with a Bachelor of the Arts (Music Theatre). While at WAAPA, Sian played the roles of Marcy Park in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Bebe Benzenheimer in A Chorus Line and Tess in Crazy For You. Sian is thrilled to be making her professional debut in A Chorus Line.

Hayley Winch: Val

Hayley has been performing professionally in all facets of the entertainment industry for over ten years. With dancing being her first calling she has trained in many dance styles throughout Australia and London. Hayley’s musical theatre credits include Oh! What a night, Guys and Dolls, and Follies, The Boyfriend and The Boy from Oz all with the Production Company. As a backup dancer Hayley has danced with many Australian and international artists in The Countdown Spectacular Arena tours 1 and 2. She has also appeared in many video clips, cabarets and recently as a dancer in workshopping new musical King Kong. Vocal credits include backing vocals for James Reyne on his Sings the King tour and Music Max sessions. As well as radio appearances with James on Gold 104.3 fm, MTR, and Triple M Sydney. Hayley is also a lead vocalist for many Melbourne cover bands: Stand and Deliver, Lady Luck, and Soda Pop. Hayley is absolutely thrilled to be a part of A Chorus Line and can’t wait to be on stage every night performing her favourite character Val!!!

Scott Morris: Mark

Scott is a graduate of both Brent Street’s Talent Development High School and the Full Time Certificate IV course. He is also the recipient of two scholarships to Stagedoor Manor Performing Arts Camp in New York. Scott most recently appeared as Sketch in Hairspray, as well as understudying the role of Link Larkin. Other theatre credits include Ernst in Sydney Theatre Company’s Spring Awakening, John Jnr in Shout! The Legend of the Wild One, High School Musical (Ryan/Jack Scott understudy), Cameron Mackintosh’s Oliver! and Young Cosmo in Singin’ In the Rain. Television credits include Dance Academy, My High School Musical, co-host of K-Zone Kids TV and The Election Chaser CNNN. Scott has performed in numerous corporate events and appeared across Australia in live stage shows for Nickelodeon. Scott would like to thank his family and close friends for their love and support. He is honored to have earned a place on the line.

Euan Doidge: Paul

Euan began his dancing career at MJ Dance Studio in Mount Gambier. His dance credits include representing Australia in the World Dance Championships in LA, Canada and New York. He was named Australian Senior National Dancer of the Year in 2010. In 2011 Euan completed the Fulltime Musical Theatre course at Patrick Studios Australia under the direction of Andrew Hallsworth. He also made his professional musical theatre debut in The Production Company’s staging of Anything Goes. Euan is privileged to be performing in A Chorus Line as the show is every dancer’s dream, and he is so excited for the opportunity to play the role of “Paul”. Euan is incredibly grateful for the people who have helped him through his journey to become a performer. He would like to thank his teachers Maria Slape, Pamela Walker, Colette Mann, Andrew Hallsworth, David Wisken and Todd Patrick for all they have done for him. Most importantly he would like to thank his family for supporting him on his journey to becoming a performer. Euan would like to dedicate his performance to his Mum. She has been such an inspiration and he wouldn’t be where he is today without all her love and support.

Mitchell Hicks: Roy

Mitchell trained in dance with Glenda Yee and vocally with Margaret Andrews Russell. His career began aged 11 playing Young Peter Allen in the original production of The Boy From Oz in 1998. Eight years later he performed in the arena production alongside Hugh Jackman Other theatre credits include Jolson (Sammy) and Singin’ in the Rain (Young Don). Mitchell has performed extensively with Dein Perry’s 10th Anniversary production of Tap Dogs touring Australia, Europe, UK, South Africa, India and Asia. He has also performed in numerous national and international corporate events for Tap Dogs, including the International Dance festival in Doha in 06 and The World Youth Day Concert in Sydney 08. Mitchell just completed the Sydney and Melbourne Season of Hairspray (understudy Wilbur) directed by David Atkins. Television performances include Australian Idol with Marcia Hines, The Arias with The Presets, The Logies with Gabriella Cilmi Hey Hey Its Saturday with Kylie Minogue, Australian Idol, Carols In The Domain, Sunrise, Dancing With The Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, Kerri-Anne and The Helpmann Awards 2011. Mitchell also worked on the forthcoming film Happy Feet 2, directed by George Miller.

Jakob Ambrose: Tom

Hailing from Rockhampton, Central Queensland, Jakob, spent his youth singing and dancing through local and State eisteddfods and amateur musical productions. After turning down acceptance into the Australian Ballet School for the option of studying Law, Jakob changed his mind again, auditioned for WAAPA and hasn’t looked back since. During his time at WAAPA, Jake enjoyed playing the Roles of Mike in ‘A Chorus Line’, Cowboy Pete and Male Dance Captain in ‘Crazy for You’, Triton (Sailor Quartet) in Anything Goes, and working with James Millar and Peter Rutherford on their original work ‘A Touch Of Chaos’. Jakob was honored to be invited to perform in the WAAPA dance department’s production of the ‘Nutcracker’ in 2009 and is looking forward to making his professional debut in this production of A Chorus Line.

Mark Strom: Frank

Mark Strom, originally from New Zealand has studied and trained extensively in all aspects of the performing arts from the age of seven. Studying at the Auckland City Theatre Academy he completed Trinity Guildhall exams in singing and musical theatre, scoring top marks in NZ and Australia, receiving an exhibition award in 2007 for achieving an International standard. He is a recent 2011 graduate of the B.A in musical theatre at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) appearing in shows such as Anything Goes, James Millar and Pete Rutherford’s original work A Little Touch of Chaos, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee playing the role of Chip Tolentino, Crazy for You and A Chorus Line. He is thrilled to be making his professional debut in A Chorus Line, and would like to thank his family and friends for their unconditional love and support.

Joel Hewlett: Butch

Joel is from New Zealand, where he trained extensively in Performing Arts, starting at the tender age of 4. Joel is now 20 and has continued his career & training as a Performance Artist on stage & television: singing, dancing, acting, acrobatics & skating in New Zealand, the United States & Australia. Joel’s passion also includes choreography & teaching dance which he has done in New Zealand & the West Coast of the United States. Joel was a featured regular for 4 years in NZ’s national televised ‘Christmas in the Park’ as a dancer/singer. He has been a Ballroom Dancer for the Miss Asia/NZ Pageant (BBC) & a dancer for New Zealand’s STARS IN THEIR EYES/ TV1. Joel has also Hosted & performed as a suit entertainer for The Entertainment Store, Cartoon Network, Melbourne. Since being in over 30 musicals in NZ, his most recent musical theatre credits include the role of Hip Hopper 3 in the New Zealand tour of STARLIGHT EXPRESS 2009, and in the cast of HAIRSPRAY 2010/11, in Melbourne & Sydney. Joel is very grateful to be a part of A Chorus Line and would also like to thank his wonderful family for showing love and support.

Samantha Dodemaide: Lois

Sam has only ever had one dream…to sing, dance and perform. And there is nothing more rewarding to her than living this dream along side such a wonderful cast and crew in ‘A Chorus Line’. Sam trained at Patrick Studios Australia, undertaking 4 years of full time training in performing Arts and musical theatre. Her recent professional stage credits include ANYTHING GOES (The Production Company) WICKED (Universal Studios Japan) LOONEY TUNES (Marilla Productions) ‘INFERNO II’ and ‘TWO AND A HALF WITCHES” (Witches in Britches Theatre Restaurant.) Sam thanks and is very grateful to the very special people in her life who have supported, loved, guided and coached her to reach her dreams-you know who you are!!

Amber Jean Thomas: Vicky

Amber started dancing at the age of 4 at her mother’s dance school, the Kim Annette Dance School. She gained a passion and drive for dance that has never wavered, and Amber is now co-owner and director of the school as well as being co-director of the Dance Company, Parallel. After gaining a scholarship and achieving her Diploma at Danceworld Studios, Amber has enjoyed success in her career with two years at Universal Studios Japan as Hip, Hop and Bride and numerous corporate events in and around Melbourne. Amber is thrilled to make her musical debut in ACL and is humbled to work with such a talented cast of performers. Amber would like to thank her family, fiancé and friends for their constant support and knows her grandmother is so very proud of her and will be eagerly watching on opening night, may she rest in peace.

Meghan O’Shea: Trisha

In 2009 Meghan graduated from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) with a Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre, and upon graduating was awarded the Hal Leonard Award for Contribution to the Academy. Prior to WAAPA, Meghan appeared in the role of Young Cosette in Les Miserables (Cameron Mackintosh 10th Anniversary Tour), Romeo and Juliet (English National Ballet) as well as completing her Advanced 2 R.A.D. Classical Ballet, and also training extensively in tap, jazz, contemporary and Musical theatre. 2010 saw Meghan originate the role of Ella in the new Australian production of Dumped! The Musical We’ve All Been Through (Theatre Tours Australia). Meghan then went on to perform in the Korean and New Zealand tours of the Rocky Horror Show (TML Enterprises) as a Phantom and understudy to Janet, Columbia and Magenta. In 2011 she then joined the Australian Tour of the musical ‘Breast Wishes’ (Bien Etre Productions) in the role of Sal. Meghan is thrilled to be a part of this production of A Chorus Line, and would like to thank her incredible family and friends for their constant love and support.

Alice Ramshaw (Dance Captain)

Alice began her training at Centrestage Performing Arts School in Brunswick, where she spent over 20 years as a student and then teacher under the direction of Ian and Leanne White. In 2009 she re-located to New York City, where she is currently based, and continued her studies with an Internship at Broadway Dance Center. Recently this past year Alice was cast in the US National Tour of A Chorus Line (NETworks) under the direction of Baayork Lee, where she performed the role of Bebe for audiences in Tokyo. Since living in New York, Alice has performed in the US Tours of The Spirit of Christmas, Dancing Queen and The Spirit of Broadway for Dublin Worldwide Productions, and as a dancer for a special presentation of Le Grande Cirque: Imaginé with Dolly Parton. Prior to leaving Australia she was featured in TVCs for Intralot, Target and Kleenex, and hosted shows for The Wiggles across Australia. Alice is thrilled to be back with A Chorus Line and excited to share it with Australian audiences. Thank you to Baayork and Michael, and love and thanks to Ian and Lil for their support and encouragement.

Heath Keating (Swing)

Heath began dancing at the age of seven in Mullumbimby, within Northern NSW, under the direction of Lola Wilson. After relocating to the Gold Coast in grade 10, Heath continued his dance growth attending the Dance Excellence Program at Palm Beach-Currumbin High School and performing at the Gold Coast Arts Centre; which included playing the role of Andy Lee in 42nd Street, alongside Rob Guest in 2003. In 2005, Heath was honoured to graduate under full-scholarship at ED5 International Performing Arts in Sydney, followed by international credits of Chistery in Wicked (Universal Studios Japan), Pacific Sun (P&O Cruises), and touring Asia and the Middle East with Barney and Friends (Millennium Entertainment). In 2010 Heath appeared on So You Think You Can Dance Australia (Series 3) as one of the Top 20, choreographed/performed for Katie Noonan’s Emperor’s Box Tour, and most recently played Brad in the hit musical Hairspray. Heath has performed with music artists including Kylie Minogue, Rogue Traders, Alexandra Burke, Deborah Cox, Guy Sebastian, Gabriella Cilmi, Anthony Callea, Marcia Hines and Nikki Webster at various live and televised events. Heath would like to say thank you to his family and friends for supporting him every step of the way.

This touring production of A CHORUS LINE continued onto its London West End engagement in 2013…

A Chorus Line 2013 London

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