Babirra Music Theatre presents
October 2011
From the President - Owen Davies It is my pleasure to welcome you to our production of The Pajama Game. This delightful musical comedy was very popular when first performed in 1954 and was made into a similarly popular movie in 1957 starring Doris Day. The story-line is simple yet intriguing and the songs and music are catchy and memorable. Working with our directors, Jaison and Kerryn Hoernel, 5 years after they last directed for us, has been a wonderful experience. We are indeed fortunate to have two such talented and dedicated people heading our creative team and ensuring that the show we present for you is of the highest quality. It has also been a great pleasure to again work with Naomi Osborne, our Musical Director. As with any of our shows, there is an enormous amount of time and effort contributed by large numbers of volunteers. These include designers, sewers, set builders, painters, musicians, stage crew and ushers. We could not do it without them and I thank them all most sincerely. In particular I would like to thank my Co-Production Manager Elia Katsiabanis who has contributed in so many ways and given of her time so generously. Next year we welcome back Paul Watson (director of West Side Story) to direct our June production of Oliver. This classic musical, based on Charles Dickens’ much-loved book, is a show for all the family, and we are offering family tickets at a significant discount. Tickets are on sale now from the box office. It will be followed in October by another Broadway classic in Hello Dolly. I would also like to acknowledge our principal sponsor Homy Ped Footwear who have once again been so generous in their support. Please look out for one of their brochures in the foyer. Thank you for your support of BABIRRA. I do hope you enjoy the performance and we look forward to seeing you in 2012.
From the Directors...
“… I’m proud to be in the Pajama Game, I love it! I can hardly wait….”
Welcome to Babirra Music Theatre’s production of The Pajama Game. The show you’re about to see is the result of countless hours of enthusiastic preparation and energetic rehearsal by a dynamic group of talented and community-minded people. On behalf of all of them, we hope you have a fun and entertaining night at the theatre. Owen Davies, our company president approached us to co-direct The Pajama Game, back in July last year. We were honoured and excited by the opportunity, sure that it would be a popular choice for Babirra audiences. It appears we were correct! The Pajama Game took the theatre world by storm back in 1955. It received Tony awards for “Best Musical”, “Best Featured Actress in a Musical” (Carol Haney as Gladys) and “Best Choreography”, for a then unknown Bob Fosse. His choreographic masterpiece “Steam Heat” set his signature style and is emulated by dancers around the world to this day. The songs “Hey There”, “Hernando’s Hideaway”, “I’m Not at All In Love” and “There Once Was a Man” became instant classics. The show also launched the career of an ambitious young chorus girl. A feisty member of the dance ensemble, she was asked to step in for Carol Haney when the star broke her leg. A few months later, Haney still out of action, Miss Shirley MacLaine was spotted by Hollywood producer Hal B. Wallis in the audience, and signed to Paramount Pictures!
Jaison Hoernel
These days we think of The Pajama Game as a nostalgic period piece, an affectionate time capsule from post-war America. The men were back running the factories, and the women enjoyed an era of renewed flirtatiousness, and the whisper of a sexual revolution was just around the corner. The original Broadway production was based on the novel, Seven and a half cents by Richard Bissell. Doing background research for the show, we both devoured this little gem. Whilst the prose and ideals of the narrator, our protagonist Sid Sorokin, would be considered…. let’s just say “politically incorrect” in 2011 – it provided us with a snapshot of every-day America in 1954. Despite the progress made in gender relations since the 1950s, it’s difficult not to be wistful for a time more simple… where people said what they meant, were proud of their work, and musical theatre was a form of pure entertainment and escapism. While the show is now considered a retro classic…. at the time it was a contemporary play. We have done our best to capture the spirit of 1950s America in our production. We haven’t over-analysed anything, haven’t attempted to draw parallels with contemporary issues. Sure, we’ve added some of our own little touches, but nothing that detracts from the fun and energy that audiences have loved since the day The Pajama Game debuted more than half a century ago. We challenge you not to be humming these tunes all the way home!
“Nothing’s quite the same …… as the Pajama Game!”
And the Choreographer... Musical Theatre fans will recognise we have included Bob Fosse’s original choreography for “Steam Heat”. The number has become so iconic, and synonymous with the show, we thought it would be remiss of us to replace it. Credit must go to our Dance Captain, Cameron O’Reilly who painstakingly reproduced and rehearsed this classic number for our cast. You may also notice a cheeky nod to my other theatrical dance idols: Gene Kelly, Agnes De Mille and Jerome Robbins. As masters of the “Dream Ballet”, we pay tribute to them in our production!
Kerryn Hoernel
The Show Act One
A strike is imminent at the Sleep-Tite pajama factory in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where the Union is seeking a wage rise of seven and a half cents an hour. Hines, the Time Study Expert, keeps the girls on their toes by timing their production with a stopwatch and the girls respond by working at speed in a race with the clock. Meanwhile, Hasler, the company President, dictates a letter to his secretary Gladys, informing the Board of Directors that the seven and a half cent raise is “absolutely unnecessary”. While fixing a machine, Sid Sorokin, the new factory superintendent, pushes a lazy worker who brings in the union’s grievance committee, headed by Babe Williams. The girls tease Babe about being attracted to Sid, a claim she strenuously denies. Sid tries to make a date with Babe but she rejects him, reminding him that he is the superintendent of the plant and she is the Grievance Committee. When she leaves the office Sid flips on his dictaphone and confides to it his feelings about Babe. At the factory workers annual picnic, Sid encounters Babe and complains that he, too, has a grievance - he has been trying to be a dandy fellow to a girl who is indifferent. Babe lightly explains that, perhaps, the girl is cold and hard-boiled, that perhaps if he came to know her he would not care for her at all. But Sid remains unconvinced by her suppositions. The first opportunity he finds, he seizes Babe and kisses her ardently. Babe, caught unawares, offers little resistance. All around them, the picnic goes into high gear, with everyone in high spirits. A few days later, Sid visits Babe at her home. When he once again tries to kiss her she pushes him away. The more he tries to make some advances, the more she insists upon indulging in small talk to deflect him. Finally, she explains that what is really separating them is “seven and a half cents”. She insists she intends to fight as hard as she can for the Union, regardless of how she feels about Sid personally. In the hallway of the Union headquarters word is being circulated that the boss, Hasler, is asking to see the Union officials; the feeling grows that the Union is about to score a victory. As far as Sid and Babe are concerned, their main interest is now each other - as they take pains to explain when the Union members leave them to themselves. Back in the shop, the Union members are glum: Hasler has given them the runaround. In defiance, the Union leaders order the workers to return to their jobs, but to “slow down” on their operations. Sid belligerently demands from the help a “day’s work for a day’s pay” and reminds them that he has the authority to hire and fire. Babe, however, has other ideas and jams a broom into the machinery causing a general breakdown. With barely a second thought, Sid fires her. Babe storms angrily from the factory. As she leaves, he begins to wonder again whether a romance with her is a mistake.
Act Two
The Union is conducting a meeting in Eagle Hall. After an address from Prez, there is some entertainment for the members – an engaging little routine entitled “Steam Heat” performed by Gladys and two boys from the cutting room, all dressed in tight-fitting men’s black suits and derby hats. Prez and other union leaders meet back at Babe’s house, where Prez lets on that some buttons have not been properly sewed on to the pajamas. As they leave, Sid arrives and tries to get Babe to understand and sympathise with his position. But Babe turns a deaf ear, rushes away from him and bursts into tears in the privacy of her bedroom. This turn in his personal affairs makes Sid determined to find some way to effect peace between management and the workers. In the office, Max the salesman shows how the workers have sabotaged the Sleep-Tite product by sewing waistband buttons with only two threads. Sid suspects that the key to the seven-and-a-half cents standoff is the one that opens the actual lock with which the company ledgers are kept securely sealed. In an effort to get that key from Gladys, he invites her to go out with him. She suggests a local hot spot, Hernando’s Hideaway. Gladys enjoys several drinks with Sid, teasing him about the key, which is on a chain around her neck. Eventually, now drunk, she hands over the key to Sid. As he had suspected, the ledgers reveal that Hasler had long been adding the seven and a half cents raise demanded by the workers to the factory cost of his product. Sid confronts him and threatens to reveal all to the Board. Caught red-handed, Hasler has no choice but to yield to the Union’s demands. At the Union headquarters the members are figuring out that though seven and a half cents an hour raise is not much, over a period of years it can amount to a great deal. Sid arrives with the news that the wage rise will be granted if the workers drop their claims for retroactive pay. Sid and Babe are jubilant, for the obstacle to their romance has been removed. Finally, back at Hernando’s Hideaway, the Sleep-Tite fashion parade can go ahead with the full support of Hasler and the Union.
Co-Director
Jaison Hoernel
Jaison is a familiar face to Babirra audiences, having played several roles in productions such as Sweet Charity – Vittorio Vidal, The Merry Widow – Danilo Danilovich, Les Miserables – Jean Valjean, and Kismet – Hajj The Poet. Jaison last directed Carmen - the Musical for Babirra in 2006. Other directing credits include, Gypsy, Oklahoma! and Anything Goes for Players Theatre Company. Jaison studied music both in his native USA and in Melbourne at the VCA. He’s worked in theatre-in-education, theatre restaurants and opera. These days Jaison makes a living from his other passion, bicycles. Jaison has enjoyed working on the other side of the proscenium arch again, especially with such a fantastic production team as Kerryn and Naomi. He would like to thank Babirra for the opportunity to direct this show, and thank his three favourite creations, Noah, Elijah and Mia for being such patient and adaptable children over the past few months.
Co-Director/Choreographer
Kerryn Hoernel
The Pajama Game has been a dream project for Kerryn. With a background in tap, jazz, ballet and theatrical dance performance, teaching and choreography, Kerryn is no stranger to the fabulous songs and Fosse choreography of this show. Kerryn has previously performed in musicals including: And the World Goes ‘Round, Gigi, Anything Goes, Jekyll and Hyde, Follies and Singin’ In the Rain. She gratefully continues her association with Babirra having previously worked on the “dark side” (backstage crew) for Sweet Charity, kicking her legs as a Grisette in The Merry Widow and as the Choreographer and Assistant Director of Carmen – the Musical. Recently Kerryn finished working as the Production Manager and Costume Designer for Koonung Secondary College’s production of Grease. Kerryn would like to thank her husband and co-director Jaison for his collaboration, love and support both in and outside the theatre. Kerryn dedicates this show to Noah, Elijah and Mia.
Musical Director
Set Designer
Naomi Osborne John Wonnacott
Naomi has extensive performance experience over many years including the English National Opera, Opera Australia, The Sound of Music (Frost), South Pacific (Production Company), The Gondoliers (Babirra), Camelot (Babirra), Chess (Nova) Paris (Stella Entertainment), Merrily We Roll Along (Devenson Productions), Assassins (Nightowl), The Scarlet Pimpernel (CLOC), and CATS (CLOC and PLOS). Naomi was educated at the Royal Academy of Music in London and the University of Melbourne (Voice and Violin) where she completed a Masters of Music in Conducting. Naomi’s musical directing experience includes Clue: The Musical (FabNobs), Calamity Jane (Babirra), The Musical of Musicals, The Musical (Shoosh) and she is currently musically directing Bugsy Malone (Caulfield Grammar). Active as a violinist in various orchestra pits and the Guild Awards, Naomi has also worked as a vocal coach throughout many schools and theatre companies for productions including West Side Story, Man of La Mancha, Pirates of Penzance, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Merry Widow, The Sentimental Bloke and for the professional season of The Producers. Due to the imminent arrival of her twins, Naomi has handed the baton to Ryan Jacobs to conduct all performances.
Conductor Ryan Jacobs
John holds a B.A. (Acting for Screen & Stage) from Charles Sturt University and a Diploma of Theatre Arts from Swinburne. His main interests are Set Design and Theatre Production. Founder of Deluge Theatre Company, John produced and directed Inside Talk, a series of short plays performed in a prison cell. Currently he is helping co-produce a physical theatre show, to be performed in November at Cube 37 and is at the pre-production stage, producing Daniel Lillford’s play Dark Heart which opens at the David Williamson Theatre on 15 Feb 2012. This year John has performed with Frankston Theatre Group in Twelve Angry Men and in The Australian Shakespeare Company’s production of Macbeth. He will also make a couple of brief appearances on TV very shortly, so keep your eyes peeled! John also works regularly as a Lighting or Sound Operator and as a Theatre Mechanist. This is the largest set John has designed and he is grateful to Babirra for giving him the opportunity to grow as a set designer, and for developing his construction skills.
Ryan last performed with Babirra in Carmen in 2006. He has just completed musical direction of Windmill’s Jesus Christ Superstar, and other credits include Honk, Kiss Me Kate, The Wizard of Oz, Hot Mikado, Singin’ In The Rain, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, Fame, Annie and The Little Shop of Horrors. On stage, Ryan has portrayed characters such as Evelyn Oakleigh in Anything Goes and The Wolf in Into The Woods along with various G&S roles. Since 2009, Ryan has had the honour of performing as a guest artist at the Western Region Concert Band’s Last Night Of The Proms, alongside artists such as Sylvie Paladino, Normie Rowe and Gina Jeffreys. He would like to congratulate Naomi and the production team on all the work they have put in to create a great show.
Costume Designer
Lighting Designer
Nerissa Seville Michael Brasser
Originally from Queensland, Nerissa moved to Melbourne in 2009 and enrolled in the Diploma of Costume for Performance at Swinburne University. She graduated in 2010, winning the annual first prize for Excellence in Costume Design, awarded by CLOC Musical Theatre. Whilst studying for her Diploma, Nerissa was involved as costume designer, co-ordinator, maker, and supervisor for a number of companies, including the National Institute of Circus Arts, the Victorian College of the Arts and Steppes Dance School, as well as for several independent short films. In musical theatre, she worked as part of the costume team for The Boy from Oz (PLOS 2009) and earlier this year, on CLOC’s Fiddler on the Roof. Nerissa has just completed an amazing triple act, working concurrently as costume co-ordinator for CLOC’s recently completed production of Aspects of Love whilst also doing double duty as costume designer and co-ordinator for The Pajama Game.
Michael has been a freelance Production Manager, Stage Manager and Lighting Designer for the past 10 years throughout Australia and New Zealand. Michael has been Technical Manger for Moving Light Productions as well as being Production Assistant for Southern Star Emenol, including productions like Big Brother and Deal or No Deal. Michael’s Technical Management experience encompasses a wide range of shows including 2008 Victorian State School’s Spectacular, Dirty Dusting (Australian Tour), 1st Asia Pacific “Outgames” Opening Ceremony, The Ultimate Rock ‘n’ Roll Jam Session (Australian Tour) and is currently touring Doris Day – More Than the Girl Next Door around Australia with Melinda Schneider. His lighting credits include Carrie Fisher’s Wishful Drinking (Melbourne Season), High School Musical – Encore Theatre Company (Launceston, TAS) and he was the Head of Lighting for Slava’s Snow Show (Melbourne Season). Over the past few years he has received several nominations for both the Victorian Music Theatre Guild and the Lyrebird Awards. These include Little Shop of Horrors - Windmill Theatre Company (Lighting Design), Cabaret - BuSTCo (Lighting Design), Debt - BuSTCo (Lighting Design) and SPAMALOT - PLOS Musical Theatre (Lighting Design).
Sound Designer
Greg Ginger
This is Greg’s twelfth production with Babirra Music Theatre following on from Kiss Me Kate, Les Misérables, Guys & Dolls, Me and My Girl, Carmen, How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Annie Get Your Gun, Fiddler On The Roof, The Sentimental Bloke, Sweet Charity and West Side Story. His other work includes productions of Annie, Brigadoon, My Fair Lady, Pippin, Godspell, and Anything Goes. In 2007 Greg designed sound for the Ballarat Lyric Theatre’s award-winning production of Cats. He has won Lyrebird awards for Guys & Dolls, Me and My Girl and The Sentimental Bloke (Babirra), and Crazy For You and The Producers with Whitehorse Musical Theatre. Professionally, Greg has designed sound for Certified Male (2003), Brave Men Run In Our Family (2007), Menopause the Musical (Australian Tour 2008-09) and supervised the sound for the 2008 Opera Australia tour of My Fair Lady. Outside the world of theatre, Greg has designed sound for events including The Jayco Herald Sun Tour, Run for the Kids and the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Stage Manager
Kesh Aponso
Kesh started his foray into theatre at the ripe old age of eight when he played the title role in his Primary School production of Captain Cook. Performance credits include Les Miserables, The Music Man, Othello, Unbridled Passions, Me and My Girl and The Pajama Game to name a few. In 2003 Kesh completed a Diploma of Entertainment in Stage Management at Box Hill Institute which led to him being Deputy Stage Manager and Committee Member for Nova Music Theatre Inc’s productions of The Scarlet Pimpernel, Singin’ in the Rain, Follies, A Chorus Line and Jekyll & Hyde. Kesh was also the resident Stage Manager for Devanesen Production’s shows of Avenue Who?, Rent, Company, Into the Woods, The Wild Party and Aida. In the near future he wishes to move into Directing and Scenic Design. Kesh is thrilled to be working with Babirra Music Theatre again, for his fourth show, after so many years.
Babe Williams Sonia Balodis
This is Sonia’s first show with Babirra. She has a passion for musical theatre and has studied at the University of Melbourne (majoring in classical voice and psychology), at Deakin University (where she studied performing arts) and has taken singing lessons for more than 15 years. Sonia’s performances include West Side Story (Anita), Pinup (Sally Bowles- winning the Lyrebird Award for Most Entertaining Act), Fiddler on the Roof (Fruma Sarah) and The Sound of Music (Louisa). She has also performed in Barnum, The Wizard of Oz, Oklahoma! and Singing in the Rain (performed in England). She has been a Vocal Director for Fame, has sung with jazz bands, performed with a death metal band, and is thrilled to be working with such a great group of people in The Pajama Game.
Sid Sorokin Andrew Pennycuick
This is Andrew’s first appearance with Babirra Music Theatre. Andrew studied singing in London with the late Howard Milner and completed the music theatre course at the Royal Academy of Music in 2002. He has appeared in a number of amateur and fringe productions including Nine (Imperial College, London), Merrily We Roll Along, The Wild Party and Company (all for Devanesen Productions), Passion (Halogen Productions), Les Miserables (Whitehorse Musical Theatre), Macbeth (Williamstown Little Theatre), Laughter on the 23rd Floor (Leo 9 Productions) and Milk and Honey (Magnormos). He has performed Book Week pantomimes in primary schools with Echelon Productions and most recently appeared at the Butterfly Club with Hue Blanes in their self-devised cabaret, The Singing Lesson.
Vernon HinesMario Mohorko
Mario has been involved in theatre for ten years and in that time has been involved in over 30 shows. He has performed some of the most memorable characters in musical theatre such as Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar (NYAPC), Javert in Les Miserables (CPP), Bill Sykes in Oliver (MDMS), The Pirate King in Pirates of Penzance (NYAPC), Max Bialystock in The Producers (Park Players), Darryl Van Horne in The Witches of Eastwick (SLAMS), Horton in Suessical (Players) and was most recently seen as Brian in Avenue Q (SLAMS). Mario has also directed Jesus Christ Superstar and RENT for Players Theatre Company of which he is currently president. He is thrilled to be performing for Babirra and would like to thank Kerryn and Jaison for this wonderful opportunity to work with an amazing cast and production team.
Gladys Britni Leslie
Fresh off the boat from the USA, Britni is thrilled to be making her Australian debut as Gladys in one of her favourite musicals. Originally from Mobile, Alabama, she has been working in Orlando, Florida professionally for the last 6 years where she has performed with The Orlando Repertory Theatre, Beth Marshall Productions, Moonlight Players, Orlando Shakespeare Theatre, Walt Disney World, Sea World and Universal Studios. Some of her most beloved credits include Crimes of the Heart (Babe), Chicago (Roxie), The Sound of Music (Maria), The Voyage of the Little Mermaid (Ariel) and Annie (Lilly). Britni is more than excited to become a part of the Melbourne theatre community and would like to thank her amazing partner and love of her life for all of his support. O-lay!!!!
MabelVictoria Zainal
This is Victoria’s second production with Babirra, having played Miss Adelaide in Guys‘N’Dolls several seasons ago. Since then she has appeared in many musicals, pantomimes, plays and murder mysteries with her favourite roles being Mama Rose (Gypsy), M’Lynne (Steel Magnolias), Chairy Barnum (Barnum) and Mrs Johnstone (Blood Brothers). She also enjoys singing professionally in a duet called Fineline. She has worked behind the scenes for many different companies in the role of stage manager, props and costume person, production manager, secretary and president (Dandenong Theatre Company) and even had a turn at directing for the first time last year. She has been honoured with several lyrebird nominations and a Guild nomination and finally hit the jackpot for her role as Mrs. J in Blood Brothers with Limelight Theatre Company. She would like to thank her fellow players, the production team and the committee of Babirra for their dedication and hard work and hopes you enjoy this fun and entertaining show.
Prez Peter Smitheram
Peter has had an extensive professional entertainment career including national tours of Evita, Pirates of Penzance and Richard Harris’ Camelot. Seen at John Hancock’s Theatre Restaurant in Sandringham for many years and as a regular featured performer on the ABC’s Saturday Show, Peter has toured his solo cabaret show to both England and Asia, as well as a stint on P&O’s Love Boat as resident entertainer … he then got married! Since his wife let him out again he has played Emile de Beque in Aspect’s South Pacific, Petruccio in MLOC’s Kiss Me Kate, Uncle Willie in CLOC’s High Society and Herman in Babirra’s Sweet Charity for which he received a Lyrebird Award nomination.
Hasler Barry Barker
Barry has been involved in theatre for nearly 30 years and has appeared in over 50 musicals and plays with many companies, including, Babirra, Nova, CLOC, Whitehorse, Phoenix, Peridot, Malvern, Lilydale and 1812 Theatre. Roles have included, Oliver Warbucks in Annie, Tito Morelli in Lend me a Tenor, Harold Nicholls in The Full Monty, Captain Von Trapp in The Sound of Music , Jack O’Hagan in Jack O’Hagan’s Humdingers and Bill Sykes in Oliver. Barry’s previous role with Babirra was as Lazar Wolf in Fiddler on the Roof. He is looking forward to appearing in a new comedy theatre-restaurant show called, Joey and Maria’s Italian-American Wedding, in 2011/12, as Lorenzo Lasagna. TV credits include appearances in Halifax F.P., Corelli and Sea Change. As a Civil Marriage Celebrant, Barry is also available to perform this important role.
The Cast BABE.........................................................Sonia Balodis SID.............................................................Andrew Pennycuick HINES.......................................................Mario Mohorko GLADYS...................................................Britni Leslie MABEL.....................................................Victoria Zainal PREZ.........................................................Peter Smitheram HASLER....................................................Barry Baker POP...........................................................Richard Burman MAX..........................................................Steven Kent MAE..........................................................Felicity Eastwood POOPSIE..................................................Rebecca Dupuy-Purcell BRENDA...................................................Alexandra Cole ANDERSON............................................Simon Horsburgh ANN..........................................................Jane Lundmark BOB...........................................................Tam Smith CARMEN..................................................Lisa Maree David CHARLENE..............................................Vanessa Kirby CHARLEY.................................................Peter Levey DALE.........................................................James Kaiser EDDIE.......................................................Garry Barcham GERRY......................................................Anthony Julian JOE............................................................Nathan Slevin LOIS...........................................................Victoria Rendall MARA.......................................................Kathryn Zachariah MARY........................................................Cara Green PAT (Dance Captain)...........................Cameron O’Reilly RITA...........................................................Penny Campbell SANDRA..................................................Marijke Franken SARA.........................................................Maddie Wooster VIRGINIA.................................................Virginia Lin
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Acknowledgements The Whitehorse Centre Management and Staff; City of Monash Council; Highfield Road Uniting Church; Arts Nunawading; Parks Wide (City of Whitehorse); Taunts Office Supplies; Theatre People; Cheryl Threadgold (Melbourne Observer); Brian Amos (Eastern FM 98.1); Kevin Yates and Marie Ryan (3INR Radio); Joan Krutli (Golden Days FM Radio); Elia Katsiabanis and TaxiLink; Ferntree Print; Cheltenham Baseball Club; Encore Theatre; Peridot Theatre; Melbourne Theatre Company; @Work International. We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the City of Whitehorse.
Musical Numbers Act One
Overture.....................................................................Orchestra Pajama Game Opening.........................................Hines Racing With The Clock...........................................Company A New Town Is A Blue Town.................................Sid I’m Not At All In Love..............................................Babe and Girls I’ll Never Be Jealous Again...................................Mabel and Hines Hey There...................................................................Sid Her Is............................................................................Prez and Gladys Sleep Tite....................................................................Company Once A Year Day.......................................................Company Small Talk....................................................................Sid and Babe There Once Was A Man..........................................Sid and Babe Slow Down.................................................................Girls Finale............................................................................Sid
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and JERRY ROSS Novel “7 ½ Cents”
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Act Two
Entr’acte......................................................................Orchestra Steam Heat................................................................Gladys, Pat and Dale Hey There Reprise....................................................Babe Think Of The Time I Save.......................................Hines and Girls Hernando’s Hideaway............................................Gladys Seven-and-a-Half Cents........................................Prez, Babe and Company There Once Was A Man Reprise..........................Babe and Sid The Pajama Game Closing...................................Babe, Sid and Company
Scenes Act One
Scene 1.....................................................Opening Scene 2.....................................................The Pajama Factory Scene 3.....................................................The Cafeteria Scene 4.....................................................The Office Scene 5.....................................................The Company Picnic Scene 6.....................................................The Kitchen of Babe’s House Scene 7.....................................................The Street Scene 8.....................................................The Pajama Factory
Act Two
Babirra Music Theatre Inc.
Scene 1.....................................................Eagle Hall Scene 2.....................................................The Kitchen of Babe’s House Scene 3.....................................................The Cafeteria Scene 4.....................................................The Office Scene 5.....................................................Hernando’s Hideaway Scene 6.....................................................The Jealousy Ballet Scene 7.....................................................The Office Scene 8.....................................................Hernando’s Hideaway
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Richard last appeared with Babirra in Kismet and before that in The Merry Widow. He also directed The Sentimental Bloke for Babirra in 2009. He has extensive experience in both straight and musical theatre and has played about twenty different roles in the Gilbert and Sullivan operas. He is currently the President of The Victorian Drama League.
Poopsie
ca Dupuy-Purc ell bec e R
This is Rebecca’s first Babirra show and she is loving playing the role of Poopsie. Previously she has performed with Players Theatre Company in And the World Goes Round and Hot Mikado where she played the role of Pitti-Sing. Rebecca works as a children’s singing teacher and is currently completing a Bachelor of Primary Education.
Max
Mae
Steven Kent
Eastwoo licity d e F
Steven’s list of theatrical performances to date include The Sound Of Music (Nova), Oliver (SLAMS), Oliver (Nova), Oklahoma (Players), Les Miserables (Nova), Chess (Nova), Pirates of Penzance (Players), The Scarlet Pimpernel (Nova), Jekyll & Hyde (Nova), The Witches of Eastwick (Players), I Hope I Get It (PEP), Jesus Christ Superstar (MDMS), Class of ‘77 (Boroondara), Hot Mikado (Players), Sure Thing (PEP), Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (MDMS), and now The Pajama Game (Babirra).
Felicity’s past roles include Lucy T. Slut in Avenue Q (SLAMS), Felicia Gabriel in Witches of Eastwick (Players), Lady of the Lake in Spamalot (SLAMS), Mercedes in Carmen the Musical (Babirra), Madam de la Grande Bouche in Beauty and the Beast (MLOC) and Joanne Jefferson in RENT (Players). Felicity has also directed Alice in Wonderland (Hillcrest Christian College) and musically directed The Wizard of Oz (Heathmont College). Felicity has received 3 Lyrebird nominations for her performances in variety shows. By day Felicity is Head of Music at Doncaster Secondary College.
Brenda A
lexandra Cole
Alexandra trained in musical theatre as part of the Young Australian Broadway Chorus. Theatrical credits include Crystal in Little Shop of Horrors, Kost/Rosie in Cabaret, Essie in Parade, Serena in Fame, The Wedding Singer, Rent, Hot Mikado, Duffy in Annie, Rolf in The Sound of Music and Lena in Bugsy Malone. Alexandra directed BuSTCo’s VTG/Lyrebird nominated 21st Showcase, produced 13, The Wedding Singer, Deakin Comedy Revue and Barefoot Bandits debut The Ebb Tide.
Pat/Dance Captain meron O’Reilly a C
Cameron began his stage life at age 10 with the Cooran Players, a regional Queensland theatre group. He also performed in the ensemble for the Sunshine Coast’s amateur productions of West Side Story and Annie. Cameron moved to Melbourne to train in dance at the Victorian College of the Arts and The Dance Factory. He has danced professionally in nightclubs in Melbourne and Perth. He has most recently been performing as a dancer on board cruise ships for P&O Australia, Princess and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines which has allowed him to dance all around the world.
Anderson
Ann
Bob
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on Horsburgh m i S
e Lundmark n a J
Simon is no stranger to the stage, having spent many years in the Victorian Boys Choir. Now preferring to spend time in the bio box, Simon is an award nominated lighting designer and has also worked in stage management. His return to stage was inevitable, and he has most recently appeared in Jesus Christ Superstar and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (both with MDMS).
Jane completed a Bachelor of Performance Studies at Queensland University of Technology and studied Shakespeare at San Francisco State University. Her TV credits include Winners and Losers, Neighbours and Tangle and commercials for Topdeck Travel, Janome, Medibank and QUT. As a singer & dancer, Jane has performed in tribute shows dedicated to The Pussycat Dolls, Robbie Williams and Kylie Minogue. Jane works as an actress, dancer, voiceover artist and presenter and maintains a passion for children’s theatre, cabaret and playing the jazz flute. She would like to thank her family, friends and partner Stephen for their continued support and friendship.
The Pajama Game marks Tam’s fourth production with Babirra after Calamity Jane (2008), Sweet Charity (2010) and West Side Story (2011), so it’s safe to say that he enjoys every moment with the company. Tam has also worked with MDMS in Oklahoma! (2009), and Jesus Christ Superstar (2010) and with Octave Theatre Company in Once on This Island (2010), to name a few. During the last school term, Tam has been working with Donvale Primary School as choreographer on their production of Lights Camera Action.
Charlene
Charley
Vanessa began dancing at the age of four with Utassy Ballet School. Since then she has danced with The National Theatre Ballet School, The Young Dancers Company and The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. Vanessa performs with Chime Choir and The Crown Casino Christmas Choir. She first began performing at the age of two when she started violin. She has always loved to be on stage
Peter made his stage debut in 2005 in Anything Goes (NOVA). His favourite role has been the delightfully debonair Mr. Smithers in Babirra’s 2009 production of The Sentimental Bloke. Peter has also appeared in Carousel (NOVA), Gigi (NOVA), Guys & Dolls (SLAMS), Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (MDMS), and with Babirra The Merry Widow, Calamity Jane, Fiddler On The Roof, Kismet and Sweet Charity. The Pajama Game reunites Peter with at least one fellow cast member from each of his previous shows.
Carmen
a ree a M David s i L
Lisa-Maree has just returned to Melbourne after four years in London, where she performed shows from Fosse to Footloose with local East End theatre companies. In earlier years she danced professionally, including tours throughout Asia with Walt Disney, but these days she is a Marketing Manager for an international development organisation. She shares her love of performing by being a teacher of dance and gymnastics. For this show she’s dusted off her pointe shoes which she hasn’t worn for ten years...and so is very pleased not to have broken an ankle yet!
nessa Kirby Va
r Levey Pete
Dale
es K Jam aiser
This will mark James’s first show with Babirra Music Theatre. He has been performing on the Mornington Peninsula for the last 4 years and is currently doing a Broadway class at The Space. James hopes you enjoy his performance as Dale - keep an eye out for him during Steam Heat, being part of which has been a dream come true. Enjoy.
Eddie
Lois
toria Rendall c i V
Victoria developed a passion for theatre at a young age as a dancer. She loves all things theatrical and has been a director, choreographer and stage manager and also spent time in the bio box working as part of the technical team. Earlier this year, Victoria made her way back to the stage as Liza in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers with MDMS.
Ga
Garry has been involved with a number of different companies over the past few years as a performer or behind the scenes as set designer/builder and crew. This is Garry’s first official involvement with Babirra and he would like to thank the production team for allowing him to be involved in such a fun show.
Joe
Gerry An
thony Julian
The Pajama Game is Anthony’s third consecutive show this year, having played Lefou in Waterdale Players’ concert production of Beauty and the Beast and appeared in Nova’s Chicago. Previous shows with Babirra include Kismet, The Sentimental Bloke and Fiddler on the Roof, and with other companies, Baloombawop (Aspinauts Players), Cabaret (Nova) and Les Misérables (Croydon Parish Players). Earlier this year, Anthony recorded the album Mixed Emotions with SOS Electronic Tribes.
rry Barcham
N
athan Slevin
Nathan has trained at Sydney’s Globe Shakespeare Centre, at First Impressions Youth Theatre, at the Arts Centre, Melbourne and as part of Theatrica’s 2007 Broadway tour. His previous theatrical credits include Snowboy in West Side Story (ARC), Jerome in Merrily We Roll Along (OPTC), Babirra’s Sweet Charity, Lysander in A Midsummer Nights Dream (STAG) and most recently, ARC’S highly successful production of Grease. Nathan is hoping to study performing arts full time from next year. Enjoy the show!
Mara
thryn Zacharia a h K
Kathryn is currently completing her final AMEB exams for classical singing, piano and theory, all while organising a well deserved 7 week holiday to South America (which she’ll embark upon the day after The Pajama Game closes.) Kathryn has previously appeared in three Babirra shows, receiving the President’s Encouragement Award for her part as Patsy in The Sentimental Bloke in 2009. She thanks Babirra for their support.
Mary
G C a r a r ee n
M
Marijke has trained extensively in various dance styles including classical, contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, tap, ballroom, character, cheerleading and most recently, Zumba®. She has choreographed The Sentimental Bloke for Babirra and Hello Dolly for ARC, and teaches dance and Zumba® classes. She performed as a featured classical dancer in the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games and has appeared in Kismet (Princess Zubbediya), Sweet Charity and Calamity Jane. In 2011, Marijke has danced with Melbourne Opera in The Merry Widow and Faust.
ny Campbel
l
Cara was with Australian Girls Choir for 10 years performing in gigs such as The Boy from Oz with Hugh Jackman and Carols by Candlelight. Cara has performed in Bye Bye Birdie, West Side Story, The Pajama Game (as Gladys) and Crazy For You (as Lottie Child). She also played Wendy-Joe in MUMCO’s Footloose and was in the Amateur Premiere of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, also with MUMCO.
Penny commenced ballet lessons at the age of six, and studied dance at the Victorian Ballet School for twelve years. She then took hip hop classes for a further four years. Penny’s love for musical theatre took off in secondary school when she played Indio in West Side Story (as a male!). She has since played a villager in Fiddler on the Roof (not once but twice), Ms Bell in Fame, Gertie in Babirra’s The Sentimental Bloke and ensemble roles in NOVA’s Little Women. She especially enjoyed being a Hostess in Babirra’s Sweet Charity last year.
Sara
Virginia
Sandra
e Fr arijk anken
Pen
Rita
M
W addie ooster
Maddie holds a degree in Music Theatre from Ballarat Arts Academy. During her time there she performed in Parade, the Victorian premier of The Hatpin and she also worked with Ballarat Light Opera Company in I Love You, You’re Perfect... Now Change! and in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. In 2010 she was vocal coach for UMMTA’s A New Brain and has recently performed in ACUPA’s Into the Woods as Little Red Riding Hood. The Pajama Game has been a load of fun and Maddie would like to thank the production team and cast for making it so.
ginia Lim Vir
A classical pianist and violinist turned rock singer, Virginia has appeared in CLOC’s Miss Saigon, New Beat Theatre Company’s Bare, Babirra’s Kismet, The Production Company’s The King and I, and Whitehorse’s Rent. Other credits include Opera Australia’s Cosi Fan Tutte and director/librettist for Melbourne University CMG’s original musical productions.
The Production Team
Co-Director............................................Jaison Hoernel Co-Director and Choreographer....Kerryn Hoernel Musical Director...................................Naomi Osborne Conductor..............................................Ryan Jacobs Set Designer..........................................John Wonnacott Costume Designer..............................Nerissa Saville Stage Manager.....................................Kesh Aponso Lighting Designer................................Michael Brasser Sound Designer...................................Greg Ginger Production Managers........................Owen Davies Elia Katsiabanis Associate Musical Director...............Laura Carroll Scenic Artist...........................................Dallas Homewood Set Construction..................................Chris Oldershaw Peter Vanderhorst Garry Barcham John Wonnacott Warren Dodd Steve White Royce Williams Properties...............................................Kesh Aponso Elia Katsiabanis Owen Davies Victoria Zainal Costumes................................................Kerryn Hoernel Ann Hubbard Gillian Goodall .. Margaret Gordon-Addison Myrene Dupuy-Purcell Michelle Dayton Juliet Bennie Front of House Manager...................Steve White Rehearsal Pianists................................Shirley White Graeme Burnham Phill Scanlon Adeline Han
The Orchestra
Reed 1.......................................... Jenny Stokes Reed 2.......................................... Chris Ondaatje, Marika Nuthall Reed 3.......................................... Andrew Corbel, John Ellis Reed 4.......................................... Angie Johnson Reed 5.......................................... Andrea Jelleff Trumpet 1................................... Jenny Stengards Trumpet 2................................... Sue Cook Trombone 1............................... Sally Barkla, Jonty Smit Trombone 2............................... Helen Giokas Smith Guitar........................................... Will Salisbury Percussion.................................. Cindy Taylor, Keith Morgan Violin 1......................................... Andrew Cook Violin 2......................................... Anne Beruldsen Violin 3......................................... Simone Rickerby Violin 4......................................... Catherine Easton Viola.............................................. Barbara Oakes Cello............................................. Andrea Scarlett Bass............................................... Laura Carroll
Marketing.................................................Elia Katsiabanis Stephanie Moore Fly Crew....................................................Warren Dodd Daniel Chapman Sound Operator.....................................Tim Archer Lighting Crew.........................................Yasmin Sestia Declan O’Neill Stage Crew...............................................Bryce Baumgarten Peta Costello Kylie “Diggers” Digby Gill Dodd Alex O’Neill Neil Spitzer Cameron Waters Laura Waters Radio Microphone Technician..........Tearlach Wales Graphic Design.......................................Kathryn White Alyson Howard Program....................................................Kathryn White Owen Davies Ushers........................................................Elizabeth Burman Genevieve Cleary Silvana Di Battista Margaret Gordon-Addison Stuart Gordon-Addison Georgie Greenwood Wendy Gregory Mac Harris Ron Harvey Dallas Homewood Eric Little Lois Little Cameron Osborne Felicia Pell Anna Philpott Emma Philpott Graham Philpott Stephanie Philpott Sarah Somers Angeline Thompson Shirley White Steve White Photography...........................................Gavin D Andrew Transport..................................................Luke Dixon John Wonnacott Sound equipment supplied by Outlook Communications P/L
Babirra Committee
Babirra Life Members Ivan Addis Trish Addis Olwyn Beare Judy Chapman Margaret Gordon-Addison Stuart Gordon-Addison Mac Harris Rodney Hunter Marjorie Jordan Eric Little Lois Little Len Lowsby Brian Malseed Les Malseed Lois Moran Barry Page Lorraine Page Jennifer Pitts Noelle Randall Tom Singer Neil Spitzer Keith Spottiswood Dorothy Stevens Heather Vourmand David White Shirley White Steve White
President............................................Owen Davies Secretary............................................Shirley White Treasurer............................................Gerard Fullarton Assistant Secretary.........................Margaret Gordon- Addison Committee Members....................Jeremy Bailey-Smith Penny Campbell Dallas Homewood Elia Katsiabanis Stephanie Moore Cameron Waters Steve White
Theatre Plan
In any emergency, please follow the directions of the Ushers
Babirra Music Theatre Inc. is a member of
Babirra Music Theatre Inc. is a member of the
LYREBIRD AWARDS
MUSIC THEATRE GUILD OF VICTORIA