mdms presents
seven brides for n e v se s r e h t bro
Mountain District Musical Society proudly presents
seven brides for
Music by Gene de Paul
seven s r e h t bro Book by Lawrence Kasha & David Landay
Lyrics by Johnny Mercer
Based on a MGM and ‘The Sobbin’ Women’ by Stephen Vincent Benet Originally directed for Broadway by Lawrence Kasha Originally produced on Broadway by KASLAN PRODUCTIONS INC with Sonia Agjee, Lyn Alexander, Garry Barcham, Rowena Brown, Max Carr, Laura Carroll, Jon Christie, Mae Collard, John Dagley, Tyler Delacretaz, Warren Dorling, Rhys Duncan, Michael Dyson, Trish Guthrie-Jones, Simon Horsburgh, Richard Humphries, Steve Kent, Peter Levey, Kylie Lovell, James Ness, Dan Nixon, Timothy Oon, Fiona Palmer, Emily Prince, Victoria Rendall, Darren Roberts, Chris Rogers, Kelly Sherman, David Sly, Tamblyn Smith, Tim Stapleton, Penny Valk & Josie White
Production Managers
Jo Buckingham & Kelly Sherman Sound Design
Phillip Van Nes
Lighting Design
Vanessa Burke
Choreographed by Miranda Brooks
Costume Design
Sophia Anastasiou
Musically Directed by Vicki Barden
Directed by Adrian Carr By arrangement with Hal Leonard Australia Pty Ltd Exclusive agent for Music Theatre International (NY)
From the President... I fell in love with Seven Brides for Seven Brothers the first time I saw the movie - or maybe it was Howard Keel I fell in love with! Either way, I grew up watching the movie over and over again with my mum and sisters and it’s always been a favourite of mine, so I was very excited when the committee decided that it was to be our show choice for 2011. I would like to thank our director Adrian Carr, musical director Vicki Barden and choreographer Miranda Brooks for doing such a wonderful job in bringing this classic story to life. Together they are a formidable production team and have worked tirelessly with the cast to produce a show of exceptional quality. I would like to thank them for all of their hard work, their creativity and their support throughout the year. I would also like to thank the cast; they have been a lot of fun and a pleasure to work with. I would like to acknowledge the dedicated MDMS Committee members for all of their hard work and efforts behind the scenes. It is very much appreciated. I am delighted to be sharing with you one of my favourite shows and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Thank you for your continued support.
Jo Buckingham
Jo began her theatrical career as a performer. She has performed in many musicals over the years and has won two Lyrebird Awards for her roles in The Gondoliers and Guys and Dolls, both productions with Babirra Music Theatre. Jo is currently the President of Mountain District Musical Society (MDMS) and has been the Production Manager for their last four productions. These productions include Hot Mikado, Oliver!, Oklahoma! and Jesus Christ Superstar. Jo was also the Production Manager for Whitehorse Music Theatre’s production of RENT last year.
Production Manager Jo Buckingham
Kelly is currently Vice President of MDMS and is coproduction manager of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. She is grateful to be gaining experience in the makings of amateur theatre. With such a dedicated cast and crew, Kelly is excited to add Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, a show with which she was unfamiliar, to her favourites.
Production Manager Kelly Sherman
The mdms committee
President....................................Jo Buckingham Vice President...........................Kelly Sherman Secretary.....................................Trish Guthrie-Jones Treasurer....................................Don Ellis General Committee................Kathryn White General Committee................Adrian Carr General Committee................Laura Morley General Committee................Amy Cumming General Committee................Fiona Palmer
Howdy and welcome to our production of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. I hope your foot tapping shoes are laced and you are looking forward to a night of vibrant dance, exuberant music from the director... and wholesome fun. Seven Brides is a show rarely performed in theatre in Australia, due probably to the perceived heavy leaning on dance. It was first released as a movie in the 1954, the time of the great Musical, starring Jane Powell and Howard Keel and was an unexpected hit at the time. It cost 2.5 million to make, made an additional $4 million in profits and only took 48 days to complete. When many theatre companies are looking to new flashy, contemporary pieces, this old fashioned yarn with somewhat dated social values is often left behind. Nevertheless it is an entertaining and well-crafted piece of theatre.
Adrian Carr
Although Seven Brides is renowned for its exciting choreographed battle of the brothers and the suitors at the social dance, it is a wonderfully uplifting story about the strength of one woman and her influence on a bunch of unruly outcasts. Looking deeper into the story, it is about the civilizing influence of women, demonstrating that a clever woman can domesticate a stubborn man without knowing him. Men are real men and their boldness will prevail just as long as they are gentle and well mannered, and girls want to be won and whirled away. There is social comment within the show that belies its time. This show isn’t a sexist show; it is the opposite. Yes, we see sexist behaviour in the lead characters but the writers do not condone that behaviour. They highlight that ‘this is not the way to treat a lady. They also highlight the importance of tolerance, forgiveness, and that equality, however non-existent at the time, is possible. In our production of “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” I have strived to create a believable world where each person on stage has a defined, honest persona with depth and character. It is hoped that you will connect with these characters, follow their plights and joys as you become emotionally engulfed in the story. As important for me in creating this world, is keeping you in that world for the entire show. I do hope we can do that for you tonight. To some of you, the above may not be as important and let’s face it, when we come to a show like Seven Brides for Seven Brothers we are looking to be entertained. For you there will be a good story, lots of laughs, vibrant dancing and interesting settings and effects. You will see hearts worn on the sleeves of the characters without embarrassment or apology, and we hope you walk out with a smile thinking – ‘that was money well spent’.The cast of Seven Brides have put a huge amount of work and time into tonight’s performance and I thank them for their focus and commitment. What you see on stage is product of a huge team effort and, as you will see from the production team list, there are more people behind the scenes than on stage. All have made a significant contribution to the success of the production. I would like to acknowledge the wonderful contribution of our Choreographer Miranda Brookes, one of the most fun and creative people I have ever worked with and Vicki Barden, a tremendous Musical Director; the very organized and impressive Sophia Anastasiou, our costume designer and coordinator, has pulled together a remarkable wardrobe in the shortest period of time; Garry Barcham, Sam Price and Chris Bennett for their amazing efforts building the set and the” impossible to contact” George Simmons for his magnificent backdrop and scenic artwork. I would especially like to thank our production managers Kelly Sherman and Jo Buckingham for their enthusiasm and hard work, as well my assistant Laura who is always there. Appreciation also goes to Committee members and any others who have helped to ensure the success of the production. As a boy in the 60s and 70s, my passion for theatre was ignited and encouraged by my mother, Lyn, the Founder, Director and Musical Director of three Light Opera Companies, Westernport Light Opera, (now Windmill Theatre), Leongatha Lyric Theatre, and Gladstone Light Opera Society (Queensland). I have many fond memories of painting sets, and being a pain at rehearsals. I would like to dedicate my Music Theatre directorial debut to her.
from the musical director...
Vicki Barden
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is a show best known in its film version. The stage show is not often performed and differs somewhat from the film. The well-known songs “June Bride” and “Spring, Spring, Spring” from the movie are not part of the original stage show and therefore cannot be included due to copyright limitations.It has been a joy to Musically Direct Seven Brides for Seven Brothers for MDMS. We have been blessed with an outstanding group of talented, energetic and enthusiastic cast members who truly bring the story to life through comedy, song and dance, not to mention a few heart felt moments thrown in for good measure! It is always wonderful to work with old friends, and new, and to discover and assist the development of upcoming talent. MDMS’ Seven Brides for Seven Brothers has a diverse cast with varying degrees of experience and it has been a lovely to watch those with more experience assist those who are new to theatre. I am proud to have brought this show to life alongside Adrian Carr and Miranda Brooks. I hope you enjoy the show and the lively story that is Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.
Rowena has been participating and performing in amateur theatre for nearly twenty years, and in that time she has been in a wonderful array of musicals including West Side Story, Beauty and the Beast, Cabaret, Oklahoma and Anything Goes. Since moving to Melbourne from Newcastle in 2009, Rowena has worked with MLOC as Betty Haynes in their production of White Christmas and was a featured dancer and vocalist in ARC Theatre’s production of Hello Dolly. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is Rowena’s absolute favourite MGM musical and it is a privilege and an honour to be part of MDMS’ exciting production.
We welcome Michael back to MDMS for the first time since our production of Brigadoon in 1996 in which he played Tommy Albright. His busy life and growing family have limited Michael’s theatre work in recent times, but over some 30 years he has performed in a wide variety of Stage, Television and Commercial productions. Some of the characters Michael has portrayed over the years include Billy in Carousel (2006), Sky in Guys and Dolls (1997), and the Title Role in The Sentimental Bloke (1996). Michael is delighted to be back performing and to have the opportunity to rekindle some long term friendships here at MDMS.
Adam & Millie
Michael Dyson & Rowena Brown
Mr Bixby, Mrs Bixby & Preacher Peter Levey, Trish Guthrie-Jones & Warren Dorling
Peter made his stage debut in 2005 in Anything Goes (NOVA). His favourite role to date has been playing the delightfully debonair Mr. Smithers in the 2009 production of The Sentimental Bloke (Babirra). Peter has also appeared in a variety of ensemble and minor roles in Carousel (NOVA), Gigi (NOVA), Guys & Dolls (SLAMS), The Merry Widow (Babirra), Calamity Jane (Babirra), Fiddler On The Roof (Babirra), Kismet (Babirra) and Sweet Charity (Babirra). This is his first appearance with MDMS. Peter is happily married with three teenage daughters.
Trish is back on the MDMS stage after a break of some years as she now lives on the Mornington Peninsula. ‘Mrs Bixby’ is not required on stage very much so this has been the perfect role for someone not keen on too much travelling to and from rehearsals! Our current Secretary, Trish been with MDMS over 30 years and has previously played lead and supporting roles with MDMS and many other amateur companies, produced, directed, costumed, designed/painted sets, held positions of Secretary, Ticket Secretary and President, and has thoroughly enjoyed being involved in one of her favourite musicals. She hopes you enjoy the fabulous energy and talent of our great (predominantly young) cast!
Warren’s stage credits include Merry Widow (Njegus), Music Man (Marcellus Washburn), White Horse Inn (Sigismund Smith), Guys & Dolls (Joey Biltmore), Joseph (Reuben), Godspell, Hello Dolly (Cornelius Hackl), HMS Pinafore, and Farndale Macbeth (David Plummer). Theatre companies he has worked with include Fabulous Nobodies, Nova Theatre, Fab Nobs Theatre and West Gippsland Performing Arts Society. Warren has directed a number of productions including, Bye Bye Birdie, The Pajama Game, Calamity Jane and Me & My Girl, the latter two for MDMS. Other MDMS productions include The Pajama Game (Vernon Hines) & Anything Goes (Elisha Whitney).
Benjamin - Timothy Oon
Caleb - Darren Roberts
Having only recently returned music theatre, Tim is very excited to be working with MDMS on Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. He has performed as the Barber in CLOC’s Man of La Mancha, in Jesus Christ Superstar with OSMAD, as well as Stone in City of Angels, and Sky in Guys and Dolls with the Leonardian Players. After graduating from the Victorian College of the Arts, Tim, worked as a dance teacher for a number of years before moving to his current career in IT.
Darren is thrilled to be making his MDMS debut in this fantastic musical and has really enjoyed working alongside such a talented cast and production team. Darren has been involved in the amateur theatre circuit for over ten years working with companies such as Croydon Parish Players, Fab Nobs, Slams, Nova, Players and Babirra Theatre Companies. His favourite roles have been Motel in Babirra’s production of Fiddler on the Roof and Horton the Elephant in Croydon’s production of Suessical. He would like to thank his family, especially his wife Rebecca and daughters Ella and Summer, for their love and support.
Daniel-
Steve Kent
Steve has been treading the boards for many years and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers marks his fifteenth show, and his second with MDMS. In theatrical circles, Steve is renowned for his innate sexiness, which he hopes will be apparent in his portrayal of Dan the Man. He would like to thank Tyler for his continued support and believes that their bro-mance will go down in history as one of the greats. When not performing, Steve’s ambition is to become a world famous florist, but in the meantime he moonlights as a crime-fighting octopus.
The Brothers
Timothy Oon, Darren Roberts, Steve Kent, Tyler Delacretaz, Dan Nixon & Jon Christie
Ephraim - Tyler Delacretaz
Frank - Dan Nixon
This is Tyler’s second production with MDMS and he hopes it will be the second of many. His most recent productions include Hot Mikado (Players), Jesus Christ Superstar (MDMS), West Side Story (ARC), The Wedding Singer (BUSTCO) and Godspell (ARC). He would like to thank the production team for putting up with his eccentricities, his partner Kelly for catching him EVERY social dance, and Ms. White for being patient while waiting for him to write his bio.
Dan is making his return to the stage this year in Seven4Seven, after several years perusing a wide variety of other interests. These include skiing, flying, travel, having adventures, a girl (now his wife), music and generally being creative! Dan has a particular interested in writing and directing theatre and is very excited to be involved in this show! Dan is the director of a not for profit youth organization called Soul Survivor and is completing a Bachelor of Theology. Previous credits include: many school productions, a movie that wasn’t very good, a film clip and fair bit of teaching and performing tap.
Gideon - Jon Christie Jon’s interest in the Performing Arts was established in 2008 when he was cast in the lead role of Finch in Billanook College’s production of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. Throughout his high school career, Jon has enjoyed performing various principal roles in subsequent productions of Jesus Christ Superstar, The Wedding Singer and this year, Grease. Mightily enthused by his first foray into the Amateur Theatre scene, Jon is delighted and honoured to be involved in Mountain District’s Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.
Dorcas - Penn Valk
Penn is pleased to be performing with MDMS once again after having appeared in their production of The Hot Mikado. Penn has appeared in a number of productions over the years including the principal roles of Agatha McAdams (Dimboola, DTC), Madame Thenardier (Les Miserables, OSMAD) and Fruma Sarah (Fiddler on the Roof, Babirra) and most recently as Buttercup (HMS Pinafore, Savoy Opera) as well as ensemble in Into the Woods, Guys and Dolls, Annie Get Your Gun, and as a featured soloist in a number of variety concerts. Penn has also worked as Director for A Property of the Clan (BuSTCo) and as Assistant Direct for Jesus Christ Superstar (OSMAD) and Sweet Charity (Babirra). By day Penn is a primary school teacher.
Riuth - Josie White
Josie trained in various dance styles, including Classical, Contemporary, Russian and Irish, for eight years at the Utassy School of Dance. She has been involved in several MDMS productions; including One for the Girls, Intros and Exits and was a featured dancer in both Oklahoma! and Jesus Christ Superstar. Last year, Josie also rocked a jauntily angled hat in Players’ production of The Hot Mikado. By day, Josie teaches preppies at Christ Our Holy Redeemer.
Liza - Victoria Rendall
Trained as a dancer, Victoria has grown up on stage. She takes her experience from high school musicals and her Bachelor of Contemporary Arts (Drama), trying many different facets of theatre, including directing Footloose (BuSTCo), and choreographing Monret, Footloose (BuSTCo), Me and My Girl (MDMS - Lyrebird nomination) and stage managing Fame (Waterdale Players) and Remember Ronald Ryan (BuSTCo). Recent credits include stage managing The Witches of Eastwick, choreographing And The World Goes Round and sound design for You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown, all for Players Theatre Company. Back on the stage after a seven year hiatus, Seven Brides is one of Victoria’s all-time favourite shows.
The Brides
Penn Valk, Josie White, Victoria Rendall, Kelly Sherman, Mae Collard & Emily Prince
Martha - Kelly Sherman
Kelly is thrilled to be playing her first role in the MDMS production of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. After a short period in production team roles, Kelly is back onstage performing for a company she loves. Previous show credits include: Oliver! (Milkmaid, MDMS) and ensemble roles in Oklahoma! (MDMS) and The Witches of Eastwick (Players Theatre Company). Kelly most recently appeared as part of the Motown group in SLAMS’ production of Skirts. She hopes you enjoy her performance and the show. By day, Kelly is a paediatric nurse at Cabrini Hospital and is currently studying Honours in Nursing.
Sarah - Mae Collard
Mae is thrilled to be playing the role of Sarah in MDMS’s production of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Mae completed her Bachelor of Performance Arts (2007) and Bachelor of Music (2008) at the Monash University Conservatorium of Music. Mae’s recent involvement in theatre has been Music Directing Viewbank College’s Hot Mikado (2010) and Oklahoma (2011). Mae has performed diverse roles in amateur music theatre productions such as Slams Rodgers & Hammerstein Review, Bye Bye Birdie (Ursula), Chicago (Hunyak), Return to the Forbidden Planet (Miranda) and A New Brain (Nancy D,The Nurse). Mae’s most recent professional work includes performing around Melbourne with the “Mae Collard Jazz Duo”. Mae has also enjoyed many years of sharing her love and knowledge of music with her vocal students.
Alice - Emily Prince
Fresh from her highly underrated turn as ‘Black and White Chorus Member’ in Hot Mikado (Players), Emily joins MDMS as the shortestuh, YOUNGEST bride, Alice. Emily’s previous roles include ‘Sarah Palin circa. 1970’ in Cosi (PEP), ‘That Secretary Chick’ in Julius Caesar (Hartwell), and ‘Shrieking Harpy’ in Little Women (Beaumaris), though you may have noted those roles as Justine, Lucius and Belle Moffat respectively. Other productions include Copacabana (Lola), A Midsummer Nights Dream (Hermia), Peter Pan (Peter Pan) and King Lear (Cordelia). Emily loves theatre and wants to be J.K Rowling when she grows up.
seven brides
fo
Cast Adam............................................. Michael Dyson Milly................................................ Rowena Brown Mr Bixby....................................... Peter Levey Mrs Bixby ..................................... Trish Guthrie-Jones Preacher....................................... Warren Dorling Gideon.......................................... Jon Christie Benjamin...................................... Timothy Oon Caleb............................................. Darren Roberts Daniel............................................ Steve Kent Ephraim........................................ Tyler Delacretaz Frank............................................. Dan Nixon Dorcas........................................... Penn Valk Ruth............................................... Josie White Liza................................................. Victoria Rendall Martha.......................................... Kelly Sherman Sarah............................................. Mae Collard Alice............................................... Emily Prince Mrs Perkins.................................. Lyn Alexander Luke............................................... Garry Barcham Matt............................................... Simon Horsburgh Zeke............................................... James Ness Carl................................................. Richard Humphries Jeb.................................................. Max Carr Joel................................................. Chris Rogers Ensemble..................................... Sonia Agjee Ensemble..................................... Laura Carroll Ensemble..................................... Fiona Palmer Ensemble..................................... Kylie Lovell Ensemble..................................... Tim Stapleton Ensemble..................................... John Dagley Ensemble..................................... Rhys Duncan Ensemble..................................... Tamblyn Smith Ensemble..................................... David Sly
Act O
Overt Wonderful Da Bless Yore Bea Wonderf One M Goin’ Co Social D Cut in D Love Never G Sobbin’ W
Act T
Entr’a Suitors L A Woman Ought To Lonesome We Gotta Make It Th We Gotta Make It Throug Spring D A Woman Ought To (Repr Glad That You Love Never Goes Wonderful Da Fina
or
seven brothers Synopsis
One
rture ay - Opening eautiful Hide rful Day Man ourtin’ Dance Dance Goes Away Women
Two
acte Lament To Know Her Place e Polecat hrough The Winter gh The Winter (Reprise) Dance To Know Her Place rise) u Were Born s Away (Reprise) Day (Reprise) ale
Set in Oregon in 1850, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers is the story of Adam Pontipee, the eldest of seven brothers who ventures down the mountain and into town to look for a bride. He finds Millie working in a restaurant and convinces her to marry him. Millie’s marital bliss quickly sours when she finds she must also take care of Adam’s six unkempt and burly younger brothers. Deciding to make the marriage work, Millie sets a plan in motion to marry off the brothers, including teaching them how to court girls in preparation for the town social. At the social, the brothers square off with the suitors of their chosen girls in a rousing challenge dance which ends in a brawl, and the brothers’ banishment from the town. Banished and back at the farm, youngest brother Gideon’s newfound feelings of love lead to a comparison of his, Adam’s and Millie’s view of love. When Adam realises all the brothers are in love, but are totally frustrated by the banishment, he tells them to follow the example in one of Millie’s books: to do ‘like the Romans did with the Sabine Women’ and just take the girls – and a preacher to marry them. The brothers kidnap the girls from the town and escape by causing an avalanche which prevents their pursuers from following. Because they forgot to kidnap the preacher to marry them, an angry Millie bars the men, including Adam, from the house until the Spring thaw when the girls can be taken back to town. Adam refuses to take Millie’s orders and leaves for the trapping. During the winter, brothers and girls long for each other. By Spring, the couples are together and in love. The arrival of Millie’s baby prompts Gideon to go up to the cabin to get Adam to come home. Adam refuses but ponders on his feelings for Mille. When Adam does return, Millie and the couples are singing the baby to sleep. Adam realises that he was wrong and decides to take the girls back to town. The girls overhear Adam’s plan and run to hide; they want to stay with their men. The townsmen appear, misinterpreting the situation between the couples as more sinister than it is. All ends well when the townsmen fulfil everyone’s wishes by forcing the couples to marry in a shotgun wedding. And so, as in all love stories - this time seven love stories everything ends happily.
The Suitors
Garry Barcham, Richard Humphries, Max Carr, Simon Horsburgh, James Ness & Chris Rogers
The Ladies
Lyn Alexander, Sonia Agjee, Fiona Palmer, Laura Carroll & Kylie Lovell
The Gentlemen
John Dagley, Tim Stapleton, Tamblyn Smith, Rhys Duncan & David Sly
Director
Adrian Carr Seven Brides for Seven Brothers marks Adrian’s Debut as director of a Musical. Previously, his directorial experience has been limited to plays including Caravan at the Athenaeum Theatre Lilydale (ATC), Taking Steps (ATC), The Castle (Fab Nobs Theatre), and Fred (The Fabulous Nobodies). He was thrilled to be awarded Lyrebirds for Caravan and The Castle for both direction and production. As a performer Adrian has appeared in many musicals, most recently in Man of La Mancha (Sancho, CLOC); Assassins (Samuel Byck, Williamstown Music Theatre); Fiddler on the Roof (Tevye, Babirra Music Theatre); Oliver (Mr Bumble, MDMS); The Producers (Bialystock, Whitehorse Music Theatre, Vic Music Theatre Guild actors award); Annie (Warbucks, MDMS); Anything Goes (Moonface Martin, MDMS); Guys and Dolls, (Nicely Nicely, Fabulous Nobodies - Lyrebird Award). Plays have included, in recent times, The 39 Steps (ATC); Glengarry Glenross (Heidelberg Theatre); Taking Steps (ATC); Prisoner on 2nd Avenue (Mel, ATC - Lyrebird Award). Adrian will be performing at Heidelberg Theatre Company in The 39 Steps in September. Adrian performs regularly around the traps in his contemporary music duo, The Hustle. Adrian is proud to be working with his son Max on this show.
Musical Director Vicki Barden
Vicki’s highlights as Musical Director include Guys and Dolls, Godspell, The Producers, Give My Regards to Windmill, I’m Perfect I’ll Change You That’s Love, Oklahoma, The Witches of Eastwick (Lyrebird Nomination) and Songs for a New World (Lyrebird Nomination). Vicki has a wide range of experience as a musician, vocalist, singing teacher and conductor of large and small ensembles. Vicki is thrilled to be working with MDMS once again and would like to congratulate the production team, cast and crew involved in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers for their dedication, commitment, energy and enthusiasm in bringing this classic show to life.
Choreographer Miranda Brooks
This marks Miranda’s first production with MDMS, and she is excited and pleased to be apart of such wonderful show as Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Miranda started musical theatre in 2003 as the choreographer for WTC’s ‘Broadway Tribute’, and won her first Lyrebird award for choreography. She also had the opportunity to choreograph WTC’s Hot Mikado in which she was presented with a Guild Award of Excellence. Other memorable performances include performing in WTC’s Sweet Charity, NOVA’s productions of Gigi and Cats, Catchment’s Thoroughly Modern Millie, and choreographing Fab Nobs’ The Wedding Singer. More recently Miranda has had the pleasure of choreographing Players Theatre Company’s 2009 production of The Witches of Eastwick, for which she won her second Lyrebird award, and the ever entertaining 2010 SLAMS performances of ‘Suits’ and ‘Skirts’, for which she also received a Lyrebird nomination. Miranda has trained in a variety of dance techniques for nineteen years and has taught for six of those years. She hopes you enjoy MDMS’ Seven Brides for Seven Brothers; it is a wonderful showcase of some amazing talent, creating a funny and entertaining show.
Lighting Designer Vanessa Burke
Vanessa’s first show was Whitehorse’s much loved production of Beauty and the Beast It was only what can be described as magical and it made her want to work on so many more productions with Whitehorse; A Chorus Line, Producers, Seussical, Aida, Footloose, High School Musical, Anything Goes and RENT. So many amazing friendships and awesome experiences evolved from that first show. Vanessa enjoyed theatre so much that not only did she crew, operate and become a Committee member, she became a Guild Nominated and Lyrebird Award Winning Lighting Designer. After devoting much of her time to various shows including many with Fab Nobs (Zombie Prom, Reefer Madness), Vanessa decided that it was time to take a little break, although that didn’t last too long as she missed all the glory that makes amateur theatre so enjoyable. Vanessa would like to thank my crew for being so supportive and all the MDMS folk for allowing me the opportunity to work with them.
Sophia is a costume designer from London, having graduated from Central Saint Martins in Fashion/Print Design. She worked in New York for a year alongside a Tony award winning Costume designer, Martin Pakledinaz, on Broadway shows. Sophia recently moved to Melbourne where she has been designing for various shows including a French play, Moliere, and a production of Cosi. She particularly enjoy projects that have a strong visual style and powerful sense of story and character! Feel free to browse through Sophia’s website: http://flavors.me/ therighthemisphere.
Costume Designer Sophia Anastasiou
Phillip has been involved in theatre from a very young age. In 2004, he studied Certificate 4 in Live Entertainment (Lighting and Sound) at Box Hill TAFE and shortly after commenced as the Technical Coordinator at the Karralyka Centre where he works with clients all year round to ensure the success of their shows. Phillip has worked with numerous local theatre groups over the years doing many different roles. His skills range across all aspects of behindthe-scenes but he likes to focus on what he knows best, and that is sound. He hopes that you enjoy Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.
Sound Designer Phillip Van Nes
Brad had his first taste of grease paint in 1980 and loved it so much that he never really left. Nearly 30 seasons later, and with a wife who loves theatre too, two young kids with their own needs make getting out and doing a show more difficult. He feels privileged that you have braved the weather to see his only foray for the year but hopes that his, and the entire technical team’s work is so seamless that you completely forget that they were even here.
Stage Manager Brad List
Production Team Production Managers.............................. Jo Buckingham & Kelly Sherman Director......................................................... Adrian Carr Musical Director......................................... Vicki Barden Choreographer.......................................... Miranda Brooks Stage Manager........................................... Brad List Assistant Stage Manager........................ Julia Duke Lighting Design......................................... Vanessa Burke Lighting Designer’s Assistant................ Danny Issko Board Operator......................................... Michelle Bingham Dome Operators........................................ Clare Springett & Jess Cornish Sound Design............................................. Phillip Van Nes Sound Effects.............................................. Justin Stephens Floor Manager........................................... Chris Bennett Costume Design........................................ Sophia Anastasiou Costume Coordination............................ Sophia Anastasiou, Kelly Sherman & Amy Cumming Properties..................................................... Steve Cavell & Fiona Palmer Video Production...................................... David J Quinn Set Design.................................................... Adrian Carr with John Shelbourne Set Construction........................................ Chris Bennett, Sam Price, Garry Barcham, Tim Stapleton, Adrian Carr, Rob Bennett & members of the cast. Scenic Art..................................................... George Simmons, Kelly Sherman & Chris Lloyd Backstage Crew......................................... Sean Pocock, Amy Cumming, Kathryn White, Jo Buckingham, Matthew Wheatland, Chris Lloyd , Bec Alexander & Sioban Earley Publicity........................................................ Jo Buckingham, Kathryn White & Amy Cumming Ticket Secretary.......................................... Laura Morley Rehearsal Pianist........................................ Linda Neate Program Design......................................... Kathryn White Front of House Coodination.................. Trish Guthrie-Jones Front of House........................................... friends of MDMS
Orchestra Conductor.....................Vicki Barden Violin...............................Shelley Bentley Reeds...............................Eve Mcleod Katie Mirabella Rachel Sergi Trumpet..........................Miles Izzo Jason Home Trombone......................Jonty Smith Bass..................................Ashley Shoup Piano...............................Linda Neate Keyboard........................Viv McPherson Percussion......................Kurt Abell
Life Members Heather Dunne, Val Kewish (dec), John Collins, May Cook, Tony Worley (dec), Olive Connell, Trish Guthrie-Jones, Robyn Westwood
Acknowledgements MDMS would like to thank: Babirra Music Theatre NOVA Music Theatre Players Theatre Company Melbourne Theatre Company David Sly Rodney Hird Warren Dodd Sam Price Carter Real Estate The Karralyka Centre Active Lighting Theatre People Rob Bennett Cheryl Threadgold (Melbourne Observer) Joan Krutli (Golden Days Radio) Brian Amos (Eastern FM 98.1) Kevin Yates & Marie Ryan (3INR Radio) Oxley Christian College Lilydale High School Ella Roberts
www.mdms.org.au