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Home , Aida (musical), Marina Prior

PRESENTS UMMTA’s Production of and ’s Book by Music by Originally Directed by ELTON JOHN and ROBERT FALLS & Lyrics by Originally Produced by TIM RICE DISNEY THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS

Assisted by Union House Theatre, The University of Melbourne Theatre Board & MU Student Union Ltd

By arrangement with Hal Leonard Pty Ltd, Exclusive agent for Music Theatre International (NY)

THE UMMTA COMMITTEE

Company Manager – Katie Possingham Publicity & Sponsorship Officer– Nelson

Artistic Director – Ruben Clark General Committee – Chris Dempsey, Treasurer – Tom Fellowes Jenni Rowbottom, Catriona Nguyen-Robertson Communications Officer – Patrick Paevere

Social Events Officer – Chenez Dyer Bray SYNOPSIS

Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida is a contem- With a pop-rock score that features stirring porary musical take on a grand classic tale ballads and rousing choral numbers, Elton John of the timeless bond between an enslaved and Tim Rice’s Aida is larger-than-life in its Nubian princess and an Egyptian soldier. As themes and conflict, displayed through exuber- forbidden love blossoms between them, the ant dancing, staging and singing. young lovers are forced to face death or part forever. Together, they set a shining example of true devotion that ultimately transcends the vast cultural differences between their warring nations, heralding a time of unprecedented peace and prosperity.

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

Why do we always return to tragedies? You tragic destinies. This seems to be what keeps would think that as many times as we’ve heard us coming back to certain legendary tragedies the story of Romeo and Juliet, we’d tire of it. again and again. There is a sense of freedom and However, as each new rendition pours in, it is catharsis in watching people who have nothing apparent that we don’t. Aida is another such to lose lay it all on the line. tragedy, perhaps not as famous as Romeo and Juliet, but familiar enough to question the rele- Depending on your spiritual beliefs, life itself vance of yet another retelling. can also be one enormous tragedy, with each of us hurtling toward inevitable death. I believe There is a speech made by the chorus in Jean art (including !) gives us oppor- Anouilh’s Antigone that addresses this question. tunity to “shout” before our own tragic lives The chorus meditates on the nature of tragedy come to an end. Through art, we are able to and says, “[Tragedy] has nothing to do with shout about everything from haters, fakers, melodrama—with wicked villains, persecuted and heart breakers, to the fragility of humanity maidens, avengers, sudden revelations and elev- and apparently chaotic nature of the universe. I enth-hour repentances…In a tragedy, nothing would like to thank UMMTA and the cast, crew is in doubt and everyone’s destiny is known… and production team of Aida for shouting with There isn’t any hope…and all you can do about . We hope you feel moved to do the same. it is shout…you can get all those things said that you never dared say—or never even knew till then,”. In Aida, we get to see characters “shout” — Grace Agnew their own personal truths as they face their CHENEZ DYER BRAY FINLEY ROBERTS – PRODUCER – – PRODUCTION MANAGER –

Chenez moved to Melbourne just shy of 3 years Fin is studying a Master of Science (majoring in ago after a gap year in the UK. Before that, she Botany), researching the conservation of spe- lived in and Malaysia. She’s currently cies in Kakadu National Park. in her 3rd year at the University of Melbourne studying a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Sociol- This is his first show production managing and ogy and minoring in Law & Justice. second show with UMMTA, the first being where he was Assistant Stage Manager. She has worked as a Stage Manager for UMMTA’s How to Succeed in Business, Kin He has also been involved with shows by Collaborative Inc’s Gaga & Assange (MudFest Queen’s College and ICAC in publicity and season), OCPAC’s Seussical at the Athenaeum stage management roles. He has enjoyed work- (as part of the Melbourne International ing with such a talented cast and production Comedy Festival), and is currently Stage Man- team. ager for OCPAC’s The Addams Family. She has also directed FLW Theatre’s Blasted and Front of House managed UMMTA’s RENT and Our House. She is also Manager for FLW Theatre and Events Officer for UMMTA.

Chenez has loved working on this show because not only does she have the most hard working and dedicated production team and cast, they have also all been fun and excellent to work with. She hopes you enjoy the show as much as she has loved working on it. GRACE AGNEW ANTHONY CARDAMONE – DIRECTOR – – MUSICAL DIRECTOR –

Grace was born in Ballarat, but grew up in Anthony is a recent graduate from the Univer- Moorestown, NJ, USA, and is a dual citizen sity of Melbourne Conservatorium of Music (cheers, Mum and Dad). As a performer, she with a Bachelor of Music (French Horn). He has trained in Philadelphia and New York in regularly plays in orchestras around Mel- programs at New York University, MacGuffin bourne for musical theatre shows. He has Theatre & Film Co., the Prince Music Theatre, been a member of the Australia Music Theatre and the Walnut Street Theatre. US Perfor- Orchestra (AMTO) since their first tour mances include Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Opening in 2013 and will be travelling again late 2014. Act Soloist, Prince Music Theatre, Phila., PA), La Boheme, Puccini’s Edgar (Academy of Vocal Anthony has been an active member of Arts, Phila., PA), and (Little Red; UMMTA since his first Musical Directing job for MoorArts, Moorestown, NJ, USA). In Austra- Curtains in 2011, where he received a Music lia, she has performed in both 2013 and 2014 Theatre Guild of Victoria Award nomination. A seasons of Hair (Tribe/Mom; 2013 Jeanie u/s) committee member, then Company Manager with StageArt. Upcoming performances include for UMMTA, Producer, Production Manager A Super Brady with StageArt, and a and performer for Splendour 2 and 3 and also performance at Hugh Jackman’s Red Ball with Sondheim’s Assassins as Giuseppe Zangara. the 2014 cast of Hair. Last year, she studied music theatre at Centrestage Performing Arts Anthony would like to give a special thank you School’s Showfit course. She is currently a first to the musicians for their time and effort for year acting student at the National Theatre helping him and the rest of the cast and crew Drama School. Aida is her second time direct- make Aida as great as it could be. ing, having previously created a company and produced/directed the musical bare at the Eagle Theatre in Hammonton, NJ, USA in 2010. EMMALEE MEISELS KINLOCH ANSTISS – CHOREOGRAPHER – – ASSISTANT DIRECTOR –

Emmalee graduated from Sandringham College Kinloch studied musical theatre at NASDA with a Certificate II in Dance Performance & (Christchurch, ), graduating in Production (Ausdance), later obtained her 2005 with a Bachelor of Performing Arts. He has Certificate IV in Dance Teaching & Management since performed in a range of roles in various from Dance Institute, before cities and countries. Favourites include Peter in completing a year of full-time Musical Theatre Company (2nd Company, London); Jack Worth- (Dance) training at IPAS. ing in The Importance of Being Earnest (Magic Hat Productions, London); Bitzer Maloney in As a performer, Emmalee has toured with the Hairy Maclary (Tim Bray Productions, Auck- original musical Spirit to the UK & USA and has land); and Nick in Speaking in Tongues (Cairns performed in such events as: AFL Grand Final Little Theatre, Cairns). (MCG), Melbourne-Moomba Waterfest-, The-Australian-Grand-Prix, Candyman – The Kinloch has also directed several 10 minute Musical (Melbourne Arts Centre), The Mel- plays for Short + Sweet Auckland, including the bourne International Comedy Festival, Mon- original musical What Love Can Be. Kinloch sterball (Lady Gaga Tribute), The Cranbourne moved to Melbourne in July this year, and wishes National Rodeo, Melbourne Town Hall, The to thank UMMTA for the warm welcome. Malthouse Theatre, Zinc (Federation Square) and Studio 3/The Palms (Crown Casino)… to name a few, and is a coveted dance teacher in Victoria after working as a dance specialist in Maine, USA.

LIZZIE ENG JOSEPH MILLER – ASSISTANT MUSICAL – ASSISTANT DIRECTOR – CHOREOGRAPHER –

Born in Singapore, Lizzie is a graduate of the Joseph is a graduate of the Victorian College of University of Melbourne, with both a Bachelor the Arts Secondary School, where he studied full of Arts (Honours) and a Graduate Diploma in time dance whilst completing his VCE, receiving Music. the 2013 Lenton Parr Award for Academic Excellence. At VCASS he was privileged to be She has regularly been involved in musicals able to part take in numerous choreographic around Melbourne, including 1938: An Opera seasons, igniting a for choreography. (Keyboard, UHT), How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (Keyboard, UMMTA), As of this year Joseph is studying at the Austra- Third Person (Repetiteur, UHT), Starlight lian Ballet School and hopes to pursue a career (Musical Director/Composer, tROC), and Our in classical ballet, before branching out into House (Assistant Musical Director, UMMTA). other mediums of the industry.

Lizzie feels privileged to have worked with such Joseph was honoured to have been a part of a dedicated cast, crew and band, bringing the Aida and has thoroughly enjoyed watching the story of Aida to life. production come to life, and learning from the talents of the cast. JACKSON TOM HARNWELL FELLOWES STAGE MANAGER SET DESIGN Aida is Jackson’s UMMTA Tom is currently studying a debut and his first time in Bachelor of Science at the the role of Stage Manager University of Melbourne. (wish him luck!). Hailing Although he is from Christ- from Wangaratta, Jackson church, Tom is no stranger spent a large proportion of to musical theatre, immers- his childhood and teenage years in the theatre ing himself in numerous projects, including Set with Wangaratta Players Inc. and the Wang- Design for As You Like It (MUSC) and RENT aratta High School. In 2010 Jackson moved (UMMTA), Set Construction for Our House to Melbourne to pursue a Bachelor of Music and How to Succeed in Business (UMMTA), (Classical Voice) at the Melbourne Conserva- and Stage Crew for Blood Brothers, Shirley torium of Music, the University of Melbourne. Bassey (Manila Street Productions), Busybody Jackson performed in CLOC Musical Theatre’s (Peridot), (OXAGEN). Tom is excited The Phantom of the Opera in 2013 and was the to have the chance to use the Union Theatre Musical Director for OXAGEN Productions’ to its full potential, and can’t wait to show you Fifth Year Anniversary Gala O2 earlier this year. what he has created! In addition to his work in the amateur scene, Jackson works professionally as a singer and is the Associate Conductor for Opera Scholars Australia, working with leading Australian art- BLAKE ists including , Yvonne Kenny CONDON AM, , , Guy Noble, LIGHTING DESIGN and , not to mention the stars A graduate of Knox Gram- of tonight’s show! mar School in Sydney and previous student of the VCA, majoring in lighting NHAN design, Blake has invested many hours into the crafts VIET BUI of dance lighting, TV and film lighting and musical ASSISTANT STAGE theatre itself, performing in a multitude of pro- MANAGER ductions, both on the stage and being a creative Nhan is currently studying a behind the scenes. Aida is in a way a perfect Bachelor of Arts at the Uni- challenge for Blake, as its intense instrumental versity of Melbourne. His moments require the facets of traditional dance previous roles include Pro- lighting, its dramatic changes between time and duction Assistant for Miss Saigon and various place beg the use of intricate Cyclorama effects other stints from stage management to lighting and when mixed with such an incredible set and sound at Melbourne High, and four years design, the lighting aspects fall into their place. as an assistant stage manager at the Victorian Aida has combined all the hardest parts of light- State Schools Spectacular. He has immensely ing design and challenged the design in ways he enjoyed his experience at UMMTA working never thought possible. Blake hopes you enjoy with such a talented group of people. the production. DAVID KELLY AIRLIE BRETT SOUND DESIGN COSTUME DESIGN David discovered UMMTA Hailing from both Canberra early on as a student at and Adelaide, Airlie is a third Melbourne University and year Arts student at the worked on many shows University of Melbourne, while he should have been majoring in Philosophy. She studying (Sweet Charity, has had numerous cos- Into the Woods, The Wed- tume-related roles, including ding Singer, A New Brain, Assassins, Lucky Assistant Director and Head of Costume for Stiff, How to Succeed in Business). He was Grease (UC, 2012), Head of Costume for Foot- also Company Manager and Treasurer on the loose (UC, 2013) and (ICAC, UMMTA committee in 2010 and 2011 respec- 2012), and Costume Designer for Our House tively. During that time, he also worked on (UMMTA, 2014). Whilst a challenge, Airlie has shows with Four Letter Word Theatre, Queen’s enjoyed creating Egyptian costumes for a cul- College and ICAC. For his work on his uni- ture that she has always been fascinated in. versity shows, David was awarded the Robert McDonald award and received a Stage Manage- ment Secondment for his work in Melbourne MICHAEL Theatre Company’s production of Top Girls (2012). While beginning as a Stage Manager, LEAVER Dave has since extended his skills into Lighting HAIR ARTIST and Sound Design. He recently returned from a Aida marks Michael’s National Tour of the children’s musical, Wombat 20th UMMTA credit Stew (Garry Ginivan Attractions). David’s (#ummta4lyf). As a jack- upcoming work includes sound operation on of-all-trades and master of Carrie - The Musical at Chapel Off Chapel, and none, his previous UMMTA touring China as Sound Designer for multiple roles include Assistant Orchestral Concerts. David is beyond grateful Director & Concept Designer for Into the to UMMTA for introducing him to the technical Woods, Costume Design for RENT, Micro- side of theatre, and is excited to be returning phone Tech for The Wedding Singer and Solici- home for Aida. tor/ensemble member for Lucky Stiff. Michael is very excited to again be layering the walls of the Union Theatre with and is even JEMMA more excited for the fact that cornrows will O’CONNOR not be featuring in the show. MAKEUP DESIGN This is Jemma’s first foray into makeup design for theatre, and she couldn’t be more excited. She has enjoyed researching and designing Egyptian makeup, as it is every Makeup Artist’s dream! A particu- lar favourite character to design for Jemma has been Amneris. ANNIE AARON NELSON DONNELLY PUBLICITY VIDEOGRAPHER MANAGER Aaron has recently moved Annie is in her final year of to Melbourne from Ireland a Bachelor of Commerce/ on a work basis. He has Diploma in Languages at the worked on numerous musi- University of Melbourne, cals and concerts with both with a triple-threat major in Marketing, Finance sound and lighting. He also and French. As she often gets stage fright, works as a camera operator, sound recordist Annie prefers to work behind the scenes, with and editor in the TV and film industry, mainly her most notable roles including Producer of working on outside broadcasts. He has gained Our House (UMMTA), Head of Publicity for the majority of his knowledge through work- Metamorphoses (Ormond Drama), Head of ing alongside industry professionals both back Sponsorship for Spring Awakening (Ormond in Ireland and here in Melbourne. In Musical Drama) and a member of the creative team for Theatre Aaron has worked with sound and Peter Pan (Ormond Drama). She has enjoyed lighting for Lés Miserables, , her role working with such a professional pro- Oklahoma and . His favour- duction team and cast, and cannot wait for you ite thing about Aida is meeting new people in a to experience the magic of Aida. new country, and of course making new friends with such good people. BEN FON PRODUCTION CATRIONA PHOTOGRAPHER Through photography, Ben NGUYEN- loves capturing the emo- ROBERTSON tion and artistry of perfor- FRONT-OF-HOUSE mance and documenting the behind-the-scenes magic MANAGER & as a production comes TICKETING together. He seeks to not only capture, but also SECRETARY honour the artistic talent and creative vision of Catriona is a University of Melbourne student, the director, performers and crew of each pro- studying a Bachelor of Science and Japanese. duction. Ben has been the production photog- She has been involved in previous UMMTA rapher for the past three UMMTA productions shows Our House and Lucky Stiff, as well as (RENT, Our House, Aida) and several other performing in LIVE’s and tROC’s Star- productions of which some favourites include light. She is also on the General Committee for The Crucible and Sweeney Todd (Queen’s UMMTA, and is excited to be involved in such a College), Anything Goes! and Little Shop of friendly production. Horrors (ICAC), Melbourne Model the Musi- cal (Crunch), Equus (FLW Theatre), The Dice House (Periscope Productions) and Fish on Europa (Cryptophasia).

SARAH CALSIÑA JOSEPH SPANTI – AIDA – – RADAMES –

A native of the , Sarah grew up in During high school, Joseph was never involved Heidelberg Heights and is currently working in in the musicals offered at Parade College. How- Mental Health with people with brain injuries. ever, in year 12 he decided to audition for Jekyll and Hyde, and loved his experience playing Sir Her previous roles include Reecey in Our Danver Carew. House, ensemble in RENT, How to Succeed in Business, Tommy!, Assassins, Curtains and These days he has enjoyed working with a few The Wedding Singer (UMMTA), Tribe Member different companies, such as Waterdale ( in Hair (StageArt), ensemble in The Wild Party and Witches of Eastwick), SLAMS (RENT) and and Our Lady of the Spa in (FLW The- PEP Productions (Variety High), and thoroughly atre), and Ronnette in Little Shop of Horrors enjoys the thrill of live musical theatre. (OPTC). This is Joseph’s first show with UMMTA, and Whilst she struggles to keep a straight face has loved getting to know the fantastic pro- while acting opposite some of her best friends, duction team and rest of the cast, and hopes she has immensely enjoyed her long-standing you enjoy the show as much they have enjoyed friendship with UMMTA. putting it together. GRACE KINGSFORD ANDREW WHITE – AMNERIS – – ZOSER –

Aida is Grace’s UMMTA debut. Having played roles in Bayside community shows, such as Ariel Andrew is in his second year of a Bachelor of in Footloose, Maureen in RENT and Jeoffrey in Science at the University of Melbourne. Dedi- Godspell, she is thrilled to be welcomed into cated to UMMTA, he has performed as Emmo this magnificent theatre community. in Our House, and as an ensemble member for How to Succeed in Business and RENT. She has also performed To Sir with Love at the Crown Palladium at her high school, St Leon- Even though his character in Aida, Zoser, is con- ard’s College, 100-year centenary event. Her sidered to be all-mighty and powerful, Andrew strongest suit, rather than clothes, is in mar- doesn’t consider himself to be intimidating at keting, as she is currently studying a Masters of all. Advanced Marketing at Monash University. He would like to thank the cast and crew for Grace would like to give a shout out to her creating such an enjoyable experience. gorgeous family and to say a big thank you to everyone who has come to see the show!

PASQUALE BARTALOTTA ELLE RICHARDS – MEREB – – NEHEBKA –

Pasquale completed his VCE in 2009 studying Originally from Darwin, Elle is currently study- drama and receiving Dux in Media Studies. After ing a Master of Arts and Cultural Management. having no previous formal training, Pasquale landed his first role as Sailor Rudy in Cabaret She has previously featured in the ensemble for (BuST CO). Meanwhile, Pasquale continued to UMMTA’s RENT and Four Letter Word’s Wild study a Bachelor of Creative Arts, majoring in Party, and as the Short and Sweet Cabaret Drama at Deakin University. Other roles that Finalist and Season at the Butterfly Club in Can Pasquale has played are Eddie in Jason Robert You Catch Pregnancy (a self-devised cabaret). Brown’s 13 (BuST CO), Duane in Hairspray (SLAMS), Ron Taylor in Bat Boy (PEP), Ensemble Elle has immensely enjoyed her Aida experi- in Aida (MDMS), Joe Marino in The Witches of ence creating such good friendships, and, like Eastwick (Waterdale) and Ernst in Spring Awak- her character, also has a soft spot for her friend ening (Altona City Theatre). Sarah who plays Aida.

Most recently, Pasquale created and performed his highly anticipated, critically acclaimed caba- ret titled Pasquale: The Musical, as part of Fab Nob’s Cabaret Season, Fabaret.

Pasquale is thrilled to be in the cast of Aida for the second time having enjoyed Elton John and Tim Rice’s soul-stirring soundtrack so much the first.

SPENCER HADLOW CHRIS DEMPSEY – AMONASRO – – PHARAOH –

Having previously completed a Bachelor of This is Chris’s fourth production with UMMTA. Professional & Creative Writing, Spencer now He has previously appeared in UMMTA’s How balances full time work, freelance writing and To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, rehearsal. RENT and Our House. He has also performed in productions of Pippin (Pippin), Honk (Ugly), He has previously appeared in several UMMTA Jekyll and Hyde (Jekyll), Into the Woods shows (Curtains, Assassins, Our House) and (Jack), , , Carousel and directed UMMTA’s Lucky Stiff in 2012. Seussical.

Spencer has enjoyed working with the team Chris is currently studying Arts at the Univer- behind Aida and would like to thank them for sity of Melbourne as well as a Diploma of Music allowing him the opportunity and excuse to in Classical Voice, and is one of Regional Arts finally grow a beard. Victoria’s Young Creative Leaders.

His favourite part of Aida has been spending time with the cast and getting the chance to perform this beautiful score. ENSEMBLE

BRIAN ALLEN SASHA Brian is originally from Wodonga. He moved to CHONG Melbourne last year and is Sasha is currently studying studying a major in creative Psychology and Linguistics writing at the University of at the University of Mel- Melbourne. Brian appeared bourne. Her previously in his high school’s produc- roles include ensemble tions of the Wizard of Oz in Our House, Tommy! and Vaudeville a Viva. This is his largest role in (UMMTA), Joseph and the a production and he has really enjoyed learning Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (HOSA), from the production team and other cast mem- Beauty and the Beast, West Side Story (High bers. When Brian is not acting, he enjoys writing School productions), and as Taylor McKessie in and playing sport. He likes being a soldier in High School Musical (Kidz Act). For Sasha, Aida Aida because he gets a sword. has been the most professional-feeling show that she has been in, as she feels that everyone is doing their absolute best to reach their full MARISABEL potential. BONET Born in Puerto Rico, Mari’s performed in Livid Produc- SAMANTHA tion’s Spelling Bee (Rona), COSTANZA in Albury Wodonga The- Originally from New York atre Company’s The Sound (hooray exchange!), Saman- of Music (Sr. Margarita), tha is currently studying You Can’t Stop the Beat Media and Communications. 80s, Creatures, Broadway Unplugged, Strictly Her past roles include Intro- Steamroom (Anya), Miss Saigon (Ivette), and ductions in Vagina Mono- Lipstick Dreams, and in The Other Theatre logues (Boston College), Company’s Midsummer Night’s Dream (Hip- Electric Blues Quartet in Hair (Random Farms polyta). In October, she is set to play the role of Theatre Company) and Silly Girl and Dance Olive in Spelling Bee in Chiltern. As a producer, Captain in Beauty and the Beast (Pleasantville Mari’s worked on Byte Sized Production’s The High School). Coming here as an exchange stu- Little Mermaid. Aida’s given her the opportunity dent, UMMTA has immediately made Samantha to perform in Melbourne, where she’s devel- feel so welcome and at home and has provided oped her stage presence, dancing and acting her with an incredible support group of new under the guidance of its experienced produc- friends. She could not be more thankful for her tion team. Not to mention, Aida has allowed fantastic Aida experience and hopes you enjoy her to become extremely familiar with the the show. trains in Victoria! LAURA DE TAYLEN IONGH FURNESS Laura is a student at the Taylen is a student of the University of Melbourne in University of Melbourne her final year of a Bachelor and is due to graduate in of Arts, with a double major November or, to be more in Ancient World Studies precise, 83 days (not that and Psychology. This is her he’s counting). Whilst having third show with UMMTA, played in a number of pit having previously performed in RENT and orchestras for various shows in the past, Aida How to Succeed in Business, as well as singing marks his debut on-stage performance and, as part of UMMTA’s showcase, Splendour. Her as such, he hopes you will judge him lightly. most recent credits include playing the leading He has enjoyed the whole Aida experience, lady in the debut performance of Mythweaver particularly getting to know the cast and crew and singing showtunes in her shower. Laura has post-rehearsals at The Clyde. As an ensemble enjoyed the opportunity to challenge herself member Taylen plays many different characters as a performer. Her experience as part of this during the show, however he has found playing show has been second to none and she is so the role of the official Egyptian Cartographer grateful to the cast, crew and production team to be particularly enjoyable, as it has allowed for their passion and dedication. him to channel his own love for map-making and Melways-reading. He hopes you enjoy the show, and is more than happy to personally sign HOLLY any maps/atlases post-performance.

DONOGHUE Holly Donoghue is cur- rently in her first year at the ASHER University of Melbourne, HARRINGTON commencing a Bachelor of Asher is currently studying Biomedicine in semester Arts (majoring in writing one, and then transferring because she’s a dreamer!) to a Bachelor of Arts at the and Classical Voice at the start of semester two. This is her first ever University of Melbourne. UMMTA production and she has loved having This is her first show out- the opportunity to work and make friends with side high school, but has so many fantastic and talented people. Holly previously been involved in several productions has performed roles in several high school at Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School, as a chorus productions, including Briggita in The Sound of member in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Helene Music (St Bernard’s and St Columba’s), Ophelia in Sweet Charity and Edith in Picnic at Hanging in Hamlet (Mac.Rob and Melbourne High), Rock. Asher loves the music in Aida, especially Irene Molloy in Hello, Dolly! (Mac.Rob and the contrast between the “toe-tapping fun” Melbourne High), Mary Warren in The Crucible and its “heartbreakingly, raw and beautiful” (Mac.Rob and Melbourne High) and Cinderella moments. She has loved being a part of a show in Into the Woods (Mac.Rob and Melbourne where the cast and crew care so passionately High). about the material and do the justice that it deserves. times on stage have been in the duel roles of LIZZY Farmboy Angie and the dumb but electrifying HOWELLS stripper Electra (Waterdale’s Gypsy) and the Lizzy is from Melbourne, no-clue hollywood film star Lina Lamont (ARC’s currently studying a Bach- Singin’ in the Rain). Ellen would like to thank the elor of Science. This is not A-team and cast for giving this beautiful show her first time working with real life and respect and making the experience UMMTA, previously starring a lot of fun. as Sarah in Our House last semester. Lizzie has enjoyed hanging out with great people and heading to the pub after JAMES rehearsal, and is incredibly passionate about the LOWTHER show. James is a University of Melbourne student, study- ing a Bachelor of Arts. His JASMINE previous roles include Cog- K WA N sworth in Beauty and the Jasmine’s passion for the Beast (Xavier Genazzano stage began at an early age. production), and as an ensemble member in She trained with the Chil- Aladdin, Annie, (Xavier Genaz- dren’s Performing Company zano production) and in Our House (UMMTA). of Australia (CPCA) for Whilst challenging, James love the choreogra- three years, performing phy in Aida and is incredibly excited to see how numerous bi-annual gala shows and toured it turns out for the audience! America with them. With eight years flute, three years voice and 17 years dance train- ing, some of her show credits include: RENT, ELLIE Tommy!, Curtains (UMMTA), Sweet Charity (Babirra), Jesus Christ Superster (OSMaD) and MCEVOY Miss Saigon (Yvette; CLOC). Jasmine is thrilled Ellie is originally from Gee- to be performing in another UMMTA show! long, but is currently study- #ummta4lyf ing Hairdressing to help her progress further within the Hair and Makeup depart- ELLEN LANE ments for Film and Tele- Aida marks Ellen’s tenth vision. She played the Rose Seller in Geelong show in amateur theatre. Lyric Theatre Company’s production of Oliver, She has previously per- Aunty Em in her school production of formed in the ensemble for and ensemble parts in various other shows. Her ARC’s Westside Story and favourite thing about her Aida experience is the Hello Dolly, Waterdale’s loving environment she was welcomed into. For FAME and Annie, and Bab- Ellie, it has been an amazing opportunity to play irra’s Sweet Charity. Ellen a Nubian slave, and be able to research the dra- has played Peaseblossom in Purely Pensive’s A matic differences between our privileged lives Midsummer Nights Dream and Katie and Mrs. and their fight for survival. Fitzhubert in their 2014 production of Picnic at Hanging Rock. Some of Ellen’s most favourite MAIREAD CHLOE RIELY Chloe is currently complet- O’CONNOR ing a Bachelor of Arts at Mairead O’Connor is in her Monash University. Most of first year at the University of her theatre experience was Melbourne, studying a Bach- in high school, namely VCE elor of Arts and a Diploma Drama and Theatre Studies of Music. She was a super and the musical produc- keen musical theatre kid at tions with Genazzano FCJ University High School, starting as an orphan in College and Xavier College. She also attended their production of Oliver! in year seven, and the Victorian Ballet School where she gained working her way up to roles such as Dulcie most of her dance training, as well as musical in The Boy Friend and Yum Yum in The Hot theatre classes at Centrestage Performing Arts Mikado. This is Mairead’s first show at UMMTA School and is a member of Melbourne Univer- and she is super impressed with how quickly sity Choral Society. Chloe has absolutely loved the Aida cast smashed out 6-part harmonies! coming into UMMTA’s Aida after taking a year- She has loved being part of such a dedicated long break from acting. Along with working team and working towards such a great show. with such a wonderful company, she has most enjoyed being able to rediscover a great deal of confidence in herself. Chloe would like to thank NIAMH the wonderful cast, crew and production team O’KEEFFE of Aida for this unbelievable opportunity. With Aida being her second production with UMMTA, Niamh is thrilled to be a PETER TURNER part of such an exciting Peter is a first year Arts stu- show. Having played Kath dent. This is his first show in UMMTA’s first semester with UMMTA, however was production of Our House this year, being a actively involved in theatre part of the ensemble has been a challenging throughout high school. He yet rewarding experience. Niamh has also been has played Nicely-Nicely involved in various other school musicals over Johnson in , the years, including Annie (Duffy), The Music King Alonso in The Tempest, Man, (Mrs Paroo) and Sweeney Todd, again Dr. Rank in A Doll’s House, and a cast member as an ensemble member. Niamh is currently in Medea and To InfiNiddrie and Beyond (all studying a Bachelor of Arts at the University with Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School). of Melbourne. He was also the Co-creator of To InfiNiddrie and Beyond, a comedy sketch show at his high school. Peter would like to give a shout out to Steph Watt for driving him everywhere, while he continues to drive her insane. STEPHANIE LIZZIE WA T T ENG Stephanie is currently study- ing a Bachelor of Arts and KEYBOARD 1 Diploma in Languages at the University of Melbourne. She trained for six years at Cen- trestage Performing Arts School, and is a current student at Vocal Arts Studio. Her previous credits include ensemble PATRICK in Crazy For You (PEGS), Hotel Rwanda (rock eistedford, PEGS) and Romeo and Juliet (rock PAEVERE eistedford, PEGS). Aida is Stephanie’s UMMTA debut, and has been blown away by the talent KEYBOARD 2 and rapport between the cast and crew. Dep. Trevor Jones JAMES WORSNOP BIANCA James is from Melb-town, currently studying a Bach- SOH elor of Science at the Uni- versity of Melbourne. His KEYBOARD 3 previous roles include Vinnie DiRuzzio in Lucky Stiff (UMMTA), Bud Frump in How to Succeed in Business (UMMTA), Angel in RENT (UMMTA), Phil D’Armano in Wild Party (Four Letter Word), and has also performed in UMMTA’s BEN Splendour 3. His favourite part of his Aida expe- PROVEST rience, is of course, Sarah. ELECTRIC GUITAR DUDU YANG Dudu is a first year Bachelor of Arts student, majoring in Art History and Screen Studies. Aida marks her debut onstage performance, OLIVER however is no stranger POWELL to the theatre scene. Last year she assistant directed BASS GUITAR CMG’s musical The Butterfly Lovers, and plays the piano, guitar, flute, and sings of course! Her (not-so) hidden talent is her ability to “pop”. Dudu’s favourite part of Aida is Dance of the Robe, as she finds it incredible moving. Artwork, Graphic KATIE Design and Patrick Paevere CLARKE Programme Additional Blake Condon REED 1 (FLUTES) Photography Stage Manager Jackson Harnwell Asst. Stage Manager Nhan Viet Bui Lighting Operator Blake Condon MADELINE Sound Operator Aaron Donnelly Make-Up Artist Jemma O’Connor ROYCROFT Make-Up Assistant Lyndsay Channon Hair Artist Michael Leaver REED 2 (OBOE AND Dresser and Hair Kristen Mihalos COR ANGLAIS) Assistant Dep. Emma De Boer Head Flyman Adam Grikepelis Fly Operator Alice Pollard JENNIFER Microphone Technician Ashlee Clapp Ryan Turner Stage Assistants BARRY Thomas Fellowes Eric Wu CELLO Tristan Lawrence Clynton Jones Bump-in Crew Eugene Mackinnon Nick Grant Eleanor Toulmin BYRON David Browne GOODWIN

PERCUSSION THANKS

SEAN NEWELL Elisabeth Alexander Mirror Paints and the National The Clyde Hotel, DRUM KIT Gallery of Victoria, Grill’d Carlton, MDMS, VCA, Chookas Ticketing, Queen’s College MADS, The Fellowes family, Stage School Australia, Tristan Lawrence, LSS Productions, Gus, Clynton, Adam, Aluminium Industries, Cam and UHT 19–27 SEPTEMBER 2014 UNION THEATRE