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​A pelican life

a dancer's dream.  Meet Maddie Lochert, choreographer for pelican's chicago - high school edition

12/7/2021

 
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Choreographer and dancer Maddie Lochert has always loved the world of theatre and dance. Her training began at age 5 with Barbara Jayne in all facets of dance such as ballet, jazz and tap. 

When Pelican approached Maddie to choreograph the show classic Chicago - High School Edition, Maddie jumped at the chance. “I think any dancer’s eyes would light up at the words Chicago let alone the opportunity to choreograph in the iconic style of Bob Fosse”, she says. “ I grew up training in Fosse’s style and have loved the Chicago soundtrack for as long as I can remember. I have unashamedly had the songs on repeat since I was asked to join the creative team”. She was even lucky enough to catch the show on Broadway during her travels. 

Maddie is keen to stay true to the original style of the show. Along with fellow creative team, Director Mim Sarre and Music Director Ben Francis, she is focused on creating distinct shapes and movements from the Fosse style that complement the dark and satirical Vaudeville style and dream-like songs in this production.  

Most of all, Maddie has been blown away by this passionate and talented cast - many of whom are those to watch in the world of musical theatre - and is eager to get them in front of a live audience. 

“If you haven’t seen a live production of Chicago before, you simply must come along and see what the fuss is about. And if you have...well, then just like me I know how excited you are to be back in that audience again quoting your favourite lines and watching this Adelaide cast kick a leg!” she says.
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Don't miss Chicago - High School Edition, on stage at the Arts Theatre August 12 - 14. Book your tickets now. 



Maddie is a talented dance teacher, choreographer and performer in Australia and has choreographed and performed in award winning shows such as the recent Playback at the Adelaide Fringe. Maddie has also worked extensively overseas for Norwegian Cruise Lines as a dancer/aerialist and in Paris as part of the Australian tap cast in Euro Disney’s show Mickey’s Christmas Big Band. Currently based in Adelaide, Maddie has a busy schedule teaching and choreographing for dance schools, musicals, corporate shows, choirs and fashion parades. 

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A Chat with ben francis, music director,  chicago - high school edition

17/6/2021

 
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Chicago is what musical theatre should be all about.
Rehearsals for Pelican’s highly anticipated Chicago - High School Edition are underway and we talked to Music Director, Ben Francis about what he loves about the show and his creative vision for the musical direction.

What inspired you to join the creative team of Chicago – High School Edition?
There were a number of factors which made this decision very easy. Firstly, I have been lucky enough to work with Jen, Kylie, Anthea and the rest of the Pelican team on a number of occasions, but most recently as Benny in their 2019 production of ‘In The Heights’. They run a tight ship, and produce stunning, high-calibre productions. Secondly, I jumped at the chance of working alongside Mim Sarre and Maddie Lochert as director and choreographer respectively. They are extraordinary talents in the creative industry, and their vision, passion and innovation are second-to-none. And lastly… who can say no to Chicago?!

Can you share your vision for the musical direction for the show?
One of the main things I love about Chicago is that, over the years, it has established itself as a timeless piece of musical theatre. The premise – that a world of crooked lawyers and a public who craves violence is as dangerous and frightening as the crimes themselves – is as pertinent today as ever. However, these themes are communicated through the musical language of 1920’s vaudeville, with flavours of jazz and ragtime throughout. Indeed, every song in the musical is in the style of a specific vaudeville performer or tradition, anchoring the show in a specific historical moment. So, with that in mind, I am honouring these musical styles whilst injecting colourful bursts of intricate harmonies, which show off the cast and give the show a contemporary edge.

What can audiences expect to love most about this production?
Chicago is what musical theatre should be all about. It’s escapism on the one hand, and a relevant analysis of contemporary society on the other. It’s delicious and it’s cynical; all at the same time! The cast we have assembled are of an extremely high standard, and their passion and energy are what is driving the show. And the music is amazing. You’ll be humming ‘He had it coming’ for weeks after the fact.

Ben is a highly accomplished performer and veteran of the South Australian performing arts scene. He regularly works with companies such as State Opera of South Australia, Independent Theatre, Ding Productions, Adelaide Theatre Academy, Adelaide Youth Theatre, and of course Pelican Productions. Ben is also the lead vocalist and musical arranger of The 60 Four, scaling the falsetto heights of Frankie Valli in venues around Australia in Adelaide’s first-class ‘60s tribute act. Ben is also a Vocal Teacher at Theatre Bugs.

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ISABELLE OPPEDISANO - an accomplished performer

16/1/2021

 
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​An already accomplished performer in musical theatre, Isabelle was convinced by friends to give Music Theatre Camp (MTC) a go.  Four MTC’s later and Isabelle is performing in her final one this January.
 
Isabelle loves the unique format of MTC. “We are given the opportunity to perform multiple roles within the one performance which is not like any other amateur theatre company” she says.
 
Isabelle has loved performing with an amazing group of friends. Her favourite MTC memory is performing a challenging solo song playing the role of  ‘Katherine’ in the well-loved musical Newsies.
 
For those considering doing an MTC show Isabelle advises “don’t be afraid to make mistakes, take on all challenges and opportunities given to you and make strong connections and memories with the amazing talented people working with you”. 
 
Isabelle is currently studying a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and would like to pursue her passion for music theatre in the future.

We wish you all the very best Isabelle. You are an incredible performer and we can't wait to see what you will do in your future performing life!
 
See Isabelle on stage in the Broadway cast of Brand New Day, January 9-17, Anzac Hall, Prince Alfred College Theatre.
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Photo Credits: Accent Photography, Oliver Toth & Jen Frith

katie Olsson - 10 years of fun and friendship

11/1/2021

 
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​Katie always loved drama as a kid but struggled to find a program that she enjoyed. Introduced to Music Theatre Camp (MTC) by a friend, day one she knew she had found the one.
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Ten years later, Katie loves the special friendships that she has made along the way. “You can’t quite describe how special it feels to come back year after year to do what you love with the people that you love, reconnecting as if no time has passed since the previous year. There are friends I’ve made that’ll be in my life forever and I’m so grateful to Pelican for that”, Katie says.
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Katie says one of her favourite memories of MTC, was playing Wendy in Peter Pan when she was eleven years old. “We were put in harnesses and were literally flying for a whole song. That was one of those ‘pinch me’ moments because it felt so magical it was hard to believe it was real”. Katie also loved the 2020 show, performing in Beetlejuice, SIX, Moulin Rouge and Come From Away. “I got to sing the song 'Me and the Sky' in that set which was my first big solo in seniors and it was an honour to tell that story” says Katie.

​“Because I’ve been doing MTC for so long I forget how impressive it is that we learn all the content in one week and then put the show together in the other week, and yet you’d watch the show and think we’d been working on it for months”, Katie says. She encourages anybody thinking of doing a MTC to do it.  “You don’t have to have any prior experience with singing, dancing, or 
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​acting. I had none with all three and still had an amazing time my first year”.

​Katie is really excited to play Persephone this January in Hadestown set and is looking forward to  
“going out with a bang”.
 
As for the future, Katie is hoping to do a course in music production this year at TAFE, and of course continue to perform in amateur shows.
 
Katie your energy and enthusiasm always bring that something special to our shows. We look forward to watching you perform in your last MTC this year and wish you all the very best for your future.
 
See Katie on stage in the Broadway cast of Brand New Day, January 9-17, Anzac Hall, Prince Alfred College Theatre.
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Photo Credits: Accent Photography, Oliver Toth

walter buckley - from mtc to the adelaide fringe

6/1/2021

 
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​Walter loved musical theatre, but until Music Theatre Camp (MTC), he had never performed in one. “I’ve always fondly remembered my first ever morning of camp, it was a vocal session with David Gaucci for Aladdin. The first five-part harmony we sang felt like an “aha moment” and as cliched as it sounds, I haven’t looked back since”, Walter says.
 
Seven camps later and Walter is now approaching his last. He has enjoyed some incredible roles over the years and produced some extraordinary performances.
 
Walter has also enjoyed developing some great friendships. “I believe MTC does a great job straddling the line between great social and networking situations and a professional standard working experience” he says. “Each and every year a big challenge (for myself especially) is being quiet and giving 100% attention on the first day of camp, as everyone is seeing their friends often the first time since last January”.
 
Another more unorthodox camp highlight for Walter every year is the cast group chat. “I feel like it really brings the cast together in a way that sometimes rehearsals and lunchtimes don’t allow for, it gives a chance for some people who don’t necessarily feel as comfortable talking in person in a group setting a better chance to be heard” he says.
 
Walter is premiering his first original musical at the Adelaide Fringe this year - More than a game: The unauthorised footy show musical - for which he has both written the music and lyrics and is also starring in. He met most of his cast at Music Theatre Camp over  the years.
 
Walter we are so proud of the performer you have become and can’t wait to see your original production this year at the Adelaide Fringe. We wish you every success for your promising career ahead.
 
See Walter on stage in the West End cast of Brand New Day, January 9-17, Anzac Hall, Prince Alfred College Theatre.
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Photo Credit: Jen Frith

Zoe waters - A DREAM ROLE FOR HER FINAL SHOW

4/1/2021

 
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Zoe saw her first Pelican production at the age of seven and she knew she had found something she wanted to do. At eight she did her first Music Theatre Camp (MTC) and twelve years later she is just as in love with performing as when she first began.
 
“There is something so exhilarating about putting on show in just under two weeks. I still get amazed at how we do it and it looks incredible on stage” she says. Zoe finds it hard to choose a favourite show because every camp brings something unique and special, giving her the opportunity to grow as a performer and a leader. “I have been given roles I never thought I could do or achieve, and with the help of the fantastic tutors and the support of my peers, I manage to get up on stage and do it every time” Zoe says.  
 
Zoe encourages those considering doing MTC to “just do it – you won’t regret it!” citing the reason she has come back every year for 12 years is because it’s the best thing she’s ever done. “I have also made some lifelong friends here at camp and I always look forward to spending two weeks with them, doing what we love” she says.  
 
Zoe is currently studying drama/music theatre in a teaching degree at Flinders University. She would love to eventually teach music theatre and be involved in amateur theatre shows. Zoe dreams of performing professionally in music theatre, “maybe one day” she says.
 
Approaching her last show, Zoe says it’s strange to think how she used to be in awe of the older seniors, and now she’s doing her final show. “I get quite emotional thinking about this being my last show. I have been here since I was 8, and now I am one of the oldest campers. I am so grateful and excited that for my final show I get to play a dream role of mine, Elsa from FROZEN, and upgrade from belting “Let It Go” in the car, to finally performing it on stage”.
 
We have watched you grow over the last twelve years into an accomplished performer and leader Zoe. We wish you all the best for your bright future in performing arts, both as a teacher and performer.
 
See Zoe on stage in the Broadway cast of Brand New Day, January 9-17, Anzac Hall, Prince Alfred College Theatre.
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Photo Credits: Accent Photography, Oliver Toth

LUCY JOHNSON - a decade of music theatre camp

4/1/2021

 
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​As a young girl, Lucy watched her older sister Emily having the time of her life performing and making lots of friends at Music Theatre Camp (MTC), she couldn’t wait to join in.
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Ten Music Theatre Camps later and Lucy is approaching her final camp this January, having formed incredible bonds with her fellow performers and loving every minute.  “I’ve enjoyed my time performing at MTC immensely and I know I’m going to miss it going forward. I’m honestly not going to know what to do during January next year” Lucy says.
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Her​ favourite memory from MTC thus far, has been to perform her very first solo song last year in the set from Come From Away. “I loved being able to surround myself with the others in my group and felt fully supported onstage for what was a very nerve-wracking moment” she says. Lucy has loved being able to perform songs from a wide range of different musicals as it has allowed her to gather a large repertoire and challenge herself vocally.
There are lots of things that make the MTC experience stand out from other theatre and performing, but Lucy says it is the rehearsal time period in particular that makes it especially 
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unique. “We only have two weeks to put together ​this incredible show, and it builds such strong theatre skills in learning and remembering choreography, lyrics and harmonies in such a short period of time that it is unlike anything else I’ve ever done before”.

Lucy is hoping to study theatre or music in the future, eventually moving into teaching.  “This experience is unparalleled, and if you are considering continuing into the Performing Arts, it will help you develop strong stage skills and networking connections that may help and if not, you will still have a ton of fun and create long-lasting friendships along the way” Lucy says.  
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We have loved seeing what you have brought to the stage each and every year during your time at Music Theatre Camp Lucy.  We hope you enjoy your final camp just as much and can’t wait to see what you will do in the future!

See Lucy on stage in the West End cast of Brand New Day, January 9-17, Anzac Hall, Prince Alfred College Theatre.
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Photo Credits: Accent Photography, Oliver Toth

hannah brown - A 'Step in time'

3/1/2021

 
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Inspired to take part in Music Theatre Camp (MTC) to channel her love of singing, dancing and all things creative, Hannah Brown is looking forward to participating in her last MTC this January
 
“I love how MTC is an action-packed, excitement-filled two weeks where there is a real feeling of teamwork and collaboration leading up to the final shows” Hannah says. “I love the fact that rather than performing a single show, MTC combines some of the best songs from multiple shows. This allows for such an engaging, exciting performance that allows so many of the participants the chance to showcase their skills”.
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Hannah fondly remembers her first MTC in 2014, ‘Ten’ with a line-up including some of the crowd favourites from the previous 10 years that MTC had been running. “I loved this because it included so many of the shows that had sparked my love for theatre in the first place such as such as the Lion King, Wicked and Matilda” says Hannah. It also made her step outside her comfort zone as she I had to learn to how to tap 
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dance over the 2 weeks of camp so she could perform as Mary Poppins in the song ‘Step in Time’. Hannah remembers “It was difficult, but I remember loving the challenge and feeling very accomplished afterwards”.
 
Participating in MTC has also given Hannah an appreciation of how much work goes on behind the scenes when putting on a show. The organisers, the tutors, the costume creators, the backstage volunteers, the sound and lighting team and so many more
 amazing people who come together every January to create this opportunity to perform in a such a high calibre production.  
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Hannah we can’t wait to see your performance this January and have loved having you as part of our Pelican family. We wish you the very best for whatever your future may hold.

See Hannah on stage in the Hollywood cast of Brand New Day, January 9-17, Anzac Hall, Prince Alfred College Theatre.
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Photo Credits: Accent Photography, Oliver Toth

CHELSEA LANCIONE - A PASSION FOR PERFORMANCE

28/12/2020

 
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​Pelican performer Chelsea Lancione took part in her first Music Theatre Camp (MTC) in 2014. She was inspired to get involved because of Pelican’s strong sense of community. “I loved their supportive environment which allowed myself and many others to find a place of belonging. What excites me the most about MTC is not only reuniting with old friends, but also being in a show that is put together in a short time frame that is of a professional standard”, she says.

Brand New Day this coming January will be Chelsea’s sixth and last MTC. 
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Reflecting over the years, Chelsea’s favourite was her first show. Performing as a Mersister in Disney’s Little Mermaid set was particularly memorable as it was the first time she sang as part of a featured ensemble. Since that show, finding the courage to sing by herself confidently has been her biggest challenge. Performing in shows with people who share the same passion for performing as she does and the reward of being able to put all that hard work and energy 
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onto the stage in two weeks has been a particular highlight. “The best performances are those where you have the most fun” she says. “I also love that MTC is a supportive and inclusive environment, where everyone is accepted for who they are”.
 
Chelsea is currently studying a Bachelor of Laws with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in English literature and film studies at the University of Adelaide and intends on performing and being involved in the theatre as a major part of her life in the future.
 
Chelsea thank you for making MTC such a big part of your performing arts journey – we have loved seeing your confidence grow over the years and can’t wait to see what you will do next.
 
See Chelsea onstage in the Hollywood cast of Brand New Day, January 9-17, Anzac Hall, Prince Alfred College Theatre.
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Photo Credits: Accent Photography, Oliver Toth

Tia roger - A NINE YEAR VETERAN

28/12/2020

 
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​Brand New Day
this coming January will be performer Tia Roger’s 9th and last Music Theatre Camp (MTC).  
 
Tia feels like she started her MTC journey so long ago, she can’t remember where she got the confidence to do her first production, however she really values the friendships she has made over the years. “I’ve kept coming back because of the amazing people who are now some of my best friends who I’ve met over the years at MTC!” she says.
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Tia enjoys the challenge of being pushed out of her comfort zone by the tutors throughout the two-week camp. She loves when the different casts come to watch and support each other’s shows. If someone is considering taking part in MTC, Tia says to just “give it a go!”. She also recommends drinking lots of water and get good night’s sleep.
 
Whilst Tia isn’t looking at pursuing a career in the theatre she says she would “love to keep coming back to amateur theatre for fun and help out at pelican whenever I can”.
Tia, we’ve loved having you be a part of Music Theatre Camp for the past nine years. And we look forward to seeing you back at Pelican as a helper very soon!  
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See Tia onstage in the Hollywood cast of Brand New Day, January 9-17, Anzac Hall, Prince Alfred College Theatre.
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Photo Credits: Accent Photography, Oliver Toth
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