23–26 Sep
COMMUNITY CHOIR: THE MUSICAL CHEEP TRILL | EMMA DEAN
Every choir has its secrets.
Musical Theatre
Community Choir: The Musical is a heartwarming and hilarious original show inspired by the real people and stories of Brisbane’s Cheep Trill choir community. When a quirky local choir is unexpectedly invited to compete in a prestigious national choral competition, excitement soon gives way to drama, rivalries and self-doubt. With the help of a mysterious and flamboyant ‘Spirit of the Song’, hidden truths are revealed as the choir learns the importance of connection, courage and belonging. Featuring catchy original music, laughter and plenty of heart, this second season includes new staging and a brand-new song. Proudly performed by local community members, 95% of the cast are non-professional performers.
DURATION 90min
Accessibility Auslan Interpreted & Audio Described Performance Fri 25 Sep, 6:30pm
CONTENT WARNING
Haze machine, smoke machine, sound pressure effects.
Writer’s Note
The idea to write a show about a community group started when I was 18 years old and was in a community mandolin orchestra with my Dad. Even back then, I remember thinking how fascinating the dynamics were in the group and wondered if it could be the premise for a show! Fast forward 20 years and I’m now the conductor of a community choir! In this role, I’ve met the most phenomenal people, each with a story to tell about why they joined our choir. These are the stories that inspired the loveable characters in our show. In our second season, I have again witnessed the most profound transformations as the cast grappled with the challenges and nerves that come from being in a full scale musical. And then the magical moment when those nerves turn into fizzy excitement.
Belinda Raisin’s reimagined Season 2 vision has far exceeded anything I could have possibly dreamt up. It has been one of the greatest joys of my life to collaborate with her. Deepest gratitude to our Creative Team, Brisbane Festival, La Boite, and our talented and hardworking volunteers. Special thank yous to the loves of my life — Lucas, Tilda and Otis for your belief in me and my wild dreams. As we near show time, the realisation of what we have achieved (again) comes into focus. A project of gargantuan proportions, full of heart, challenges, triumph, and spirit fingers. A true celebration of what it means to be part of something “bigger than you, bigger than me”.
EMMA DEAN WRITER
The team Creative team Writer, Composer, Producer, Choral Arranger and Choir Conductor
Emma Dean
Director and Choreographer
Belinda Raisin
Music Director, Music Producer, Choir Conductor and Vocal Coach
Tony Dean
Producer
Cheep Trill Ltd
Producer
Corinne Buzianczuk
Assistant Producer and Vocal Coach
Molly Keen
Assistant Choreographer
Laura Purcell
Lighting Designer
Teegan Kranenburg
Assistant Director
Lucinda Isbel
Conductor Mentee
Kaeley Allen
Band Drummer (MD)
Tony Dean
Keyboard
Richard Thayil
Bass
Tom Collins
Acknowledgement of Country Lyrics
Michelle Roberts
Music
Emma Dean and Michelle Roberts
Performed by
Michelle Roberts
Production Crew Production Manager
Cameron Goerg (Brisbane Festival)
Stage Manager
Julie Rawlins
Sound Designer and Operator
Steve Thornely
Credits Hero Image
Barbara Lowing
All songs written by Emma Dean with the exception of: Song 1, 2 and 10 co-written with Belinda Raisin Song 4 co-written with Benjamin Stewart
Northside Brisbane Cast Spirit of the Song
Lucy Sweeney
Judith
Deb Marychurch
Johnno
John Catania
Pete
James Casey
Harriet
Liz Chenoweth
Tizzy
Freya Hillier
Suze
Luana Peach
Amala
Laura Anderson
Connie
Jaspa Woolford-Clark
Fake Bernard
Laura Purcell
Bernard Dubois
Belinda Raisin
Herself
Emma Dean
Northside Brisbane Choir Cast Alex Daunt, Amelia Harris (mic’d choir & dancer), Amy Minett (mic’d choir), Anet Page, Angela Bardon, Annie Caulfield (mic’d choir & dancer), Bec Roelofs, Bec Murphy (mic’d choir), Carmen Chan (mic’d choir), Cathy Cusack, Deborah Davis, Dee Hudson, Ella Craig, Emma Hearn, Erina Tibaldi, Helen Geale, Imelda Potton, Jacqui Jordan, Jane Wiltshire, Janene Stack, Jenny Wild (dancer), Jo Purcell (dancer), Joanna Roxburgh (dancer), Karen Stewart, Karla Gabriel (dancer), Katie Emmert, Kerrie Coleman, Kirsten Hentschel (dancer), Laura Purcell (Fake Bernard Dubois, mic’d choir & dancer), Lauren Balmer, Lauren Martin, Lauren Panetta, Lauren Kippin, Linda Newman, Linda Aldridge, Livia Tamanini, Liz Bremer, Lorien Grimmer, Louise Harvey, Luiza Dobrzanski, Makyah Halverson, Mara Samojenko, Margaret Hogan, Maria Lindholm (dancer), Mckenzie Briggs, Michael Wyper (mic’d choir & dancer), Mika Masuda, Nick Daunt, Nicole Lynam (mic’d choir), Odette Pagan, Olivia Dean-Jones, Patrick Crompton, Pip Amery, Simone Mackinder, Tay Foy, Tiffiny Battistuzzi (dancer), Trish Lindeman, Valerie Raisin, Victoria Newton
Southside Brisbane Cast Spirit of the Song
Anita Clements
Judith
Angela Armstrong
Johnno
Richard French
Pete
Christopher Sims
Harriet
Bridget French
Tizzy
Kate Davies
Suze
Shelley Klaric
Amala
Gerri Bernard
Connie
Aimee Wilson
Fake Bernard
Cat Matson
Bernard Dubois
Belinda Raisin
Herself
Emma Dean
Southside Brisbane Choir Cast Annie Byers, Ashlee Briggs (mic’d choir & dancer), Aysha Furlong (dancer), Beate Beames, Belinda McInnes, Beth Holland, Cary Brown, Carys Moroney, Cat Matson (Fake Bernard Dubois & mic’d choir), Cheryl Healy, Colin Gregory, David Allen, David Reed, Diana Bell (mic’d choir), Donna Shorey, Donna Kavanagh, Erin Viles (dancer), Gemma Fillman (dancer), Geoff Wilson (mic’d choir), Geraldine Soalheira, Grace Allen, Helen Madsen, Jane Oliver, Jasmine Ofaolain (dancer), Jessica Madden, Joe Lane, Karen Taylor, Kate O’Brien, Kate Watkins (dancer), Katrina Puhakka, Kim Doussin (mic’d choir), Lara Hues, Lesley Oakes (dancer), Lisel Robbins, Marisa Farthing, Meg Quinn, Meg Richards, Mel Packer (dancer), Michael Wyper (dancer), Michelle Roberts (mic’d choir), Michelle Ebzery (mic’d choir), Natalie Marsden (mic’d choir), Nicola Gardner (dancer), Nicole Riley, Paula Leigh, Priscilla Setiawan, Sarah Millar, Sarah Brady, Sarah Holmes (dancer), Shirley Hicks, Steph Ghamgosar (dancer), Tania Macmillan, Tina Lissette, Zoë Cotton (dancer)
About the Artists Cheep Trill Cheep Trill provide joyful, inclusive, expertly led choir and singing experiences for adults seeking connection, growth and fun! We are here to help you find your creative outlet and community. @cheeptrillmusic cheeptrill.com
Cheep Trill Team Bios Emma Dean
Writer, Composer, Producer, Choral Arranger and Choir Conductor Emma Dean is an internationally acclaimed musician, performer, writer, composer, arranger, creativity coach, and selfconfessed choir nerd, based in Meanjin/ Brisbane, Australia. With a passion for the magical place where music meets storytelling, she has released over ten independent EPs, albums, and soundtracks, starred in productions like Cabaret and The Tempest, and toured her original shows around the world, from Off-Broadway to the Edinburgh Fringe.
Belinda Raisin
Director and Choreographer Belinda Raisin has had a diverse career in the Performing Arts, both onstage and behind the scenes. She also currently teaches Drama at Brisbane Girls Grammar School and is responsible for raising two daughters and a puppy. Her comedy cabaret, Confessions of a Control Freak, toured nationally, receiving rave reviews and standing ovations. Belinda is a passionate advocate for the Arts and she is delighted to be working with the Cheep Trill creative team and community again to reimagine Community Choir: The Musical at La Boite for Brisbane Festival.
Emma’s work spans television — composing for the Emmy Award-winning Bluey — to creating choral arrangements for John Farnham, Kate Ceberano, and Katie Noonan. Though her most rewarding work to date, is as the conductor of Cheep Trill community choir and a State Artistic Lead for Upbeat Arts, where she champions the joy and transformative power of group singing.
Tony Dean
Music Director, Music Producer, Choir Conductor and Vocal Coach Tony Dean is the owner of Tiny Dream Studios, a recording and teaching studio based in Meanjin/Brisbane. With a deep passion for music, Tony has produced, mixed and mastered multiple albums for various artists including Emma Dean’s 2022 album Shape Of A Girl and contributing to the music featured in the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Corinne Buzianczuk Producer
Corinne Buzianczuk has spent more than two decades leading large and complex projects that require exceptional coordination of people, partnerships, funding and resources. Whether in corporate environments or community arts settings, she is known for turning ambitious ideas into successful outcomes. As the Operations Manager of Cheep Trill, Corinne is dedicated to creating life changing opportunities for everyday adults to step beyond their comfort zones, create connection and a sense of belonging, and experience the joy of being part of something bigger.
Molly Keen
Assistant Producer and Vocal Coach Molly Keen is a vocalist, choir conductor, producer, songwriter and arranger. In 2023, Molly graduated from the Queensland Conservatorium of Music Griffith University with a Bachelor of Music with Distinction, majoring in Popular Music Voice. Molly is passionate about the joy & connection music brings, and is thrilled to be a part of Community Choir: The Musical again in 2026.
Laura Purcell
Lucinda Isbel
Laura has been on the stage since the age of 4, either as a dancer, musician or more recently, a health research professional. Laura loves getting involved with her communities to create music and art with others. She grew up learning jazz and tap at her local dance school, has trained in Bollywood dancing, and now dabbles in choral-ography. She fiddles her way around the Australian folk music scene including organising for Woodford Folk Festival. Laura’s passion for community extends beyond music, through her research career in public health where she works towards accessible and inclusive healthcare for all.
Lucinda Isbel is an emerging musicaltheatre performer with strong foundations in dancing, singing, and acting. Credits include Chicago (Ensemble, Hunyak U/S, Dance Captain) and Page to Stage (Featured Performer) with QCD (2025), The Good Room’s I’ve Been Meaning to Ask You for Brisbane Festival (2018), and Queensland Ballet’s The Nutcracker (2015– 2016). Her passion and discipline bring a loving commitment to the performing arts. After performing at The Empire Theatre Toowoomba this March in & Juliet (Ensemble, Featured Dancer) and Millennial Productions The Addams Family (Ensemble, Featured Dancer), Lucinda is thrilled to return to Cheep Trill and assist the second season of Community Choir: The Musical.
Assistant Choreographer
Rehearsal Assistant
Acknowledgements
We are overwhelmed with gratitude for everyone who has played a part in bringing this project back to life for a second year! Thank you to Brisbane Festival for their incredible support and partnership in helping us present this work, and to La Boite Theatre for giving our show a home. To our talented volunteers — we couldn’t have done it without your passion, support and love. To our generous donors — thank you for believing in our vision and in the impact we strive to make within our local community. To our family and friends, thank you for giving us the space, time, and unwavering support to create. And lastly, to our courageous, brilliant, hard-working, talented cast and choir. The show is yours. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for bringing this dream back to life. Community Choir: The Musical is funded and supported by the Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety. Presented by Brisbane Festival and Cheep Trill. This project is supported through the Giving Program by Shaun and Suzanne Kenny.
brisbanefestival.com.au