BURDEKIN SINGERS & THEATRE COMPANY 9-17 SEPTEMBER Book, music & lyrics by Kevin Murphy & Laurence O’Keefe
is proudly fundraising for CORES Queensland. For more information on the services provided by CORES or to register for free suicide prevention training, visit cores.org.au or phone 0448 894 525.
Westerburg High School student Veronica Sawyer has just one wish this year: make it through her final year of high school free of torment with her best friend Martha Dunnstock. All of this seems in reach when Veronica forms an unlikely alliance with resident mean girls, the Heathers. But after rejecting their evil regime and falling for dark and mysterious newcomer, JD, all seems lost for Veronica - until some untimely (and suspicious) deaths turn the focus away from her and towards making it through the year alive. Based on the classic 1989 film and adapted from the Broadway version for London’s West End, Heathers the Musical features Candy Store, I Say No, Dead Girl Walking and more.
You are not alone - if you ever need someone to talk to, reach out to a loved one. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, phone LifeLine on 13 11 14.
Act One OurNeverYou’reTheDeadBigFreezeFightCandyBeautifulStoreForMeYourBrainFunGirlWalkingMeInsideOfMeWelcomeShutUpAgainLoveIsGod Act Two Dead Gay Son ShineLifeboatShineSeventeenALightALight (Reprise) I Say KindergartenNo Boyfriend Yo MeantGirl To Be Yours Dead Girl Walking (Reprise) I Am SeventeenDamaged(Reprise)
Burdekin Singers & Theatre Company respectfully acknowledge the Bindal and Juru people of the Birri Gubba Nation as the traditional owners of the land on which we live and perform, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and Thisemerging.production
WelcomeWesterbur-dekin!to1989,where
What has always drawn me to Heathers is the delectably sarcastic and well-written adaptation from screen to stage. It beautifully captivates and honours its iconic film moments whilst showcasing the core underlying themes through a killer musical score, which reverberates with every character. Although set in 1989, Heathers brings to the forefront issues which unfortunately are still relevant today. From the complexities of teenage love, discovering your sense of self, understanding relationship toxicity, coercion, bullying, sexuality, mental health including anxiety, depression, suicide, and on a global scale, gun control.
Thank you to Treena and the entire Burdekin Singers’ committee for this opportunity, for showing us the ropes “on the other side” of a show, your reassurance, answering our many questions, and most importantly your faith in us.
everything was still “the bigger, the better!” I grew up in a generation where the cult-classic movie Heathers had already paved the way for a genre of American teen movies – such as Clueless and Mean Girls, and have been a die-hard fan of the musical adaptation for many years now.
To our incredibly talented triple-threat cast. Firstly, what a number you did on us in auditions, with every cast member able to have easily played any principal role! I am always taken aback by the calibre of talent in North Queensland, and we’re so excited to have a blended cast of new and old members. We cannot thank you enough for trusting us and portraying so beautifully the complexity of your characters without hesitation. Your commitment to rehearsals, and always wanting to do that bit more. If anything, directing you has been one of our easiest jobs of all. Thank you for being such beautiful people both on and off the stage.
To our entire production team and additional troupes, I have been blown away by your generosity, commitment and devotion to this show. Nothing was ever off limits or too hard. We cannot thank you enough for saying yes and making this show what it is. You are all inspiring people to have worked with.
Hey Yo
To our “Heather Nathan” who really is the glue that has held us all (especially Amaia and I) together. Thank you for being our ultimate unofficial Heather and right-hand man, daily support and source of laughter, professionalism, and most importantly your friendship. Lastly, to my partner-in-crime, Amaia. Thank you for asking me to take this crazy ride with you, I have loved every minute. From our daily communications over the past several months at all hours of the day workshopping ideas and learning so much together. It’s laughable how many times we’ve had the same idea at the same time, with our new motto being “we have the same brain!” You’re a powerhouse and pocket rocket both on and off the stage, and truly an inspirational woman to work with. Here’s to the start of hopefully many more adventures to Oncome.behalf of us all here at Westerburg High and the class of 1989, we hope you have “big fun” watching the show, “freeze your brain” on a slushie, and feel “beautiful” in your scrunchies.
Now, they say it takes a village for many things in life – and directing and pulling together a musical and theatre restaurant is most certainly on that list! I can still remember when Amaia messaged me last year: “Hey can you give me a call after rehearsals, I’ve got a proposition for you.” So began this whirlwind adventure of directing debut together, with the guidance of our life-long theatre mentor Pat Nuttall. We cannot thank Pat enough for her trust in us in directing this musical and with all she has taught us.
As the musical writers said, “it’s savagely, blisteringly funny and uncomfortably truthful.” What I find most appealing is the way positive language is repeatedly used to encapsulate the characters, giving audience members permission to explore and discuss these dark and sometimes confronting moments. It highlights that at the end the of the day, we are all humans, capable of love, change and being our true selves in the Thatworld.is why we couldn’t think of a more appropriate cause to support than CORES Queensland - a not-for-profit community organisation which aims to help eliminate suicide. We’re proudly supporting CORES and wanted this to be our main focus for our season - to help start conversations, support those in need to know they are not alone, and to give back to our local community. Any donation, big or small, is greatly appreciated.
Teenage suicide, sexual assault, school shootings, depression, anxiety, love, toxic relationshipsissues that are still just as prevalent today as they were when the movie was released. What makes this musical worth producing, beyond the excellent score and witty satire, is the redemption and growth of the main character, Veronica. Through Veronica’s efforts to right the wrongs that she’s perpetuated throughout the story, we see that our very flawed world is worthy of change.
Pat Directors’NuttallMentor
Heathers movie was released I wasn’t even born! The thought of directing this show was extremely daunting, so I am incredibly grateful the incredible Jasmin Delle Baite was more than willing to plunge into chaos with me, guided by our mentor Pat Nuttall. Upon closer examination of the script, it became clear that the world of Heathers was not so different from the world we live in today.
The production team would like to sincerely thankPat Nuttall for her mentorship and guidancethroughout Heathers rehearsals and productions,and the wider Burdekin Singers & Theatre Companyfamily for believing in us, our cast, and this show.We hope we’ve done you proud.
Amaia
CORES is a community-based program which educates members of local communities on how to intervene when they encounter a person they believe may be suicidal or capable of self-harm. If the teachers, students and parents of the Westerburg school community had access to this program, no doubt the story would be different. We felt it was critical to bring awareness to this important foundation, and by doing so, ensure that Westerburg’s narrative is not repeated.
Dear Whendiary,theoriginal
CORES empowers communities to watch out for each other and Heathers is the result of what happens when we don’t. Audiences will find that the word ‘beautiful’ is repeated many times throughout the show, used both sarcastically and aspirationally. Ultimately, the word is used to bring home the musical’s message - we all have worth, we are all worthy of change, and we are all loved.
DirectorJasminVocalDirectorLicciardelloDirectorDelleBaite
Amaia Licciardello
Amaia has always been a part of the Burdekin Singers family as both a performer in many Junior and Senior productions and, more recently, has enjoyed vocal directing recent Senior productions. When the opportunity for an adult theatre restaurant arose, Amaia jumped at the chance to be involved! She has missed performing and can’t wait to be back on stage. After playing Belle in Burdekin Singers & Theatre Company’s Beauty and the Beast and as alternate Audrey in North Queensland Opera and Musical Theatre’s Little Shop of Horrors, Amaia is excited by the challenge of Veronica - a complex character who represents most teenagers, torn between doing what’s ‘cool’ and what’s right. (The fact that her sister is playing Veronica’s enemy is also an added bonus).
Amaia feels that the show highlights the need for important foundations like CORES, and hopes audiences recognise this as well.
Mark has been performing since age seven, including roles in high school productions in Townsville and Sydney. After completing a Certificate IV of Music Theatre at TAFE NSW, Mark featured in a semi-professional production of The Wiz at Sydney’s Seymour Centre. Moving back to Townsville, Mark found Townsville’s expansive theatre scene by performing in a variety of shows such as Mary Poppins, Annie and We Will Rock You, and became a Music Theatre regular while finding success in principal roles in RENT, Little Shop of Horrors, Les Mis, Cats and most recently as Bob Gaudio in NQOMT’s Jersey Boys.
Mark Whittaker
Since COVID-19, Mark has performed as a professional wrestler, performing monthly with Queensland Wresting Alliance. Most recently Mark was heavily involved in NAFA performing in Hella Nervous’s Midnight Carnivale, while putting together his own show with JC & The Tropics. Mark is excited and terrified to tackle the complex character of JD and hopes to bring it justice in his first outing with the Burdekin Singers family.
Olivia began performing in 2009 and has performed in 19 Burdekin Singers senior and junior productions since, including Annie, Cats, Wicked and Phantom of the Opera. Olivia recently played Ali in Mamma Mia, and is super excited to share the stage again with her best friends. Sharing the role of Belle with her sister Amaia in Singers’ 2020 production of Beauty and the Beast, Olivia is excited to swap out her tiara for that red scrunchie and go head-to-head with her older sister as Heather Chandler and Veronica. Being a regular performer in Takes Two, a major fundraising event for CORES, Olivia is excited to once again be raising money for this great organisation.
Julia has been involved with Burdekin Singers since 2009 both on and off stage. She has performed in 20 shows and choreographed for many years, and is looking forward to being on stage with this amazing cast. Julia is excited to bring the ditsy, vulnerable, head cheerleader Heather McNamara to life and has enjoyed exploring her character. Despite its comedic overtone, Julia hopes that the audience members can see the underlying themes in Heather’s and understand how important and lucky we are to have CORES, run by Ross Romeo, in the Burdekin. Julia is ready to hop on her Lifeboat and catch a gnarly wave to bring this entertaining show to audiences and deliver an important message to everyone.
Olivia Licciardello
Molly Casey Julia Nosworthy
Molly first fell in love with musical theatre during her first Burdekin Singers production of Suessical at age eight. Over the years she has been involved in 13 senior and junior productions including Cats, The Addams Family, Phantom of the Opera, Chicago, Wicked, and this year’s February production of Mamma Mia where she played the role of Sophie. Molly is looking forward to taking on the role of the bold, cold-hearted Heather Duke alongside her best friends. Molly is passionate about CORES, helping those in and around our community and hopes audience members give back to this important organisation.
Back row: Eliza ‘Aretha’ Worlein and Riley ‘Pitbull’ Nosworthy.
Westerburdekin Class of 2022
Second row: Sian ‘Sammy’ Reardon, Damian ‘Steve’ Torrisi, Laura ‘Gina’ Scuderi and Mikka ‘Dawn’ Ewens.
Front row: Paige ‘Martha’ Thomas, Julia ‘Mac’ Nosworthy, Molly ‘Duke’ Casey, Olivia ‘Chandler’ Licciardello and Amaia ‘Veronica’ Licciardello.
Back row: Faith ‘Beyonce’ Taylor and Lauren ‘Christina’ Raitelli.
Front row: Mark ‘JD’ Whittaker, Mitchell ‘Kurt’ Pearce, Roark ‘Ram’ Newman, Jessica ‘Fleming’ Meisenhelter and Ronnie ‘Ripper’ Williams.
Second row: Maddy ‘Freedom’ Arboit, Gracie ‘Chrissy’ Hosie, Anna ‘Janet’ Wallace and Thom ‘Gowan’ Pickersgill.
Mitchell has been performing since the age of five and has been with the Burdekin singers since 2015. He has previously appeared as Sky in Mamma Mia and Bert in Mary Poppins as well as various other shows such as Wicked, Chicago and Beauty and the Beast. A long stint of his time with the Burdekin Singers was also spent doing junior shows in the Lighthouse, which makes this production even more exciting, coming back to performing here. Mitchell is loving rehearsals with the cast and can’t wait for the Burdekin to see the show. He can’t wait to take on the role of Kurt Kelly the Quarterback and make sure everybody loves to hate him!
Roark Newman Fresh from Broadway (audience member), Roark comes from a very musical family. Roark notes that he can play guitar, drums and piano, and has always loved being a part of musicals. From being a starving orphan in Oliver! to a sugar-loaded Oompa Loompa in Charlie And The Chocolate Factory. Straight out of an American holiday, his Australian High School friends AKA “The Boys” have noted a sudden change in his North Queensland accent so Heathers being set in Sherwood, Ohio won’t be a very difficult task for him. Please put your hands together for Roark’s Burdekin Singers debut!
Mitchell Pearce
Jessica Meisenhelter
Paige Thomas
Jess first joined the Burdekin Singers in 2013 as part of the ensemble for Jesus Christ Superstar. Since then she has played lead roles including Judy in The Boy from Oz, Carlotta in The Phantom of the Opera and Madame De La Grande Bouche in Beauty and the Beast. Other shows Jess has been involved in include The Addams Family, Wicked, and multiple appearances in the annual Takes Two CORES fundraiser. Jess also sings as a Soprano for Attori. She is looking forward to bringing the role of the ageing hippie with a flair for self promotion, Ms Fleming to life.
The first time Paige knew she wanted to do musical theatre was when she saw The Lion King on stage in Melbourne. From then on, she knew that that was what she wanted to do with her life. Paige been singing since she could talk and has been taking vocal lessons for seven years. Paige has performed in a total of five shows, however Martha is her first lead role outside of school. Paige is so excited to bring her interpretation of this amazing character to the stage. Martha is so incredibly happy and loveable and she is such a fun character. She is truly a dream role of Paige, and Heathers has always been a show she has wanted to be in. Paige could not be more grateful for this opportunity and hopes you enjoy the show.
Ronnie Williams Ronnie has been a member of the Burdekin Singers since he was a child. Having been a very vocal advocate for edgier, less ‘safe’ musicals, naturally Ronnie was very excited to hear about Heathers being staged in the Burdekin. There is so much variety and talent in this young cast and Ronnie says he is priveleged to be a part of it. Although the three roles he plays are not overly large there are in no way any small personalities in Westerburg and he is sure that many will love this show and leave still wanting more...
Thom has been an active member of Burdekin Singers for many years. He has had a number of roles in Burdekin productions, including The Boy from Oz, Chicago, Wicked, The Vicar of Dibley, Beauty and the Beast, and Mary Poppins. Thom is also involved with many other areas of Singers including Takes Two, the junior shows, as well as assisting with the Debutante Balls. He is excited to be a part of this hilariously dark show that showcases so much talent. Thom would like to thank you all for coming and supporting the wonderful work of CORES, a great Burdekin initiative that is changing lives not only for now but for the future.
Thom Pickersgill
Most likely tojoin a cult Anna ‘Janet Ian’ Wallace Most likely to support Mariah on tour Most likely to still listen to casettes Laura ‘Gina’ Scuderi Most likely to take a boogie board to Bali Damian ‘Stoner Steve’ Torrisi Most likely to alwaysneed daddy’s money Mikka ‘Dawn Hawke’ Ewens Most likely to release her own brand of perfume Faith ‘Beyonce’ Taylor Most likely to take a gap year to ‘find herself’ Gracie ‘Chrissy Wilson’ Hosie Most likely to hire a personal assistant Eliza ‘Aretha’ Worlein Most likely to do aBritney and go bald Riley ‘Pitbull’ Nosworthy Most likely to have too much fun on band camp Sian ‘Sammy Olsen’ ReardonLauren ‘Christina’ Raitelli Most likely to chainherself to a tree Maddy ‘Freedom Love’ Arboit
Directors Jasmin Delle Baite & Amaia Licciardello, mentored by Pat Nuttall Vocal Directors Amaia Licciardello & Gabby Fischer Choreographers Melissa Land & Steph Ryder Set Design & Realisation Simone Young & Pat Nuttall Costume Realisation Nelly Nosworthy & Pat Nuttall Props Master Rachel Webber Production Manager Nathan Toll Committee Representatives Jim Nuttall & Corinna Polga Sound & Lighting Design David Luscombe, James Fahey & Bradley McAllister Microphone Technicians Rachel Webber, Kristy Raitelli, Lauren Raitelli & Eliza Worlein Props Assistant Ellie-Mae Wellington Lighting Operator Kelsey Rye Spotlight Operator Brendan Kolb Bar Coordinator Corinna Polga Set Construction Lawrence Polga The production team would like to sincerely thank the many people and organisations who donated their own time and resources or went out of their way to make this performance possible and assist the Burdekin Singers & Theatre Company in fundraising for CORES Queensland. Our immense thanks goes to: Burdekin Shire Council, Butterfly Blue, Catherine Duffy, Dal Santo’s Deli, David Guy, Eathornes Sportspower, Explore Property, Ferguson Plumbing, Get Slushed Slushie Hire, Home and Style, L’Shu, Marty Pearce, Nel’s Skin and Beauty, Perform Music Studios, Stephen Keryk, Townsville Choral Society, Vintage Rose Event Hire and the Young family.
Burdekin Singers & Theatre Company’s Production of Book, Music and Lyrics by Lionel Bart Licensed exclusively by Music Theatre International (Australasia). All performance materials supplied by Hal Leonard Australia. 14-30 October 2022 The Lighthouse, Ayr COMING TO T E BURDEKIN T EATRE FEBRUARY 2023. FO O BURDEKIN SINGERS FOR PERFORMANCE DATES AND AUDITION DETAI S. Committee President: Treena List Vice President: Bradley McAllister Treasurer: Jim Nuttall Secretary: Corinna Polga Life Members: H G Smith, K Thomas, B Eale, E Squire, I Male, P Nuttall, L Butterworth, C Polga & J Patrons:Nuttall. W Edwards, A Swinton, H Irving, E Quartermaine, H G Smith, T List, J Woods & L Butterworth. Recent Productions 2022: Mamma Mia! 2021: Mary Poppins 2020: Beauty and the Beast 2019: Wicked 2018: Chicago 2017: The Phantom of the Opera 2016: The Addams Family 2015: The Boy From Oz 2014: Jesus Christ Superstar 2013: Cats 2012: Grease 2011: Seussical 2010: Annie 2009: Big River
