Title: Dare to Dream Jr. Presented By: Loic Valmy Broadway Academy Genre: Youth Musical Revue Synopsis: Dare to Dream Jr. is a 60-minute musical revue that follows an eager group of trainees on their first day at a fictional Walt Disney Imagineering Studio. As they help each other discover their dreams, they explore how imagination can unite, inspire, and make anything possible. Featuring songs from The Princess and the Frog, Coco, Encanto, Frozen II and more, this dazzling revue blends contemporary hits, timeless classics, and brand-new medleys into a theatrical celebration of Disney magic. Audition Dates: Wednesday 3 September & Saturday 6 September 2025 Audition Location and Address: Loic Valmy Broadway Academy, 127 Sandgate Rd, Albion QLD 4030 Audition Requirements: Ages 7–18 Prepare to sing, dance, and act as part of a short workshop audition No prior experience necessary Wear comfortable movement clothing and closed shoes Bring water bottle and any audition materials provided after registration Audition Registration: Register Here Performance Dates: Friday 26 September 2025 – 5:00pm & 7:00pm Performance Location: Hope Centre Theatre, Bowen Hills QLD Rehearsal Dates & Location: Monday 22 – Friday 26 September 2025, 9:00am–4:00pm daily Rehearsals at Alchemy Studios, 127 Sandgate Rd, Albion QLD Participation Fee: Early Bird: $395 (limited to first 10 bookings) Standard: $420 Includes full rehearsal week, professional theatre experience, light dinner on show day Optional Extras: Cast T-shirt $40, Photo/Video package $40, Souvenir Program $10 Warnings: Family friendly Performer Age: 7–18 years Production Website: LVBA Holiday Workshop Other Information: Maximum 50 participants – expected to sell out early Costumes and meals (except light dinner on performance day) not provided

Title: Spring Remixed – Double Bill: Fame and Mean Girls Presented By: Fame Performing Arts Genre: Youth Musical Theatre Synopsis: Spring into your next show with Spring Remixed — an original Fame Performing Arts production featuring hit songs from Fame and Mean Girls. Over five high-energy days, senior performers will sharpen their singing, acting, and dancing skills, working with industry professionals to deliver an unforgettable end-of-week showcase. Audition Date: Saturday 6 September 2025 at 11am - 1pm Audition Location and Address: Fame Studios, Bowen Hills QLD Audition Requirements: Ages 13–18 (at time of workshop) Lead role auditions held on audition day Ensemble participation does not require audition but attendance is encouraged All audition materials provided on the day Audition Registration: Register Here Performance Date: Friday 3 October 2025 (in-studio showcase) Rehearsal/Workshop Dates: Monday 29 September – Friday 3 October 2025, 9:00am–3:00pm Performance and Rehearsal Location: Fame Studios, Bowen Hills QLD Participation Fee: $495 (includes audition day, costumes, and pizza party) Warnings: Family friendly Performer Age: 13–18 years Production Website: Fame Performing Arts

Title: Charlie & the Chocolate Factory Presented By: Fame Performing Arts Genre: Youth Musical Theatre Synopsis: This could be your golden ticket! Join Fame Performing Arts this spring school holidays for an original stage adaptation of Charlie & the Chocolate Factory. Over five days, young performers will develop their singing, acting, and dancing skills while bringing Roald Dahl’s magical world to life, complete with Oompa-Loompas, golden tickets, and pure imagination. Audition Date: Saturday 6 September 2025 at 9am-11am Audition Location and Address: Fame Studios, Bowen Hills QLD Audition Requirements: Ages 6–13 (at time of workshop) Lead role auditions held on audition day Ensemble participation does not require audition but attendance is encouraged All audition materials provided on the day Audition Registration: Register Here Performance Date: Friday 26 September 2025 (in-studio showcase) Rehearsal/Workshop Dates: Monday 22 – Friday 26 September 2025, 9:00am–3:00pm Performance and Rehearsal Location: Fame Studios, Bowen Hills QLD Participation Fee: $495 (includes audition day, costumes, and pizza party) Optional after-hours supervision 3:00–5:00pm: $10/day Warnings: Family friendly Performer Age: 6–13 years Production Website: Fame Performing Arts

Title: Frozen Jr. Presented By: BG Performing Arts Genre: Youth Musical Theatre Synopsis: Based on the hit Disney film, Frozen Jr. tells the story of sisters Anna and Elsa as they discover the meaning of true love and acceptance. When Elsa’s magical powers plunge Arendelle into an eternal winter, Anna embarks on a dangerous journey alongside Kristoff, Sven, and Olaf to save the kingdom. Packed with beloved songs including Let It Go, Do You Want to Build a Snowman?, and For the First Time in Forever, this magical musical celebrates the bond of sisterhood, courage, and self-discovery. Audition Date: Sunday 31 August 2025 Audition Time: 12:30pm–5:30pm Audition Location and Address: BGPA Bowen Hills Studio, 12 Jamieson Street, Bowen Hills QLD 4006 Audition Self-Tape Due: If unable to attend, email info@bgperformingarts.com for video submission instructions. Audition Requirements: Ages 13–18 (must be at least 13 by performance date) Required for lead, minor role, featured dancer, or soloist consideration (ensemble roles do not require audition but attendance is encouraged) All music, dance, and acting components taught on the day; materials sent via Dropbox after registration Bring lyrics/monologues, water, snacks (no nuts), sweat towel, and appropriate footwear Wear comfortable movement clothes and enclosed shoes (jazz shoes recommended) Audition Registration: Click Here to Register Audition Pack: Download Here Performance Dates: Saturday 4 October 2025 – 2:30pm & 7:30pm Performance Location: Everton Park SHS Performing Arts Centre, 668 Stafford Rd, Everton Park QLD 4053 Rehearsal Dates & Locations: Mon 29 Sept – Thu 2 Oct: 9:00am–5:00pm, BGPA Bowen Hills Studio Fri 3 Oct: 9:00am–8:30pm, Everton Park SHS Sat 4 Oct (Performance Day): 10:00am–9:30pm, Everton Park SHS Participation Fee: $395 (covers rights, royalties, insurances, staff, set, props, venue hire) Costume hire fee may apply Warnings: Family friendly Performer Age: 13–18 years old Creative Team: Director & Choreographer - Bella Gordon Musical Director - Kate Baxter Production Website: BGPA Audition Info Available Roles / Character Breakdown: Anna – spirited princess of Arendelle (portrayed by Young, Middle, and Adult Anna) Elsa – magical princess and later queen (portrayed by Young, Middle, and Adult Elsa) King Agnarr & Queen Iduna – caring rulers and parents Pabbie & Bulda – mystical leaders of the Hidden Folk Bishop – officiates Elsa’s coronation Kristoff – rugged ice harvester Sven – Kristoff’s loyal reindeer friend Hans – charming but ambitious prince Weselton – officious duke from a neighbouring kingdom Olaf – lovable magical snowman Oaken – cheerful shop owner and advocate for hygge Ensemble – townspeople, snow chorus, hidden folk, castle staff, summer chorus, Oaken’s family, guards

Title: Abigail’s Party Presented By: Spotlight Theatrical Company Genre: Comedy of Manners Synopsis: It’s the 1970s: a time of cheese-and-pineapple sticks, paisley prints, and Demis Roussos. Beverly and her husband Laurence are hosting a drinks party for their new neighbours, Tony and Angela, along with divorced neighbour Susan — whose teenage daughter, Abigail, is holding a party of her own nearby. As drinks flow and tensions rise, Beverly flirts, Laurence sulks, and bickering escalates into drunken dancing. The night ends in a way no one expects. Mike Leigh’s Abigail’s Party is a biting satire of British middle-class aspirations — hilarious, cringe-worthy, and unexpectedly moving. Audition Date: Sunday 17 August 2025 Audition Time: 11:00am Audition Location and Address: Spotlight Studios, 4/50 Johnston Street, Southport QLD Audition Requirements: All roles open; no pre-casting British accents required (Essex/London for four roles; Queen’s English for Sue) Read audition pack and sides before attending Ages listed are suggestions — actors welcome to audition for older/younger roles if suitable Email completed application form prior to auditions to dawn.china@bigpond.com Bring printed audition form on the day Audition Pack: Download Here Audition Registration Form: Download Here Audition Sides: View Here Performance Dates: Thu 20 Nov 2025 – 7:30pm (Preview) Fri 21 Nov – 7:30pm Sat 22 Nov – 7:30pm Sun 23 Nov – 2:00pm Thu 27 Nov – 7:30pm Fri 28 Nov – 7:30pm Sat 29 Nov – 7:30pm Sun 30 Nov – 2:00pm Thu 4 Dec – 7:30pm Fri 5 Dec – 7:30pm (TBC) Sat 6 Dec – 7:30pm(Bump-out: Sun 7 Dec) Performance Location: Halpin Auditorium, Spotlight Theatre, Southport QLD Rehearsal Dates: Mondays & Wednesdays, 7:00pm Sundays, 10:00am Read-through: Wed 20 Aug 2025 First rehearsal: Sun 24 Aug 2025 Warnings: Adult themes, smoking/drinking depicted on stage Creative Team: Playwright: Mike Leigh Director: Dawn China Production Website: spotlighttheatre.com.au/audition-status.shtml Available Roles / Character Breakdown: Beverley Moss – Female, ~35; glamorous, overbearing hostess with “sophisticated” tastes, masking vulnerability. Essex/London accent. Laurence Moss – Male, ~35; Beverley’s uptight estate agent husband, often at odds with her. Essex/London accent. Tony Cooper – Male, ~35; former pro footballer, terse and aggressive, especially with his wife. Essex/London accent. Angela Cooper – Female, ~35; Tony’s childlike, tactless nurse wife, unexpectedly practical. Essex/London accent. Susan Lawson – Female, 45–50; reserved, conventional, middle-class neighbour, mother of Abigail. Queen’s English.

Title: Boeing Boeing Presented By: Tugun Theatre Company Genre: Comedy / Farce Synopsis:This 1960s French farce, written by Marc Camoletti and translated by Beverley Cross and Francis Evans, follows Parisian bachelor Bernard, who juggles three airline fiancées — Italian, German, and American — each with frequent “layovers.” By carefully managing their flight schedules, he ensures the women never meet… until unexpected changes bring all three to his apartment at the same time. With rapid-fire dialogue, mistaken identities, and physical comedy, Boeing Boeing whisks audiences back to the swinging ‘60s in a cheeky, high-energy romp. Audition Date: Sunday 10 August 2025 Audition Time: 6:30pm Audition Location and Address: Tugun Village Community Centre, 414 Coolangatta Rd, Tugun QLD Audition Requirements: Must be able to attempt required accents for the role(s) (French, English, American, Italian, German) Visit tuguntheatre.org/audition to apply and access 40 pages of the script, character notes, and audition pieces Audition Registration: Register Here Performance Dates: Fri 7, 14, 21, 28 Nov – 7:30pm Sat 8, 15, 22 Nov – 2:00pm & 7:30pm Thu 27 Nov – 7:30pm Sat 29 Nov – 7:30pm Performance Location: Tugun Village Community Centre, Tugun QLD Rehearsal Dates: Mondays & Thursdays, 7:00pm start (finishing 9:30–10:00pm) at Tugun Village Community Centre Warnings: Contains kissing and some 1960s-era lingerie costumes (handled with comfort and respect) Creative Team: Writer: Marc Camoletti Translators: Beverley Cross & Francis Evans Director: Nathan Schulz Production Website: tuguntheatre.org Available Roles / Character Breakdown: The Men Bernard – Male, 30s–40s; Parisian bachelor, charming yet sly (French accent) Robert – Male, 30s–40s; shy, small-town friend of Bernard (French or English accent) The Help Bertha – Female, 40s–60s; Bernard’s sarcastic, long-suffering housekeeper (English accent) The Hostesses (All aged 25–35) Gloria – American; clever, confident, outspoken (American accent) Gabriella – Italian; lively, smart, independent (Italian accent; 1960s lingerie required) Gretchen – German; passionate, intense yet lovable (German accent; kissing & 1960s lingerie required)

Title: Alice in Wonderland Presented By: Outdoor Theatre Community Genre: Fantasy / Dark Reimagining Synopsis: Step through the looking glass into a darker, reimagined Wonderland. Opening on Halloween, this outdoor theatre adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s classic tale is packed with beloved characters — the Mad Hatter, White Rabbit, Cheshire Cat, and more — but with a mysterious twist. Join Alice on a strange and shadowy adventure where the whimsy is tinged with danger, and nothing is quite as it seems. Audition Date: Saturday 23 August 2025 Audition Time: 9:00am – 11:00am Audition Location and Address: Dragonfly Park, Warner QLD Audition Requirements: Prepare a monologue that captures the personality of the character(s) you are auditioning for Open to all performers interested in outdoor, immersive theatre Multiple roles available; actors may audition for more than one character Bring water and dress for movement outdoors Audition Registration: Register Here Performance Dates: Fri 31 Oct 2025 – 7:30pm Sat 1 Nov 2025 – 7:30pm Sun 2 Nov 2025 – 6:30pm Fri 7 Nov 2025 – 7:30pm Sat 8 Nov 2025 – 7:30pm Sun 9 Nov 2025 – 6:30pm Performance Location: Dragonfly Park, Warner QLD Rehearsal Dates: Mondays & Tuesdays, 7:00–9:00pm Note: Tuesday rehearsals will move to Wednesdays in the second half of September Possible Sunday rehearsals, 1:00–4:00pm Warnings: Outdoor performance – weather dependent Production Contact: Email: otc.generalenquiry@gmail.com Phone: 0423 588 833 Available Roles: Lewis Carroll Alice Red Queen White Queen White Rabbit Humpty Dumpty Gryphon Mock Turtle Mad Hatter March Hare Dormouse Frog Footman Duchess Cheshire Cat King of Hearts Queen of Hearts Knave of Hearts Caterpillar Two of Spades Five of Spades Seven of Spades

Title: Rock of Stages Presented By: KSP Theatre Inc. Genre: Musical Revue / Rock Concert Theatre Synopsis: To end the year, KSP Theatre is bringing the ultimate rock sensation to the stage! Rock of Stages is a powerhouse production packed with iconic hits across every rock genre — from classic rock and heavy rock to pop rock and even country rock. Expect high energy, powerful vocals, dynamic choreography, and a full-throttle celebration of rock music. Audition Date: Tuesday 12 August 2025 Audition Time: 7:30pm Audition Location: KSP Theatre, 1-17 Maitland Rd, Burpengary QLD Audition Requirements: Open to performers aged 16+ Prepare 1 verse and 1 chorus of a rock song of your choice (all rock genres welcome) Bluetooth connection available in the theatre for backing tracks Dance audition required — choreography will range from simple to advanced, with choreographers assessing movement ability Audition Registration: Register Here Performance Dates: Fri 7 Nov 2025 – 7:30pm Sat 8 Nov 2025 – 7:30pm Sun 9 Nov 2025 – 2:30pm Fri 14 Nov 2025 – 7:30pm Sat 15 Nov 2025 – 7:30pm (Additional performances possible) Performance Location: KSP Theatre, Burpengary Rehearsal Dates: Tuesday nights Thursday nights Sunday afternoons Warnings: May include loud music and strobe lighting Performer Age: 16+ Creative Team: Director/Producer: Janelle Kerr Choreographers: Chantelle Currie & Alarna Harris Technical Co-Ordinator: Russell Jensen Production Website / Contact: Email ksptheatreinc@gmail.com Other Information: All cast members must be willing to commit to scheduled rehearsals and become financial members of KSP Theatre.

Title: One Man, Two Guvnors Presented By: Javeenbah Theatre Company Genre: Comedy / Farce Synopsis: Francis Henshall is fired from his skiffle band and winds up in Brighton, working for small-time East End hood Roscoe Crabbe – or so he thinks. Roscoe is actually Rachel Crabbe, disguised as her own dead twin brother, killed by her boyfriend, Stanley Stubbers. To complicate matters, Francis also takes a job with Stanley – without either knowing about the other. Based on Carlo Goldoni’s classic The Servant of Two Masters and adapted by Richard Bean, this fast-paced, chaotic farce is a wild ride of mistaken identities, dodgy disguises, slapstick physical comedy, and even a bit of audience participation. It’s part farce, part love story, part clowning – and all ridiculous fun. Audition Date: Saturday 9 August 2025 Audition Time: 11:00am (approx. 1.5 hours) Audition Location and Address: Javeenbah Theatre, 166 Gooding Drive, Merrimac QLD 4226 Audition Requirements: Group audition including theatre games and cold reads from the script No prepared monologue required – sides will be provided on the day Wear comfortable clothing and be prepared to move Audition Registration: Register Here Audition Pack: Download Audition Pack Performance Dates: Sat 29 Nov – 7:30pm Sun 30 Nov – 2:00pm Fri 5 Dec – 7:30pm Sat 6 Dec – 7:30pm Sun 7 Dec – 2:00pm Fri 12 Dec – 7:30pm Sat 13 Dec – 7:30pm Performance Location: Javeenbah Theatre, Merrimac QLD Rehearsal Dates: Based on cast availability – schedule to be confirmed after casting Warnings: Contains physical comedy and slapstick Creative Team: Director: Mikayla Maree Melo Production Website: www.javeenbah.org.au/auditions Available Roles / Character Breakdown: Francis Henshall – Male presenting, 18–30; perpetually hungry, chaotic, charmingly idiotic Rachel Crabbe – Female presenting, 18–30; tough, smart, disguised as her dead gangster twin Stanley Stubbers – Male presenting, 18–30; posh, dim-witted, upper-class twit in hiding Charlie “The Duck” Clench – Male presenting, 40–60; ex-gangster father, gruff but soft-hearted Pauline Clench – Female presenting, 18–30; sweet, dim, hopelessly in love Alan Dangle – Male presenting, 18–30; melodramatic aspiring actor Harry Dangle – Male presenting, 40–60; pompous lawyer, slick talker Dolly – Female presenting, 18–50; sharp, straight-talking bookkeeper Gareth – Male presenting, 30–60; sardonic, deadpan head waiter Alfie – Male presenting, 18–60; ancient, accident-prone waiter, physical comedy role

Title: & Juliet Presented By: Beenleigh Theatre Group Genre: Jukebox Musical / Romantic Comedy Synopsis: From the Emmy-winning writer of Schitt’s Creek, & Juliet flips the script on the greatest love story ever told. What if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? This vibrant reimagining follows Juliet as she ditches her famous ending for a new beginning – her way – travelling to Paris with her friends, discovering love, friendship, and self-empowerment along the way. Packed with pop anthems from legendary songwriter Max Martin – including Since U Been Gone, Roar, Baby One More Time, Larger Than Life, That’s The Way It Is, and Can’t Stop the Feeling! – this feel-good, high-energy musical proves there’s life after Romeo, and the only tragedy is missing it. Audition Date: Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 August 2025 Audition Time: 9:00am - 5:00pm Audition Location and Address: Crete Street Theatre, Crete Street, Beenleigh QLD 4207 Audition Requirements: Must be 18+ at the time of audition All auditionees must attend a Dance Call (Movers or Advanced) and an Individual Vocal & Acting Audition Bring a headshot (non-returnable) Prepare: Dance Call: Movers – choreography focusing on rhythm & character Advanced – more complex choreography, may include partnering Vocal: Two excerpts (~1 minute each) in the style of the show (not from & Juliet), with backing track on your own device (bring adaptors as needed) Acting: Side reads for your chosen role (download from audition pack; physical copies provided on the day) A neutral accent is preferred (except for Lance, who requires a French accent) All auditions will be filmed Audition Registration: Register via TryBooking Audition Pack: Download Audition Pack Audition Sides: Download Sides Performance Dates: Friday 28 November, 5 & 12 December 2025 – 7:30pm Saturday 29 November, 6 & 13 December 2025 – 2:00pm & 7:30pm Sunday 14 December 2025 – Bump Out Performance Location: Crete Street Theatre, Beenleigh QLD Rehearsal Dates: September & November – Mondays & Wednesdays, 7:00–10:00pm October – Mondays & Thursdays, 7:00–10:00pm Sundays – 10:00am–4:00pm Warnings: Some roles include stage kissing Performer Age: 18+ Creative Team: Director & Choreographer: Tayla Simpson Vocal Director & AMD: Jade Enright Musical Director: Steven Days Assistant Choreographer: Clara Hutton Production Website: Beenleigh Theatre Group Auditions Other Information: BTG strongly encourages applications from performers of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities, with specific commitment to authentic casting for characters identified in the script as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, or living with disability. Available Roles / Character Breakdown: Juliet Capulet – Female, 20s, Mezzo-Soprano with strong belt (A3–E5) William Shakespeare – Male, 30s, Tenor/Baritenor (G3–G4) Anne Hathaway – Female, 30s–40s, Mezzo-Soprano (A3–D5) May – Non-Binary, 20s, Tenor (A3–D5) Francois Du Bois – Male, 20s–30s, Tenor (C3–G4) Angelique – Female, 40s–50s, Mezzo-Soprano/Alto (G3–C5) Lance Du Bois – Male, 40s–50s, Baritone (G3–E4), requires French accent Romeo Montague – Male, 20s, Tenor (D3–A4) Dance & General Ensemble – Various featured roles

It’s not every weekend you walk into a theatre and find the audience already sparkling back at you before the curtain rises. Sequins, flares, and platform boots filled the aisles before Thank You For the Music: The ABBA Show  even began, and by the finale half the audience was on their feet — because honestly, it felt criminal to sit still! Paterson Productions has been delivering this glitter-soaked ABBA tribute for several years now, quickly cementing itself as a must-see event on Brisbane’s theatrical calendar. Though it’s been running annually, this was my first time catching it live and I left wondering how I’d managed to miss it before! Samantha Paterson (creator, MD, and powerhouse vocalist herself) and director/choreographer/wardrobe wizard Maureen Bowra gathered an all-star team for this year’s production: six phenomenal singers, four jaw-dropping dancers, and a live band that felt every bit as integral to the spectacle as the cast. The result? Two and a half hours of ABBA at full throttle, with pyrotechnics, disco balls, fog machines, glittery costumes, kaleidoscopic lights, and above all, joy! Paterson opened the show with the title number ' Thank You For the Music,' rolling straight into 'Take a Chance' and 'Super Trouper.' The dancers burst on like a glitter cannon, and the harmonies hit full force. Early on, the vocals sat a touch too loud against the band, but that was quickly ironed out, and from there it was hit after hit after hit! The choreography gave the dancers plenty of space to shine: Sunny J, Jaya Fisher-Smith, Chloe Kiloh, and Jennifer B Ashley were an unstoppable force. Jaya’s moves dropped my jaw more than once, Jen’s megawatt smile lit up the stage, and those sparkly fans in ' Chiquitita' added to the disco dream. I gasped when ' As Good As New' popped up as a dance break — finally, justice for one of ABBA’s most underrated gems! The boys couldn’t resist a cheeky, hip-thrusting 'Rock Me,' which had the crowd in stitches, and 'Hasta Mañana ' was delivered with warmth like a lullaby. Even 'Bang-A-Boomerang' made an appearance! Vocally, this cast was stacked, with every singer boasting a star moment: Finlay Underwood  was cheeky and magnetic, leading a hilariously flirty 'Does Your Mother Know' and later melting hearts in ' Fernando' with Paterson (who glowed like Glinda in the pink fog). Laura Greenhalgh  shone in ' I Have a Dream,' her eyes sparkling as I found myself singing my own harmonies from my seat. Sam Caruana  showed off his golden tenor in 'Chiquitita,' soaring above lush harmonies, and his duet 'S.O.S' with Laura was a highlight of the evening. Madeleine Ford  paired beautifully with Caruana on ' Knowing Me, Knowing You' (one of my all-time ABBA favourites!) and they nailed the bittersweet ache. Simon Chamberlain  was pure dynamite on 'Ring Ring' and 'Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!,' his energy making me feel truly “young and sweet, only seventeen.” And of course, Samantha Paterson  herself floored us with a heart-rending ' The Winner Takes It All,' holding centre stage in a single, devastating spotlight while backed by beautiful offstage harmonies. The group harmonies were strongest when the singers could stay still or when offstage reinforcement was used — handheld mics and high-energy choreography occasionally made blend tricky. But with voices this strong, it hardly mattered. Each performer could lead a show on their own, and together they created wall-to-wall ABBA ecstasy. The finale was a glitter bomb of 'Voulez-Vous,' 'Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!,' 'Waterloo,' and 'Dancing Queen,' complete with kaleidoscopic lighting and the cast in full sparkly-jumpsuit glory. By then, the line between stage and audience had blurred as the performers were dancing in the aisles with us, and honestly, I wish I’d been up there too! This production was pure escapism; the kind of show where you leave hoarse from singing along and grinning ear to ear. As I floated out into the night, I couldn’t help compiling my “requests for next year” list: Andante, Andante, I Wonder, Don’t Shut Me Down, Kisses of Fire, Angel Eyes, When I Kissed the Teacher.... A reviewer can dream, right? If you missed Thank You For the Music  this year, keep your eyes peeled — it seems to be an annual treat. And in the meantime, Paterson Productions already has us counting down to their next glitter-filled adventure: Priscilla, Queen of the Desert . Judging by the glamour, stamina, and heart of this company, it’s bound to be spectacular. Tickets to Priscilla here Created & MD: Samantha Paterson Director, Choreographer & Wardrobe: Maureen Bowra Band Leader & Keys 1: Mark Mirhan (with eight musicians) Lighting: Tom Dodds Sound: Josh Cathcart Wardrobe: Lachlan Hall Photography: Stageshots and By Brit Creative Venue: Twelfth Night Theatre

Some shows entertain, and some leave a mark. Parade  did both. In just two and a half hours, Bump In Productions  delivered gut-punching storytelling, soaring vocals, and unflinching honesty. It was my first encounter with Jason Robert Brown’s Tony Award-winning masterpiece, and I left the theatre utterly floored. For those unfamiliar, Parade  is not your usual feel-good, dance-till-curtain musical (despite its misleading title). Set in Georgia, USA in 1913, it recounts the true and tragic story of Leo Frank, a Jewish factory superintendent who found himself accused of murdering 13-year-old Mary Phagan. With flimsy evidence, rampant prejudice, and a town hungry for vengeance, Leo was sentenced to death, pardoned, then lynched. It is a chilling tale of injustice, mob mentality, and misplaced hatred, but also one of love and resilience, thanks to the devotion of his wife, Lucille. From the very first number, ‘The Old Red Hills of Home’ , fresh QAEMT Con graduate Jay Monck  opened the show in an astonishing display of vocal power, setting the bar sky-high for what was to come. The ensemble followed with the patriotic Confederate Day celebration ‘The Dream of Atlanta’ , an unsettling opener for modern audiences, but brilliantly effective in establishing the dangerous undercurrent of the time. The Performances Michael Lewis  gave a tour-de-force performance as Leo Frank, a Brooklynite Jew trapped in the unforgiving hostility of the Deep South. His every nuance carried the weight of fear and isolation: the anxious fidgeting, the sheen of sweat, the trembling voice that cracked under panic. His distress was palpable, his confusion devastating, and his humanity undeniable. Belinda Lewis  was extraordinary as Lucille Frank, a woman whose world crumbles before our eyes yet somehow holds onto her poise and grit. ‘What Am I Waiting For’  shimmered with yearning, while ‘You Don’t Know This Man’  erupted with righteous fury and heartbreak. When she and Michael reunited for ‘All the Wasted Time’ , it was a moment of pure tenderness as two souls cling to love before the inevitable darkness; made even more poignant by the fact that they are a real married couple. Mabel Tamone  radiated as Mary Phagan, the picture of small-town youth, blissfully unaware of the violence waiting just around the corner. Her duet ‘The Picture Show’  with Casey Martin’s Frankie Epps was playful yet carried a thread of unease beneath the flirtation. Later, Casey’s ‘It Don’t Make Sense’  became a gut-wrenching outpouring of grief that swiftly hardened into anger as right-wing extremist Tom Watson ( Chris White ) and prosecutor Hugh Dorsey ( Jay Monck ) whipped the town into a vengeful frenzy. Jay Monck  and Chris White  made formidable antagonists: slick, smirking, and utterly unrepentant. Corruption oozed through every exchange, from blackmailing witnesses to twisting the truth for public favour in ‘Somethin’ Ain’t Right’ . The line “You want evidence? Look at him!” hit like a punch to the gut, exposing just how flimsy the case against Leo truly was. Alex Watson  as reporter Britt Craig gave the story its pulse, narrating events with journalistic flair and bright, confident vocals in ‘Big News’ . Both he and David McLaughlin , as Governor Slaton, charted compelling arcs of conscience and growth. Matthew McKenzie  was another standout as Jim Conley, delivering ‘That’s What He Said’  with irresistible rhythm, soul, and storytelling prowess. The number was so electrifying that the audience instinctively wanted to applaud, but the seamless transition into the next scene left us sitting in stunned silence instead. As Mary’s grieving mother, Nicole Kaminski ’s poignant ‘My Child Will Forgive Me’  stilled the room, her sorrow palpable. Mabel Tamone  then reappeared in spirit for ‘Come Up to My Office’ , her ethereal vocals blending with the eerie harmonies of Lucy Ross , Paige McKay , and Carly Bettinson  in a chilling depiction that cast Leo as the monster of their imagining. The Act II number ‘Rumblin’ and a Rollin’  featured Ashton Simpson , Mina Aanat , and Matthew McKenzie  as the trio of Black workers whose simmering frustration at the injustice around them added a striking layer to the story. While the world fixated on Leo’s case, they reminded us of the deeper racial divide simmering beneath it — a powerful, soul-stirring commentary on America’s hypocrisy. Later, David McLaughlin ’s Governor John Slaton began to re-examine the case, urged on by Lucille’s relentless belief in the truth. In ‘This Is Not Over Yet’ , Belinda Lewis  shone once again as Lucille exposed Hugh’s deceit and blackmail, cementing herself as the true hero of the story. Music and Direction Jason Robert Brown’s score is notoriously difficult, filled with complex rhythms, jagged harmonies, and sudden tempo changes, but Michael Keen  (Musical Director) and his band pulled it off with precision and passion. Numbers like ‘Big News’  exploded in frenzied chaos, capturing the media’s role in stoking hysteria. ‘It Goes On and On’  (sung by Alex Watson ) built into a show-stopping ensemble moment, while ‘Blues: Feel the Rain Fall’  (led by Matthew McKenzie ) filled the theatre with soulful intensity. Director Johnny Peek  staged this musical masterfully, particularly the trial scenes. The testimonies were paced with unbearable tension: witnesses spinning lies under Hugh’s shark-like questioning while the jury averted their eyes from Leo, leaving him to sob through his statement, bewildered and broken. Jay’s villainous smirk as the town turned against Leo was chilling. The sound quality was superb, with discreetly hidden head mics ensuring crystal clarity, while historically accurate costumes and headwear grounded us firmly in 1913. David Lawrence ’s set design embraced minimalism that allowed each scene to bleed seamlessly into the next. Scene changes were swift and efficient, never breaking the tension, often filled with choral interludes from the ensemble that gave the show a haunting continuity. The Impact What made this production unforgettable was its energy from the cast and the audience. Opening night buzzed with electric intensity. Scene changes left no time for applause, but trust me, inside we were bursting! The finale was incredible and overwhelming: an ensemble wall of sound that hit like a tidal wave, ending with Leo’s tragic death and Lucille’s broken grief. Michael’s final moments as Leo - whimpering, questioning God’s reason, bewildered by the injustice - were almost unbearable to watch. As the last note rang out, silence hung heavy before applause erupted. More than one audience member near me whispered, “That was the best show I’ve seen all year.” I couldn’t argue. Parade  is not light entertainment. It is uncomfortable, confronting, and profoundly human (in a bad way). It asks impossible questions: Who truly murdered Mary Phagan? Was it the night watchman, the 19-year-old boy, the scapegoated Black worker, or someone else entirely? We never find out, and that’s the point. The show forces us to sit with the crushing injustice, the prejudice, and the cost of hate. Yet, through Lucille, it also gives us hope... a reminder that love, courage, and faith can flicker even in the darkest shadows. For a company new to Brisbane stages, this was an astonishing achievement: worthy of QPAC’s grand stage, worthy of thunderous applause, and worthy of remembrance. Photography by Stage Shots