DIY divas
With Les Misérables at the Capitol this month, Matilda at the Lyric and Heathers at the Hayes, Sydney’s musical theatre scene is something to sing about indeed. And not just the big budget shows: independent musical theatre has flourished in the last 18 months thanks to companies like Luckiest Productions, Squabbalogic and Neil Gooding Productions. These five leading ladies embody that indie spirit – even when strutting the main stage. By Dee Jefferson
AMY LEHPAMER
Breakthrough role She is best loved for the title role in Margaret Fulton: Queen of the Dessert (2012) at Theatreworks in Melbourne. Most recent role As Janet in The Rocky Horror Show (2015); and as violin player Reza in the Melbourne season of Once (2014). Next on stage As socialite Tracy Lord in Helen Dallimore’s production of High Society at the Hayes. She’s also been announced as Maria in The Sound of Music, opening at the Capitol in December. High Society, Hayes Theatre, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point 2011. 02 8065 7337. www.hayestheatre.com.au. Mon 6.30pm; Tue 7.30pm; Wed 2pm & 7.30pm; Thu, Fri 7.30pm; Sat 2pm & 7.30pm. $59-$65. Sep 4-Oct 4.
HILARY COLE
Breakthrough role Hilary moved to Sydney in 2013 and immediately made her mark as the lead in Squabbalogic’s production of Carrie the Musical, scoring a Sydney Theatre Award nomination. “I was doing a lot of auditions in Melbourne,” Cole says, “but because no one knew me in Sydney, they were more open to seeing me play something different.” Most recently seen in... Hilary is fresh from wowing audiences in Neil Gooding’s production of Dogfight at the Hayes. Next on stage Hilary is refining her hit one-woman cabaret show OC Diva, as well as writing a new piece based on the life of Edie Sedgwick.
“It wasn’t until I created that show that people got to see my full range”
LUCY MAUNDER
Breakthrough role Playing Lara opposite Anthony Warlow’s doctor in the world premiere of Doctor Zhivago in 2011. Most recently seen in Her one-woman cabaret, the Irving Berlin tribute Songs in the Key of Black (2015) at the Hayes; and before that as Rizzo in Grease (2013-2014). Next on stage Fellow thesp Trevor Ashley (currently playing Thénardier in Les Misérables) cast her as high school queen bitch Heather Chandler in the Australian premiere of Heathers the Musical. “He said I’d be perfect for the role – I’m not sure how to take that,” laughs Lucy. She has also just been announced as one of the three leads in Jekyll and Hyde, opening in Melbourne in December and in Sydney from March 2016. Heathers the Musical, Hayes Theatre, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point 2011. 02 8065 7337. www.hayestheatre.com.au. Tue, Wed 7pm; Thu, Fri 7.30pm; Sat 2pm & 7.30pm; Sun 6.30pm; Mon Jul 20 8pm. $55-$65. Jul 16-Aug 9.
MARIKA AUBREY
Breakthrough role In 2008, Marika made her musical theatre debut in I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, starring Hayden Tee, Katrina Retallick and Anthony Harkin. “I went straight into a lead role with three great performers – it was the best learning experience,” she says. Most recent role Aldonza in Squabbalogic’s Man of La Mancha (2015). “I would never have gotten to play Aldonza on a mainstage in Australia. To be able to play these roles, to grow and expand my range, it’s incredible.” Next on stage Playing Mrs Wormwood in Matilda the Musical. “I feel like I’m in an amazing magical moment,” says Aubrey. “It’s the Royal Shakespeare Company, man!”
ELISE MCCANN
Breakthrough role Elise is best known for her solo show Everybody Loves Lucy, a tribute to Lucille Ball. “It showed my ability to do comedy as well as drama. I’ve been working in the industry for more than ten years, but it wasn’t until I created that show that people got to see my full range.” Most recent roles Everybody Loves Lucy at the Hayes (2015); Victorian Opera’s production of Into the Woods (2014). Next on stage As Miss Honey in Matilda the Musical. “She’s a lot of people’s crush – which is wonderful and exciting, but also daunting, because people have a strong idea of what this character is to them.” Matilda the Musical, Sydney Lyric at the Star, Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont 2009. 1300 795 267. au. matildathemusical.com. Tue-Fri 7.30pm; Sat 2pm & 7.30pm; Sun 1pm & 6.30pm. $65-$150. Jul 28-Nov 8.