Meet QACI’s The Addams Family musical cast
They are the state’s next generation of stars of stage and screen and they are preparing to stun a production of the The Addams Family by the state’s most exclusive academic academy. MEET THE CAST
Ipswich
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Students from Queensland’s most exclusive academic academy are preparing to enter the world of the weird and wonderful as part of their latest spooktacular theatrical extravaganza.
Queensland Academies Creative Industries Campus will debut its production of The Addams Family this week, allowing students to showcase their theatre prowess.
The student-led cast will act out Charles Addams’ iconic cartoons, which have had their fair share of film adaptations in recent years, most recently including Netflix hit Wednesday.
The darkly comedic and eccentric tale follows the quirky Addams family as they navigate the challenges of modern life with their peculiar charm intact.
The musical will be played at the QACI Theatre on September 14, 15 and 16, with guests set to step into the delightfully macabre world of “The Addams Family Musical”.
Tickets are still on sale via the academy’s website, but before you enter the spooky world – meet the cast, listed below in alphabetical order.
Sienna Belle Isle, Dancer
Sienna Belle Isle is ready to twirl onto stage and in her future career.
The Year 11 student is a featured dancer in The Addams Family Musical and dreams to perform with a contemporary company.
She said she enjoys the opportunity to “ learn new styles of dance from talented choreographers and artists, and acquire new ways of expressing dance.”
“I hope to get a career in dance in the future and perhaps study full time in a contemporary company for a year or so after graduating,” Sienna said.
Torvey Brandt, Saloon Girl
Musical obsessed Torvey Brandt has been singing on big stages since she was young.
The year 12 student is a Saloon Girl in The Addams Family Musical and has loved working with such talented cast members and production staff.
As a senior she said her final performance in the QACI Theatre will mean a lot to her but, she is ready to graduate and move into the competitive world of broadway.
“It means so much to me to be part of this musical because it is going to be my last performance in the QACI theatre,” Torvey said.
“My personal area of interest in the arts is musical theatre, especially singing.
“I have grown up in choirs since 2012, and have been performing with others since Year 3 at the Sydney Town Hall in the Festival of Choral Music.”
Torvey hopes to go to Griffith University next year and study musical theatre at the Queensland Conservatorium – she has her “finger’s crossed”!
“My biggest dream for the future is to perform in a leading role on Broadway or the West End with a kind and supportive cast, exactly like our Addams Family cast here at QACI,” she said.
Connor Burley, Uncle Fester
Connor Burley has really had the chance to hone in his musical abilities through production of The Addams Family Musical.
The Year 11 student is playing Uncle Fester and has loved being a part of the QACI production.
“Being part of this production has been so much fun for me,” Connor said.
“Working with such an incredible team has really made the whole experience worth it, being able to perform and sing and learn the dance choreography has been awesome.
“I think one of my favourite parts of being in the musical is that I’ve been having fun maintaining the character of Fester even all throughout the rehearsal process.
“He’s such a wild and energetic and socially unaware character it gives me the freedom to get things wrong and not feel self-conscious about it, because of course Fester is going to get things wrong!
“I wasn’t the most confident singer at the beginning of rehearsal, especially working with so many new people, but using the mask of Fester has made the whole thing a lot more fun.
“Ideally, acting and theatre is something that I pursue into a career, and I’m constantly looking to improve my talents.”
Jake Camuglia-May, Gomez Addams
Jake Camuglia-May is ready to step onto stage and enjoy the fun.
The Year 12 student is playing Gomez Addams, “the passionate husband, loving father suave businessman and sword fighter extraordinaire”.
“This experience is beyond just a fun time for me, I feel I have grown a lot through this process,” Jake said.
“This musical for me is beyond just a role.
“It’s about learning, and growing, and doing the things I love, with the people I love.
“My goal for life is to always continue to be a creative person.
“I think that’s the most important thing for me, that I never fall into the complacency of dullness.
“These are gifts that were given to us, and they must be treasured and cherished, and most importantly, they must be used; and that’s my aspiration for life.”
Tommy Carroll, Lurch
New musical theatre enthusiast, Tommy Carroll, is eager to see the final production of the show come to life.
The Year 11 student is playing Lurch and really loving The Addams Family cast.
“I've never done a musical and it’s great to see the environment and way these types of shows are run,” Tommy said.
“I love the community and the people and it’s really fun.
“I hope to have the opportunity to continue performing and creating and have the privilege to create all types of different performances.”
Finn Duncombe, Mal Bieneke
Finn Duncombe is incredibly thankful to be given opportunities like The Addams Family musical at school.
The Year 11 student is playing Mal Bieneke in the musical and has future aspirations to become a lawyer or film maker.
“To me, this musical is just another one of the incredible opportunities we get at QACI to embrace our creativity and individuality,” Finn said.
“It means I can enjoy doing theatre and acting with like-minded peers who have the same level of enthusiasm as I do.
“Currently, my aspirations for the future are to pursue a career in either law or film.
“I find law … quite interesting.
“I really enjoy making all sorts of films at school, and would be curious as to the different jobs in the industry I could work in.
“Shout out to Mr Rogers and Mr Jennings for being the best IB (International Baccalaureate) arts teachers ever!”
Pippa Ellis, Pilot Ancestor
Pippa Ellis is ready to perform.
The Year 11 students main area of interest is visual art, so she is eager to give it her best as a pilot ancestor in the musical.
“This musical has allowed me an opportunity to perform with and for a community that means so much to me, and considering I don’t study one of the many performing arts (dance, music, or theatre) offered here at QACI, opportunities to perform do not arise often,” Pippa said.
“This process has been so enjoyable and has allowed me to really connect with a like-minded small community of amazing characters who are all passionate about performance and having fun.
“My area of passion is in design and every area that it falls into, whether that’s fashion, interior design, graphic design, architecture, or visual arts being some of my favourites of the many.
“I would ultimately like to pursue a career in fashion design and hopefully segue into costume and set design for the stage and screen.
“I would like to pursue every area of interest at some point, whether that is music, theatre, film, science, history, literature, animation or one of my many other passion areas.”
Josie Folland, Masquerade Ancestor
Josie Folland is ready to dance her heart out.
Folland, in Year 10, is in The Addams Family cast ensemble as a masquerade ancestor and looking forward to the opportunity to perform.
“Being a part of this musical has been amazing because it’s not only an opportunity to perform,” Josie said.
“It has given me a place that I look forward to going to after school and has allowed me to form bonds with so many people that I may not have otherwise.
“My arts areas of interest are music and dance.
“The best way to blend my dance and vocal training with my love of performing is musical theatre.
“In future, I would love to be dancing in the ensemble of musicals or performing in cabaret or something similar.
“I would also love to become a teacher once I’ve finished performing.”
Neve Francis, Grandma
Neve Francis has loved the chance to grow during her musical journey.
The Year 11 student is playing the “kooky as” Grandma in The Addams Family musical!
“I haven’t done musical theatre in a while and this musical has really helped me develop my skills, enabling me to discover my old passions again,” Neve said.
“It is also such a safe space that fosters creativity and the ability for you to take risks, which is such a testament to the safe and fun environment the ensemble and the creative team have made.
“I eat, breathe and sleep theatre!
“I have been performing in theatre for eight years and my love for it only continues to grow!
“My future aspirations include acting professionally and being creative in a professional capacity.
“Whether that’s in theatre, film or directing a fabulous piece of creative work, I’m excited to see where the future takes me!”
Corey Gibb, Featured Dancer
Corey Gibb loves being a part of this musical as it combines all aspects of the arts.
The year 11 student is a featured dancer in the production and one day hopes to be a professional cruise ship dancer.
“I personally love being part of something that combines all the different aspects of the arts, and being able to work with these people it is truly amazing,” Corey said.
“The area I’m most interested in is dance, however I have started to form a real love for musical theatre.
“To be a professional dancer on cruise ships, and/or be a character performer in Disneyland Japan.”
Emily Gong, Chimney Sweep Ancestor
Emily Gong is a trained musician but ready to step on stage and dazzle with her theatre skills.
The year 10 student is part of The Addams Family musical as an ensemble member playing a chimney sweep ancestor.
“I absolutely love musical theatre,” Emily said.
“It incorporates everything that I love to do (singing, dance, acting), but I do also love playing musical instruments.
“Currently, I play cello, alto saxophone, percussion, drum kit and guitar.
“In the future I would love to go to Queensland‘s Conservatorium or Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) for musical theatre, and then I’ll just see where that takes me!”
Aiden Huntly, Lucas Beineke
Aiden Huntly is dreaming of working in New York City.
The year 10 student is a new member of the Queensland Academies Creative Industries but ready to play Lucas Beineke in the school’s musical.
“Being my first year at QACI, being a part of the musical really helped me become immersed in the arts at QACI and its culture,” Aiden said.
“It was also an amazing experience to work with a production team involved in the professional industry.
“I have loved musical, this being my seventh production.
“Dance has always been a part of my life as I have danced since the age of four.
“In my future, I aspire to continue as a musical theatre professional, hopefully one day performing in New York City.”
Zara Kan, Gangster Ancestor
Zara Kan has made new friendships and ready to tackle her professional career.
The year 10 student is playing a gangster ancestor in the musical.
“It’s very exciting especially because this is my first year at QACI.
“I’ve been able to make new friendships with people that I probably wouldn’t know or talk to if we weren’t in the cast together,” Zara said.
“I do a bit of each (arts) but mainly theatre and music (are my favourite).
“I would love to act professionally, but I’m also looking at nursing because I find med really interesting.”
Irene Kim, Matador Ancestor
Irene Kim’s musical experience has been a safe space for her first year journey at the Queensland Academies Creative Industries.
The year 10 student is playing a matador ancestor in the musical production.
“I'm very grateful to be in this production as it is my first year at QACI and being involved in this musical gave me such a safe space where I can connect with amazing talented people,” Irene said.
“This piece also gave me an opportunity to work with industry professionals like our directors who are very committed and are a great help to us all.
“My artistic interests are music and theatre as they are ways I can express myself confidently.
“My future aspiration is to be able to teach young children in music as well as music therapy for children.”
Nagissa Kuriyama, Cavewoman Ancestor
Musical newbie Nagissa Kuriyama is excited to be part of such a lively cast.
The year 10 student is a lover of dance and ready to showcase her abilities as a cavewoman ancestor.
“Being a part of this cast is extremely special to me as this is my first ever musical that I have been in and hopefully the beginning of many more,” Nagissa said.
“I have made so many great friendships through this cast and have definitely gained a lot more confidence in my performing than ever before.
“I admire the creative endeavours and other aspects of the show that I get to involve myself in that I wouldn’t think would be possible anywhere else.
“In the future, I would love to involve myself in all sorts of creative efforts, whether that be in dance, directing, or filming for dance, theatre or music videos.
“I am excited to see where my life takes me, but for now my aspirations are just to be the best person I can be in whatever I decide to do.”
Matilda Maclennan, Ballerina Ancestor
Matilda Maclennan is honoured to be part of The Addams Family Musical.
The year 10 student is a ballerina ancestor and overwhelmed with the rest of the cast’s talent.
“Being in this musical is such an honour due to how talented the cast is for a school musical,” Matilda said.
“Every time I set foot into rehearsal I’m overwhelmed with the talent of this amazing cast.
“It’s so inspiring and motivating.
“My arts areas of interest are dance, singing and acting – but the arts subjects I study at school are Dance and Theatre.
“I want to work in the musical theatre industry, however my plan after school is to study a double degree in psychology and criminology, while trying to book professional shows.”
Asha Metcalfe, Morticia Addams
Asha Metcalfe describes rehearsals as a bit ‘kooky’ but its an incredible experience.
“This performance has given me and peers an incredible creative outlet throughout the year,” Asha said.
“Rehearsals have always been a little bit ‘kooky’ and so enthusiastic, and I feel so grateful to have worked as an ensemble to produce a show as unique as The Addams Family!
The year 12 student has a passion for musical theatre and is wanting to bring the same passion to her studies beyond schooling.
“In my life, theatre and the arts have been a foundation for friendships, collaboration, risk taking and creativity since I was five.
“I may not end up being a full-time actor, but the teamwork, creativity, and commitment I learned in theatre will always stay with me.
“I hope to study human sciences in the future.
“Theatre has given me a unique lens of society, and a creative understanding of the world that I will appreciate in all my future endeavours!”
Sophia Min, Flight Attendant Ancestor
Sophia Min says theatre has given her the opportunity to explore and express different characters.
The year 10 student will take flight as the productions Flight Attendant Ancestor.
“As a young girl, I loved performing on stage, as an individual and with a group,” Sophia said.
“To be surrounded by amazing and talented people, I learn from the people with more experience.
“During the time I have spent with everyone, I can confidently say I have improved as a performer.
“My main arts area of interest is music, and I have come to love theatre in recent years.
“Music allowed me to express myself, and theatre allowed me to explore and express different characters.
“My future aspiration is to be a singer or a lawyer.
“I understand law and arts are very contrasting, however I am interested in learning more about performing, as well as furthering my understanding of our justice system.”
Rose Murphy, Flapper Dancer Ancestor and Pugsley Addams’ Understudy
Rose Murphy’s first love might be dance but she says musical theatre has her whole heart.
“Musical theatre has my whole heart, but I am a dancer first,” Rose said.
The year 10 student is a flapper dancer ancestor and Pugsley Addams’ understudy.
“It means so much to me as when first coming to QACI, I knew practically no one,” she said.
“The overwhelming support and relationships that has been obtained through Addams has made me feel super grateful for being a part of this amazing opportunity.
“I would love to be a part of a musical every once in a while to keep my passion alive and well!”
Lillian Murrell-Edwards, Nurse Ancestor
Lillian Murrell-Edwards hopes to travel in the future.
The year 10 student is playing a Nurse Ancestor in the musical production.
“I hope to some day be able to find a career in the arts, and I want to be able to travel,” Lillian said.
“It‘s really exciting to be a part of this school production as it helps me feel more connected to QACI considering it is my first year.
“I am mostly interested in theatre and music.”
Jasmyn Negrao, Pugsley Addams
Jasmyn Negrao always looks forward to musical rehearsals as they are full of energy and enthusiasm.
The year 12 student is playing Pugsley Addams.
“Addams Family is the first musical QACI has performed in a long time, and I get to be a part of it in my senior year which is really exciting,” Jasmyn said.
“My character is also so joyful and effervescent and just fun to play, so I’m just excited to share with audiences what we have worked on and communicate the core themes of Addams Family: individuality, acceptance, and love.”
Jasmyn said she loves theatre and dance as there’s opportunity for crossover between the two disciplines.
“ … they (theatre and dance) are both such powerful mediums of expression and creativity,” she said.
“I want to be constantly improving my craft, my storytelling and my ability to connect with the audience.”
Ashlee Palmer, Bride Ancestor and Wednesday Addams’ Understudy
Year 11 student Ashlee Palmer will play the bride ancestor and Wednesday Addams’ understudy in the The Addams Family musical production.
“Musical theatre has always been a prominent part of my life & The Addams Family is such enjoyable material to work with,” Ashlee said.
She said she loves theatre, music and film, and wants to be involved in more creative projects in the future.
Josie Ross, Alice Beineke
Josie Ross’ sights are set high with the year 12 student wanting to be featured on Broadway!
She loves musical theatre and is playing Alice Beineke, Wednesday Addams’ mother in law.
“It’s super exciting as last year I was a part of a group of five students who created a school cabaret performance in the hopes to one day do a full school musical,” Josie said.
“I would love to tour Australia in musicals, as well as West End or Broadway! And one day became a well-known performer like Idina Menzel.”
Anja Stewart, Wednesday Addams
Anja Stewart has loved the opportunity to learn during the musical experience as the musical’s star Wednesday Addams.
“For me, this musical has been such an amazing learning opportunity, and I have made some amazing new connections across the cast, which really helped me settle in at QACI,” Anja said.
The year 10 student is a talented violinist and violist, playing in the Queensland Youth Orchestra 2 (QYO2), a dedicated group of 90+ advanced and intermediate musicians who travel across the state performing.
“(I) have played the violin for 11 years, and the viola for five years,” she said.
“I also really enjoy making art in my spare time and I feel the arts are very key in my life.
“I hope to go on to study at the Conservatorium of Music to study classical music and musical theatre full time, continuing a career into the arts.”
Gisella Vickers, Pirate Ancestor
Gisella Vickers believes with her family and friends by her side anything is possible.
“I’m not quite sure right now where my future will lead me … all I know is that if I have my friends and family by my side everything will turn out just fine,” Gisella said.
The year 11 student is a pirate ancestor in The Addams Family musical.
“To be a part of this musical is a true pleasure,” she said.
“Everyone is so talented, and I feel like I learn something new every rehearsal.
“I love feeling a part of something and becoming closer with everyone in the cast – it truly feels like a safe and welcoming environment.
“My arts areas of interest are film, acting, singing, and dancing, but at school I study Theatre and Film.”
Oliver Vincent, Conquistador Ancestor
The Addams Family musical is Oliver Vincent’s first musical he is doing outside of his school studies.
The year 10 student is playing a Conquistador Ancestor in the performance.
“To be a part of this musical means everything,” Oliver said.
“My future aspirations are to make it in front of the camera in Hollywood.
“I would love to go into is screen acting …
“I know it’s a big ask, but I will work my hardest to get there, so I know I deserve it.
“To be able to show raw emotions in front of a camera and learning from the greats so I can improve in so many ways.”
He also wanted to thank all his teachers involved in the production for making his first musical the best experience.
Mitchell Wilson, Caveman Ancestor
Mitchell Wilson has found a nice balance between fun and focused rehearsals.
The year 11 student loves everything theatre and playing a caveman ancestor in the school’s production.
“Being a part of this musical has given me a chance to develop performance skills that I wouldn’t be working on otherwise, especially things like dance that I haven’t been doing for too long,” Mitchell said.
“I’ve enjoyed finding the balance between focusing and having fun in rehearsals to work towards putting on a quality show.
“I do a lot of music and choir too, so I love being able to combine them in musical theatre.
“To work in the theatre industry, whether in performance, lighting/sound design, directing, writing, and basically anything else I get the chance to do.”
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