’Instant fame’: Meet the talented cast of Harristown production

Whether they performed centre stage or worked tirelessly behind the scenes, we sat down with 13 stars from Harristown State High School’s 2023 production of Fame JR.

It’s the season for students showcasing their talents in school musicals and the Harristown State High School cast and crew were no exception when they delivered their 2023 performances.

The school performed four shows of Fame JR at the Empire Theatre’s Armitage Centre at the weekend.

Nearly 40 students starred in lead roles, while 75 were part of the acting, singing, music and dance ensembles and nine helped out as backstage crew members.

Harristown State High School presents Fame JR. (from left) Kynan Birse, Lily-Joy Baker, Reid McAleer and Millie Macdonald at The Armitage Centre. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Set in the 80s, Fame JR follows the story of a diverse group of students who juggle their academics, performing life aspirations and general teenage struggles.

Presented by the school’s art department and students, the production was filled with raw, heartfelt emotion, comedy and artistic talent.

The Chronicle sat down with several students who excelled in the production whether they were acting, singing, dancing or helping out back stage.

Morgan McAleer as Harristown State High School presents Fame JR. at The Armitage Centre. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Eleana Escober. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Eleana Escober, 17 – Serena Katz

Two years ago Eleana Escober was a shy and quiet student who never wanted to be centre stage, but when she was cast in her first production at school, this all changed.

Playing one of the leading roles as Serena Katz, the 17-year-old said she ironically had a lot in common with the fictional character she portrayed.

“Serena is a hopeless romantic,” she said.

“She starts off as being very shy but ends up being pretty confident by the end of the production which I relate to a lot because I didn’t come out of my shell until I started performing.”

Initially cast as background characters, Ms Escober said she was proud to be a leading lady.

She said while she was not familiar with the story initially, she listened to the soundtrack while reading the synopsis and instantly fell in love with it.

“This show is a beautiful representation of the arts department at this school and they have really cast this so beautifully,” she said.

“You really feel the warmth from everyone up on stage because there’s just so much love in this production.”

Keen to pursue the performing arts in some capacity professionally, Ms Escober said she would consider film, television, theatre or singing and songwriting as a career.

Kynan Birse. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Kynan Birse, 12 – Freshman singing ensemble

After several of his family members attended Harristown State High School and excelled in sport, Kynan Birse decided he wanted to take a new path but still make a name for himself.

Aged just 12-years-old, the young student sings and dances in the Freshman group ensemble.

Despite Fame JR being his first production, he said he really enjoyed the experience and was looking forward to continuing his involvement with the school’s arts department.

“You get to meet new people who aren’t afraid to be themselves,” he said.

“I’ve been doing acro since I was in grade 3, so I enjoy dancing more than singing but doing both has been fun.”

A fan of true crime podcasts and reality television, the young student said he wants to either become a court reporter or apply for the show Big Brother.

He said his favourite contestant to date has been Tim Dormer.

Kyra Ford. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Kyra Ford, 17 – Serena Katz

For Kyra Ford, the high school senior loves nothing more than taking car trips to Brisbane and smashing out a great power ballard.

A fan of musicians Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera, Foo Fighters and Goo Goo Dolls, Ms Ford has dreams of one day becoming a recording artist herself or a music producer.

“When (those artists) get on stage their presence is just so powerful,” she said.

“When I step out on stage I transform into this different persona and love making others feel the way I feel when I perform a song.

“It’s such a rewarding feeling.”

Cast as one of the production’s main characters Serena Katz, Ms Ford is also one of the school’s four music captains.

Drawn to the character for her awkward but charismatic personality, the 17-year-old said she enjoyed playing a role which involved taking such an emotional journey of personal growth.

Over the past six years, the Harristown student has participated in every school production excluding one, as well as the Creative Generations and State Honours Ensemble Programs.

Lily-Joy Baker. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Lily-Joy Baker, 17 – Carmen Diaz

Despite Lily-Joy Baker being a star on stage, she dreams of one day becoming a crime journalist or lawyer.

“I have always loved writing, learning about the world and had an interest in criminology,” she said.

“Working in the crime space has always been where I pictured myself but I would love to continue being part of the performing arts as a hobby.”

Ms Baker who has been dancing she was just two-years-old loves the hip-hop and contemporary genres.

Double casted as the character of Carmen Diaz in Fame JR, alongside her friend Morgan, the 17-year-old said it was nice to be able to bounce off someone she knew so well.

“Morgan and I have been working and dancing together since we were in grade 7 so we’re very close and have great chemistry,” she said.

“All Carmen wants is instant fame and her dream is to end up in Hollywood.

“She’s comes across as very confident but I’ve learned she actually uses that to mask her insecurities.”

Inspired by the “mean girls” in several teen movies, Ms Baker said she loved the experience of playing a character with a personality so different from her own.

Majella Ford. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Majella Ford, 12 – Goodman ‘Goody’ King

Following in the footsteps of her big sister Kyra who also performed in the Fame JR production is Majella Ford.

It was a celebration of firsts for the 12-year-old student as it was not only her first production but the first performance she delivered alongside her sister.

“It’s Kyra’s last year so to have the opportunity to work with her has been really cool,” she said.

“Kyra is an amazing singer and if it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t be able to sing as well as I do now – she’s taught me everything I know.”

The aspiring actor said she would like to star in film and television, “release songs on Spotify” and “if that doesn’t work out” become an English, drama and music teacher.

A fan of soft pop and country music – but definitely not Taylor Swift – Ms Ford said she could not choose a favourite musician, but said her favourite actor was Ryan Reynolds.

The Harristown student who plays Goodman ‘Goody’ King in the school production is also part of the Junior Impact group through the Empire Theatre.

Mary Malesi. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Mary Malesi, 15 – Singing ensemble

Toowoomba may just be home to the world’s next Zendaya with big things on the horizon for the celebrity’s biggest fan Mary Malesi.

Cast in the school production’s singing ensemble, Ms Malesi said she sung harmonies in almost every song of the show.

With a wall showcasing her future goals at home, the 15-year-old said she wanted to act in television shows, be a paramedic and of course become the next Zendaya.

“It’s like a Pinterest board on my wall,” she said.

“Name a show, movie or musical and I’ve probably watched it … on the day it came out.

“Zendaya had gorgeous hair, she’s kind, she can act, she models and now she’s started her own fashion business … she’s making it hard for me and adding a few years on to get where she is.”

Millie Macdonald. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Millie Macdonald, 17 – Ms Sherman

Born to showcase her talent for the performing arts, Millie Macdonald is a creative soul whether she’s centre stage, helping out backstage or designing costumes and sets.

So when she was cast as strict and proper English teacher Ms Sherman who initially despises the arts, Ms Macdonald said it was a fun challenge.

“My character thinks kids should be able to read and write before they perform or pursue a career in the arts,” Ms Macdonald said.

“I’m a stage baby who has been on the stage for as long as I can remember so playing a character who was not supportive of that was different but I felt so privileged to play her.

“Although I can understand how frustrating it would be for a teacher having kids pulled out of class and missing four important English lessons too.”

After previously playing young characters in five previous productions including Matilda, Ms Macdonald said the opportunity to play someone older had matured her as an actor.

When she’s not acting, the 17-year-old student is helping out the tech crew, excelling in her design subjects or playing musical instruments.

Interested in pursuing any professional in theatre or the performing arts, Ms Macdonald said she is leaning towards theatrical design.

Following in the footsteps of her parents and older brother, she said her entire family were involved in the industry in some way.

Mitchell Rowbotham. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Mitchell Rowbotham, 17 – Tech crew

While the talented cast members received plenty of praise, the efforts of the hardworking backstage and tech crews did not go unnoticed.

Mitchell Rowbotham who is one of the tech crew captains said the show’s producer Ms Helen Mullins had provided the entire crew with plenty of recognition.

“I actually used to perform front and centre on stage but feel much more comfortable behind the scenes,” Mr Rowbotham said.

“My role basically involves controlling the music, lighting and tech equipment, but I also help get all the characters looking and sounding good on stage.

“I love nothing more than being behind the scenes and watching shows come together.

With five years’ worth of experience helping out on set, the 17-year-old said the experience had provided him with a passion for helping others.

As a result Mr Rowbotham said he planned to become a nurse after high school.

Montana Haddrell. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Montana Haddrell, 16 – Dance ensemble

Since the young age of four Montana Haddrell has been showcasing her skills in hip-hop, jazz, contemporary and lyrical dance.

Describing the art of dance as her main passion, Ms Haddrell said she planned to study, become a professional dancer and open up her own studio one day.

“I would love to be able to share what I love with other people,” she said.

“No matter how many times you do it you’re always nervous but as soon as I step out on stage I remember that’s where I belong.

The Harristown student is one of four musical captains and performed in the front group of the dance ensemble.

As part of Ms Haddrell’s leadership role, her responsibilities include helping out with the warm-up routines and handing cards with handwritten compliments out to the cast.

She said her favourite part of the production was the amazing choreography as well as being appreciated for doing something she loves.

Morgan McAleer. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Morgan McAleer, 17 – Carmen Diaz

Despite being cast as production mean girl Carmen Diaz, Morgan McAleer said she enjoyed playing the polar opposite character of who she is used to portraying.

“Carmen is a diva, a triple threat and a mean girl,” Ms McAleer said.

“I’m so different to Carmen so I used sense memory techniques which means pulling experiences from other people to understand her character.”

After she was cast in the Empire Theatre’s The Boy From Oz, the 17-year-old said she connected with a fellow actor who actually portrayed Carmen Diaz on Broadway.

“I asked her a lot about how she played the character so that was really helpful too,” Ms McAleer said.

Passionate about making a difference in the lives of others, the Harristown student said she would like to become a dance psychiatrist.

Ms McAleer said she was drawn to the profession as it involved using dance to assist mental health or reshape dance for people who have endured mental health challenges as a result of professional dancing.

Ory Bruski. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Ory Bruski, 17 – Schlomo Metzenbaum

Playing the ‘disco-loving’ music composer character of Schlomo Metzenbaum was Ory Bruski.

The 17-year-old also fulfilled the role of the leader of the production’s main band.

“In the 80s, there were so many different genres of music whether it be disco, funk rock or classical,” he said.

“I’ve really enjoyed the interaction I’ve had with different characters and the band is just a mash of all these different colours, personas and variations of music.”

With plans to join the military when he graduates from high school, Mr Bruski said he wanted to continue performing in small, local theatre groups, plays and musicals when on break from the defence force.

Reid McAleer. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Reid McAleer, 14 – Tyrone Jackson

Nothing brings Reid McAleer more joy than dancing on stage.

Whether it’s through the school’s Creative Generations program or a theatre performance, the 14-year-old who played Tyrone Jackson in Fame JR said dancing was his greatest passion.

“I’m a lead dancing character so my role involves a bit more dialogue,” Mr McAleer said.

“Being on stage is amazing and you learn something new so it never gets old … I don’t think I’ll ever want to stop.

“You get to develop different friendships with different people when you’re involved in projects like this.”

Dancing since the age of four, the Harristown student said his favourite genres were hip-hop because of how creative it allowed dancers to be.

After performing in Matilda the Musical and Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister alongside his sister Morgan, Mr McAleer said sibling rivalry was to be expected.

“It definitely get annoying sometimes, but we have a bit of healthy competition going,” he said.

Mr McAleer said when he finishes high school he wants to become a professional dancer and dance teacher.

“My mum is a teacher and it would be such a rewarding experience to identify ways students could improve in a space like school,” he said.

Riley Andison. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Riley Andison, 15 – Stage crew

Performing arts newcomer Riley Andison decided to trade in the football field for the theatre.

Playing defence for the Harristown Hawks and South Toowoomba Hawks, the 15-year-old said she was curious about the school production worked.

With her teachers’ encouragement, Ms Andison decided to audition for Fame JR but was ultimately appointed a backstage crew member.

“The arts aren’t really my strong suit so that wasn’t a surprise, but I really like giving things a go and experiencing everything at least once,” she said.

“Ironically I’m actually quite bossy, which happens when you play sport, so I’m well suited to working backstage.”

The soccer star said she did not regret the experience – but in fact never stopped having fun.

Her primary responsibilities included organising set items and props between scenes.

When she’s not defending her goal or trying new things, Ms Andison can be found studying her favourite subjects maths and physics.

“People tell me I sound like a teacher and I do like helping my friends with their assignments, but there are too many teachers in my family already, so I think I want to do engineering or medicine,” she said.

“To anyone wanting to give (the performing arts) a go but might not have the courage to do it, I would say ‘don’t overthink it and just jump at it because it may just be the best experience’.”