Introducing the talented cast of Puffs who will take to the stage this March.
Lucas Petropolous - Wayne Hopkins
Regulars to Beaumaris Theatre will remember Lucas from Buddy! The Buddy Holly Musical (Joe B. Mauldin) and Anne & Gilbert - The Musical (Moody Spurgeon MacPherson), having to learn a new instrument for both shows. Luckily Lucas didn't have to learn a new instrument for the role of Wayne (although he suspects he might have to in the future).
Lucas has loved theatre since he started high school, and he has taken any opportunity to be on stage, being in shows such as Pippin, Seussical, Grease, We Will Rock You, and The Wedding Singer. Puffs marks the first time Lucas performs in the leading role, which is different to what he is used to, but he's enjoyed every second of it.
Despite not being a Puff (he's a proud Snake), Lucas has come to realise that there's a little bit of Puff in everyone, and he hopes that by the end of the show, the audience will realise that too.
Josh Pratt - Oliver Rivers & Zach Smith
Josh is returning to the Beaumaris Theatre stage for the third time, after appearances in Grease (Doody) and Avenue Q (Princeton / Rod) back in 2016. He couldn’t pass up the opportunity to be involved in Puffs and is beyond thrilled to be back.
Josh studied Classical Voice at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music and has since been working as a singing teacher with Stage School Australia, notably teaching the Young Australian Broadway Chorus and Beginners OnStage.
Josh is particularly passionate about languages, and is lucky enough to have been accepted into the Diploma of Auslan Interpreting at RMIT this year. He cannot wait to share the tragic yet rewarding history of the Puffs with you all!
Justine Garnes - Megan Jones
Justine’s love for theatre runs in the blood. After admiring her mother play Kathy Seldon in Singin’ in the Rain, she subsequently went on to perform alongside her Grandfather in Hello Dolly at 8 years old with her local theatre company.
Since then, she has been fortunate to play roles including ‘Sorel’ in Noel Coward’s Hayfever, ‘Pilar’ in Legally Blonde, ‘Audrey’ in Little Shop of Horrors, and the ‘Bakers Wife’ in Sondheim's Into The Woods, for which she won an NETG award.
Justine has most recently worked on the Radiance of the Seas - Royal Caribbean Cruise, performing as one third of the 1940’s Andrews Sisters Cover Band, the ‘Radioettes’.
Justine is very excited to play punk/goth Megan in Puffs and has loved becoming part of the Beaumaris Theatre family.
Alarna Summers - Narrator
Alarna is a tried and true Puff who is thrilled to be jumping back on the stage to bring you the role of the Narrator. After her last role as ‘Martha’ in Spring Awakening (MLOC) for which she was a Music Theatre Guild of Victoria award recipient, Alarna has committed her time to directing a range of school productions with Frankston High School, where she teaches Drama.
Her other credits in amateur theatre include Lysistrata (Dionysus Theatre), Romeo and Juliet (Dionysus Theatre) and Guys and Dolls (Panorama Theatre Company).
Alarna is an avid fan of the ‘source material’ who could not be more excited to make her debut with Beaumaris Theatre in this production of Puffs. She hopes that this incredible cast, crew, and show will bring out that little bit of Puff in each of you.
Harrison Ewart-Dart - Cedric & Mr Voldy
From his dismay at the realisation he would never be a real wizard at age 6, Harrison decided to become the next best thing: an actor.
He has since performed with the Victorian Opera in their VOYCE program as well as the Young Australian Broadway Chorus in productions such as Les Misérables and Cats, while most recently portraying Lewis in Cosi (Beaumaris Theatre). Currently completing a Bachelor of Film and Television, Harrison has moved into other forms of the arts by Music Directing The Last 5 Years (The People's Playhouse) and the Australian Premiere of Anne & Gilbert: The Musical (Beaumaris Theatre). Harrison’s favourite ice cream flavour is Mint Choc-Chip.
David Cowell - Ernie Mac
David began acting in 2003 but looked at it as a professional career in 2013 when he began training with Acting Classes in Perth & Nicholson Academy of Screen Acting.
David studied at The Australian Film & Television Academy (TAFTA) under John Orscik. He has had small roles in films such as ‘Jasper Jones’ & ‘Wog Boys Forever’. His most recent stage venture was in Clue by Playhouse Players in 2022 where he played Mr. Green. Before that it had been 7 years since he had been on stage where he did two shows with Joondalup Encore Theatre Society ‘Allo ‘Allo & Witness for the Prosecution. He is still bemused by the fact he’s not used his natural accent in any stage production he’s been in since 2007.
He is also a filmmaker with his own production company called Emerald Swan and is an avid squash player with a broad knowledge of the game and is an accredited referee as well as a self-described Aviation enthusiast. In the world of the source material, he is a Smart, has a Cat Patronus and uses a Rowan wood Phoenix feather wand.
Tina Chalmers - Hannah
Tina has had a deep love for all things to do with the magical world and acting ever since she was little. Every night before bed, she would quote Hermione’s lines to her mum. She did this for about two years, every single night, and her mum, bless her, loved it every single time.
Tina has been a high school Drama teacher for the last 11 years, directing school productions such as Bring it On! The Musical, Hairspray, and Aladdin Jr. She has also been involved with Gemco Theatre Company, playing the role of ‘Adorabelle Dearheart’ in Terry Pratchett’s Going Postal, and ‘Adelle’ in Confessions.
Stuart Anderson - J.Finch-Fletchley
Stuart has loved performing before he even really knew what it was. He has appeared on the Beaumaris Theatre stage several times in shows like Cosi (Doug), Seminar (Martin), Death by Fatal Murder (Enzo Garibaldi) and Echoes (Edward), just to name a few.
When not bopping about the stage, Stuart is an aspiring voice performer, who can be found doing anything from voicing a heroic knight in battle, to a friendly voice telling you about the importance of routine Chiropractor visits.
Natasha Rayner - Leanne
Natasha is elated to be appearing in her second Beaumaris Theatre Inc show, after debuting as the gentle but mischievous Julie in 2022s, Cosi. She is undeniably thrilled for you all to experience the wonder, laughs and magic that comes with being a Puff!
Natasha has performed in the likes of Thoroughly Modern Millie (Miss Dorothy Brown, EMC), Oklahoma!(Vivian, PLOS Musical productions), Spring Awakening (Isle, MLOC Productions) and Hello Dolly! (Minnie Fay, PLOS Musical Productions, cancelled due to Covid).
Leanne has been such a fun and enthusiastic character that Natasha feels honoured to play! Not only is she kind, funny and excitable, she holds unimaginable powers of the likes you have never seen…
Natasha is in awe of the talent and energy that this company of artists exhibits and truly hopes you enjoy the performance!
Oh and… by the way…
WE'RE ALL WIZARDS!
Alice Clapperton - Sally Perks
Alice is a long-time fan of the source material (Go Smarts!) and is excited to bring the world of magic to the theatre. Alice grew up dancing with a primary focus in ballet, and later achieved a scholarship to study voice in high school. As a young tween, Alice joined the cast of Melbourne Gang Show (MGS) and over the years has performed a variety of supporting and lead roles. A recent highlight was performing in the VicJam opening ceremony with Scouts Victoria. After 11 years in the MGS cast and 5 years on the production team Alice is now a Senior Production Assistant specialising in choreography and vocal direction.
In 2022 Alice founded AMC Theatre with the aim of expanding her skills in theatre making, management and producing through practical experience. Their first show, Firebringer, was a success and Alice is now enjoying taking on an on-stage role in Puffs!
Kianna Bartolo - Susie Bones
Kianna has been involved in theatre for 11 years, performing in numerous productions. Her most notable roles being ‘Christine Canigula’ in Be More Chill (Waterdale), ‘Tracy Turnblad’ in Hairspray (Western Arts) and ‘The Cat in the Hat’ in Seussical (ELT).
Kianna has spent 16 years training at Encore Dance Studio, as well as 4 years in advanced drama at Centrestage, and is currently studying with Showfit.
Kianna is yet to receive her acceptance letter to a certain school of magic, but is still hopeful it’s just running 10 years behind schedule. Puffs has been a dream show of Kianna’s for some time now and she is beyond thrilled to have the opportunity to perform the role of Susie Bones with such an incredible cast. So grab your adult butter beverages and chocolate amphibians and enjoy the show!
Sam Wyles
Sam Wyles is a 21-year-old, Australian performer. Sam has been acting since 2016 and has performed on stage in musicals and various other styles of plays. He really enjoys participating in live performance and has a profound passion for Australian theatre.
As well as performing, Sam has also worked backstage as the sound and lighting operator and stage manager for a number of shows. In 2020, Sam completed his Diploma in Theatre Arts at Melbourne Polytechnic and since has been pursuing his love for theatre all over Melbourne.
This is Sam’s second show with Beaumaris Theatre, where he previously performed in Cosi mid to late last year. He found the people and the theatre so enjoyable that he is now back for round 2, and is extremely excited to show everyone what this beautiful and amazing cast has put together for Puffs!
Puffs will run from 10 - 25 March at Beaumaris Theatre Inc.