Beaumaris Theatre Inc. acknowledges the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Owners of the land on which Beaumaris Theatre stands. We pay our respects to Victoria's First Peoples and their Elders past, present and emerging.
CONTENTS
Click on the headline below to jump through each section of the program.
ABOUT LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
DIRECTOR’S NOTES
CAST & CREATIVES
ABOUT BEAUMARIS THEATRE
Thank you to our supporters and sponsors for continuing to support Beaumaris Theatre.
Book by James Lapine | Music & lyrics by William Finn
Based on the film ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ written by Michael Arndt and originally directed by James Lapine
The road to happiness is a bumpy ride.
The Hoover family has seen better days. Richard, the father, is a floundering motivational speaker, Grandpa's been kicked out of his retirement home and Uncle Frank's been dumped by his boyfriend. Moody teenager, Dwayne, has taken a vow of silence, and overextended mom, Sheryl, can do little more than slap on a smile. But, when the youngest Hoover... energetic Olive, enters a regional children's beauty pageant, the family thinks that their luck could change and embarks on a cross-country trek, chasing the coveted title of "Little Miss Sunshine."
This uplifting, modern classic celebrates the quirks of every family, the potholes in every road, and the power of overcoming our differences.
Little Miss Sunshine is licensed exclusively by Music Theatre International (Australasia). All performance materials supplied by Hal Leonard Australia.
Please note, Little Miss Sunshine contains conversations about suicide and mental illness.
If you, or someone you know need help, we encourage you to connect with a mental health service such as:
Lifeline 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or www.beyondblue.org.au
Headspace on 1800 650 890 or www.headspace.org.au
MUSICAL NUMBERS
The Way of the World
For the First Time in My Life
The Happiest Guy in the Van
Pushing the Bus
Always Make Me Proud
Poor Olive
How Have I Been?
Motel Sequence (Part 1)
The Most Beautiful Girl in the World
Motel Sequence (Part 2)
Something Better Better Happen
Nothing Gets in the Way
Something Better (Reprise)
Dwayne
What You Left Behind
LMS Pageant Theme
The Way of the World (Reprise)
Shake Your Badonkadonk
Finale
Little Miss Sunshine is a snapshot of a family in strife, with each member dealing with their own set of problems.
As many families do, the Hoovers make a conscious effort to shield the youngest from their troubles, allowing her to experience childhood in a carefree manner. Much of the direction in the show has been an effort to tell the story through Olive’s eyes; from the abstract set design to the blocking itself, I have attempted to showcase how the harsh nature of life can degrade the childlike sense of wonder we all start out with.
Many efforts were made to keep the stage adaptation as true to the 2006 film as possible. However, one of the things I wanted to bring into the modern era was the off-putting nature of traditional child pageants; the decision was made very early on to make the cast gender-inclusive and extend that to the children’s chorus to allow a broader range of new performers onto the stage. Working with the children’s chorus was simply delightful, as we were able to all work together to showcase talents learned through school, theatre classes and even self-taught at home.
Harrison Ewart-Dart
Director and Musical Director
CAST
Richard - Dan Bellis
Sheryl - Natalie Carden
Olive - Amelie Newport
Dwayne - David Overton
Grandpa - Mark Stewart
Uncle Frank - David Cowell
Kirby - Daniel Pate
Buddy Dean Gardner & Joshua Rose - Lucas Ioppolo
Linda & Miss California - Brianna Nam
Larry - James McAllister
Children's Chorus - Ben Solomon, Mack Klesman, Ava Tyther, Lily Lewis, Isla Durie and Ellie Price
BAND
Conductor - Harrison Ewart-Dart
Keys 1 - Tim Bland
Keys 2 - Aisha Bowker
Horn - Max Topor
Reed - Christina Cirnigliaro
Cello - Deb Mcleod
Drums / Percussion - Paul Coles
CREATIVE TEAM & CREW
Director and Musical Director - Harrison Ewart-Dart
Assistant Director - Leah Osburn
Assistant Musical Director - Tim Bland
Stage Manager - James McAllister
Assistant Stage Manager - Leah Osburn
Set Designer - Ella Creaton
Set construction - Led by Fred Pezzimenti with Ella Creaton, Harrison Ewart-Dart, Fiona Williams, Lynda French, Trevor Osburn, Steve Morris, Georgy Charles and Pietro Giordano
Kombi van design & construction- Fred Pezzimenti
Props - Ella Creaton, Harrison Ewart-Dart
Costumes - Jenni Osburn, cast and parents
Sound design and operation - Adam Solomon
Lighting design - Damien Calvert
Lighting operation - Matthew Hunter
Flyer and program design - Luisa Marrollo
Photography - Tim Tselepis and Pietro Giordano
Videography - Tim Tselepis
Marketing - Kristina Doucouliagos
Front of House Volunteer Coordinator - Fiona Williams
Front of House Manager - Trevor Osburn
Box Office - Beaumaris Theatre Inc Committee
Front of House staff - Beaumaris Theatre members and friends
Special thanks to Natasha Rayner, Rohan Dalton, Eric Freedman, Neil Barnett, Starlite, the Bayside Mens Shed, and Janice Aburrow for the fabulous Kombi Van for opening night!
Harrison Ewart-Dart - Director and Musical Director
Harrison has been studying music and theatre for the last seven years, with a focus on Classical Singing and Opera.
He has performed with the Victorian Opera in their VOYCE program and the Young Australian Broadway Chorus in productions such as Les Misérables and Cats.
Currently completing a Bachelor of Film and Television, Harrison has moved into production by conducting his first musical as the Music Director for the Australian Premiere of Anne & Gilbert: The Musical (Beaumaris Theatre Inc.) and The Last 5 Years (Peoples Playhouse) and is now undertaking his directorial debut with Little Miss Sunshine.
Harrison’s favourite ice cream flavour is Strawberry.
Leah Osburn - Assistant Director
Leah is delighted to be back at Beaumaris Theatre after performing in A Midsummer's Night Dream and A Streetcar Named Desire. She also choreographed Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and directed An Evening at Beaumaris, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Avenue Q for Beaumaris Theatre.
Leah has appeared on stage this year as Ann in Stage Door (Aspect Inc) and as Pip in Things I Know to Be True (Frankston Theatre Group). Her last production team credit was also working alongside Harrison and Tim, as the Director of The Last Five Years (People's Playhouse).
Leah is currently the Treasurer for the Music Theatre Guild of Victoria and feels so proud to be part of the theatre community in addition to working full time and being a mum of two beautiful children.
A big thank you to her family for supporting her passion for community theatre.
Tim Bland - Assistant Musical Director
Over the past two years, Tim has grown to become a well-rounded musical director and musician. He’s worked on many shows, such as Little Shop Of Horrors, The Wedding Singer, Legally Blonde, Elf the Musical and many more.
This is Tim’s first show with Beaumaris Theatre and he can’t express how excited he is to be working on this fabulous piece of theatre. Although a very busy man, Tim has dedicated himself to making sure this production is one you will enjoy. Working with Harrison and Leah has been an absolute pleasure.
Down the line, Tim will be working on Bonnie and Clyde (Waterdale Theatre Company) and Ladies in Black (Heidelberg Theatre Company), both in the role of Musical Director.
He hopes you enjoy this heartwarming, touching tale of a truly dysfunctional family and their bright yellow van!
Dan Bellis - Richard
Dan Bellis’s 10 Steps to Success:
Step 1: Audition and get cast in Avenue Q.
Step 2: Get cast in August: Osage County.
Step 3: Join Beaumaris Theatre Committee.
Step 4: Get cast in Chicago.
Step 5: Production Manage and Assistant-Direct Seminar.
Step 6: Get cast in Company, Buddy - The Buddy Holly Musical and Jack and The Beanstalk - A Panto.
Step 7: Direct and co-direct Cosi and Puffs.
Step 8: Get cast in Vicar of Dibley and Beaumarisical.
Step 9: Get cast in Little Miss Sunshine.
Step 10: Thank the incredible production team and cast for the opportunity to perform in this excellent musical.
After an eventful few months, Dan is thrilled to be back on stage and would like to remind the audience that he does not endorse the views or opinions of Richard Hoover. Enjoy the show!
Natalie Carden - Sheryl
Little Miss Sunshine is Nat’s first show with Beaumaris Theatre and she couldn’t be more thrilled to be part of the family!
After many years in musical theatre, Nat ventured into the world of plays with her last show, Calendar Girls (Phoenix TC). While it was a wonderful experience, there is nothing Nat loves more than belting out a tune, so she’s excited to be back in the land of musicals where it’s ok to burst into song at any given moment.
Other recent credits include Pippi in The Great American Trailer Park Musical (PEP Productions), Caroline in Island Song (SLAMS), Roxie Hart in Chicago and Morticia in The Addams Family (both Phoenix TC).
When not rehearsing for a show or working her 9-5, Nat can be found walking her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Molly, or talking about Molly to anybody who will listen (anyone want to see a photo?)
Amelie Newport - Olive
Amelie’s love of storytelling meant she jumped right into performing as soon as the world turned the right way up.
Amelie’s performances in 2022 include Matilda the Musical, Oliver, The Wizard of Oz and a Trolls Medley on the main stage at the Melbourne Royal Show. Amelie also won first prize in her school talent show with her rendition of ‘Naughty’ from Matilda the Musical. This year Amelie has had a few on-screen credits and modelling roles and she played the role of Young Anna in Frozen Jr.
She is very excited for her debut with Beaumaris Theatre playing the role of the delightful Olive.
Amelie loves to keep up her performance training by attending jazz, hip-hop, acrobatics, ballet, singing, improvisation and acting classes.
Her spare time is spent roller-skating, surfing, playing with her dog Lexie, and completing crafty projects. She especially loves ones with lots of glitter.
David Overton - Dwayne
David started taking drama classes at Beaumaris Theatre with D.K Productions at the age of eight, and now, ten years older at the age of eighteen, he is so excited to be back performing in Little Miss Sunshine as the monosyllabic Dwayne.
David started his theatre journey at Kilvington Grammar School, where he was part of Grease, Bye Bye Birdie and The Addams Family as a chorus member. He played the terrifying Ms Trunchbull in Matilda and Harry in Mamma Mia, enjoying the experience of these enigmatic roles. Completing VCE music performance in a contemporary voice, David has honed his singing craft and is keen to use it again.
David is currently studying a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting) at the Victorian College of the Arts. He loves the community of theatre nerds on campus, and together with a number of classmates is co-writing and performing in a new play, SO CAMP!, for the Melbourne Fringe Festival.
Mark Stewart - Grandpa
Mark started his association with Beaumaris Theatre at a party where the director of Return to Forbidden Planet found out that he played drums. She was searching for a drummer and, after a short but very persuasive conversation, he accepted the challenge. He has since played the drums in other productions.
It was not too long before he took to the stage in acting roles and has appeared in Cosi, Buddy - The Buddy Holly Musical, Bedside Manners and Day of the Triffids to name a few. He has also appeared in Beauty and the Beast and South Pacific (ASPECT).
However, typecasting has raised its ugly head with Mark being cast as Grandpa, so, very little acting is required.
He was also a drummer, backing vocalist and songwriter with the band Carpe Diem, who made it to the final of the Emergenza Battle of the Bands contest.
David Cowell - Uncle Frank
David began acting in 2003 but saw it as a professional career in 2013 when he began training with Acting Classes at Perth & Nicholson Academy of Screen Acting.
David studied at The Australian Film & Television Academy under John Orscik. He has had small roles in films such as Jaspa Jones and Wog Boys Forever. His stage credits include Clue (Playhouse Players) ‘Allo ‘Allo and Witness for the Prosecution (Joondalup Encore Theatre Society).
This will be David’s second show with Beaumaris Theatre having only recently portrayed Ernie Mac, A Certain Potions Teacher etc. etc. in Puffs earlier this year. This will also be David’s first musical and is very excited to be bringing the role of Frank to the stage.
He is also a filmmaker with his own production company called Emerald Swan and is an avid squash player and an accredited referee as well as a self-described Aviation enthusiast.
Daniel Pate - Kirby
Daniel is passionate about all forms of performance-based storytelling including film, music, and musical theatre.
Throughout high school, Daniel was very involved in the performing arts. As part of VCE he studied Drama, Music, and Theatre Studies and completed VET Music Industry which granted him an industry-recognised certificate.
Daniel was involved in the school productions all throughout his school journey and landed several lead roles including Pumba in The Lion King, Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Lewis in Cosi and Amos Heart in Chicago.
Since leaving high school, Daniel has done some work in film. He worked as a set assistant on Bells of St Mercy (Jack Bates) and had done some extra work for other short films.
Little Miss Sunshine is Daniels's first theatre show outside of school.
Daniel is currently studying for a Bachelor of Media Communications at RMIT where he is learning about the practical opportunities within film and other media.
Lucas Ioppolo - Buddy Dean Gardner & Joshua Rose
Lucas is a theatre performer and reviewer who celebrated their tenth anniversary in Melbourne’s amateur theatre circuit this year.
Little Miss Sunshine is their first production with Beaumaris Theatre Inc and their twenty-fourth production overall.
Aside from having Diplomas in both Musical Theatre and Theatre Arts, Lucas has also had lead roles as the Hustler in Groovyman, James Dean in Happy Days, Dr. Victor Frankenstein in Frankenstein, Smee in Peter Pan: A Pantomime Adventure, Mr. Pinky/Fender in Hairspray, a Wickersham Brother in Seussical and Not Dead Fred in Spamalot.
Lucas has also been fortunate enough to play two of their all-time dream roles back to back, portraying Franz Klinemann in Rock Of Ages (SLAMS) and George in The Wedding Singer (Lumina Theatre Company).
Beaumaris Theatre is a company that Lucas has always admired and wanted to work with, they are grateful for the experience and they hope you enjoy the show.
Brianna Nam - Linda & Miss California
Making her debut performance with Beaumaris Theatre, Brianna brings a cheerful and enthusiastic presence to every rehearsal.
Her stage credits include Knickers and Daisy Pulls It Off (Mordialloc Theatre Company), Ashleigh in Quick Maffs (Dionysus Theatre Company), Snug in Puck (Nuworks Theatre Company), Jessie in Heads or Tails (Dramaking Theatre Company), River in Fast Food (Frankston Theatre Group).
Brianna has also worked on film projects. Her recent film credits include Lily in her directorial film Toast and Tea (2020), Detective Sergeant Jones in her directorial film The Big Bank Robbery (2020) and Trish in Angus Taylor's Bahn Na Na (2022).
She is currently completing her Bachelor of Creative Arts (Drama and Script Writing).
She is looking forward for you to watch this funny and endearing musical!
Ben Solomon - Zhuzhoi
This will be Ben’s second production at Beaumaris Theatre after playing Village Boy and a Wood Nymph in Jack and The Beanstalk - Panto.
2023 has been a busy year for Ben with recent roles in Dick Tracet and The Case of the Missing Robot (NuWorks Theatre), Our Lady of The Assumption Primary School’s entrant into the Wakakirri Festival.
Ben is currently doing acting lessons with D.K Productions and does weekly singing lessons too.
He loves his footy and tries to get to the G as often as he can to watch his team Hawthorn when they play and loves anime and rap music too.
Ben is super excited to be back at Beaumaris Theatre for the production of Little Miss Sunshine and hope you enjoy the musical.
Mack Klesman - Wilya'am
Mack is excited to be doing his very first theatrical production. He has seen lots of shows at Beaumaris Theatre but is happy to be on stage this time.
Other hobbies that Mack enjoys are basketball and gaming. Mack is in Grade 4 and his favourite subject is mathematics. His favourite food is Oreos.
Mack thinks Harrison has been a good director who is open to ideas, and he has really liked this. Mack has also enjoyed practising his accent for the show.
Ava Tyther - Chelsea
Ava is 10 a years old adventurous girl.
Ava is sporty and her favourite sport is soccer. Ava loves animals and being outdoors, she loves music and drama and plays the violin.
Ava has acted in Puffs and The Three Musketeers in drama classes with D.K Productions at Beaumaris Theatre!
Lily Lewis - D’borah
Lily is 8 years old and has always had a passion for dancing, singing and acting.
Lily started drama at Beaumaris Theatre with D.K Productions this year and absolutely loves it. This is the first time Lily has been in a musical and she is so excited to be part of it.
Lily loves singing and dancing so much that she never wants to stop! Her other hobbies include soccer, and karate where she has achieved an orange belt.
Isla Durie - Moi'shelle
A paintbrush, pair of ballet shoes, silly wig or a hula hoop...in fact, why not all at once?!
Isla loves anything and everything creative and expressive, a moment in the spotlight and the chance to entertain!
Having danced since the age of 3 and more recently commencing drama lessons, she is incredibly excited for her first stage production.
Isla's favourite colours are black and pink and she loves sorbet.
Ellie Price - Kandyce
Ellie's passion for singing and dancing began in the living room - dancing, singing and grooving with her big sister to all the pop favourites.
She has a particular love of musicals and will listen to musical numbers for hours. So it was no great surprise that she jumped at the chance to audition for Little Miss Sunshine.
This is her first foray onto the stage and she is really excited to be a part of this great production.
James McAllister - Stage manager & Larry
James is excited to be involved both onstage and as Stage Manager for his first production with Beaumaris Theatre.
No stranger to theatre, James has appeared onstage as Ben in Things I Know to be True and as Doug in Cosi (Frankston Theatre Group), the Grand High Witch in The Witches (BATS Theatre Company Inc), as Hertz Klinemann in Rock of Ages and Couch Dunbar in Footloose (MLOC Productions Inc), as Bill Sykes in Oliver! (Aspect Inc) and as Mary Sunshine in Chicago (Phoenix Theatre Company).
James has worked off the stage as the Director of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (BATS Theatre Company Inc.) and the Director of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella (Panorama Theatre Company Inc.) James has Stage Managed productions of Stage Door (Aspect Inc), One Man, Two Guvnors and Seasons Greetings (Frankston Theatre Group) as well as Full Monty (BATS Theatre Company Inc.)
Ella Creaton - Set Designer
Little Miss Sunshine is Ella’s fourth show with Beaumaris, having previously been involved in The Vicar of Dibley, Puffs and The Three Musketeers.
Ella is so grateful to have been involved in this wonderful production and has had so much fun working behind the scenes with the very talented crew.
Adam Solomon - Sound design and operation
Adam hails from Brisbane and has always been fascinated by the tech and audio area of performance and began by designing and operating sound for school musicals, local theatre productions and live bands. For over 30 years, Adam has worked in the Music and Film Industries in Australia and the UK.
He is extremely passionate about live sound production and has developed his skills and expertise on the job and he is happy to volunteer his time and energy setting up and operating the audio desk for community events.
Adam became part of the Beaumaris Theatre family in 2019 and has since worked on Buddy- the Buddy Holly Story, Company, Pillow Talk, Anne & Gilbert - the Musical, Jack and the Beanstalk - A Pantomime, Puffs, The Three Musketeers and Beaumarisical. Adam’s philosophy is the more gear you can plug in and set up the more fun it is!
He joined the Beaumaris Theatre Committee in 2021.
Damien Calvert - Lighting design
Damien is an MTGV-nominated lighting designer with numerous design credits with companies including CLOC, PLOS, Octave Theatre, Devanesen Productions and Cactus Musicals.
Damien’s Beaumaris Theatre Lighting Design credits include Anne & Gilbert- the Musical, They Came from Mars and Landed Outside the Farndale Avenue Church, Buddy - the Buddy Holly Story, Puffs and Beaumarisical.
Damien has also appeared onstage at Beaumaris Theatre in Beaumarisical, Mary Sunshine in Chicago, Zac in A Chorus Line, William Barfee in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and the award-winning production of I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.
His onstage credits with other companies are plentiful and include featured performances as Freddie Trumper in Chess, Tobias Ragg in Sweeney Todd, George in The Drowsy Chaperone and Mr Bungee in A New Brain. Later this year Damien will be seen in The Hunchback of Notre Dame with OSMaD.
Damien is also the Secretary of OSMaD and recipient of the 2022 Beaumaris Theatre President’s Award.
Matthew Hunter - lighting operation
Matthew first ignited his passion for theatre tech at Parkdale Secondary College when designed and mastered the sound for a school production.
Over the last couple of years, Matthew has become an integral part of Beaumaris Theatre’s tech crew. He’s worked front of house, as a lighting and sound operator for The Vicar of Dibley, spotlight operator for Puffs, sound and lighting operator for Three Musketeers and lighting operator for Beaumarisical. In many of these productions, Matthew has also supported sound and lighting design and rigging.
In 2022 Matthew played William Wills and Adam Lindsay Gordon in The Jewel by the Sea (Friends of Black Rock House).
Beaumaris Theatre was founded by Bill and Angela Martin in 1953. Bill and Angela were thespians who built a theatre in the attic of their home. It housed about twenty audience members and had a small stage and dressing room.
Soon the demand for tickets for these productions far exceeded the space available, so the Martins along with other members of the Beaumaris Players, worked very hard to have the theatre space we now know in Wells Road.
For the last 70 years, thespians from all walks of life and various backgrounds have been treading the prestigious boards laid by Bill and Angela. We are delighted to continue their legacy of producing theatre for the Bayside community and beyond.
This year we are delighted to be celebrating 70 years of Beaumaris Theatre and working with the community to produce theatre experiences for all!
BEAUMARIS THEATRE COMMITTEE
President - Trevor Osburn
Vice President - Dan Bellis
Treasurer - Robyn Morris
Deputy Treasurer - Jenni Osburn
Secretary - Deb Keyt
Marketing Manager - Kristina Doucouliagos
Committee Members- Deb Carpenter, Georgy Charles, Harrison Ewart-Dart, Lynda French, Steve Morris, Jenni Osburn, Adam Solomon and Fiona Williams.
BEAUMARIS THEATRE LIFE MEMBERS
Bill Martin; Angela Martin; Roger North; Esme North; Roy Baldwin; Bea Beckwith; Anne Lowe; Jean Freer; Beth Kelsall; John Rees-Osborne; Nancy Sutch-Taylor; Edda Dawson; Barbara Franks; Annie Laurenson; Jenny Mullholland; Stephen Mulholland; Don Strong; Taffy Strong; Michael Coultas; Graham Eddie; Derek Curd; Janine Chugg; Debbie Keyt; Robyn Morris; Steve Morris; Neil Barnett; Rhonda Vaughan; Vince Vaughan; Danny Forward; Jenni Osburn; Trevor Osburn And Kristina Doucouliagos.
Our friends at Legends of the Skies are back for another theatrical presentation of Australia’s wonderful aviation history. Legends of the Skies will run from Thursday 26 - Sunday 29 October at the Casey Hangar Theatre, Moorabbin Air Museum.
Bookings will be available late September on TryBooking. Simply search for “Legends of the Skies Theatre” or phone 9580 2387 for help.