AMY BERRISFORD
Amy trained with Barbara Jayne Dance School in Adelaide and subsequently Melbourne's Dance World Studios, where she graduated in 2004 with a Diploma in Dance (Performance). In recognition of her commitment and exceptional abilities, Dance World awarded her a scholarship and Amy graduated with Distinction Awards.
Since graduating, Amy has worked consistently and has performed on stage in musical theatre and for television and film; giving insight into her versatility as an artist. In 2006 & then again 2007 she toured Japan with We Will Rock You and returned to Australia only to be asked to work as Assistant Choreographer and Rehearsal Coach on the Mick Molloy film, Boytown. Also in 2007, she performed as Rosie in The Production Company’s Sweet Charity and performed as a house band vocalist on Foxtel’s Singing Office TV show. Last year, Amy performed with Guys & Dolls (Havana Girl cover) in their Melbourne Season. Her other credits include a featured dance performance with Paul Mercurio on Channel Seven’s TV Turns 50; the opening ceremonies for Channel 9’s, Australian Grand Prix presentation; and the AFL’s 2006 Grand Final.
Amy would like to dedicate her performance to her family and friends.
RACHEL BICKERTON
Born and raised in Melbourne, at the age of five Rachel began training in all facets of dance with the Bev Palmer Dancers.
Rachel has appeared in many corporate functions, fashion events, pantomimes and cabaret's throughout Melbourne and Sydney. She has performed with Walt Disney special events and Warner Bros Mania (Asia) as a singer/compere, and last year enjoyed cruising the Pacifc Oceans as a lead singer for Princess Cruise Lines, where she also co wrote and performed "Beyond Broadway" cabaret.
Rachel made her musical theatre debut touring Australasia in the smash hit musical Mamma Mia and then went onto the Melbourne season of Leader of the Pack. She has since completed the Australian tour of Dusty – The Original Pop Diva, We Will Rock You - Japan, Le Grand Cirque with TML Enterprises and 42nd Street for The Production Company.
Rachel is overwhelmed to be joining the Australian cast of Chicago and live the Bob Fosse dream. She would like to dedicate her performance to her ever supporting family and friends, loving fiance Visan and Petie for always believing.
CHRIS DAIR
Chris Dair began his training at the Conroy Dance Centre in Queensland, later moving to Melbourne to train fulltime under the tuition of Robert Sturrock.
Chris began his professional career as a dancer onboard the Tahitian Princess where he spent a further 2 years working globally for Princess Cruise Ships, Grayboy Entertainment & choreographer William A Forsythe.
On his return to Sydney, Chris worked across the board in commercial dance, fashion and television and was cast as a lead dancer in the Mask 2 feature film. He then made his musical theatre debut in Saturday Night Fever, where he toured throughout Australasia.
Chris has recently returned from London where he worked extensively in commercial dance and was lucky enough to perform in his motherland Scotland as well as Paris, Ireland, Germany, Israel and London. Since being home, Chris has filmed a television series dancing with comedian Pam Ann on The Pam Ann Show, choreographed by William A Forsythe.
Chris is extremely proud to be a part of the Chicago cast and would like to thank his family for their unconditional love and dedicate his performance to his very special Nan.
HOPE DE VANEY
It was Hope’s first musical theatre performance at 12 years of age that gave rise to her love of musical theatre, inspiring her to learn more. In 2005 she enrolled full time at the Stage Door Performing Arts school (Perth WA) completing an Intermediate Syllabus in Music Theatre at a Distinction level. In 2006, she was accepted at Dance World Studios (Melbourne Vic) and spent the next 3 years refining her skills whilst studying for her Diploma of Performing Arts. Success came early when she was awarded the School’s 2008 Distinction Award, 2006 Diligence Award and a Pursuit of Excellence Scholarship.
Throughout her studies Hope was lucky enough to be involved in several TV and live performances for Crown Casino & X-Systems. Hope is excited to be launching her professional musical theatre career in this production of Chicago and would like to thank her family and friends, particularly her parents Ellie and Paul, Lionel, Nikki and her grandparents for their encouragement and ongoing support.
STEVEN GRACE
Steven is originally from Sydney and studied acting, singing & dancing from an early age. At age 10, he auditioned and won the role of Luke in Strictly Ballroom, his film debut. This began his long association with Baz Luhrmann and Oscar® winner Catherine Martin. The film was a success and won 17 awards & 11 nominations worldwide including a Golden Globe® nomination for Best Picture.
Other projects he has been involved in with Baz are A Midsummer Nights Dream for Opera Australia, The Opening Extravaganza for Fox Studios Australia performing with Kylie Minogue, Hugh Jackman and Tina Arena, and the roles of the Penniless poet and lead Tango dancer in the Oscar® nominated film Moulin Rouge
.Theatre credits include Dein Perry’s Steel City which played a history making season as the first Australian tap group ever to perform at Radio City Music Hall in New York, Fame, an original Australian cast member of We Will Rock You , and Caroline O’Connor’s concert series From Stage To Screen at the Sydney Opera House.
West End credits include Chicago, understudying and playing the roles of Billy Flynn and Amos Hart, Viva la Diva partnering Darcey Bussell, Carmen at the Royal Opera House and The Royal Variety Performance.
Steven has appeared with international music artists including Cliff Richard, Geri Halliwell, Michael Buble, Jamelia, Will Young and Dannii Minogue to name a few. He also performed with Kylie Minogue at the 2000 Olympics and with Elton John at the Royal Albert Hall in London in 2006.
Steven featured in Australia and USA editions of Vogue magazine with Nicole Kidman, photographed by world renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz. Modelling includes Ralph Lauren, Armani and Valentino in Cannes, France.
In 2007 Steven appeared in the Channel 7 hit show Dancing With The Stars choreographing and partnering Naomi Robson. He is an Australian Ballroom & Latin champion.
Steven is delighted to be returning to Chicago and wants to thank his friends and family for their endless love and support.
LEIGH JANE GIBBS
CHICAGO marks Leigh’s return to Musical Theatre after a brief hiatus and she is thrilled to be joining the show for the Asian leg of the tour, having called Hong Kong her home for the past 3 years. Leigh is an established performer in Australia where her versatility has led her through a rewarding career in the entertainment industry, spanning 20 years.
From stage to screen, catwalk to catalogue some of her credits include: The Boy From Oz with Hugh Jackman (ensemble, trio cover); Saturday Night Fever (Connie, Stephanie & Annette understudy); Get Happy - The Musical (Connie, Ruby understudy); David Atkins Hot Shoe Shuffle (April understudy); GREASE The Mega Musical (Cha Cha); and as ‘Posh’ in the hugely successful Spice Power The Tribute Show. For television she has featured on Home and Away as ‘Ingrid’, Baywatch Downunder, The NRL’s Footy Show, Popstars, the TV Week Logie Awards, and Good News Week with the Poptarts. She has worked for some of Australia’s most well known artists including Kylie Minogue and Vaness Amorosi at the 2000 Olympics, Marcia Hines and with Human Nature on their Counting Down Tour.
She has featured in a number of TVCs and walked the Catwalk for Mercedes Australian Fashion Week, Elle MacPherson, Wella, and Westfield to name a few. Leigh has enjoyed continued success in Hong Kong appearing in numerous TVC’s and is currently producing, performing and choreographing for major corporate events. Her greatest and most rewarding achievement to date however, has been motherhood and she would like to dedicate her performance to the little girl who makes her heart burst and to the man who makes the dreams come true.
NICK JONES
Nick began dancing at the age of three at the ‘Michelle Rae School of Dance’ and graduated from the VCA in 1998. His professional career began at age 10 with roles in The Wizard of Oz, The King and I, Scrooge, Fiddler on the Roof, The Masked Ball and La Boheme. Other theatre, The Merry Widow, The Boy From Oz, The Music Man, Shout! The Legend of the Wild One, Fiddler on the Roof, We Will Rock You, Miss Saigon, Follies, and Mame.
Television: Late for School, The Man From Snowy River, Fast Forward, Neighbours, Blue Heelers, and Carols by Candlelight.
Nick spent a year in China writing and performing in a pop group, which culminated in the release of a top selling CD.
He was tour co-ordinator on Chita Rivera Down Under and danced in her Melbourne Master class. Nick also opened the Adelaide Cabaret Festival as one of Rhonda Burchmore’s Dancers in Everybody Loves Rhonda.
Nick was involved creatively from the beginning of the Australian production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Firstly as Illustrator and Assistant Choreographer, he then recreated the choreography for the return Sydney season in 2007, assisted Kelley Abbey and became Resident Director/Choreographer for Brisbane, Karnak and Sydney in 2008.
Nick dedicates his performance to his always loving family and friends.
LOREDO MALCOLM
Loredo Malcolm started performance training at the age of 9 at Ashe Carribbean Performing Arts, in Jamaica. He moved to New york to pursue further training, graduating with his certificate in dance and performing arts. Loredo then went to understudy the role of Simba in Disney's The Lion King for 4 years touring Australia, Shanghai, and London's West End. Loredo also debut in various Production Company Shows such as, Mame, Follies and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Loredo has also performed in various television commercials including, Nokia Phones, Colgate and Smirnoff Black.
In 2009 Loredo Became one of Australias Top 20 Dancers in the biggest dance show on television So You Think You Can Dance where he made it to the Top 9 dancers. Loredo also recently opened his Contemporary Company LOcREaDO Dance Company which is a major acheivement. Loredo has taught at various dance schools and company in Australia, Patrick Studios Australia, Barbara Lynch, Robert Sturrocks Fulltime, The Space Dance, Urban Dance Centre and Sydney Dance Company. At 25 years old Loredo is very grateful to be given the opportunities that he has had in his life so far is hoping to take it a long way.
Loredo is very pleased to be apart of the Cast of Chicago, and is very grateful to be given the opportunity to perform with some of the most amazing Musical Theatre Performers in the Industry.
SEAN McGRATH
Sean trained at the Victorian College of the Arts and furthered his studies at the National Theatre Drama and Ballet Schools in Melbourne. His theatre credits include Fiddler on the Roof, Cats (Hamburg), The Wizard of Oz, Chicago and Copacabana in the UK. Returning to Australia, he appeared in Shout! and was a Dance Captain and understudy to Carmen Ghia in the Australian Premiere of The Producers. At Melbourne’s State Theatre he performed in La Traviata and Lakme for Opera Australia and in The Pajama Game for the Production Company.
His television appearances include the Helpmann Awards, The Footy Show, Aria Awards, Good Morning Australia, Lily Savage Live (UK), The Logie Awards, In Melbourne Tonight, Dancing with the Stars and numerous television commercials both here and overseas. He has performed with recording artists Kate Ceberano and Tina Arena and has appeared in the Australian feature films Josh Jarmen and Strange Bedfellows. More recently, Sean was a Dance Captain in the World Premiere of Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical.
CHRISTOPHER PARSON
Most recently Chris appeared in the role of Nigel for TV1’s award winning Stupid Stupid Man, in the new Julian Temple film, Eternity Man and as Driscoll in the upcoming Play Station Game, LA Noire. Other television credits include Stepfather of the Bride, The Tribe, The Side Show and various music videos and shorts.
On Stage, Chris recently played Liver Lips Louie in the Donmar production of Guys and Dolls. Other theatre credits include touring Australia as guest artist with Barry Humphries - Back With a Vengeance, Hugh Jackman-The Boy from Oz (Trick, Greg cover) Saturday Night Fever (Double J, Tony Manero cover) and as an original cast member of Mamma Mia! (Pepper, Sky cover).
In addition to his performance credits, Chris has written and directed the theatre production ‘Y’ for ATYP, and The Paper War in 2007. He studied Stage Design at Victoria University and continues to work in all facets of the industry.
EVE PRIDEAUX
Eve has recently returned from London’s West End where she danced in the smash hit musical Dirty Dancing. She also had the privilege of playing the supporting roles of Lisa Houseman and Vivienne Pressman.
Originally from Byron Bay, Eve made her music theatre debut in the original production of Shout! Following this she toured Asia with David Atkins Fame, appeared in the Production Company's Bye Bye Birdie, revisited Shout! the regional tour- as Johnny O’Keefe’s wife, featured in the Australasian production of Mamma Mia! and enjoyed sixties musical Leader of the Pack. Eve then moved to France to join Paris' Moulin Rouge. Since being home she has appeared again with the Production Company in, Mame.
Eve is overwhelmed to finally fulfill her dream to dance the choreography of Bob Fosse, she dedicates her performance to him and is blessed to be part of such an iconic and classic musical.
DANIEL SLATER
Daniel began dancing at the age of five under the influence of Glenda Yee and William A Forsythe, he later continued his dance training at
Dance World 301.
A sought after performer, Daniel has worked with Kylie Minogue, Vanessa Amorosi, Dannii Minogue, Shakaya, Paulini, Inaya Day, Sophie Monk, Christine Anu, Ricki-Lee and Marcia Hines, to name but a few.
His television credits include the TV Week Logie Awards, Micallef Tonight, Sunrise, Australian Idol, The Good Friday Appeal, MTV’s The Lair, The Gala Opening of Fox Studios and television commercials for Starburst, Virgin Mobile, Toyota and Mitre 10. He also appeared in the Baz Luhrmann feature film Moulin Rouge and in numerous fashion parades and advertising campaigns.
Musical Theatre credits include Mamma Mia! (in which he understudied and performed the role of Pepper), Fiddler on the Roof, We Will Rock You, Shout! The Legend of the Wild One (assistant Dance Captain) and most recently Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Daniel is thrilled to be a part of the Australian cast of Chicago.
MICHELLE SMITHERAM
Since the age of four Michelle has studied all forms of dance, beginning at the May Downs School of Dance in Melbourne, and at 13 also joined the Young Australian Broadway Chorus. After completing VCE, Michelle completed the full-time performing arts course at the Robert Sturrock Industry School of Dance.
In her first year out of training, Michellemade her musical theatre debut in the Melbourne season of Monty Python’s Spamalot. Mid 2008 she ventured to the U.S to further her dance training in New York and Los Angeles. It was on Broadway that Michelle re-affirmed her passion for Music Theatre – she saw 17 Broadway shows in just 21 days! Returning to Australia with her sights set on musical theatre, Michelle auditioned for Chicago. At 20 years of age, she is thrilled to be a member of the Australian touring cast of Chicago!
RYAN STUART
First and foremost I would like to express much love and gratitude to my unique parents for their inspirational strength and guidance. Lauren’s words can't express my love and admiration. Monica, my petal, you have been there for everything, Todd Patrick you set the wheels in motion and Jaci Testro for believing in the unbelievable. I am forever indebted to you!
Ryan has just recently hung his high heels after completing Australia's hugely successful Priscilla, Queen of the Desert - The Musical in Australia & NZ. This comes on the back of being Principle dancer for the Australian Countdown - The Arena Spectacular 1&2 tours. He was fortunate enough to have performed with some of the world's most successful pop & rock artists.
Ryan enjoys the enviable position of being one of Melbourne's most sought after commercial performers. Credits include music video clips, TV appearances and corporate events with the likes of Dannii Minogue, Ricki-Lee, Marcia Hines, and the legendary Jimmy Barnes.
Ryan is signed to the esteemed Chadwick's Modelling agency, credits include Australian Fashion Week, Gucci, Nike, Nokia, and Peter Alexander, and appearing in various TVC's and short films.
In addition Ryan has also toured the USA, Asia and the Caribbean in a string of successful cabaret cruise ships and corporate events.
Ryan's training was completed at Patrick Studios Australia in his hometown of Melbourne.
Ryan is absolutely thrilled to be a part of Chicago, a dream come true!
ROZIE TIPLADY
Born and raised in Cairns, Queensland, Rozie Tiplady began her dance training at the Julia McAlpine Dance Studio. As her love for music and performance grew, she began performing lead roles in local stage productions. Rozie moved to Melbourne at age 17 where she gained a Diploma of Performing Arts at Dance World 301 Studios.
Rozie made her musical theatre debut performing with Hugh Jackman in the Australian production of The Boy From Oz, and then went on to perform in the Monty Python musical Spamalot. Rozie also performed in Rhonda Burchmore’s Fever tour, and at the Australia Day Live concert with Bob Downe. Throughout her career, Rozie has appeared in various television commercials and film clips. In 2006 Rozie was cast as a XXXX Angel, performing William A Forsythe’s choreography at some of Australia’s largest sporting events.
Rozie is thrilled to appear in the Australian cast of Chicago - A dream come true. Rozie would like to thank her family, friends and partner for their endless love and support.
DEAN VINCE
Dean graduated from WAAPA with a Bachelor of Music Theatre in 2002. At WAAPA Dean appeared in A Comedy of Errors (Dr Pinch), Bye Bye Birdie, Berlin to Broadway, The Pajama Game (Prez), Into The Woods (Assistant Director) and the world premiere of Nick Enright and David King’s The Good Fight (Ned Darcy, Tex Rickard).
Dean performed the roles of Plato and Macavity in Cats, Smokey in Damn Yankees for the Production Company and he created the role of Stan in the world premiere season of Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story on Stage.
On television Dean has appeared in CNNNN and on film in the AFI Award winning Japanese Story. He produced and directed the NSW premiere of Andrew Lippa’s
John and Jen.
Most recently Dean has been appearing in the hugely successful Priscilla – Queen of the Desert as one of the original cast.
He would like to thank his family and friends for their constant love and support.
