Cast

Christian Ambesi first started his performing arts training at the age of four. He trained extensively at Patricks School of the Arts Academy from age 14 where he also completed a Full-Time Musical Theatre Foundation course. Christian’s professional performance credits include the Melbourne season of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Love Never Dies. He also worked with UK superstar Robbie Williams in the 2014 The Swing tour. Christian was seen playing Baby John in Opera Australia’s West Side Story in the 2019 and 2021 Australian and international seasons. Most recently he was part of the Matt Ward production of Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical. Christian is proudly represented by Ian White Management.

Conor Bann-Murray is a dancer, singer and actor from Port Macquarie, where he started his performance training. He graduated with a Diploma of Professional Dance from Brent Street in 2022. Since graduating Conor has worked with New Ground Collective under the leadership of Mitchell Woodcock, performing with notable artists Tones & I, Meghan Trainor and the legendary Kylie Minogue. Conor is ecstatic to be making his musical theatre debut in the iconic musical Wicked.  

Brittany graduated from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) with a Bachelor of Arts (Music Theatre) in 2022, following a Diploma of Music Theatre (WAAPA) and the Foundation Program in Music Theatre at the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA). Directly after graduating Brittany was thrilled to accept the role of Sleeping Beauty (U/S Cinderella & Little Red Riding Hood) in the West Australian Opera’s production of Into The Woods. During her time at WAAPA, Brittany appeared as Alice Murphy in Bright Star, Gladys in The Pajama Game, Ensemble and U/S Mabel in Mack and Mabel, and Lady Macduff in Macbeth. Outside of her studies she also performed as a Swing in Golden Age Girls. Brittany is delighted to be working with Crossroads Live for the first time and joining the cast of Wicked!

Olivia started her professional training at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School. She successfully received her RAD Solo Seal, the Victorian Premier’s Award for VCE/VET Dance and reached the Semi Final of the Fonteyn International Ballet Competition.

Olivia went on to graduate with a Diploma of Dance Performance from New Zealand School of Dance.

Her stage and screen credits include Rebel Wilson’s feature film The Deb, Colossus by Stephanie Lake, World of Wearable Arts Show (New Zealand) and original works by creatives including Damien Jalet, Tim Harbour and Tanya Mitford.

Olivia made her Music Theatre debut in GWB Entertainment and The Australian Ballet’s production of An American in Paris and is thrilled to be a part of the Wicked legacy.

Olivia is eternally grateful for the love and support from her family and friends.

Special thanks to her voice coach Tim Smith, the team at Hansen Management and Tania Attard-O’Dwyer for igniting her passion for performing.

@livcastagna

Eli trained at the Victorian College Of The Arts Secondary School and with Andrew Hallsworth at Patrick School of the Arts. His favourite credits include The Scarecrow in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Wizard Of Oz (GFO), Bobby in A Chorus Line (Darlinghurst Theatre Company), Eugene in Grease (GFO), Artie in Yank (Woodward Productions), Franz in Rock Of Ages (M.A.T), the Original Australian companies of Matilda (Louise Withers/ Royal Shakespeare Company) and An American In Paris (The Australian Ballet/ GWB), Larry in A Chorus Line (M.A.T), Dance Captain of Chicago (M.A.T.) and most recently as a company member of the Australian tour of Hairspray (Crossroads Live). Eli would like to thank his friends, family and agent, Emma Raciti, for their unwavering support. For Poppy.

Hailing from New Zealand, Matt began his career as Sean on ABC’s Dance Academy, and notable screen credits include Home & Away and The Great Gatsby. Following time on screen in London, Matt’s career found its way back to its childhood roots in musical theatre as he worked in Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore with Disney and Universal, and as a principal vocalist with Princess Cruises. Matt appeared as Bob Gaudio in the New Zealand tour of Jersey Boys, and most recently as Hans/Oaken understudy in the Australia/Singapore tour of Disney’s Frozen.  

Joseph studied at Brent Street Studios, graduating with a Certificate IV in Performing Arts, whilst simultaneously performing with the Dream Dance Company on the Genesis tour. He was also the recipient of a scholarship to train at Broadway Dance Centre in NYC. Joe made his musical theatre debut in The Boy From Oz (The Production Company), followed by the international tour of West Side Story (GWB Entertainment) as Assistant Dance Captain in 2019. Most recently Joe was part of the original Australian cast of Moulin Rouge! (Global Creatures). Joe’s credits also include working with artists such as Charli XCX, Guy Sebastian and Jessica Mauboy, performing on X Factor AU and Dancing with the Stars, and in Opera Australia’s iconic productions of Turandot and La Traviata on Sydney Harbour. Joe also played the lead role in short film Mumlife: The Musical which was selected for the Cannes Film Festival in 2022.

From Melbourne, Sage began her training at Centrestage PAS, going to receive a Bachelor of Arts (Music Theatre) from WAAPA in 2010. She originated the role of Kylie in Reg Cribb’s The Damned for Black Swan State Theatre Company (2011). Most recently she has understudied the roles of Queen Iduna and Bulda in Disney’s Frozen the Musical. Her other theatre credits include Emma Goldman in Ragtime, Val in A Chorus Line (TML Productions), Dorothy Parker/Ethel Peas in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Anybodys in West Side Story (TPC), Jersey Boys (New Theatricals Australian tour), Wicked Witch/Aunt Em cover in The Wizard of Oz (GFO), A Fine Romance, Jesus Christ Superstar, Funny Girl, Heathers (Showqueen Productions), Nine, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Loving Repeating. Sage would like to thank her mum Kaye and the team at AMM for their continued support.

Bayley trained at the prestigious Brent Street studios in Sydney, completing his Certificate IV in Performing Arts in 2015. He made his musical theatre debut in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and was then cast in Australia’s first post-Covid show, Pippin.  Most recently Bayley was a part of the original Australian cast of the acclaimed Moulin Rouge! The Musical (Global Creatures). Bayley’s credits also include working with artists such as Kelly Rowland, Samantha Jade and Elk Road, and performing aboard international cruise liners for Norwegian Cruise Lines. On screen, Bayley has appeared in the films Pacific Rim and Dance Academy – The Comeback, as well as being a featured dancer for TV’s The Voice Au. Bayley is thrilled to perform in this production of the iconic Wicked.

Originally from Ballarat, Todd trained at BBC Studios before venturing off to tour the world performing as a Guest Entertainer aboard Royal Caribbean, Princess, Cunard, Oceania, Holland America, and Celebrity Cruise Lines. Most notably, he performed the iconic role of Tony to great acclaim in the Australian and International tour of West Side Story (Opera Australia/GWB/BB Group) and recently performed in the national tour of Hairspray, understudying the role of Link Larkin (Crossroads Live Australia). Todd’s further credits include understudying Hans in Disney’s Frozen, understudying Elder Price in the Australian premiere of The Book Of Mormon (GFO), The Pirates Of Penzance (The Production Company), Guys And Dolls (The Production Company), and Rhonda Burchmore’s Vinyl Viagra tour. Todd was also a top six finalist for the 2018 Rob Guest Endowment Award.

Rohan Khanna is currently in his final year at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts completing a Bachelor of Arts in Music Theatre and has previously completed the Diploma of Musical Theatre in 2020. Rohan’s previous credits at WAAPA include John Hinkley in Assassins, Anthony Hope understudy and Ensemble in Sweeney Todd and Cowboy Bob in Footloose. Rohan is very excited and proud to be making his professional stage debut in Wicked as a proud Indian Australian.

Andrew Kroenert (he/him) is a versatile Australian theatre performer who has appeared in various theatrical productions across Australia, New Zealand and Asia. He has a substantial credit list including Frozen (Disney), School of Rock (GWB), Shakespeare In Love (MTC), Fiddler On The Roof, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (TML), Dream Lover (GFO), City Of Angels (Life Like Company) and many other notable productions. Andrew’s vocal and acting ability was showcased in his performance as Jamie in The Last 5 Years (KWM). Andrew has lent his musical expertise as a musical director for several productions, including Shakespeare In Love (MTC) and The Rise And Fall Of Little Voice (Darlinghurst Theatre Co). Andrew’s passion for theatre and dedication to his craft have made him a respected member of the Australian theatre community. Andrew has been a member of Equity since 2008 and is represented by Ian White Management.

With Indonesian and Korean heritage, Elisha Zion Lee made her professional debut as Princess Ying Lao Lak in The King & I for The Production Company. She first discovered her love for ballet under the guidance of her teacher Kate Reilly. Ever eager to develop further as an artist, Elisha undertook full-time dance and musical theatre studies at Dance World Studios, under a scholarship program and graduated in 2020. Joining Handa Opera’s The Phantom Of The Opera in the corps de ballet marked a pivotal transition from child actor to adult artist. She later secured a role in Opera Australia’s The Phantom Of The Opera. Elisha’s credits extend to TV commercials for Officeworks and The Athlete’s Foot. Stepping into the enchanting realm of Wicked marks a humbling continuation of Elisha’s artistic odyssey. With deep gratitude, she dedicates her performances to her beloved parents and cherished teachers, whose unwavering support has paved the way for her continuing growth as an artist.

Jordan is a Brisbane-born performer who graduated from the Queensland Conservatorium of Music with a Bachelor of Musical Theatre. Her QCGU credits include Charity in Sweet Charity, and Dance Captain for the Conservatorium’s production of West Side Story, working alongside Australian choreographer Christopher Horsey. After graduating, Jordan made her professional debut that year in the Original Australian cast of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Gordon Frost Organisation). She soon after appeared alongside Broadway’s Shoshana Bean and Australia’s Simon Burke in Secret Broadway at HOTA. Most recently, Jordan finished the Australasia tour of Disney’s Frozen: The Musical, understudying and performing the role of Anna. Jordan is absolutely thrillified to be joining the new Australian company of Wicked.

Gold Coast based, Emily Monsma is graduate of the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University where she completed her Bachelor of Music: Musical Theatre. Under the direction of Associate Professor Paul Sabey, Emily appeared as Ado Annie in Oklahoma, Celisse in Godspell and Sheila in A Chorus Line. Most recently, Emily appeared in the Ensemble (U/S Carole King) in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and as Glinda in Wicked, both with Matt Ward Entertainment. She appeared as the Swallow in The Happy Prince, a timeless tale set to a soaring score by well-known musical director David W. Young. Emily has also toured nationally in Arena shows of Hairspray: The Arena Spectacular as Penny Pingleton and in Grease: The Arena Experience as Marty, as well as originating the onstage role of Leah in Nickelodeon’s Shimmer and Shine Live! (Pen2Stage).

Matilda graduated from WAAPA in 2015 with a Bachelor of Music Theatre, and has most recently starred as Gabrielle in Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Opera Australia/ Crossroads Live) and as a featured vocalist in Boublil & Schoenberg’s Do You Hear the People Sing?. Matilda has performed in New York as recipient of the Bound for Broadway scholarship as well as touring overseas with WB Productions/ Mark Bradley International, and sung the anthem at the State of Origin in 2022.

In 2020, Matilda was cast as Alice in Opera Australia/ GFO’s 25^th Anniversary production of The Secret Garden, as well as playing Fantine in Les Misérables (Packemin). She was a semi-finalist in the Rob Guest Endowment in 2017 and featured as Gussie in Merrily We Roll Along (Little Triangle), Between Worlds, as Kate Mullins in Titanic: the Musical (StageArt) and as Patty Simcox in The Original Grease (Squabbalogic). Matilda was awarded her LTCL on clarinet and gained the title of National Junior Clarinet Champion. She performed as lead production singer with MSC Cruises/ Bor Productions and has modelled for many Australian fashion labels.

Originally from Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Jackson began formal performing arts training in New York before finishing his tertiary tuition at Patrick Studios Australia, studying musical theatre under the direction of Andrew Hallsworth. Jackson made his professional musical theatre debut in the original Australian cast of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in 2019 and re-joined the production for the 2021 tour. Most recently Jackson was cast in the 50th Anniversary production of Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show as Ensemble/Dance Captain and understudy Brad, Rocky and Eddie/Dr Scott. His other credits include Baz Luhrmann’s feature film Elvis, the role of Stormtrooper in Altitude Theatre’s The Producers at Brisbane Powerhouse, and Ensemble/Assistant Dance Captain for the Australian tour of 9 to 5 The Musical. Jackson is thrilled to be joining Wicked and thanks his agent Peta, friends and family for their unconditional support.

Hailing from Adelaide, Amelia has been immersed in the world of theatre since the age of 5, receiving extensive training in various genres. At 17, she seized the opportunity to move to New York City after receiving a scholarship to undergo a full-time training program at the renowned Broadway Dance Centre.

Following a transformative year of training, Amelia returned to Australia, where she marked her debut in the 2021 Australian tour of ‘West Side Story’ (GWB Entertainment/Opera Australia). She continued with notable credits, including Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 2022 Sydney Harbour production of ‘The Phantom of The Opera’ (Opera Australia/HOSH), and the 2022 Australian tour of Disney’s ‘Frozen.’

Amelia’s professional credits extend to productions such as ‘Disco Wonderland’ (Release Creative), the 2018 ‘Red Bucket Follies’ on Broadway and numerous corporate opportunities.
Being cast in Wicked as Dance Captain has been a lifelong dream for Amelia, and she feels privileged to bring this iconic piece of theatre to audiences around Australia.

Amelia would like to thank her friends, family, and agent for their continuous support.

Edward Smith, born in Camden, NSW, trained at The Australian Ballet School before joining The Australian Ballet in 2016 and performed in ballets across Australia and internationally. In 2020 he joined the Royal New Zealand Ballet, one of the only companies in the world performing during the pandemic, before returning to Australia in 2021 to perform in An American In Paris as the Alternate Jerry Mulligan, marking his musical theatre debut. Edward has most recently appeared on stage in the Australian production of The Phantom of the Opera and also spends his time sharing his love and knowledge of ballet working with students all over Victoria and NSW.

Ksenia is a Naarm-based performer who grew up on Darkinjung land on the Central Coast of NSW. Since graduating from the University of Sydney with her Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts, she has had the opportunity to perform internationally, most recently as an opening cast member at Universal Studios Beijing, and as a Playlist Production Singer/Dancer with Carnival Cruise Lines, where she appeared in the role of Maria in Amor Cubano. Her other credits include Lead Vocalist with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Cry-Baby the Musical with Hayes Theatre Co, and the role of Wendy Darling in Bonnie Lythgoe’s The Adventures of Peter Pan and Tinker Bell. Ksenia is absolutely thrilled to be making her main stage musical theatre debut in this iconic show.

Originally from Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Lucas began his training in the performing arts at Brent Street in 2018 and continued on to graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Theatre from The Victoria College of the Arts. Whilst at VCA his credits have included Mongrel, The Hello Girls and playing Oscar in Sweet Charity.  In 2022 Lucas made his professional debut, joining the Australasian tour of Disney’s Frozen, understudying the role of Hans. Lucas is beyond thrilled to be joining the incredibly talented cast of Australia’s Wicked.

Jessica began her formal music theatre training at Patrick Studios Australia under the direction of Andrew Hallsworth, before studying a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre) at the Victorian College of the Arts. Most recently, Jessica was seen in the Australian tour of 9 to 5 understudying Judy and Doralee (Crossroads Live). Prior to that, she appeared as Maggie in A Chorus Line (Darlinghurst Theatre Company) and Hunyak in Chicago (GFO). Jessica’s other credits include The Boy From Oz (The Production Company), the Australian premiere production of Lazarus (The Production Company), Ascent (Citizen Theatre Company) and West Side Story (HANDA Opera on the Harbour). She was also the grateful recipient of the 2017 Ron and Margaret Dobell Foundation Music Theatre Award. Jessica is honoured to be returning to the stage in Wicked and would like to thank her family, friends and agent for their unwavering support.

Mietta is a young performer who has been training at Centrestage Performing Arts School in Melbourne since three years of age. Her theatre debut was in the Melbourne season of Annie in 2012, where she played the role of Kate. Mietta’s television and film credits include a guest appearance in City Homicide, the supporting role of Gabbi Ormond in the television series Conspiracy 365 and most recently as the role of Paige in the feature film The Red Shoes: Next Step. Initially cast as Becca in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie when she was 17 years old, which was postponed due to Covid, Mietta most recently made her principal debut in the role of Meg Giry in The Phantom Of The Opera. Mietta wishes to thank her family, specifically her mum for fuelling her passion and team at Ian White Management for their love and support.

Coming from Cairns in Queensland, Jun has been training in the performing arts since she was five years old, advancing her skills in singing, acting, dancing and aerial skills at Centre Stage Dance Studios. She moved to Melbourne to further train at Patrick School of the Arts and recently graduated from the full-time courses in Performing Arts and Musical Theatre. She was last seen in Victorian Opera’s production of The Who’s Tommy and also travelled to Birmingham to perform in the Commonwealth Games Closing Ceremony. Jun is thrilled to be joining the cast of Wicked.