MLOC’s Modern Millie Team
Behind the scenes of MLOC’s June production of Thoroughly Modern Millie, is an all-female powerhouse.
Director Lyn Laister started performing at age five in Brisbane, taught dancing and co-founded the Queensland Contemporary Dance Company, before moving south to Melbourne after 26 years’ performance and dance experience.
Another 25 years later, Lyn has taught dance, performed, choreographed and directed shows in Melbourne’s Bayside area, including receiving a Music Theatre Guild of Victoria Award when directing, choreographing and performing in Cats.
Lyn loved all things ‘Julie Andrews’ as a child, and spent many happy days dancing to the music of the original movie score of Thoroughly Modern Millie.
She says she was thrilled to hear the new score created for the stage version, and believes it to be even better.
Musical director Stacey-Louise Camilleri is a seasoned performer and choreographer too, and musical director, private vocal coach, piano teacher and holds a Bach. Arts (Music Theatre).
Stacey-Louise’s most recent appearance as a performer was as Eponine in Footlight Theatre Company’s award-winning production of Les Miserables.
She is a proud member of the Australian corporate vocal trio The Swing Sisters and is also working as musical director on Hairspray for Viewbank College.
Melbourne theatre again benefitted from a talented northern ‘immigrant’ when choreographer Rhylee Nowell moved south from the Gold Coast, bringing over 35 years’ varied experience.
A qualified dance teacher in Jazz, Tap, Ballet and Highland Dancing, Rhylee has performed in over 80 shows around Australia and won numerous awards for dancing, singing and acting.
Rhylee has also directed and choreographed cabarets, variety shows, musicals and theatre restaurants, and her Melbourne directorial debut in 2012 resulted in a Music Theatre Guild of Victoria nomination for Best Director for Rent.
Excited to be involved with this production of Thoroughly Modern Millie, Rhylee says she too has been a fan of the original movie, and now this stage version.
“The 1920s dance style is one my absolute favourites,” she says. “I am enjoying bringing this style to the stage, with a bit of a twist and modern touch.”
Director Lyn Laister says she is very proud of the talented cast that she, Stacey and Rhylee have put together. “Listening to the wonderful harmonies and watching the dances come together is always a thrill!
“I am sure audiences of all ages will enjoy this fun-filled show, and seeing the beautiful fashions of the 1920s.”
Thoroughly Modern Millie is set in New York City in 1922, telling the story of Millie Dillmount, newly arrived in the city in search of a new life.
Principal performers in MLOC’s cast include Amy Gridley (Millie Dillmount), James Robertson (Jimmy Smith), Mandie Lee (Miss Dorothy Brown), Trish Carr (Mrs Meers), Ash Cooper (Mr Trevor Graydon), Ju-Han Soon (Ching Ho) and Will Kim (Bun Foo).
Thoroughly Modern Millie plays from June 13 – 21 at the Phoenix Theatre, 101 Glenhuntly Rd., Elwood (Vic). Bookings: www.mloc.org.au Enquiries: 9551 7514.
Image: MLOC’s Thoroughly Modern Millie’s musical director Stacey-Louise Camilleri (left), choreographer Rhylee Nowell and director Lyn Laister.
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