DIRECTORS NOTE

I was sixteen years old the first time I heard the voice of Alanis Morissette. Well, technically, that isn’t true—I would have probably been a young boy, maybe eight years old, listening to the radio, probably being driven to school. But when I say “the voice of Alanis Morissette,” I’m not referring to the literal vibrations created by her laryngeal folds. I’m talking about the powerful and primal flow of essential Alanis-ness that is her legendary album, Jagged Little Pill. This was not just a collection of songs, you understand. This was a seismic event that shifted the plates of pop culture and redefined irony for a generation. Alanis Morissette, rock star, was more than a voice. She was a Voice. And although I was not born into that generation where it all started, I still felt a part of it all at sixteen years old when I truly listened to the album for the first time. My curiosity was piqued with “You Oughta Know”—a song I had been told I would like (I can now understand why) and I played the album through my wired Apple earphones. A trembling voice filled my head, not just a voice, but a Voice: Alanis’s brave, forceful, naked Voice revealing itself truly for the first time. It was an immediate shock to the system. After I had only listened to a parade ofgrunge singers cocooning themselves in flannel and mumbling purposely vague lyrics, here, at last, was someone ready to expose her soul. And “You Oughta Know” was just the beginning… the beginning of the beginning. The music delighted and inspired me, as it has for so many people from all generations, and now that Voice has been woven into a musical with the same soul-bearing power that I found as a teen boy. Jagged Little Pill: The Musical is not a dance-in-the-aisles jukebox musical with a featherweight story; it is an epic, messy and fearless tale that deeplyreflects our modern life. That sixteen-year-old boy who felt truly seen by a Voice in his Apple earphones would look at me now and say, “I recommend biting off more than you can chew to anyone.” And I certainly do, because this is a story that demands to be told, and I am wholly honoured and deeply humbled to tell that story among such an emotionally intelligent, empathetic, clever and soulfully talented cast and creative team -

HUNTER WALL

CHOREOGRAPHERS NOTE

Jagged Little Pill is unlike any other jukebox musical; Alanis Morissette wrote this story in 1995 through her first globally released album. The narrative simply lives within her lyrics and melodies - a true artist here to shake up our world. It was my mission to ensure that this source material was honoured through the physical world I was able to create and discover. Jagged Little Pill is about temptation - like the serpent deceiving Eve into eating the forbidden fruit. It explores the temptation to want something we can't have and reminds us to cherish our own Garden of Eden. We discover how paralysis can be driven by guilt. A parasite can be the person sitting beside you, hidden behind a smile. We learn that the Spiritual Woman is here to save us, and that the divine feminine is here to speak loudly and clearly for good. What does our ideal world look like? Do we hold the pen and paper that write our own story? This ensemble lives, breathes, and pulses as a single organism - the energy is constantly alive somewhere within the space... do you always have your eye on it? This story is human. It is real. It is raw. I hope this little pill stirs something within you -

COOPER SWAIN

THE CAST

  • MARY JANE – CAROLINE TAYLOR

    Caroline holds a Bachelor of Music Theatre (CQU), Master of Music Studies (GU), Master of Education (UNE), and Graduate Certificates in TESOL and Counselling in Education. She works at Saint Stephen’s College as a vocal tutor, teaching singing, conducting the Senior College Choir and Vocal Excellence programs, and directing the Senior College musical productions. Her performance credits include: Beehive: The Reunion (GCAC), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat (HRTC), Lipstick (GCAC), Sizzling Hits (GCAC), Beehive (GCAC), Higher & Higher: The Motown Musical (Spotlight), Downtown (Spotlight Theatre Co), The Beat Goes OnJukeboxCabaret, and Les Misérables (GCAC), to name a few.

  • FRANKIE – SAMANTHA PRICE

    Samantha is no stranger to the NAPA stage and has been around for many years. She graduated from Spotlight Youth Theatre in 2018 and has continued to perform around the Gold Coast. She recently played Bonnie in Come From Away, Urleen in Footloose, Dionne in Hair, and has also been involved in several shows such as We Will Rock YouChicagoBeautifulThe BodyguardCatch Me If You CanBe More ChillLegally BlondeTarzanLes Misérables, and many more. You oughta know… that she is so excited to be working with such an amazing cast!

  • STEVE – JONATHAN WHITLOW

    Jonathan holds a Diploma in Musical Theatre Performance & Commercial Dance (DLDC) and has enjoyed a vibrant professional career spanning twenty years. Highlights include: Australian National Tours of BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORYGREASEFAME, and HAIRSPRAY; UK National and International Tour of FRANKIE’S GUYS; Royal Caribbean’s SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER; numerous contracts aboard luxurious cruise ships as Featured Singer/Guest Entertainer; solo cabarets THE OTHER BOY FROM OZ and WHIT-HIGH WHIT-LOW WHIT-NEY in Chelsea, London; vocal director, rehearsal choreographer, and project manager for David Michael Productions, UK; and casting assistant for Blackburn International’s Viking Cruises. Other memorable performances on the Spotlight stage include Peter Allen in THE BOY FROM OZ, Harry Bright in MAMMA MIA!, and Terk in Disney’s TARZAN.

  • NICK – GREYSON VAUGHN

    Greyson is an enthusiastic, Queensland-based performer. He made his debut in 2022 as Roger in Grease and fell in love with the stage, leading him to since take on Zeke in High School Musical, Boland/Bernstein (on-stage swing) in Dogfight, Buddy Rocky in Honeymoon in Vegas, Levi in Joseph, etc., Sky/Eddie (on-stage swing) in Mamma Mia!, Kurt in Heathers, Ike in Oklahoma!, and Mark/Young Mike in 17 Again, marking the first time he has led a show. Greyson is very excited to work with the amazing cast and creatives in this production of Jagged Little Pill.

  • JO – SHILO KWOCKSUN

    Shilo is a trained actor who found her calling to the arts during high school for both stage and screen, having had lead roles in theatre productions such as A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, A FUZZWOLLOPS FRAME OF MIND, and HOUSE ON FIRE. Since then, she has worked in multiple film and TV shows such as ROCK ISLAND MYSTERIES S2, IN OUR BLOOD, and BALLS UP, while also studying with NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Art). Shilo has since gained experience in theatre, playing LAMBCHOPS in Spotlight’s 2025 production of FAME: The Musical. Throughout this time, Shilo has expanded her skill set in music, becoming a multi-instrumentalist. She is beyond thrilled to be playing the role of JO and hopes you all enjoy the show as much as she has loved being a part of it.

  • BELLA – ANGELIQUE GIUFFRE

    Angelique is a driven, passionate performer striving towards a professional career in the performing arts industry. She holds a Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Performing Arts from previous studies at Brisbane performing arts institutions, as well as a Cert IV in Dance from full-time studies at Dynamite Studios. She is also proud to be currently completing her Diploma of Musical Theatre here at NAPA. She has worked for a myriad of local Gold Coast entertainment companies over the last few years as a dancer and singer.

    Angelique’s recent stage credits include: Hermia in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM (NAPA Ensemble), Wendy Jo in FOOTLOOSE (NAPA Ensemble), Abigail Williams in THE CRUCIBLE (Gold Coast Little Theatre), Thea/Ensemble in SPRING AWAKENING (Gold Coast Little Theatre), Ensemble in HAIR (Gold Coast Little Theatre), Marcy in DOGFIGHT (Spotlight Theatre), and Erato/Calliope Swing/Dance Captain in XANADU (Spotlight Theatre).

  • PHOENIX – FLYNN ANDERSON

    Flynn Anderson received his training from the National Academy of Performing Arts. Flynn has been in a multitude of productions throughout the Gold Coast, tackling a variety of roles from Claude (Number 1005963297) in HAIR to Christopher Boone in THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME. Flynn has brought his creative choreography style to GCLT’s AMERICAN IDIOT and GUYS AND DOLLS. Most recently seen on the NAPA stage as Ren McCormack in FOOTLOOSE, getting the opportunity to play Phoenix has been such an amazing challenge to take on. Flynn has loved being able to work alongside an extremely talented group of creatives, watching the amazing cast bring this incredible production to life.

  • ANDREW – HUNTER WALL

    Hunter Wall is an aspiring performer, director, and playwright. After training with Spotlight Youth Theatre and then studying Drama at the University of Queensland, Hunter has performed in and directed productions all over the Gold Coast. His most notable credits include: Gabe in Next to Normal (Javeenbah Theatre), Whizzer in Falsettos (Javeenbah), Evan Goldman in 13: The Musical (Spotlight Theatre), Lounge Singer in Dogfight (Spotlight), and most recently Otto/Swing in Spring Awakening (Gold Coast Little Theatre).

    As a creative, Hunter had his directorial debut with Blackrock at Gold Coast Little Theatre in 2023 and has since directed Picnic at Hanging Rock (Javeenbah), A Streetcar Named Desire (Spotlight), The Crucible (GCLT), Thursday’s Child(Javeenbah), and now Jagged Little Pill with NAPA Ensemble. Hunter is completely honoured to join this ridiculously talented and empathetic collective of performers and is honoured to be their director, finding the heart alongside them all.

  • COURTNEY / ENSEMBLE – ELYSIUM HIPWOOD

    At the age of 7, Elysium began her training at NAPA, where she received her Certificate IV in Musical Theatre. She then went on to earn her Diploma of Musical Theatre at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). She has recently performed in the roles of Ado Annie in Oklahoma!, Margot in Legally Blonde, and Rusty in Footloose. She is excited to be a part of this production of Jagged Little Pill and to tell a story that demands to be told alongside such an incredible team!

  • DENISE / ENSEMBLE – TESS BURGESS

    Tess is currently studying her Diploma of Musical Theatre at NAPA. Her previous credits include High School Musical with the Byron Theatre Company, where she played Sharpay, and Into the Woods with the Bangalow Theatre Company, where she performed the role of Little Red Riding Hood and received the 'Jock and Beverly McIlwain Special Encouragement' bursary award at the Gold Palm Awards for her performance. She is passionate about singing, acting, and dance, and hopes to continue her training by studying a Bachelor of Music Theatre or Acting at the Victorian College of the Arts after graduation.

  • JILL / ENSEMBLE – JORDAN RIGBY

    Jordan Rigby is a bright and budding young performer who is absolutely thrilled to be part of NAPA Ensemble’s Jagged Little Pill. Over the past couple of years, she has toured with Jally Entertainment, acting in several children’s shows, including Snowy and the Seven Cool DudesCinderella Spinderella, and Little Red in the Hood. From this experience, she has had the pleasure of performing all across the country, in Western Australia, North Queensland, Victoria, and New South Wales. As well as entertaining children, she loves musical theatre and has performed in several community productions, including “Gypsy,” “Fame,” and “Xanadu.”

  • TEACHER / ENSEMBLE – LARA SALAMACHA

    Lara is beyond excited to make a return to the NAPA stage for the first time since 2020, when she was ensemble in Be More Chill. Since then, she has received a Bachelor of Musical Theatre from the Queensland Conservatorium and performed in several productions, including Ensemble in Spotlight Theatrical Productions’ Mamma Mia!, Enid in Vargo Studios’ Legally Blonde, and the Jane alternate/Ensemble in Spotlight’s Tarzan. She really loves to tell a story and is excited to explore the world of Jagged Little Pill with the cast and crew!

  • PHARMACIST / THERAPIST / ENSEMBLE – CHLOE SMITH

    Performing in over 20 productions across the Gold Coast, Chloe is no stranger to community theatre. Her stage credits include: Spring Awakening (Ilse), Dogfight  (Swing), Blackrock (Rachel Ackland), Jekyll & Hyde (Emma Carew), Into the Woods (Cinderella), The Importance of Being Earnest (Cecily Cardew), American Idiot (Heather), The Addams Family (Wednesday Addams), Catch Me If You CanBe More Chill, and Les Misérables. Behind the scenes, Chloe has also worked on productions such as Thursday’s ChildA Streetcar Named Desire, and Kinky Boots. She is humbled to share in this experience and would like to thank the cast and crew for their camaraderie.

  • DOCTOR / ENSEMBLE – KATE TAYLOR

    Kate is currently studying a Bachelor of Business in Events & Marketing at Griffith University, alongside a Diploma of Musical Theatre at the National Academy of Performing Arts. Growing up in a musical theatre family, she has developed experience across all aspects of theatre as a performer, director, backstage, and sound technician. Her performance credits include The Addams Family (Wednesday), Matilda (Matilda), Freaky Friday (Ellie Blake), Grease (Rizzo), and Heathers (Heather Chandler), among many others. She is excited to join the GC community theatre scene alongside the stellar cast of Jagged Little Pill.

  • BARISTA / ENSEMBLE – KIYOMI DUNCAN

    Kiyomi trained in musical theatre, stage acting, and singing in Sydney before moving to the Gold Coast, where she completed her studies in Musical Theatre at NAPA College (2024). She currently works at Warner Bros. Movie World and Paradise Country as a show host. She has performed in shows including: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (NAPA Ensemble, 2026), Minefields & Miniskirts (NAPA, 2025), Rock of Ages (NAPA, 2024), Cats (NAPA, 2023), and Chicago High School Edition (NAPA, 2022). Kiyomi is thrilled to be performing in Jagged Little Pill alongside an incredibly talented cast.

  • CHARLIE / DRUG DEALER / ENSEMBLE – ZAK DREW

    Zak Drew has been involved in theatre, drama, and the arts for over a decade. His love for musicals and drama has led him to perform in shows including Lonny in Rock of Ages, Bob in Jersey BoysThe Play That Goes Wrong, Gavroche in Les Misérables, Young Tarzan in Tarzan, Flounder in The Little Mermaid, Frederick Fleet in Titanic, and many other shows. He has also trained in singing, screen acting, drama, dance, and theatre for multiple years. Zak is extremely excited to return to NAPA’s stage for the first time in seven years in Jagged Little Pill.

  • KELSEY / RECEPTIONIST / ENSEMBLE – EMERSON BELL

    Emerson is thrilled to be joining NAPA Ensemble! She has trained in Drama and Musical Theatre with Spotlight Youth Theatre for nine years and received a Musical Theatre Scholarship in her graduating year, 2025. Her past roles include Wendla Bergmann in Spring Awakening, Killer Queen in We Will Rock You, Pepper Walker in Cry-Baby, and Mrs Potts in Beauty and the Beast, which won Best Youth Theatre Production at the 2025 Gold Coast Palm Awards. She hopes you all enjoy the show!

  • LANCER / ENSEMBLE – TASMAN GREW-JONES

    Tasman Grew-Jones is a musical theatre and dance performer currently completing a Diploma of Musical Theatre at the National Academy of Performing Arts. He has trained with NAPA for two years and is also part of Launch PAC part-time, where he continues to develop his dance skills. Tasman has performed in multiple musical theatre and dance productions, including Annie with NAPA as a lead dancer, Sweeney Todd as lead understudy, and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical with Ballina Players as a Righteous Brother. He has also performed in Fright Nights at Movie World, Future Star Management dance conventions, and several dance concept videos. With a strong passion for musical theatre, dance, singing, and acting, Tasman continues to grow as a versatile performer across stage, screen, and live entertainment.

  • DANNI / ENSEMBLE – HARRISON SALTER

    Musical theatre has become a newfound passion for Harrison. After a few years of drama class, Harry joined his school musical in 2023 for his final year, which cemented his desire to pursue a career in the industry. Later that year, he started his first dance class at Kay Flynn Ballet, joining additional classes at SONYQ Edge and Matt Ward Vocal until he was busy every afternoon. Now graduated, Harrison has been seen in FameMamma Mia!, and Tarzan: The Musical at Spotlight Theatre, and now joins Jagged Little Pill, marking Harry’s first performance with NAPA Ensemble.

  • LILY / ENSEMBLE – SOPHIE WILLMOT

    Sophie is thrilled to be making her NAPA stage debut in Jagged Little Pill as part of the ensemble and featured track of Lily. She is currently completing a full-time Diploma of Musical Theatre at NAPA and is excited to bring this powerful story to life alongside such a talented cast. With over 18 years of dance training in ballet (Vaganova and RAD), jazz, contemporary, and heels, Sophie has developed a strong foundation as a versatile performer. Recent theatre credits include Iris Kelly in Fame (Spotlight Theatre), Annabella Schmidt in The 39 Steps (SONYQ Edge Performing Arts), Female Lead Swing and Choreographer for Titanic (Gold Coast Little Theatre), and Featured Ensemble in Oklahoma! (Gold Coast Little Theatre). Sophie would like to thank her incredible NAPA support system, family, mentors, and friends for their constant encouragement, guidance, and belief in her. She hopes you enjoy the show.

  • PHOEBE / ENSEMBLE – GRACE MACCABE

    Grace has been performing in musical theatre since the age of four and has had a passion for performing ever since. She has played lead roles in many of her school musicals, as well as lead roles in ballet productions at Dance World Academy. She also participated in the Spotlight Youth Theatre program, recently performing the role of Silly Girl in Beauty and the Beast. Grace is thrilled to be expanding her horizons with more theatre opportunities and is so grateful to be on board for this amazing production!

  • ENSEMBLE – MADISON DRINKWATER

    Madison Drinkwater is currently studying a Diploma of Musical Theatre here at NAPA. Madie has performed in many musicals, including Elf Jr. (Spotlight Theatre) and The Addams Family (Spotlight Theatre), with principal roles as Olive Ostrovsky in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Robina State High School), Hilda in Rock of Ages (SONYQ Edge Performing Arts), Lila Dixon in Holiday Inn (SONYQ Edge Performing Arts), Dory in Finding Nemo (Beenleigh Theatre), and Francine/Angel in Jersey Boys (SONYQ Edge Performing Arts). Madie has enjoyed many opportunities to perform at local community events, including the Gold Palm Theatre Awards, the Australian Musical Theatre Festival (Tasmania), and charity events over the years, but is excited to be involved in her first NAPA musical, Jagged Little Pill.

  • ENSEMBLE – LOUELLA EVANS

    Louella Evans is 18 years old and has been devoted to dancing and musical theatre since the age of 11. Louella has recently graduated and completed a Cert IV in Dance Teaching and Management. She is currently studying a Diploma of Musical Theatre at NAPA. Louella has been competing in dance competitions in all styles, such as jazz, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, musical theatre, and acrobatics. Louella is an aspiring artist and shares a strong love for musical theatre and the performing arts. She is so excited to be performing in Jagged Little Pill and to continue growing on her journey in the arts.

  • ENSEMBLE – NICOLETTE DITCHBURN

    Nicolette Ditchburn is currently completing a Bachelor of Music (Jazz Voice) at the Queensland Conservatorium and trained at Vocal Adrenaline Performing Arts (2020–2024). In 2025, Nicolette was invited to perform in When I Get My Name in Lights alongside Nancy Hayes, Caroline O’Connor, Alinta Chidzey, and Mark Vincent at the Australian Musical Theatre Festival. Recent credits include Ensemble/Mother/Female Soloist in TARZAN (Spotlight Theatre), Gertie Cummings in OKLAHOMA! (Gold Coast Little Theatre), and Ensemble in CRUEL INTENTIONS (Beenleigh Theatre). School productions included The Blue Fairy in MY SON PINOCCHIOMargot US in LEGALLY BLONDE, and ensemble in CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANGGUYS AND DOLLS, and WICKED (A.B. Paterson College).

THE BAND

Keyboard/Conductor: Shari Willner

Guitar 1: Mik Farnsworth-Sempf

Guitar 2: Daniellé Robert, Hayley Gravina

Violin: Sari Rangiwai, Tammy Catanese

Viola: Steph Williams

Cello: Laila Chequer de Souza

Bass: Coen Chalmers, Ko Dejima

Percussion: Gabriel Guino-Sapienza

PRODUCTION TEAM

DIRECTOR - HUNTER WALL

CHOREOGRAPHER - COOPER SWAIN

VOCAL DIRECTOR - JONATHAN WHITLOW

MUSICAL DIRECTOR - LAILA CHEQUER DE SOUZA

ASSISTANT CHOREOGRAPHER - KIM REYNOLDS

DANCE CAPTAIN - ELYSIUM HIPWOOD

STAGE MANAGER - DI MORGAN

SOUND DESIGN & OPERATION - JOHN TAYLOR

LIGHTING DESIGN - HUNTER WALL

LIGHTING TECHNICIAN - THOMAS BELL

LIGHTING OPERATOR - KIM REYNOLDS

COSTUMES - KIM REYNOLDS

SET DESIGN - HUNTER WALL

SET CONSTRUCTION - MICHAEL MONSMA

HEADSHOT AND PROMO PHOTOGRAPHY - TRINA POWER

PRODUCTION PHOTOGRAPHY - DAVID REYNOLDS

SET PAINTERS – CAST AND CREW

BACKSTAGE CREW - LUCY EDRICH AND ARLIAH POCOCK

SPECIAL THANKS TO - ETHAN ROBINSON, TISH CLARKE, CILLA SCOTT, ANNIE MUNSTER,

MICHAEL SUTTON, JACY LEWIS, TAMARA SHARPE, GILLIAN CROW, SEAN CURRAN,

TODD JESSON, CHRIS DENNIS, SPOTLIGHT THEATRE AND THE NAPA P&F