Mr MATT KEAN (Hornsby—Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation) (19:00): I pay tribute to a group of talented singers and performers who recently blew me away with a truly electrifying performance of the musicalGrease. The Berowra Musical Society paid tribute to the iconic hit show in an ensemble performance that could rival that of the original cast. It has been 40 years since the movie hit theatres, but it has become without doubt the most successful musical movie of all time. It catapulted Olivia Newton‑John and John Travolta into mega stardom, but I think the Berowra Musical Society stars Josh Brown, who played Danny, and Brianna Sykes-Spencer, who played Sandy, could give those two a run for their money. The entire production was seamless and entertaining, and the talent at this local level was just phenomenal.
The production was directed by the very talented Ryan Henderson. This is his second time in the director's chair. Seeing the calibre of the cast on stage, he has put together an amazing production. I congratulate Ryan on his efforts. He was assisted by musical director Mike Howell, a teacher at Normanhurst Boys High School, who has a long history of involvement in productions at the Berowra Musical Society. From playing instruments to assisting with the stage crew, he has pretty much done it all. Choreography was looked after by Briony Johnston and Monique Harris. Briony, who has been dancing since the age of three, studied at The McDonald College and has a long list of musical society credits to her name. Monique, a full-time dance teacher, is one of the best tap dancers in Australia. Her expertise was seen on stage through the casts' amazing dance moves. I could use a few tips from her.
The cast included Candice Arnold, who has been part of the Berowra Musical Society for the past 20 years; Tom Cousins, who first joined the group at age 11 and has been performing every year since; and Darcy Brianna Gilroy, who has performed in eight Berowra musicals and took her first leading role as Marty in this production. The cast also included seasoned Berowra Musical Society performers Myles Burgin, Savannah Sissons, Karl Elbourne, Ellie Sykes-Spencer, Patrick Dunstan, Ben Piccin, Emily Kaufman and Jordan Macri. Dan Jones celebrated 21 years with the Berowra Musical Society this year and this is the second time he has performed in the musicalGrease for the group. Another 20-year veteran was cast member Kelly Watts, who played Ms Lynch. I make special mention of Issy Gilbert, who is just 16 and did a fantastic job playing Patty.
It was not the performing alone that made this show stand out: the orchestra did a wonderful job supporting the on-stage actors. Assistant musical director Nixon Huynh and featured vocalist Rhiannon Winchestor should be congratulated, along with the orchestra Mike Howell, Kali Gillen, Emma Hosogoe, Lincoln Hung, Emma Gambino, John McCarthy, Zac de Silva and Daniel Youssef. Just as in any profession, the support crew helps to make the actors look as good as they do. This performance ofGrease was no different. The ensemble was fantastic in their on-stage support.
I congratulate Daniella Brown, Ella Friend, Harry Gougousidis, Dayton Guo, Samuel Kalnins, Yao Ko, Julian Kok, Courtney Larkham, Jacob Macri, Bradley Murphy, Graeme Murphy, Sarah Paull, Caitlin Seery, Conor Seery, David Taylor, Emily Teede, Zoe Tillett, Liv Turner, Narinder Vaccarella, Heather Wagland and Caitlin Williams. Behind‑the‑scenes work may be hard to see, but it is of great importance to the success of a production. The show would not go on without the hard work and dedication of production manager Grahame Jones, stage manager Michael Sanchez and set designer Ryan Henderson. They did an amazing job.
I also thank the supporting staff Max Henderson, Maegan Chin, Jessica Funk, Jess Herbert, Nick Hiebl, Philip Lentz, Sean Longhurst, Tim Murphy, David Funk, Frank Placko, Ian Trott, Joshua Stephen, Antony Youssef, Briony Johnston, Darcy Gilroy, James Worner, Mark Robinson, Karl Elbourne, Brian Paull, Karen Jones, Kirsty Parker Morton, Mark Myers, Miriam Myers, David Potter and Melissa Jones. I have named so many volunteers who have given their time to ensure this production has gone off without a hitch. I am very much looking forward to Berowra Musical's next performanceCatch Me If You Can which will be staged in May next year. I encourage everyone to get along and see it. Congratulations to the Berowra Musical Society.
The society has been setting the standard high since 1986, and every year it does not disappoint. With two major musicals and a Christmas pantomime, the society is very busy entertaining the people of Hornsby, and it does the job exceptionally well. The hardworking committee is headed by president Graham Jones and is supported by Karen Jones, Kirsty Parker-Morton, David Funk, Candice Arnold, Darcy Gilroy, Savannah Sissons, Kelly Watts, Caitlin Seery and Miriam Myers. For over 30 years they have made us laugh, cry and sing out loud. May they continue to do this for many years to come. I thank everyone involved in the Berowra Musical Society. It is an absolutely sensational group. I cannot wait for the next production. Keep up the great work. I thank you for all you do.
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