Acknowledgement of Country
We would like to acknowledge that we create and perform on the stolen lands of the Wurundjeri and Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and their continuing connection to land, waters and culture.
We are privileged and honoured to be able to continue the long history of storytelling on this land.
About Lucky Stiff
Content Warning: Use of Fake Firearms & Partial Nudity
We're back!!!! After a hit season in 2023, the team behind Be You Productions' Lucky Stiff is back for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2024 and have created a new company called Bold Offer Productions. Our 2024 production is bigger, bolder and bubbling over with joy!
Lucky Stiff is the heartwarming tale of a man, a corpse, and a whole lot of money. Harry Witherspoon, a down-on-his-luck shoe salesman, inherits a fortune from his dead uncle, but there's a catch: he has to drag the old man's embalmed body to Monte Carlo for one last hurrah. Along the way, Harry finds love, adventure, and the true meaning of family (even if it's with a deceased relative).
Lucky Stiff was first produced Off-Broadway in 1988, with Book and Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and Music by Stephen Flaherty (also known for their work on Seussical the Musical, Anastasia, Ragtime, and Once on This Island). It is based on "The Man Who Broke The Bank At Monte Carlo" by Michael Butterworth.
First produced by Playwrights Horizons, Inc. Licensed exclusively by Music Theatre International (Australasia).
Our Cast
Chelsea Hyde
(she/her)
Annabel Glick
Chelsea’s recent theatre credits include Lucy Grant (Bright Star - FabNobs), Pickles (The Great American Trailer Park Musical - PEP Productions), and Lucy (Helene Dunlop’s ‘Mrs Bin’ - Cracked Actors Theatre Summer Reading 2022). When not onstage, Chelsea is teaching dance and drama at her local dance school (Aspect Motion School of Dance), and works as a freelance admin assistant supporting creatives and arts associations.
Chelsea completed her Bachelor of Music (Music Theatre) at the Australian Institute of Music, and is represented by Ian Nisbet Talent Management.
She is forever grateful for the opportunity to contribute to Australia’s rich history of storytelling in this colourful, chaotic tale.
Daniel Cook
(he/him)
Harry Witherspoon
Daniel is a passionate creative/actor/singer/dancer/anything else they’ll let him do.
Daniel studied Musical Theatre and Dance at Theatre Blacks, and is now out in the real world, stumbling about on wobbly baby giraffe legs.
In 2023 Daniel has been exploring contemporary dance and choreography with Lion Heart Dance Company as part of the Company Training Program.
Daniel was Assistant Director for ‘Rain Falling On The Abattoir’ and ‘Billy Loves Cha Cha, Forever’ (Cracked Actors Theatre), and a performer in ‘High Fidelity’, ‘Shrek’, ‘Bookends’ (SLAMS), ‘Mary Contrary’ (FabNobs). When not performing, Daniel can be found buying craft supplies for yet another hobby.
Daniel is represented by Ian Nisbet Talent Management.
Drew Holmes
(he/they)
Vinnie Di Ruzzio
After a short stint in Sydney studying acting, Drew relocated to Newcastle to study with RIPA where they acquired their certificate 4 in Musical theatre and a Diploma of Arts ‘Acting’. They have now relocated to Melbourne to continue their creative career.
Drew has been lucky enough to work as an Actor, writer, set designer, Director & teacher. Over their long career in the arts they have performed in many productions, such as ‘Into the Woods’, ‘I am my own wife’, ‘Grease the musical’, ‘The last days of Judas Iscariot’, ‘The Great American Trailer Park Musical’, ‘Bat Boy the musical’, ‘The Book of Everything’, ‘Charlies Aunt’, ‘Mary Poppins’, ‘Company’, ‘Dogfight’, ‘The Addams Family’, ‘Title of Show’, ‘Beauty & the Beast’, ‘She loves me’, ‘Priscilla queen of the desert’, ‘Oliver’ & ‘A gentleman’s guide to love and murder’ just to name a few.Drew co-wrote “Unforgettable”, chosen in the top 10 for the 2015 Sydney Short and Sweet festival for which they won best male Actor & Best Male Newcomer for 2014. Drew has Received CONDA’s for their performance of Amos Heart ‘Chicago’ (SNAP) 2013 & excellence in set & prop design ‘she loves me’ (Opera Hunter) 2021 and a Green Room award of best production for James Terry collective’s ‘Kinky Boots’ 2023
Drew is proudly represented by Ian Nisbet Talent Management
Elle Sejean-Allen
(she/her)
Rita La Porta
Elle was most recently seen on stage in Much Ado About Nothing (Melbourne Shakespeare Company), and is thrilled to return to Lucky Stiff for the 2024 season.
Elle is in demand as a touring vocalist for headlining artists across the Pop, Jazz, and Classical-Crossover genres, and keeps a full teaching schedule of lessons and workshops across the city and in regional areas working mainly on the lands of the Kulin Nation. Elle proudly continues to work as a mentor for upcoming IBPOC artists for several organisations (including Be You Inc.) A graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts and the Institute of Music, other credits include the role of Mistress Ford in The Merry Wives of Windsor (Melbourne Shakespeare Company), Gwendolen Fairfax (The Importance of Being Earnest), Working! The Musical, and on-screen in Rush (Network 10, S 4) along with a list of TVC's
John Ninis
(he/him)
Anthony Hendon
John has always loved committing to the bit, so he knew when he first saw Lucky Stiff staged last year that he wanted to be involved if the opportunity came up. Well, it did! Besides being a corpse for fun, John is a secondary theatre studies teacher by day, as well as an avid performer in Melbourne’s amateur theatre circle, recently playing as Poland and Norway in Eurobeat (PEP), Stevens in Dogfight (Theatrical) and Billy Cane in Fab Nobs’ production of Bright Star. John is thrilled to be contributing to such a hectic show, ironically, by doing mostly nothing!
Kristina Lang
(she/her)
Spinster, Miss Thorsby, Southern Lady, Nun, Texan
Kristina is an emerging artist, passionate about storytelling through a range of different art forms. Kristina has completed a Bachelor of Music in Classical Voice from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts and a Diploma in Music Theatre from Associated Studios Australia. Kristina has experience performing in operas, musicals, concerts, weddings, funerals and singing in professional choirs. Since moving to Melbourne from Perth in 2021, Kristina has played Belle in a production of Beauty and the Beast, performed with Victorian Opera in Il Mago di Oz (The Wizard of Oz), written and performed an original cabaret All Growed Up and most recently, was in Williamstown Musical Theatre Company’s The Boy from Oz as Valerie/Ensemble. She has also performed with Broadway Unplugged as a soloist and backing vocalist. She currently sings at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne and with the Australian Chamber Choir. She is also passionate about teaching singing and conducting choirs. Kristina is very excited to be performing with Be You Productions as lots of different quirky characters!
Liliana Braumberger
(she/her)
Vicious Punk, Nurse, Waiter, Croupier, Leper, Bellhop
Liliana is an actor and photographer based in Naarm/Melbourne. She made her musical debut as Elinor in 2022's Sense and Sensibility: The Musical and has since performed as an artist in residence in Be You's program for developing new Australian works, Be New. Liliana has musical training in voice, oboe and piano and trained at the VCA Actors Studio. Other roles include the singing Princess Alexandra of Bavaria The Regina Monologues, another stint at the MC Showroom demonstrating her improv skills among musical chaos in Hear Me Out and a successful musical theatre fundraiser Extremely Loud and Incredibly Queer for LGBTIQA+ support organisation Switchboard earlier this year. Further credits include a variety of stints behind the camera and backstage, including video artist on Bruce Beresford’s opera Othello.
Nathan Fernandez
(he/they)
Luigi Gaudi
Nathan is a Naarm (Melbourne) based creative who moved from Ngambri (Canberra) to study a Diploma of Musical Theatre, and an Advanced Diploma of Dance at APO Arts Academy/DanceWorld and completed their studies in 2015. Their most recent stage credits include a swing for Lockstock and Cladwell, as well as learning an ensemble track during the run, in Urinetown (Soundworks), Kevin in In The Heights (OCPAC) and Stanford/Ensemble in Bright Star (Pursued By Bear) Prior to that, their theatre credits include Mark in Altar Boyz (PEP Productions) and a member of the Ensemble in Rent (James Terry Presents.)
Nathan is also a director, most recently directing Death Pretzel at the Butterfly Club in 2023, for “Play In A Day” for Antipodes Theatre Company’s Festival of the Unseen (2023) and Scary Goats Tour at the Butterfly Club for MICF (2021)
Nathan is most passionate about telling stories, supporting new and innovative ways of presenting theatre and delivering stories with honesty and integrity.
Nathan is also a director, most recently directing Death Pretzel at the Butterfly Club in 2023, for “Play In A Day” for Antipodes Theatre Company’s Festival of the Unseen (2023) and Scary Goats Tour at the Butterfly Club for MICF (2021)
Nathan is most passionate about telling stories, supporting new and innovative ways of presenting theatre and delivering stories with honesty and integrity.
Rayhan Amadeus Maskun
(he/him)
Lorry Driver, Solicitor, Mr Loomis, Waiter, Bellhop, Emcee
Rayhan graduated from The Australian Institute of Music with a Bachelor of Music (Musical Theatre). Born and raised in Indonesia, he moved to Melbourne to pursue a career in the performing arts industry. Since then, he has performed in numerous shows, a highlight being Miss Saigon (Osmad), Maybe This Time (Be You Group), Broken Records (five by five theatre), and I Need You to See Me which was written and produced by Vidya Makan. In his spare time, Rayhan also writes a variety of shows that he hopes to put on someday. Rayhan dedicates his performance to his family in Indonesia, and to every person who hasn’t felt seen.
Ruby Stewart
(she/they)
Landlady, Secretary, Southern Lady, Maid
Ruby graduated from Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance with a Diploma in Musical Theatre in 2021. They are currently performing as a Resident Artist with Broadway Unplugged (Be You Group) and are soon to be seen as Betty in SEARCHING FOR BETTY by Keyanna Burgher in this upcoming Melbourne Fringe Festival. Ruby has starred in many other original works such as Marigold in ON THE RISE by Julian Smith-Gard and Oscar Jenkin in Melbourne Fringe Festival 2022, and more recently performed as Peggy/Maree in Be New’s presentation of 18/23 by Hamish Pickering. Lucky Stiff will be Ruby’s first official Musical performance.
Zoë Harlen
(she/they)
Dominique du Monaco
When Zoë saw the musical Cats at age 8, she knew she wanted to be a performer - or a cat. Failing the second option, Zoë studied a Bachelor of Musical Theatre at the Queensland Conservatorium, graduating 2017, and has since played everything from Lady Macbeth to a French cabaret chair. She's performed Australia-wide and internationally with multiple theatre companies, including Shake & Stir, Jally Entertainment, Brisbane Immersive Ensemble, and the musical improvisation troupe Impromptunes, most recently at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Our Team
Enya Cai (she/her)
Producer & Chief Bold Offerer
Enya Cai is a Producer and Consultant who works across the Arts and Corporate sectors. In the creative world, she leads social inclusion arts projects as the Conductor of Operations for Creativity Australia, produces independent theatre and founded Bold Offer Productions, and teaches choirs for young people. Across Corporate clients she provides specialised advice on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and facilitates leadership training. Enya has worked in Government and Corporates across social policy areas, including at the Victorian Multicultural Commission, Commission for Gender Equality in the Public Sector, and EY (Ernst & Young). Enya holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne and a Graduate Diploma of Chartered Accounting. Enya was the Producer for Be You Productions' Lucky Stiff in 2023, and the Production Manager and Stage Manager for flatpack’s production of Dry Land in 2024 at Theatre Works. Enya believes art is a vehicle for social change, and is thrilled to be working with this weird and wonderful bunch again for Lucky Stiff!
Bradley Dylan (he/they)
Director
Bradley, the visionary founder and CEO of Be You, brings a rich tapestry of experience to the performing arts and leadership sectors. With a career spanning over two decades, Bradley has forged a unique path that intersects the realms of artistic creativity and leadership development. Bradley applies a unique, systemic approach to theatre that integrates applied psychological insights with a deep understanding of social systems to bring audiences a nuanced yet entertaining show.
His directorial prowess, demonstrated in acclaimed productions such as "Urinetown", "Curtains", and "The Wedding Singer", reflects a deep commitment to exploring complex social themes through the lens of musical theatre comedies. Bradley's holistic perspective is evident in his dedication to creating inclusive, supportive spaces that champion diversity and accessibility. Through his leadership, Bradley seeks to dismantle barriers to artistic expression, ensuring the theatre becomes a conduit for social change and personal development. His work embodies a passionate belief in the power of the arts to inspire, challenge, and unite us, making a lasting impact on the world of theatre and beyond.
Daniele Buatti (he/him)
Music Director
Daniele Buatti, a highly skilled Music Director, Arranger, Orchestrator, Pianist, and Voice Coach in Melbourne, brings a holistic coaching approach to singers. Serving as the Musical and Creative Director of Broadway Unplugged since 2013, he leads a skilled band, crafts captivating arrangements, and delivers exciting concerts six times a year.
Daniele's expertise extends to institutions like VCA, AIM, Ministry of Dance, and VCASS, where he serves as Music Director, Répétiteur, Accompanist, Vocal Coach, and Music Theory teacher.
With an extensive musical background, Daniele has directed notable productions, including The Musical of Musicals: The Musical (Be You Productions), A Chorus Line (Federation University), A Little Night Music (Watch This), Bring It On (Stage Masters), and The Beautiful Game (Manilla Street Productions).
Jackson Passlow (they/he)
Stage Manager
Jackson Passlow is a stage manager and student at The Victorian College of The Arts with past experience in theatres with shows such as La Cage Aux Folles (2023) and Constellations (2023). They bring a mix of technical and theoretical skills to their practice and can't wait to expand their knowledge with this production of Lucky Stiff.
Katie Williams (they/them)
Lighting Designer
Katie is an early career technical arts professional. They have experience in a variety of roles; recently having stage managed/operated for FRITZ (La Mama Courthouse), designed lighting for Witch, Please! (The Butterfly Club) and worked as the Technical Stage Manager for Oh Sheila and Object-Shun/SERMON (DanceHouse). They also provide technician services for Kingston Arts Centre.
Lachlan Jones (he/him)
Sound Engineer
Lachlan is relatively new to the theatre scene and is making a stellar impact with his proficiency in all things sound. Lachlan is currently studying at VCA completing Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production) and is specialising in Set and Sound design. He’s looking forward to pursuing his passion and further his career in theatre and is thrilled to be a part of the team of Lucky Stiff!
Credits
Producer: Enya Cai
Director: Bradley Dylan
Music Director: Daniele Buatti
Stage Manager: Jackson Passlow
Choreography: Nathan Fernandez, Chelsea Hyde, Ruby Stewart
Annabel Covers: Zoë Harlen & Ruby Stewart
Rita Covers: Zoë Harlen & Liliana Braumberger
Vinnie Cover: Rayhan Maskun
Lighting Design: Katie Williams
Sound Design: Bradley Dylan
Sound Operation: Lachlan Jones
Set Design: Bradley Dylan
Backstage Crew: Jackson Passlow, Enya Cai, Bradley Dylan
Front of House: Brendan Jelley, El Daly, Ana Swadling, Enya Cai
Marketing Direction and Creative Design: Liliana Braumberger
Marketing and Social Media Team: Liliana Braumberger Kristina Lang, Chelsea Hyde, Daniele Buatti, Enya Cai
Graphic Design: Liliana Braumberger & Daniele Buatti
Photography: Liliana Braumberger & Daniele Buatti
Animation: Liliana Braumberger
Special thanks to Skin of Our Teeth Productions for the use of their wheelchair.
About Be You Productions
Lucky Stiff is the fourth show by Be You Productions, the 'main stage' arm of Be You Group. Be You Productions seeks to shake up the industry by embodying a 'people first' mantra in all we do. We volunteer our time to create these shows, and our actors and associates are engaged under our Ethical Profit Share model. We keep expenses low, which means cheaper tickets and more take-home money for our actors and associates.
We believe theatre should be people focussed as, without people, there would be no live theatre. We believe many minds make for a better product. We believe money does not equal better, rather personal attachment to your work creates a better product.
We hope you can feel the love on our stage.
The love for the work, for theatre, and for each other.