2004 The Heidi Chronicles

• Production Date: 30 April – 08 May, 2004
• Production Company:  Beenleigh Theatre Group, Beenleigh
• Playwright:  Wendy Wasserstein
• My Role:  Susan Johnston

This fun production was my debut with Beenleigh Theatre Company, and was my first full show having to perform in an American US Accent. It was also the first (and only) opportunity I had to work with Director, Len Granato. I had known Len for while and always wanted to work with him – and I’m so glad I did as I don’t think he directed any shows after this one as he was not well (and sadly is no longer with us).

The show followed the story of “Heidi” through the years – from the mid-60s to late 80s. I was cast in the role of Susan Johnston, who was Heidi’s best friend, so I had the fun journey of seeing my character evolve over the 25yrs, as well as wear some awesome costumes thanks to Carolyn Kinniburgh, who provided them for the show. This was also the first show I made the rookie mistake of falling for my own setup (which I would never do now). One of the scenes in the show, Emma Skelton (who played Heidi) and I were sitting in a restaurant and one of the other cast members had to bring out two plates of food. I remember rearranging the food into a funny-looking face when backstage, thinking I might give Emma a moment, but she was such a professional she didn’t react at all and I was the one that broke character! Len wasn’t happy and I never played a stage prank on anyone ever again! Naughty me!!

I don’t know what happened to Emma after the show as I never had the chance to work with her again – she was already a professional actor before this show having appeared on The Sleepover Club on Ch9 in 2003, but I last heard she was still acting around Brisbane in both film & theatre! This show was also where I met Steven Pimm & Rachael Brumley, both of whom I did have the opportunity to work with again, and my second time working with Ray Tiernen, whom I met in the cast of Carpe Jugulum last year.

My only other strong memory of this show was the accent – I was able to pick it up quickly (as I’ve always done) but after weeks of rehearsals & shows, it actually took me a good few months to get rid of it afterwards! Oh, and looking back at all the photos, I think this was also my first on-stage kiss (my character had a girlfriend at one stage).

CAST: Emma Skelton, Joachim Seilo, Ray Tiernan, Steven Pimm, Amanda Gibson, Tracey Morris, Rachael Brumley.

CREW: Len Granato (Director), Sue Nye (Stage Manager), Kelly Redhead (Set Designer), Carolyn Kinniburgh (Costumes), Derek Redhead, Ben Compaan, Greg Heath (Lighting & Sound), Kelly Richter, Janice Hancock, Lisa Hancock, Rebecca Gibson.