Gabriyel Thomas
Grizabella
Gabriyel Thomas (she/her) is a New York City and Melbourne based actor. She is thrilled to be back on the Australian Theater scene with CATS the musical. CATS was Gabriyel’s introduction to musical theater as a young girl. She would spend several evenings dancing around the living room while watching the 1998 film. She is so honored to be one of the many people who have had the opportunity to tell this story. Some of her most recent Australian theatrical credits include Michelle/Deloris Van Cartier (alt.) in the Australian national tour of Sister Act the Musical (Crossroads Live) and Lorraine in the Australian national tour of Hairspray. Gabriyel received her training at Bowling Green State University where she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Communications with a specialization in Musical Theater.
Back in the United States of America, Gabriyel got to experience traveling across the country with another production of Hairspray. This is where her love for traveling theater was born. She loves having chance to travel the world while doing what she loves to do. She also had the opportunity to be a part of regional theater shows such as Ragtime (Sarah) at Village Light Opera, The Sound of Music (Ogunquit Playhouse), Rock of Ages (Justice/Mom) at Warsaw Federal Incline Theatre, and Into the Woods (The Witch) for the Northwest Theater.
Gabriyel wants to thank all of the friends she has made along the way while being in Australia for making this country feel like home. She would also like to send lots of love to her family and friends back home in America who have supported her obsession with CATS and musical theater since she was a little girl. And one last special “thank you” to her agent Tiera and her team at Firestarter Entertainment for helping make all of her dreams come true!
@gabriyel.thomas
Todd McKenney
Bustopher Jones / Asparagus
One of Australia’s most versatile performing artists, Todd McKenney is an award winning and critically acclaimed performer on stage and screen. As an actor and the leading man of song and dance in musical theatre productions, he has entertained Australians for over 30 years from the main stage to intimate venues.
Todd has led the cast on some of the 7 Network’s major productions including The Full Monty, The Real Full Monty, Mates on a Mission, Ladies Night and The All New Monty which aired in 2020, a one night show that was dedicated to men and women’s health awareness. Todd also appeared as a host/ choreographer in The Real Dirty Dancing, which saw eight celebrities revisit the most memorable dancing moments from the original movie. Todd was also a judge in 20 seasons of Dancing With The Stars on Channel 7.
It’s not surprising that Todd McKenney is a household name. Todd’s stage credit roll and career highlights include his most notable role of Peter Allen in the Australian hit production The Boy From Oz, in which he performed over 1000 shows nationally and became one of the longest running and most successful musical productions in Australian history.
Todd’s first professional musical role was in 1983 in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Song and Dance. His career followed with lead and headline roles in Cats, 42nd Street, West Side Story, Crazy For You, Born Yesterday, Camelot, Pirates of Penzance, Cabaret, Strictly Ballroom, La Cage aux Folles, Singin’ In the Rain, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Orpheus In the Underworld for Opera Australia, Annie, Grease and Anything Goes. In 2018 he stepped into the stilettos and successfully took on the role of Frank N’ Furter in The Rocky Horror Show in Melbourne. In 2019 Todd stepped out on stage as Australia’s Greatest Showman in the title role of Barnum, and went onto play Lord Farquaad in the hit musical Shrek. In 2020, Todd played Lewis in the award winning feature film Unsound.
Todd starred as Wilbur Turnblad in Hairspray the Musical, as well as Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella in Sydney. In 2023/2024 Todd starred in the Australian production of Wicked as The Wizard of Oz. Todd also reunited with Shane Jacobson, performing in The Odd Couple last year.
On the small screen Todd starred in the acclaimed ABC series Significant Others, an engrossing six-part series about a missing persons case. Todd starred in Ladies in Black on the ABC in 2024. He has featured in the hit show Winners and Losers, appeared as a guest judge on Australia’s Got Talent and hosted on a range of morning television programs.
2020 saw Todd launch Todd+Creates, an online marketplace exclusively for independent, Australian creatives and small businesses who produce and ship their products in Australia. Todd+Creates has partnered with Everyday Market from Woolworths to be an approved seller of products sourced from Australian-owned independent small-to-medium sized businesses, to reach millions of Woolworths shoppers.
Mark Vincent
Old Deuteronomy
With a voice that has captivated audiences around the world, Mark Vincent has established himself as one of Australia’s most celebrated classical crossover artists. His career spans ten albums, eight of which have topped the ARIA Classical Crossover charts, multiple national and international tours, and performances at some of the world’s most prestigious venues.
In 2023, Mark reached a new milestone when he was personally invited to Andrea Bocelli’s home for lunch. Not only did he gain the legendary tenor’s friendship and endorsement, but he was also entrusted with a song originally composed for Bocelli. That track, Sei Ami La Vita, produced by Bocelli’s longtime collaborator Pierpaolo Guerrini, debuted at No 1 on the Apple Music Classical Charts and became a highlight of Mark’s first independent album, Life Is Beautiful, which also topped the ARIA Classical Crossover chart.
This achievement follows a career filled with extraordinary moments. In 2017, Mark fulfilled a lifelong dream with A Tribute to Mario Lanza, an album that featured a groundbreaking virtual duet of Because You’re Mine with the Hollywood legend himself. The duet received international attention and the blessing of Mario Lanza’s daughter, Ellisa Lanza Bregman. That same year, he headlined a national Australian tour before joining world-renowned soprano Katherine Jenkins on her sold-out UK tour, performing at venues such as London’s Royal Albert Hall and the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow. His international presence grew further with performances in Ireland alongside Irish tenor Tommy Fleming, and in 2019, he was invited to Belfast to appear at BBC Proms in the Park as a special guest of Susan Boyle.
A regular performer at Carols in the Domain, Mark has shared his voice with audiences of up to 80,000 people and millions more watching at home. His love for the stage extends beyond music, with critically acclaimed performances in theatre, including roles in Dirty Dancing and My Fair Lady, the latter earning him the personal endorsement of Dame Julie Andrews, who cast him as Freddy Einsfield Hill in the Australian national production.
Mark’s journey began at a young age, nurtured by his Italian heritage and inspired by the great tenors, Mario Lanza, Luciano Pavarotti and Andrea Bocelli. His breakthrough moment came in 2009 when, at just 15 years old, he stunned the nation with his performance of Nessun Dorma on Australia’s Got Talent, ultimately winning the competition and securing a recording contract with Sony Music. What followed was a decade of record-breaking success, with multiple albums charting across national and international platforms.
From his early days as a young prodigy to becoming one of the most respected voices in classical crossover music, Mark Vincent’s career is a testament to his passion, dedication, and extraordinary talent. With more music, performances, and dreams on the horizon, his journey is far from over.
Lucy Maunder
Jellylorum
Since graduating from WAAPA in 2006, Lucy has cemented her reputation as one of Australia’s mainstage leading ladies playing a vast range of roles over the last 19 years. Most recently Lucy starred opposite Keegan Joyce in the critically acclaimed Australian premiere of the two-hander No Love Songs (Newtheatricals), which was the first musical at Stephen Found’s new Foundry Theatre at the Sydney Lyric. And in a true career highlight throughout 2024, Lucy had the opportunity to tour Australia as the iconic Roxie Hart in the recent smash hit production of Chicago (Crossroads Live).
Other recent role highlights include Winifred Banks in Mary Poppins (Michael Cassel Group), protagonist Alison Bechdel in the Australian premiere of the hit Broadway musical Fun Home (STC/MTC), Mrs Bucket in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Crossroads Live), Catherine in Pippin (Crossroads Live), Cynthia Weil in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Michael Cassel Group), Miss Honey in Matilda the Musical (Louise Withers/RSC), Lillian Holliday in Happy End (Victorian Opera), There’s Something About Music (The Little Red Company), Heather Chandler in the Australian Premiere of Heathers (ShowWork), Patty in Tim Finn’s Ladies in Black (QTC/MTC), Rizzo in Grease (GFO), Cinderella in Into The Woods (Victorian Opera), Lara in the World Premiere of Doctor Zhivago (GFO), Polly Peachum in The Threepenny Opera (Victorian Opera/Malthouse/STC), Janet in The Rocky Horror Show (TML Enterprises), Emma in Jekyll and Hyde (TML Enterprises) and Anne Egerman in A Little Night Music (Opera Australia).
Lucy’s film credits include The Eternity Man for Channel 4 UK/ABC and the lead role in the short film Identical amongst other commercial and television credits including singing the National Anthem at the State of Origin, The Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols (Channel 9) and appearances on The Morning Show (Channel 7) and Today Extra (Channel 9) as well as a huge range of orchestral concerts with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and the Melbourne Philharmonic Orchestra.
Lucy’s one-woman show Irving Berlin: Songs in the Key of Black toured Australia to rave reviews at venues such as the prestigious Spiegeltent, Adelaide Cabaret Festival, Noosa Festival, His Majesty’s Perth and Claire’s Kitchen. Her album featuring arrangements and musical direction by Daniel Edmonds is available across all platforms.
Des Flanagan
Rum Tum Tugger
Des graduated from the VCA with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre). Since then, he has performed in several musicals, most notably as Christian in Moulin Rouge! The Musical (Global Creatures), for which he was nominated for Best Performance in a Musical by Time Out Melbourne. His other highlights include Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour’s West Side Story, Thomas in The Beautiful Game, and Nathan in One Day in September with Perryman Theatre Company. Additional credits include Grease the Arena Experience (Harvest Rain) and Performance of a Lifetime with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Most recently Des performed the leading role of Leo Bloom in JRP’s production of The Producers at Hayes Theatre.
Des’ screen credits include T-Bone in Neighbours and the acclaimed short film Rabbits, directed by Riley Sugars, which earned him a Best Lead Actor nomination at the Black Bird International Film Festival in New York.
Jarrod Draper
Munkustrap
Jarrod Draper is a proud Wiradjuri man and the first Indigenous graduate of the prestigious Music Theatre course at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). Born in Orange, his artistic journey began with a full scholarship to the Regional Conservatorium, where he studied Music Theatre and Classical Voice, performing nationally and internationally.
Most recently, Jarrod starred as Artie Green in Sunset Boulevard (Opera Australia/GWB Entertainment). He previously made history as the first Indigenous artist to play Toulouse-Lautrec in Moulin Rouge! The Musical for Global Creatures. An original Australian cast member, he initially understudied Christian and Lautrec before taking over the role. He also starred as C.C. Baxter in Promises, Promises for Neglected Musicals.
Committed to increasing Indigenous representation in the performing arts, Jarrod champions visibility, believing that “if you can’t see it, you can’t be it.” He strives to inspire Indigenous youth to pursue theatre careers. His credits include Sondheim on Sondheim, When the Rain Stops Falling (Andrew Price, Clovelly Fox Productions), Rent (Sydney Opera House, LPD), Catch Me If You Can (Hayes Theatre Co) and his critically acclaimed one-man show (Darlinghurst Theatre Company/People of Cabaret).
A 2020 Artists of Colour Initiative finalist, Jarrod was invited by Disney to perform at the premiere of Mufasa: The Lion King and later sang at Woolworths Carols in the Domain (Network Seven). Resilient and passionate, Jarrod continues breaking barriers as a leading Indigenous artist in Australian musical theatre.
Leigh Archer
Jennyanydots / Gumbie Cat
With a career spanning four decades, Leigh’s credits are as diverse as they are extensive. An accomplished singer, dancer and actress, her stage roles include Marty in Grease – The Arena Spectacular, Demeter in Cats (Australia and Asia) and Consuelo in West Side Story. She also appeared in the Australian tour of The Wizard of Oz as an ensemble member and understudy for Glinda/Aunt Em, played Mrs Zebulan in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Australian tour), and earned critical acclaim as Dana and Marilyn Monroe in Get Happy at Sydney’s Star City.
Leigh was part of the world premiere of Moonshadow, the Cat Stevens musical, performing in the ensemble and understudying the roles of Zena and Layla. In Baz Luhrmann’s World Premiere production of Strictly Ballroom The Musical, she showcased her versatility by understudying four principal roles, ranging from a young girl to a Spanish grandmother. In 2022, she played the role of Professional Woman in the Australian regional tour of Menopause The Musical. Most recently, Leigh captivated a sold-out audience with her one-woman show, Not Just A Showgirl, at Claire’s Kitchen.
Beyond the stage, Leigh has been the face and voice of numerous commercials and has appeared on television programs such as The Midday Show, GMA, Three Men & A Baby Grand, Hits and Memories and Carols in the Domain. She was also featured in the TV movie remake of The Three Stooges.
Renowned for her natural humour and engaging presence, Leigh has been a staple in the cabaret scene, performing extensively at corporate functions, in clubs and on cruise ships with her one-woman show. Now, after a 30-year “catnap,” Leigh is absolutely thrilled to be returning to the Jellicle Ball and stepping back into the world of Cats!
Mia Dabkowski-Chandler
Bombalurina
Hot off the Australian tour of Tina The Tina Turner Musical, (TEG Dainty), Mia has proven herself as one of Australia’s most sought after, leading triple threat artists. Over the last decade Mia has performed as part of the original Australian cast of Disney’s Aladdin (Disney Theatrical), Ruth in Thoroughly Modern Millie (The Production Company), Dance Captain in Ragtime (The Production Company), Kathy in 9 to 5 (Crossroads Live), Marcie in Cruel Intentions (David Venn Enterprises) and Kat in One Day In September (Perryman Theatre Company). Most notably to date, Mia played the supporting role of Lorraine in the hit musical Jersey Boys (New Theatricals) to outstanding reviews. Splitting her time between stage and screen, Mia choreographed and starred in the fashion label Ergonaut’s campaign launch and choreographed Australian band Cosmos Midnight’s music video, Mind Off. Mia is scratching to take on the role of Bombalurina in the 40th anniversary tour of Cats! She would like to thank her parents for their unwavering support, and dedicates this performance to her late friend, James Simpson.
Olivia Carniato
Demeter
Olivia is one of Australia’s most dynamic and in-demand triple threat performers. She recently appeared in the ensemble of Guys and Dolls (Opera Australia), understudying the role of Miss Adelaide. Prior to that, she performed in Grease (Crossroads Live) as Cha Cha and understudy for Rizzo. She ended 2024 as Dance Captain for Elf (Crossroads Live) at the Sydney Opera House, following a national tour of Chicago (Crossroads Live/Jones Theatrical Group), where she performed in the Green Room Award-nominated ensemble and covered the lead role of Roxie Hart. Olivia was an original Australian cast member of Hamilton (Michael Cassel Group) and Pippin (Gordon Frost Organisation), covering the role of Berthe. Her other credits include Velvet Rewired (Rix Management) with Marcia Hines, the Australian and international tour of West Side Story (Opera Australia/GWB/BB Group) as Consuela and understudy for Anita and Rosalia, understudy for Peron’s Mistress in Evita (Opera Australia/GFO) and The Bodyguard (Gordon Frost Organisation). Olivia would like to dedicate this tour of Cats to her parents — my first audience, my forever inspiration.
Tom Davis
Skimbleshanks
Tom is thrilled to be working again with Crossroads Live, after recently playing the part of ‘Doody’ in the National tour of Grease The Musical. Other theatre credits include the Australia and NZ tour of The Book Of Mormon, F!ZZ (Opera Queensland/Shake & Stir), Alice In Wonderland (Broadway Haus, Inc.), Carrie The Musical (Wax Lyrical Productions) and Rent (Brisbane Powerhouse).
Screen credits include Last King Of The Cross (Paramount+), Hoges: The Paul Hogan Story (Network 7/ Stan Australia), and premiering at the 2025 SXSW film festival Make It Look Real (Staple Fiction/ Projector Films).
Tom is a graduate of Griffith University, and a proud member of MEAA.
Savannah Lind
Rumpleteazer
Savannah Lind made her professional debut at 14 in Annie the Musical before completing the Diploma of Music Theatre at NIDA. She then earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre) from the VCA, where she was awarded the Nancye Hayes Scholarship, allowing her to undertake further study in New York. In 2022, Savannah made her professional adult debut in The Who’s Tommy with Victorian Opera before joining the Australian cast of Hairspray as Shelly, covering Tracy and Penny. She was a swing in the latest Australian tour of Chicago and is now thrilled to be touring with Cats in one of her dream roles. Savannah is endlessly grateful to her loved ones and agents at Hansen Management.
Jake O’Brien
Mungojerrie
Jake studied musical theatre and dance at Patrick Studios. Following graduation he has been a part of StageArts’ In The Heights, Lion Heart Dance Company’s Table of Eight and Fabricated, a singer dancer on Celebrity Cruises, Mad about Theatres’ A Chorus Line as Mike Costa, Disney’s Aladdin as ensemble/ Iago cover, and GWB and Opera Australia’s West Side Story as Big Deal, Action and Riff cover, in both 2019 and 2021. Jake was swing and Dwayne cover in 9 to 5 (Crossroads Live), Fletcher, swing, May cover and Assistant Dance Captain in & Juliet (Michael Cassel Group) and Dance Captain of Cruel Intentions at the Alex Theatre. TV and commercial credits include National Bank of Australia, KMart Easter campaign and Beth Frey’s Miss Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries as Milo Nabone.
Claudia Hastings
Victoria / White Cat
Claudia began her ballet training in Arizona at the Yen Li Chen Ballet school, before moving to Australia at 15 where she completed full-time studies at Queensland National Ballet and Ev and Bow, culminating in the opportunity to perform with The Royal Ballet in their Brisbane tour. Making her musical theatre debut in 2022, Claudia completed a tour performing in The Phantom of the Opera. Working with Opera Australia since 2018, she has performed in shows such as Aida, Anna Bolena, Best of the Operas and Atilla. Claudia has also worked with the Royal Opera House of Muscat in their 2019 production of Lakme, completed two tours with Projection Dance Company and a traineeship with the Sydney Dance Company. Performing as the role of Victoria has been a lifelong dream, and Claudia is very honoured to be a part of this cast of Cats!
Ella Fitzpatrick
Jemima
Originally from Wagga Wagga, Ella trained extensively in all genres of dance from the age of four. She pursued her passion for performing and graduated from Lee Academy in 2021 with a Diploma in Musical Theatre and an Advanced Diploma of Dance. Ella began her professional career with Royal Caribbean International Cruise Lines onboard Freedom of the Seas as a dancer and acrobat. She has appeared in numerous corporate events for Motif Productions and Sugar & Spice Productions. Ella made her professional musical theatre debut in Opera Australia’s Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour production of West Side Story as Jet girl Pauline. Ella wishes to thank her family and friends for their unwavering support and is proudly represented by Kulik Management.
Chaska Halliday
Cassandra
Chaska trained at Brent Street Studios and debuted her talent on Australia’s X-Factor as part of singing group XOX. Chaska made her theatre debut in Disney’s Aladdin and played Liz and understudied Mama Morton in Chicago (GFO). Her credits also include Val in A Chorus Line (Darlinghurst Theatre Co), touring with the ARIA nominated show Velvet (Peter Rix), understudying the Leading Player in Pippin (GFO), and touring as La Chocolat in the original Australian cast of Moulin Rouge! The Musical (Global Creatures). On screen, Chaska was featured in the film The Sapphires. In 2024, Chaska performed as June in Chicago (Cross Roads Live) while also understudying the roles of Mama Morton and Velma Kelly. She also joined the cast of the acclaimed Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, where she covered the role of Gran Georgeanna. Most recently performed in Kiss Me Kate, playing the roles of Lois Lane/Bianca (Neglected Musicals).
Sarah Bourke
Tantomile
Originally from Hobart, Tasmania, Sarah graduated from Ettingshausens Pro in Sydney in 2017. She won a scholarship to train at Broadway Dance Centre in New York which she undertook after returning from a contract performing aboard Royal Caribbean International cruise liners. Sarah made her professional musical theatre debut in in An American in Paris (GWB Entertainment) and then went on to perform in the cast of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Crossroads Live/ Opera Australia). She toured Australia for two years with Disney’s Beauty & the Beast, understudying the role of Babette and most recently, performed in the ensemble of Handa Opera’s Guys & Dolls (Opera Australia) on Sydney Harbour. Sarah’s credits also include the Arts for Alzheimers event in NYC, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, performing with recording artist Starley at Sydney Mardi Gras, plus TV appearances on programs such as the The Voice and Dance Boss.
Guy Pik
Carbuckety
Guy Pik is a versatile performer based in Melbourne, with a passion for dance, singing and acting. His artistic journey began at Sefra Burstin Dance Studios and the International Dance Organisation, where he proudly represented Australia in Korea. Guy further honed his skills at Patrick School of the Arts, studying in both the high school academy and the tertiary Performing Arts program. Guy’s corporate experience includes performing at high profile events such as the AFL Grand Final, where he danced for Katy Perry at the MCG, and at the F1 Australian Grand Prix. Cats marks Guy’s exciting professional musical theatre debut, and he couldn’t have found a better opportunity to launch his career.
Joshua Gordon
Coricopat
Born and raised in Naarm/Melbourne, Joshua (he/him) has a background in dance and classical voice. As a young performer, he worked with Victorian Opera (Vale Richard Gill AO) and Opera Australia on multiple productions till graduating school. Whilst completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre) at The Victorian College of the Arts Joshua was the honoured recipient of the Dr Andrew McAliece and Dr Richard Simmie Award, and the Ron and Margaret Dobell Foundation Industry Award. He made his professional music theatre debut in The Who’s Tommy (VO) in 2022. Represented by Ian White Management, recent credits include The Producers (Joshua Robson Productions and Hayes Theatre Co), Twelfth Night (Melbourne Shakespeare Company) and the Australian tour of Mary Poppins (Michael Cassel Group & Cameron Mackintosh). Joshua dedicates his performance to his dearly departed RaRa, who introduced him to Old Possum’s Book Of Practical Cats. Cats is a dream show come true.
Edward Smith
Admetus / Macavity
Edward Smith was recently seen on stage in the Australian Ballet’s Nijinsky and in the ensemble of the Australian tour of Wicked (Crossroads Live). Born in Camden, NSW, he trained at The Australian Ballet School before joining The Australian Ballet in 2016 and performed in ballets across Australia and internationally. In 2020 he joined the Royal New Zealand Ballet, one of the only companies in the world performing during the pandemic, before returning to Australia in 2021 to perform in An American In Paris as the Alternate Jerry Mulligan, marking his musical theatre debut. Edward appeared on stage in the Australian production of The Phantom of the Opera and also spends his time sharing his love and knowledge of ballet working with students all over Victoria and NSW.
Rania Potaka-Osborne
Alonzo
Rania obtained his Certificate IV in Performing Arts at Ettingshausen’s in Sydney and made his musical theatre debut in the role of Pepe in West Side Story (Opera Australia). His theatre credits include touring Australia in the smash hit Moulin Rouge! The Musical (Global Creatures), performing in the ensemble of Chicago (Crossroads Live) and understudying the role of George in The Wedding Singer (David Venn Enterprises). In 2024, Rania starred as Scott in Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom at the Court Theatre in New Zealand and most recently he performed in the ensemble of Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour’s Guys & Dolls (Opera Australia). Rania has also performed on screen for The Voice, Dancing With The Stars and The Real Full Monty, plus television campaigns for Nissin Noodles and I’m A Celebrity. He has worked with international Artists such as Sam Smith, Conrad Sewell and Keiynan Lonsdale and is an in-demand model who has shot campaigns for The Iconic and Tommy’s Jeans.
Charlie Follows
Bill Bailey
Charlie is thrilled to be making his professional musical theatre debut in the 40th Anniversary production of Cats. With a passion for performing, he is eager to bring his energy and skill to the stage as part of this iconic musical celebration. After graduating from Brent Street Academy in 2023, where he completed his Certificate IV in Dance and Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management, Charlie continued his training full-time in their Musical Theatre Course. His diverse training encompasses a variety of dance styles, as well as gymnastics and cheerleading. Notable credits include performing at the 2023 NRL Grand Final with JLD Entertainment and appearing in an Australian Idol advertisement that same year. Charlie is proudly represented by Kulik Management and would like to thank his parents and family for their love and support.
Dominique Hamilton
Swing / Dance Captain
Dominique is a Melbourne based performer who most recently appeared in Carousel – A Concert. Making her professional debut in 2000, performing with Barbra Streisand in her Australian Timeless concert, Dominique then went on to graduate from Ministry of Dance, being awarded the Jason Coleman apprentice scholarship for her second year of training. Dominique debuted as Rumpleteazer in the 2014/15 Australasian Tour of Cats and reprised this role in Asia during 2020-21 amidst the global pandemic. Dominique’s other stage credits include Dora/Dance Captain in Dora the Explorer LIVE! Search for the City of Lost Toys internationally including Egypt, Ireland, Spain and London’s Apollo Theatre on the West End, as swing in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella for Opera Australia and John Frost, and swing in Midnight – The Cinderella Musical for Joint Ventures. On screen Dominique features in Dramatic Forces’ The Show Must Go On documentary, highlighting the intricacies of performing in one of the only live productions during the pandemic.
Aimee Jones
Swing
Aimee is making her commercial debut in Cats, and is delighted to be a part of the 40th anniversary cast. Aimee is a Melbourne based performer, who has been training in the arts from a young age. She has earned several Victorian and National dance titles, and has been lucky enough to have had many performance opportunities, including singing at Carnegie Hall in New York. Graduating in 2023 from the Queensland Academy of Excellence in Musical Theatre (QAEMT), Aimee has had the pleasure of playing Babe Williams in The Pajama Game, Heather Chandler in Heathers, and Allison Vernon-Williams in Cry Baby. During her final year of University, Aimee was cast in her first professional role, in David Young’s new Australian musical, The Happy Prince. She’s grateful for the enduring support of all those around her including, family, friends and the team at Hansen Management, who have helped her reach this milestone.
Thalia Smith
Swing
Thalia is a graduate of the Victorian College of the Art, Musical Theatre BFA. In her graduating year, she played the lead role of Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street. Thalia made her professional debut in 2016 in We Will Rock You (GFO) as Ensemble/cover Scaramouche. She then took on the role of Cha Cha in Harvest Rain’s Grease, and following that performed in Hello Dolly (The Production Company). Thalia then went on to perform with the Australian tours of Mamma Mia! (Louise Withers and Associates) followed by Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (GFO) as a swing and understudy for Mrs Bucket. Most recently she was Dance Captain and swing on Frozen the Musical (Disney Theatrical), Babette cover/Assistant Dance Captain on Beauty and the Beast (Disney Theatrical) and Swing on SIX (Louise Withers and Associates).
Xavier Pellin
Swing / Dance Captain
Xavier studied at the Australian Ballet School and gained a Grad Dip. Classical Ballet. His stage credits include Ensemble/Dance Captain in Peter Pan (Crossroads Pantomimes UK), Quaxo/Mr Mistoffelees for the South Korea and Taiwan tours of Cats (GWB Entertainment), Ensemble in Coppelia: The Storytime Ballet (The Australian Ballet), and Lead Male in Human Abstract, The Nutcracker and Coppelia: Act III (Louisville Ballet). Xavier’s choreographer credits include A Chorus Line: Teen Edition (Performing Arts Company), Proxy (Louisville Ballet), Assistant Choreographer for Newsies Jr. (Performing Artists Company) and Director and Choreographer for the short film Someone In The Crowd. Xavier is thrilled to be returning to Australia and to Cats as Dance Captain/Swing for the 40th Anniversary tour.
Joe Miller
Swing
Joe is a graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School and received his diploma in classical ballet from the Australian Ballet School. After making his debut in Cats on board the Oasis of the Seas, Joe relocated to London where he worked for Royal Ballet choreographer Will Tuckett on the creation of his Nutcracker as well as in the ensemble of Anyone Can Whistle at the Union Theatre and Oklahoma! at the Royal Albert Hall. He then joined the company of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins, performing in Stuttgart and Hamburg before returning to Australia to perform in West Side Story on Sydney Harbour, the 10th Anniversary Tour of Billy Elliot the Musical and the first Australian tour of An American in Paris. He most recently graduated from the Lecoq Theatre School in Paris where he received a diploma in theatre performance and creation.
Tod Strike
Swing
Tod has performed on some of the world’s biggest stages including the Emmy’s, the Eurovision Song Contest, the Melbourne Cup and the AFL Grand Final. A former member of The Ten Tenors, Tod features on the ARIA-nominated platinum album Tenology. His stage credits include South Pacific, Magaldi understudy in Evita, Cascada in The Merry Widow, Gremio in Kiss Me Kate, They’re Playing Our Song, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum. Turandot, Otello, Madama Butterfly, Footloose, Jekyll and Hyde and Sonny and understudy Kenickie in Grease. He has toured with Cats, played Dorsey in Parade, Zangara in Assassins, Lt. Torasso in Passion, and Raoul and Phantom understudy in Love Never Dies. Tod understudied Tony in West Side Story, played Pirelli in Sweeney Todd and Passarino, The Jeweller and Monsieur Reyer and Piangi understudy in The Phantom of the Opera. Most recently he performed in Dear Evan Hansen as the Larry Standby. Tod thanks his loving support network, always.