Celebrating Leading Female Performers in Australian Major Musicals
In the vibrant realm of major musical productions currently touring Australia, a remarkable group of leading female performers is setting stages ablaze with their unparalleled talent and passion. Among these outstanding artists are Shubshri Kandiah, Sarah Krndija, Ruva Ngwenya, Sheridan Adams, Courtney Monsma, and Abigail Adriano. Each of these incredible women brings a unique flair and captivating presence to the characters they portray, enriching the musical landscape with their diverse backgrounds and exceptional abilities. As we embark on a journey to explore the fantastic diversity showcased by these inspiring performers, we are invited to witness their groundbreaking contributions to the world of musical theatre and the profound impact they have on audiences across the nation.
Introducing Shubshri Kandiah as the captivating Belle in Beauty And The Beast.
Meet Shubshri Kandiah, the talented performer who brings the beloved character Belle to life in the Australian production of Beauty And The Beast. Growing up, Shubshri, like many young girls, adored Disney movies, and among the princesses, Mulan held a special place in her heart. “It was a woman of colour in the hero role – she literally saves everyone,” she recalls, reminiscing about the impact of seeing representation on the screen. However, in her everyday life, she often felt like the “other” due to being one of the few people of colour at school or university.
Now, she takes on the role of Belle, a princess traditionally depicted as Anglo-Saxon. Embracing the opportunity to defy stereotypes, Shubshri believes that characters like Belle should represent the diverse world we live in today. Her on-stage journey celebrates the power of inclusivity and serves as an inspiration for others to pursue their dreams without limitations.
Presenting Sarah Krndija as Sophie Sheridan in the dazzling production of Mamma Mia! The Musical.
Sarah Krndija, the talented performer who took on the role of Sophie Sheridan in the enchanting production of Mamma Mia! The Musical, was originally trained as a violinist in her hometown of Geelong. At 25 years old, she had always known that music would play a significant part in her future. However, after attending her first acting lesson, she quickly realized her true passion lay in the dramatic arts, leading her to pursue acting wholeheartedly.
The theme of home held profound importance in Sarah’s life and served as a crucial element to explore in her first leading role in musical theater. Her parents’ journey fleeing Croatia and Serbia during the war, and the subsequent years of waiting for refugee visas, had deeply shaped her identity. Born in Australia, she considered herself a deeply grateful person, acknowledging the immense privilege of pursuing a career in the performing arts.
Sarah found a powerful connection to narratives that explored misplacement and the quest for belonging, making Sophie’s journey in Mamma Mia! particularly meaningful to her. In the character of Sophie, she saw reflections of the emotions experienced by many who had been displaced on a global scale. Sophie’s search for her identity in the vast world resonated deeply with Sarah’s own experiences and feelings.
As she stepped into the spotlight as Sophie Sheridan, Sarah Krndija brought her passion for storytelling and her personal connection to the theme of home to the stage. Her performance was a heartfelt portrayal, offering a universal depiction of the human experience—the search for a place to call home in a world full of complexities and challenges.
Introducing Ruva Ngwenya as Tina Turner in the captivating production of Tina – The Tina Turner Musical.
In the wake of Tina Turner’s recent passing, Ruva Ngwenya, who currently portrays her on stage, is still grappling with the emotions. Despite the difficulty, Ruva considers it a tremendous privilege to contribute to Tina Turner’s enduring legacy.
At the age of 30, Ruva reflects on her own journey in the industry, which began at 16, and acknowledges the challenges and rejections she faced along the way. She emphasizes that success in the entertainment world requires resilience and a willingness to embrace the continuous search for new opportunities.
During her formative years, Ruva noticed a lack of representation for individuals who looked like her on both stage and screen. She recalls only a handful of performers, such as Marcia Hines, Jess Mauboy, and Paulini, who shared a similar background. With a hopeful outlook, Ruva advocates for a more diverse and inclusive entertainment industry, celebrating and highlighting the contributions of ethnically diverse Australians. She envisions a future where the media showcases a wide range of talents, representing the rich tapestry of Australian society.
Introducing Sheridan Adams as Elphaba in the upcoming production of Wicked the Musical.
Sheridan Adams’ journey in musical theatre began at the age of 12 when she landed the role of a munchkin in her high school’s production of The Wizard of Oz. This pivotal moment ignited her passion for the art form, leading her to immerse herself in musicals like The Wiz and Wicked. Falling in love with Elphaba’s character and the captivating songs, she found herself drawn to the show’s powerful narrative.
Her dedication to her craft led her to audition for a role in the ensemble of Wicked, her dream musical. However, fate had grander plans in store for her, and she was bestowed the lead role of Elphaba, an extraordinary turn of events that felt like a scene out of a movie.
The role of Elphaba holds a profound significance for Sheridan. Beyond the enchanting songs, she resonates with the character’s strength and self-assuredness. Having encountered bullying during her formative years, she finds common ground with the feeling of being an outsider, identifying with Elphaba’s struggles and resilience. These parallels inspire Sheridan to wish for more of that same strength within herself.
Since graduating from the Victorian College of the Arts, where she completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre), Sheridan’s talent has shone brightly on the Australian stage. Notably, she appeared in the Australian premiere of Cruel Intentions, produced by David Venn Enterprises, and she is currently captivating audiences in the Australian premiere tour of Tick, Tick… Boom! presented by Storeyboard Entertainment. Additionally, her exceptional vocal abilities have been showcased as a featured vocalist on Lindenfelzer and Newman’s Scarlet: The Concept Recording. Her versatile talent and dedication to her craft continue to make a significant impact in the world of musical theatre.
Introducing Courtney Monsma as Glinda in the upcoming production of Wicked the Musical.
Courtney Monsma, a renowned talent in the world of performing arts, has left a lasting impression with her captivating portrayal of Princess Anna in the recent Australian tour of Disney’s Frozen the Musical. Currently, she is adding yet another feather to her cap by working on the upcoming Australian drama series Paper Dolls, produced by Helium Pictures, set to air on Network 10 and 10 Play.
Among her numerous theatre highlights, Courtney’s performance as Katherine Howard in SIX The Musical at the prestigious Sydney Opera House in 2020 stands out as a milestone in her career. She further showcased her versatility on the Australasian tour of Disney’s Aladdin, taking on the role of Princess Jasmine. Additionally, she made her mark on the Australian 2017/2018 tour of Mamma Mia!, proving her prowess by covering the role of Sophie. Her talent also graced the stage with Opera Queensland in the production of Kiss Me Kate.
Originally hailing from Queensland’s Gold Coast, Courtney’s passion for performing became evident at a young age, participating in concerts and live events across the local area. This fervor for the craft led her to the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Musical Theatre in 2017. During her time at the Conservatorium, she had the privilege of bringing memorable characters to life, including Charity in Sweet Charity, Carmen in The Life, and Maria in West Side Story. Courtney’s dedication to her craft also took her on tour with the production of I Love You, You’re Perfect Now Change.
Courtney’s talent extends beyond the stage, making a mark in the world of film as well, with appearances in several short films, including her award-winning portrayal of Dorothy in the titular role. Her presence has also graced the small screen, with appearances on Toasted TV for Network 10 and The Strip for Nine Network.
In 2022, Courtney made her mark in the music industry, releasing her debut album, In The Light. The album showcases her favorite and career-defining songs, along with an original track titled “The Light That You Are.” With her exceptional performances on both stage and screen, as well as her musical prowess, Courtney Monsma continues to shine brightly as a multifaceted and accomplished artist, leaving a lasting impact on the hearts of audiences and fans alike.
Introducing Abigail Adriano as the captivating Kim in Miss Saigon.
Among the sea of auditioning hopefuls, one name stood out as the clear standout – 18-year-old Sydney-born newcomer Abigail Adriano. With a passion for singing that began at a young age, Abigail’s journey to the mainstage has been nothing short of remarkable.
Growing up in a big Filipino family, Abigail Adriano was immersed in a world of singing. Whether it was singing along with the karaoke microphone in the lounge room or joining in the songs at church on Sundays, music was her passion. Her older sister stumbled upon a YouTube video featuring Lea Salonga, the Filipino star who originated the role of Kim in Miss Saigon on the West End, and this discovery ignited a lifelong dream in Abigail.
At just eleven years old, Abigail took the stage in Tim Minchin’s acclaimed production of Matilda the Musical, marking the beginning of her love affair with performing. Her talent continued to shine as she graced television screens, appearing on The Voice Kids Australia and making her mark in the Netflix/ABC television series The Unlisted.
Despite the demands of a double degree – Bachelor of Law and Arts – Abigail’s unwavering commitment to her dream led her to make a courageous decision. Putting her studies on hold, she wholeheartedly pursued her passion for performing on the mainstage.
“Performing has been an absolute dream of mine ever since I picked up a microphone at family karaoke,” Abigail confides, reflecting on her journey. Her dreams took flight when she was cast as Kim, a role she had longed to portray. Making a bold choice, she expressed to her parents that dreams must come first, and her studies would have to wait.
With immense talent and a determination that knows no bounds, Abigail Adriano is poised to make a lasting impact on the world of musical theatre. As she takes her place on the mainstage, audiences can anticipate witnessing the rise of a remarkable new star, ready to embrace every opportunity and seize the spotlight.
In the enchanting world of major musical productions, the leading female performers we’ve had the pleasure of delving into are a true testament to the extraordinary talent and diversity present in Australian theatre. From breaking barriers to embracing their heritage, each of these remarkable women has paved a path of empowerment and inspiration, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of audiences and fellow artists alike. Shubshri Kandiah, Sarah Krndija, Ruva Ngwenya, Sheridan Adams, Courtney Monsma, and Abigail Adriano stand as beacons of light, showing us that the stage is a canvas where dreams come to life and where the powerful voices of women can resonate, uplift, and unite. As we celebrate their exceptional journeys, let us remember that the magic of musical theatre lies not only in the melodies and performances but also in the stories of these incredible performers, who continue to shine brightly and transform the landscape of Australian theatre. Their passion, talent, and diversity serve as an enduring reminder that when we embrace the richness of our backgrounds and the beauty of our individual stories, we create a tapestry that enriches the very fabric of musical theatre, leaving us all in awe of the wonder that is the performing arts.
Photo Credit: Hugh Stewart, Lara Wiggins & Julie Adams
