Cast
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Joseph Bough - Dave Mckinnister
Joseph is thrilled to be playing the iconically helpless role of Kalvin’s Dad in Home Alone: The Australian Musical. Originally from the UK, he is an award-winning director, actor, and choreographer, working across both the United Kingdom and Australia.
His favourite past roles include Joseph (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), Reecey (Our House), Lucas (The Addams Family), and Orin (Little Shop of Horrors). As a director, his credits include Annie, Peter Pan, Sister Act, The Castle, and Pronoun. Joseph has also worked as a practitioner with the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts. He is immensely proud of the young performers he has supported, with students winning National Entertainment Awards and appearing in major films such as Wicked, Blitz, and many more.
He brings warmth, humour, and a touch of festive chaos to the stage, and is delighted to share the magic of this Christmas classic with audiences.
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Liam Ross - Kalvin Mckinnister
Liam Ross is an energetic and versatile young performer with a growing list of stage and screen credits. Trained in musical theatre, singing, and acting, he has appeared in productions including Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda Jr., Chicago Jr., and The Wizard of Oz. Whether tackling comedic roles or heartfelt solos, Liam’s natural charisma and confidence light up every stage he steps on.
Dedicated to his craft, Liam continues to develop his skills through private singing lessons and screen-acting workshops. With a passion for storytelling and an unshakable work ethic, he brings enthusiasm and professionalism to every rehearsal and performance. Represented by Bubblegum Casting, Liam is one to watch as he continues to grow into one of Australia’s exciting young talents.
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River Mardesic - Buzz Mckinnister
River Mardesic is a standout young performer whose passion, discipline, and stage presence have earned him national recognition in the Australian performing arts scene. He received critical acclaim for his lead role as Billy in the 10th Anniversary Tour of Billy Elliot the Musical (2019–2020), with reviews praising his “immense talent” and “depth well beyond his years” (Theatre Travels). The production toured major cities across Australia before being cut short due to COVID-19 restrictions.
River is a versatile triple-threat performer, with elite-level training in ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, tap, hip hop, and acrobatics. He also has extensive vocal and acting experience, with strong screen credits across short films, commercials, music videos, and web series. His work includes leading roles in The Speech, The Power of the Dream, and Colours, along with voiceover credits for ABC’s Kids on the Case, AFTRS projects, and animated campaigns.
River’s performances have earned multiple nominations across national and international festivals, including the Dendy Awards (Sydney Film Festival), Paris Film Festival, and Canberra Short Film Festival. He was also a guest on ABC’s Prank You Very Much and the Actors 2020 Podcast.
A dual citizen of Australia and Canada, River continues to grow as an artist with each new role. Whether on stage or on screen, he brings commitment, creativity, and heart to every performance — and he’s only just getting started.
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Summer Stawiarski - Naz McReady/ensemble
Summer is a passionate and versatile musical theatre performer and dance educator, known for her dynamic stage presence and dedication to nurturing young talent. With over seven years of performance training and five years of teaching experience, she brings a rich blend of skill, creativity, and heart to every role she takes on — both onstage and in the studio.
Summer has trained extensively under Master Teacher Ashley Grottoli and other industry professionals, and she has completed the Dance Steps student teaching program. She holds honours distinctions in her Australian Teachers of Dancing (ATOD) exams and continues to mentor students with enthusiasm and care.
As a triple-threat performer, Summer has received seven years of classical and modern vocal training from acclaimed teachers such as Laura Poulton and Susan Breen-Clarke, and has competed successfully in vocal competitions. Her dance career includes performing in elite competition troupes and events like Carols by Candlelight, Victorian Dance Festival (VDF), and the opening act for Music Box – Masters of Choreography.
A proud Yorta Yorta woman who grew up on the mission, Summer brings cultural richness and storytelling to her artistic work. She is the co-writer and original cast member of Home Alone: The Australian Musical, in which she played the dual roles of Gus Polinski and Maive Murchins. She also served as dance captain in School of Rock with United Arts Conservatory & Wendy Samantha Productions, showcasing her leadership and versatility on stage.
Whether she’s performing, teaching, or creating, Summer is committed to making a meaningful impact in the performing arts community — empowering others through connection, creativity, and culture.
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Lloyd Lohse - Nick Mcready
Lloyd is a Melbourne-based actor originally from North East Victoria, bringing charisma, discipline, and warmth to every role he plays. He is currently working on both a feature film and a musical, demonstrating his growing versatility across screen and stage.
A passionate student of his craft, Lloyd recently completed Scott Major’s six-week acting course, three months of vocal training at Enyal Angel Studios, and a ten-week program at the Howard Fine Acting Studio. In 2023, he graduated from Film and TV International’s part-time course while also undertaking 24 weeks of acting training under Scott Major. His additional studies include dramatic combat, motion capture, and a range of short courses across Melbourne that have refined his technique and performance confidence.
Outside of acting, Lloyd is an adventurer at heart. Having travelled to 23 countries with nothing more than his backpack, he brings a deep sense of curiosity and life experience to his performances. He’s also proud to say he speaks a little Spanish — un poco, but enough to get by.
Lloyd is excited to be part of Home Alone: The Australian Musical Parody and looks forward to sharing his passion, humour, and heart with audiences across the country.
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Jaiy Brookes – Gus Polinski
Jaiy Brooks is a British-born actor who now calls Australia home. With more than a decade of experience spanning both stage and screen, Jaiy has built his career on curiosity, craft, and connection. His journey has been shaped by a steady dedication to storytelling—one that values truth over spectacle and nuance over noise. Grounded yet versatile, he brings emotional intelligence and quiet intensity to every role, drawing audiences in with performances that feel lived-in and deeply human.
After completing a university degree in acting, Jaiy honed his skills across an impressive range of theatre productions and independent film projects, earning recognition for his thoughtful approach and collaborative spirit. Now based in Australia, he continues to expand his creative practice, exploring new work that challenges, surprises, and reflects the complexity of real people and their stories. Whether on stage or in front of the camera, Jaiy approaches every project as an opportunity to listen, learn, and leave audiences with something honest and memorable.
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Lana Hughes - Weather Mckinnister
Lana Hughes is a passionate 19-year-old performer and emerging director with a growing body of work across stage and screen. She is currently completing her final year at JMC Academy, where she has honed her craft in acting, directing, and creative collaboration. A proud member of MEAA, Lana is committed to telling bold, authentic stories through performance.
Her theatre credits include Endless Days, Cyrano de Bergerac, Realism, Where in the World is Frank Sparrow, and DecaDance. She also featured in the Victorian State Schools Spectacular in both 2022 and 2023, performing a speciality tap and en pointe act that showcased her technical versatility and stage presence.
On screen, Lana appears in the upcoming films Honey and Summer of '25. As a director, she has led several short films, including Twins, The Apollo Murders, and Followers, demonstrating a strong visual storytelling voice and an eye for emerging talent.
With a deep respect for the industry and a drive to continually evolve, Lana brings creativity, professionalism, and passion to every project she undertakes.
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Rain Wilson-Roberts - Brooke McKinnister
At the tender age of five, Rain made her pre-professional debut in the very first preview run of Home Alone: The Australian Musical, marking the beginning of what promises to be an exciting journey in the performing arts. Now returning to reprise the role of Brooke for a third time, Rain is thrilled to bring fresh energy, confidence, and growth to the character.
A passionate triple-threat, Rain trains in singing, dancing, and acting five days a week and approaches each class with determination and joy. She is an avid performer with big dreams — one of which is to appear on The Voice and ultimately build a lifelong career on stage and screen.
With her natural stage presence, infectious enthusiasm, and ever-growing talent, Rain is a rising star to watch — and she’s only just getting started.
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Mitch McAllister- Fuller Mckinnister
Mitch is an energetic and talented young performer making his musical theatre debut as Fuller McKinnister in Home Alone: The Australian Musical. Represented by the Talent Company of Australia, Mitch trains with Stage School Australia as part of the Young Australian Broadway Chorus and the Australian Boys Dance Academy, and is also a member of the Australian Boys Choir. His dedication to the performing arts has already seen him appear in a range of productions including Broadway and Beyond, The Magic of Musicals, It’s Showtime, and Just Dance.
A natural performer, Mitch loves to sing, dance, and cartwheel his way through the week. His enthusiasm, focus, and love for storytelling make him a standout in every ensemble he joins. When he’s not on stage, Mitch enjoys reading fantasy novels and creating imaginative stories with his friends. He would like to thank Proud Poppy Productions and the entire Home Alone team for the opportunity to bring Fuller to life, and is thrilled to share the stage with such an inspiring cast this Christmas.
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Iris Cagalj - Linnie Mckinnister
Iris is a passionate young performer with a deep love for musical theatre and stage performance. She has trained with both NIDA and the Australian Youth Theatre, building a strong foundation in acting, singing, and stagecraft. Her performance credits include Sleeping Beauty, Mystery at Magpie Manor, Shrek the Musical Jr., and Wind in the Willows Jr., where she has brought a mix of confidence, curiosity, and imagination to every role.
Eager to pursue a future in professional acting, Iris continues to develop her skills through ongoing training and live performance opportunities. Beyond the stage, she enjoys reading, baking, crocheting, and discovering fascinating facts about the world’s most iconic musicals. Her creativity, enthusiasm, and natural stage presence make her a bright emerging talent with an exciting journey ahead.
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Kevira Willow Holy - Tracy McKinnister
Kevira Willow is a passionate ballet and contemporary dancer whose love of performing shines both on stage and in rehearsal. She has performed as a principal dancer in the Victorian State Schools Spectacular, featuring in large-scale numbers including 99 Red Balloons, Dance Monkey, Think, Come Alive, Hard Knock Life, Happiness, and the Matilda Medley. Kevira has also been a featured performer with Ringwood Ballet Group, appearing in Coppelia, Cinderella, The Enchanted Tapestry, La Fille Mal Gardée, and The Nutcracker.
Dedicated to her craft, Kevira trains in classical ballet (RAD and SFD syllabus), contemporary, and commercial dance under esteemed mentors such as Hara Papoulias and Yvette Lee and is currently represented by Khoo Management. She approaches every role with creativity, precision, and joy—qualities that have made her a standout young artist in Victoria’s dance community. Forever a “theatre kid at heart,” Kevira continues to explore new choreography and styles, always chasing the thrill of bringing stories to life through movement.
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Sylvia Hall - Megan Mckinnister
Sylva is a bright and talented young performer with a growing list of musical theatre and stage credits. Training at the Ballarat Centre for Music and the Arts, Sylvia has already appeared in productions including Dot & The Kangaroo (Bowerbird Bree), The Merry Wives of Windsor (Schoolchild/Fairy), Alice in Wonderland Jr. (Small Alice), The Taming of the Shrew (Servant), Finding Nemo Jr. (Peach), and &Dorothy (The Doorman). Her energy, focus, and genuine love for performing make her a standout in every cast she joins.
Sylvia’s training includes private singing and dance lessons, classical ballet, jazz, tap, acrobatics, and musical theatre through the Ballarat Centre for Music and the Arts. In 2023, she was nominated by the Musical Theatre Guild of Victoria for Supporting Performer in a Female Presenting Role for her portrayal of Peach in Finding Nemo Jr.. With a bright future ahead, Sylvia continues to explore her passion for the stage—bringing creativity, warmth, and joy to every performance.
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Alison Arnold - Sondra McKinnister
Alison is a talented young performer with a strong background in musical theatre, singing, and dance. She has appeared in multiple productions including Shrek Jr. (Teen Fiona, Big Bad Wolf), Dare to Dream Jr. (Player 11 – vocal soloist), The Wizard of Oz Jr. (Barrister, ensemble), and Gypsy (junior ensemble, Babirra Musical Theatre). Alison’s captivating stage presence, vocal range, and ability to take on both comedic and heartfelt roles make her an exciting performer to watch.
Alison trains extensively across all areas of the performing arts, studying ballet, jazz, tap, acrobatics, hip hop, and musical theatre at May Downs School of Dance, and voice with Young Voices of Melbourne. She has also completed acting training with NIDA and Stage School Australia, and performed as a soloist at carol services and community events. Outside of performing, Alison enjoys playing the cornet, creative writing, and reading. With her strong work ethic and love of the stage, Alison continues to grow into a confident, expressive young artist.
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Charlotte Harrison - Jan Mckinnister
Charlotte is an enthusiastic young actor, singer, and dancer whose love for storytelling shines every time she steps on stage. With over three years of training in musical theatre, Shakespearean performance, and choral ensemble singing, Charlotte has already performed in productions such as The Merry Wives of Windsor, The Taming of the Shrew, Alice in Wonderland Jr., Beyond the Wardrobe, Through the Pages, and &Dorothy. Her expressive performances and natural stage presence make her a captivating young talent with a bright future in the arts.
Based in Melbourne and represented by David Greenwood Management, Charlotte continues to refine her craft through ongoing work with Ballarat Centre of Music and Arts, The Bard in Buninyong, and Ballarat Voices. When she’s not performing, she enjoys reading, playing piano, exploring creative projects, and staying active through AFL and gymnastics. Charlotte dreams of one day becoming a well-known actor—and her growing list of credits suggests she’s already well on her way.
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Sherylee Campbell - Spidey/Ensemble
Sherylee is an accomplished dancer and performer whose work spans musical theatre, contemporary dance, and classical ballet. A graduate of the Sydney Dance Company’s Pre-Professional Year with a Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance), she has performed in an impressive range of productions including Legally Blonde The Musical (Delta Nu), Ballet of Lights: Peter Pan (Dr. John), We Call It Ballet: Sleeping Beauty (Carabosse), The Music Man (Zaneeta), and A Chorus Line (Kristine). Her professional credits also include The Boy from Oz, Strictly Ballroom, Ballet of Lights, Futuration Cabaret, and numerous independent works at major venues and festivals across Melbourne.
Trained in classical ballet, jazz, contemporary, theatre jazz, Latin, ballroom, tap, and Fosse technique, Sherylee brings versatility and precision to every performance. She continues to expand her craft through vocal coaching with Erin Kennedy and has been recognised for excellence with the Anne Woolliams Dance Award from the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School. With her dynamic presence, technical strength, and storytelling ability, Sherylee is establishing herself as one of Melbourne’s emerging professional talents in musical theatre and dance.
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Martin Perez - Ensemble
Martin is a talented 13-year-old performer with a growing list of stage, screen, and runway credits. Based in St Kilda East, Martin trains across singing, acting, and dance at Stage Left Performing Arts School and St Martin’s Youth Arts Centre. He has also studied with vocal coach Tracy Kingman (Kingswood the Band) and previously trained in breakdancing at The Space Prahran. His versatility, confidence, and strong work ethic make him a dynamic young artist with a bright future ahead.
Martin’s recent credits include Grease (ensemble), The Lion King (Scar), and multiple live performances as lead vocalist in his school rock band. He has also appeared as a model for Eco Collective Youth Runway, Kidz Fashion Week, and Power by Forner (music video), as well as a stills performer for the TV series All Her Fault. Whether singing, dancing, or acting, Martin brings creativity and charisma to every project, continuing to grow his craft through training and performance opportunities across Melbourne.
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Sadie Bishop - Ensemble
Sadie is thrilled to be joining the cast of Home Alone: The Australian Musical Parody.
Her passion for performing began early—she joined Step N Out Performing Arts at just 18 months old and has spent the years since developing her skills in dance, acting, and stagecraft. A proud member of Step N Out’s Elite Competition Team, Sadie has performed in countless routines across Victoria and continues to shine in both group and solo performances.
In 2024, Sadie and her team achieved a major milestone, earning the Silver Award at The Shine – Season 4 competition. This achievement reflects her dedication, teamwork, and growing artistry as a young performer.
Sadie is also a committed member of her school’s Glee Club, where she continues to develop her vocal ability and confidence as a singer.
She would like to thank Proud Poppy Productions for this incredible opportunity and is beyond excited to share her love of performing with audiences in this vibrant new production.
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Spencer Phillips - Ensemble
Spencer is a creative young performer whose passion for musical theatre shines through in every role she takes on. Currently training and performing with the Ballarat Centre for Music and the Arts (BCMA), Spencer has appeared in productions including Frozen Jr. (Middle Elsa), The Wizard of Oz, Madagascar (Zookeeper Zelda), and Beyond the Wardrobe. She has also performed at events such as the Ballarat Heritage Weekend and the Piano Bar Music Soirée, showcasing her impressive vocal ability and stage confidence.
At just 11 years old, Spencer brings professionalism, enthusiasm, and natural charisma to every performance. When she’s not on stage, she enjoys drawing, baking, and playing basketball — a reflection of her lively spirit and love of teamwork. With her combination of talent, determination, and creativity, Spencer is a young artist with a bright future ahead.
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Lily Holloway - Ensemble
Lily Holloway is a passionate young actress and dancer whose energy and dedication shine both on stage and in rehearsal. Currently studying at Sunbury College, Lily has developed her craft through leading roles and ensemble work in a range of school productions including Alice in Wonderland (Lead Role), High School Musical Jr. (Thespian Ensemble), and Schoolhouse Rock (Ensemble Member). Known for her professionalism, creativity, and strong team spirit, she brings authenticity and focus to every performance.
Beyond school productions, Lily is an active member of the hip-hop crew at Buki’s Dance and Fitness Studio, where she also trains privately in hip-hop and performance choreography. She thrives in collaborative environments, consistently demonstrating adaptability, precision, and commitment to excellence. With her natural stage presence and growing experience, Lily continues to build a foundation for a bright future in the performing arts.
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Penelop Yeo - Ensemble
Penelope is a vibrant 10-year-old performer with a lifelong passion for musical theatre. Having trained since the age of two, she is currently studying theatre arts, voice, and ensemble performance at the Ballarat Centre of Music and the Arts (BCMA) and Stage School Australia. Penelope has appeared in a range of productions including Frozen, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Wizard of Oz, and Peter Pan, where she played Tiger Lily. Most recently, she featured as Monkey Leader 1 in BCMA’s Bound for Broadway and is soon to take on the role of Ogre Fiona in Shrek the Musical.
With eight years of early-stage training and an ever-growing list of credits, Penelope continues to develop her skills in acting, singing, and choreography. She has also been selected for an international performance troupe, with upcoming workshops and performances in New York, Paris, and London. Confident, committed, and full of creative energy, Penelope brings enthusiasm and heart to every performance she takes on.
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Amelia Toling - Ensemble
Amelia is a bright and charismatic young performer from Melbourne whose natural confidence and enthusiasm shine both on stage and on screen. At only eleven years old, she has already appeared in multiple musical theatre productions and media campaigns for some great Australian brands, building an impressive foundation in the performing arts.
Amelia began performing with Stage School Theatres in 2023 and has since appeared in Time to Dance (2023), Bright Side of Life (2024), The Greatest Show (2024), and Pure Imagination (2025). She has also featured in promotional campaigns for great Australian brands and recently finished filming a TV commercial for Ozito..
A passionate young creator, Amelia enjoys creating fun TikToks where she produces comedy sketches and vlogs for her growing audience. Her love of storytelling, humour, and creativity continues to evolve with every project she takes on.
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Simona Riftin - Ensemle
Simona is a bold, expressive, and intuitive performer known for her vibrant character work, comedic timing, and authentic stage presence. She brings warmth, wit, and infectious energy to every role, thriving in collaborative creative environments and connecting effortlessly with audiences.
Simona’s recent theatre credits include playing the sassy and regal Queen in Puss in Boots with Encore Theatre Company and the dynamic Doctor and ensemble roles in The Witches at Beaumaris Theatre. Trained at Tabhu Acting School and through programs such as Lucy Durak’s Glee Club and the Born to Boogie series, Simona continues to expand her range across acting, singing, and movement. A natural storyteller with a love for big, playful characters, she brings heart, humour, and high energy to every production she joins.
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Lisa Knoll - Ensemble
After a two-decade hiatus, Lisa Knoll is thrilled to return to the magic of live theatre. A lifelong performer, she has sung in choirs and a cappella groups since childhood and fronted a pop/folk band as a young adult, fostering her love of harmony, live music, and storytelling through song.
Her stage experience includes ensemble roles in Grease and Return to the Forbidden Planet with Bendigo Theatre Company, and she recently choreographed Legally Blonde JR for On Stage Youth Productions. As the founder of LM Dance School, Lisa has choreographed and directed countless large-scale performances, guiding hundreds of young people to discover confidence and joy through dance. Career highlights include performing to a crowd of 10,000 at Rod Laver Arena and leading a dance troupe selected for the Sydney Olympics street entertainment program. Returning to the stage with Home Alone: The Australian Musical Parody, Lisa brings her rich experience, artistry, and heart back into the spotlight.