Hayden Milanés

Hayden has travelled nationally and internationally playing Frankie Valli in Broadway’s hit musical JERSEY BOYS.

From New York, Hayden has played Frankie for more than four years on two U.S. national tours of Jersey Boys and is considered one of the finest performers for that role in the world. He has also performed as Fyero in Wicked on the U.S. national tour. Other credits include playing the Pirate King in Pirates of Penzance, Rocky in Rocky Horror Show in Tampa, Danny Zuko in Grease, and Richie in Chorus Line.

Matt Cranleigh

Growing up in Tauranga, Matt began performing from a young age. Initially training as a dancer, he soon found his love extended to singing and acting, and he became heavily involved in the Tauranga musical theatre scene.

At 17 Matt left high school and moved to Sydney to pursue a career in acting. He spent time training at The National Institute of Dramatic Art in Sydney, and subsequently spent the next six years working in film and television in Australia and the UK.

Some of his notable screen credits include Dance Academy (ABC Australia), Home & Away (Channel 7 Australia) and The Great Gatsby (Warner Brothers). Following his time in London, Matt’s career found its way back to its roots in musical theatre as he worked in Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore with Disney and Universal. Most recently Matt has been working as a principal vocalist aboard Princess Cruises’ flagship vessel, The Regal Princess.

Matt is extremely grateful to be back home performing during these uncertain times, and making his New Zealand professional debut at the Civic Theatre in Auckland, a stage he spent so long admiring as a kid.

Fergus Inder

Fergus is thrilled to appear in this production after playing the role of Tommy DeVito in The Court Theatre’s sell-out season of Jersey Boys in Christchurch.

He is a graduate of Northwestern University in Chicago with a degree in Theatre, specialising in musical theatre performance and production.

A regular at The Court Theatre, his credits there include Chicago; Titus Andronicus; In the Next Room, or the vibrator play; Jesus Christ Superstar; Les Liaisons Dangereuses; The Wind in the Willows and A Streetcar Named Desire. His other theatre credits include Priscilla, Queen of the Desert; Wicked; Les Misérables (Showbiz Christchurch); Catch Me If You Can the Musical (Blackboard Theatre Collective); South Pacific; The King & I; Thoroughly Modern Millie (The Muny); Cabaret; Into the Woods; The Laramie Project (The Wirtz Center) and La Revolution Française (FWD Theatre Project).

Fergus is a proud team member of Blackboard Theatre Collective in Christchurch. He also appeared with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra in The Music is Bond... James Bond. Recently, Fergus premiered his first solo show—Bublé, You Bastard—a tribute to and takedown of Michael Bublé and The Great American Songbook.

Andrew Coshan

After graduating from Otago University in 2015, Andrew went on to study Music Theatre at the Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts.

He then moved to Melbourne and made his Australian main stage debut in Melbourne Theatre Company’s A View From The Bridge as Rodolpho, for which he received a Greenroom Award nomination for best performance in a supporting role - and then his professional musical theatre debut in the ensemble of The Production Company’s Thoroughly Modern Millie.

Andrew then took part in the workshop and premier season of the brand-new Australian musical My Brilliant Career (based off the classic Australian novel) as Harold Beecham and he also appears on the original cast album of the same name. Andrew finished off 2019 making his Shakespearean debut playing Laertes in the Australian Shakespeare Company’s production of Hamlet in the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne last summer.

More recently, Andrew made a short appearance on Australian television soap Neighbours as River Hannlon which aired late last year. In future projects, Andrew will be playing Orlando in MTC’s As You Like It and Franklin Shepard in the postponed season of Merrily We Roll Along at the Hayes Theatre in 2021. Andrew’s top New Zealand based credits include Hairspray as Link Larkin, Mamma Mia as Pepper, PUNKROCK as Nicholas Chatman, Les Misérables and The Phantom of the Opera.

Josh Johnson

Originally from Christchurch, Josh studied at The National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (NASDA) where he got a Bachelor of Performing Arts (Musical Theatre). Most recently, he was in the cast of Jersey Boys at The Court Theatre, where he understudied Frankie Valli. Prior to that, he spent two years playing the role of Doody in Grease for Royal Caribbean Productions; where he performed to audiences around the world on the Independence of the Seas and the Harmony of the Seas. His other theatre credits include; The Buddy Holly Story, South Pacific, Grease, Saturday Night Fever (Ben McDonald, NZ Tours), A Midsummer Night's Dream and The Cat in the Hat (The Court Theatre).

Russell Dixon

As a highly experienced practitioner of musical theatre, Russell’s skills are often engaged as both a director and/or performer. Most recently, Russell directed the Amici Trust production of Mary Poppins at the Auckland Civic Theatre last year. Other NZ directorial credits include the shows; Wicked, Blood Brothers, Mamma Mia and Holiday Inn. Russell has performed in numerous productions throughout NZ with a career spanning 35 years. He was invited to perform in Ken Hills Original Phantom of the Opera at Tokyo’s Orb Theatre, Japan in 2018.

Russell returned to New Zealand in 2014, having spent seven years in the UK where he performed the leading, comic role of Alberto Beddini in the West End production of Top Hat at London’s Aldwych Theatre and was also cast in the UK tour of The Witches of Eastwick, playing the role of Joe Marino. Russell played both Mr. Lyons and Narrator in the UK Tour of Blood Brothers, Mr. Lyons on the West End at London’s Phoenix Theatre and in the UAE premiere of Blood Brothers in Dubai at the Madinat Jumeira Theatre. He was also invited to play the role of Mr. Lyons in the STARCAST performance at Liverpool’s Empire Theatre to commemorate the 20 Year Anniversary of the show.

Film & Television credits include; Shortland Street, Hercules -The Legendary Journeys, Riverworld, Underbelly, Dear Murderer and many TV commercials. Other television work includes TV3 Weather Presenter and former television chef. He presented the Tegel Taste Kitchen TV series and competed with Jamie Oliver in the award winning TVC - Duelling Chefs. He can be seen playing the role of Thomas S Monson in the feature film The Other Side of Heaven 2 – The Fire of Faith which premiered in the USA in 2019. During the day Russell often works as a Corporate Trainer and Communications Consultant for the ‘Great Scott Company’ and as performer for ‘Operatunity’.

Andrew Grainger

Andy began a West End theatre acting, dancing and singing career in 1987 at age 22, at the Prince of Wales Theatre playing Benjamin in a stage and road production of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and went on in 1990 play to platy Lt. Buzz Adams in South Pacific. A career highlight whilst in the UK was portraying Dr. Orin in a 1994 production of A Little Shop of Horrors at the Oldham Coliseum Theatre.

After that he performed regularly in such venues as the Hull Truck Theatre, London Palladium, King's Head Theatre.

Since his arrival in NZ Andy has steadily worked with renowned NZ Theatre companies Nightsong, Silo Theatre and Auckland Theatre Company - becoming an ATC regular over the past 10 years. Highlights with ATC include Chicago, Billy Elliott, Guys and Dolls, and Six Degrees of Separation.

Grainger has participated in over 60 television series and films in his career, among them: The Bill, Rosemary and Thyme, Heartbeat, Bad Girls and EastEnders in the UK. New Zealand television shows he has appeared in include Shortland Street, Outrageous Fortune, The Brokenwood Mysteries and The Cult - and whilst in NZ he’s had the opportunity to feature prominently in a number of off shore shows including The Letter for the King, The Shannara Chronicles, and Ash vs. Evil Dead.

Feature film credits include Spy Game (2001), Mean Machine (2001), Kiss Me Deadly (2008) and The Lovely Bones (2009), The Breaker Upperers (2018) and The Meg (2018).

Jonathan Martin

Jonathan graduated from The National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Arts (NASDA) with a Bachelor of Performing Arts

He has since worked in theatres throughout New Zealand. Highlights include: In The Next Room or The Vibrator Play, The Producers, Baghdad, Baby!, The History Boys, Arsenic And Old Lace, Anything Goes, I Love You You're Perfect Now Change, One Man Two Guvnors, La Cage Aux Folles, Romeo and Juliet, The Seagull, Cabaret (Court Theatre, Christchurch), Avenue Q, Winston's Birthday, Twelfth Night, Into The Woods (Fortune Theatre, Dunedin), A Little Night Music (Canterbury Opera) and The Rocky Horror Show (Hamilton Operatic).

He has most recently been working on the Pop Up Globe stage in both Auckland and Australia in various productions including Henry V, As You Like It, A Midsummer Nights Dream, The Merchant of Venice and Twelfth Night. On screen he has featured in the Netflix film Falling Inn Love.

Jonathan Martin is a proud member of Actors Equity.

Cassandra McCowan

Cassandra has a Bachelor of Music and a Masters in Theatre from the Guildford School of Acting.

Recent work includes: Rosalie Mullins in School of Rock (Asia/International Tour), Mrs Turner/1st Cover Rosalie Mullins in School of Rock (Original West End Cast at New London Theatre/Gillian Lynne Theatre); Molly in Allegroat Southwark Playhouse; Cover Baroness/Ensemble in The Sound of Music (West End International Tour); Live performance of Cheerily Carols the Lark on BBC Radio 3; Mad Margaret in Ruddigore (King's Head Theatre); Pitti-Sing in The Mikado (Charing Cross Theatre); Charlotte in Flora: The Red Menace (Ian Talbot); Madama Butterfly (New Zealand Opera Company); The Bartered Bride (New Zealand Opera Company).

She has also performed at The Mission Concert in New Zealand, as the opening act for Sting and Rod Stewart.

Calista Nelmes

Calista, 22, is thrilled to be returning to the stage this year, appearing in her first show with G&T Productions.

A Graduate of Sydney’s National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), Calista is a singer/songwriter and actress who has had the privilege to partake in various projects, such as the Original workshop cast of Starstruck the Musical as Wendy Mason (RGM productions), and ‘Vidi, Veni, Vici’ (NIDA Cabaret) dir. Phillip Quast.

Most recently she began working with Royal Caribbean Productions as a lead singer in the original cast of ‘Showgirl!’. She was fortunate enough to return for a second contract in January 2020 in the Royal Caribbean Musical ‘The Beautiful Dream’and ‘Sequins and Feathers II- Live Love Legs’. Calista, already a fan of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons is beyond delighted to be a part of such an iconic story and is feeling humbled and grateful for the opportunity to help bring it to life.

Geena Hutton

Geena has been involved in both amateur and professional theatre for almost 10 years now. She most recently starred as the Mary Poppins Alternate in the Auckland season of Mary Poppins at the Civic Theatre in 2020 and We Will Rock You at the Bruce Mason Centre in 2019.

Geena’s amateur theatre credits include Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street (Centrestage Theatre Company), Sandy Dumbrowski in Grease (Centrestage Theatre Company) and Heather MacNamara in Heathers (North Shore Music Theatre). She made her professional debut in 2014 playing the role of Pepper in Annie (Lunchbox Theatre Productions). In 2018 Geena was awarded a scholarship to perform in the Broadway Dreams New York Showcase directed by Spencer Liff and was invited to perform again the following year in 2019. She was also awarded the John Antony Scholar award at the 2018 NAPTA ceremony acknowledging both her dedication and commitment to musical theatre.

Now 20 years old, Geena is continuing to broaden her potentials as a performer and is currently working towards furthering her tertiary education overseas. She was accepted into both WAPPA and NIDAs Diploma intake for 2021; two of Australia's most prestigious performing arts programs. She has however chosen to defer her decision until 2022 but is now excited to be part of the incredible opportunity that is Jersey Boys!

Lewis Francis

Lewis is delighted to be joining the cast of Jersey boys in his home city. After being on tour with The Book of Mormon Australasia for nearly two and a half years he thrilled to be back to perform in NZ.

While completing his Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Auckland (majoring in Marketing and Commercial Law) he trained extensively with Frances Wilson Fitzgerald at the Auckland Opera Studio. He was then successful in becoming member of the NZ Opera freemasons chorus from 2015 – 2017.

In 2015 Lewis won the presidents cup for most promising vocal artist at the North Shore Singing Competition, and also won the John bond award at NZ Aria in 2016, for the most promising vocal artist. Some of his recent credits include, Anything Goes (AMICI productions), Thoroughly Modern Millie, Mamma Mia! (AMICI productions), Turandot, (NZ Opera), Carmen (NZ Opera), The Book of Mormon (Gordon Frost) and Jersey Boys (Court Theatre). Lewis is very fortunate and grateful to be able to work as a performer in these unprecedented times, as many artists are not able too.

Jared Morello

Jared graduated from the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (Bachelor of Performing Arts) in Christchurch.

At NASDA Jared played the roles of Chuck in Footloose, and Laurie in Little Women and before leaving Christchurch performed in The Court Theatre's Jesus Christ Superstar. Returning to his home town of Auckland Jared has since performed as Valentine in The Civic Theatre's most recent production of Mary Poppins (Amici Trust/G&T Productions).

Jared has also recently joined a drag trio Les Femmes, which recently debuted their self-titled cabaret as part of Auckland and Christchurch's Pride. Jared is excited to be working with such a strong team on Jersey Boys; and is grateful that we are all able to enjoy live theatre considering the current global climate.

Jessie Lawrence

Jessie Lawrence is a New Zealand actor who has recently returned from London where she lived for two years. After graduating from Unitec's Bachelor in Performing and Screen Arts (Majoring in Acting) at the end of 2013 she has been kept busy across a range of theatre, film and television. Jessie also attended Shanghai Theatre Academy's Summer School in China where she trained in Peking Opera and attended London’s National Theatre where she studied playwriting.

You might recognise Jessie from Westside, playing Cheryl West's outrageous sister, Jeanette. She also starred in TV1's Sunday Night Feature Why Does Love? making flesh the much loved Dance Exponents song, Victoria, and graced the television screens of the UK as Liv in Eastenders in 2018. Other screen credits include: 800 Words; Dirty Laundry; Nothing Trivial and The Kick. Jessie's recent theatre credits include: Jenny in GOYA Theatre’s production of Birdland earlier this year at Q theatre, Karen in White Slate Theatre’s Re: Production (2018 UK tour including a season at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival), Clara in Urlo di Lupo at a theatre festival in Italy, Marc Antony in Pop-up Globe’s gender reversed Julius Caesar, Vanda Jordan in the Court Theatre’s Venus in Fur in Christchurch, Jingles - The Musical, Celia in Auckland Summer Shakespeare's As You Like It, Ariel in The Tempest and NZ's premiere performance of The Effect at Q Theatre playing Connie Hall. You will also hear Jessie voicing the character of Jim in Cartoon Network’s new show Elliot From Earth.

Jeremy Hinman

Jeremy graduated from NASDA in 2011 with a Bachelor of Performing Arts (Music Theatre), after which he spent five years based in Melbourne as a performer, creative producer and coordinated Australia’s leading musical theatre event, Broadway Unplugged.

Jeremy regularly returns to Australia to direct, choreograph and sometimes perform for JTM Productions, for whom he has now created seven productions. Since returning to New Zealand in late 2016, Jeremy has been seen onstage in Legally Blonde and Chicago (The Court Theatre), A Fine Romance - The Music Of Fred Astaire and Practically Perfect - The Music Of Julie Andrews (JTM Productions), Priscilla Queen Of The Dessert (Showbiz Christchurch & New Plymouth Operatic) and Cats (Sierra Investments).

He is also one of the proud co-founders of Blackboard Theatre Collective and regularly directs projects for the company including Catch Me If You Can, Severely Queer, He Says, She Says and UGLY - The Untold Story Of The Stepsisters. His other theatre credits include direction for The Incredible And Glorious World According To The Fitzroys and The Badger Story (Glass Ceiling Arts Collective) as well as Nouvelle (The Entertainment Company) and choreography for Mary Poppins (Amici Trust/G & T Productions). Most recently Jeremy has launched a cabaret drag trio, Les Femmes, which debuted their self-titled show in both Auckland and Christchurch Pride Festivals. Outside of the theatre Jeremy is a passionate dance tutor and runs a Theatre Jazz program for Diocesan School For Girls, as well as open adults classes.

Nick Purdie

Nick is delighted to be returning to Jersey Boys after appearing in The Court Theatre’s sell-out season in Christchurch. Nick graduated with a BAppA in Performing Arts (Musical Theatre) and Diploma in Singing from Whitireia Performance Centre.

Following this, he spent seven months headlining ‘The Tuxedos’ at Dubai’s Rock Bottom Club. After returning home Nick continued his career on the stage performing across New Zealand and internationally.

Notable credits include – Bob Crewe in Jersey Boys, Alternate Bert/Park Keeper in Mary Poppins, Elle’s Dad/Dewey in Legally Blonde and Sammy in Blood Brothers (The Court Theatre); Onstage Swing in The Sound Of Music (West End International Tour); Bert in Mary Poppins and Eddie Souther in Sister Act (Invercargill Musical Theatre); Curtis Jackson in Sister Act (Showbiz Christchurch) and Corny Collins in Hairspray (Wellington Musical Theatre). Nick has appeared as a vocalist with Beyond The Barricade during their New Zealand and Australian Tours as well as underscore_ and Monster Songs at Gardens Magic for WITCH Music Theatre.

A keen advocate for musical theatre education, in 2015 Nick founded Triple Threat Academy NZ which tours the country providing opportunities for young performers to take part in musical theatre workshops with leading industry professionals to help encourage performing arts amongst the youth of New Zealand.

Drew Noble

Drew is a graduate of the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (NASDA) where he earned a Bachelor of Performing Arts (Musical Theatre). Whilst at NASDA he performed in shows including ‘Curtains’, ‘42nd Street’, ‘Earthquakes in London’, ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ and ‘Wild Cabbage’. Most recently he has toured New Zealand with Echelon Productions in their 2020 shows ‘And The Winner Is...’ and ‘Launch To The Future’. In 2018, Drew was the recipient of the New Zealand Dance Awards Pro/Am Musical Theatre Scholarship for which he earned a trip to train at Broadway Dance Centre in New York City. He currently trains with JK Performing Arts in Christchurch, where he also regularly teaches. Drew is beyond thrilled to be a part of bringing Jersey Boys to life for Auckland and Wellington audiences.

Riley Druce

Riley has immersed himself in the world of theatre after performing his first musical at the age of 12 with his intermediate school class. Since then he has performed in many other youth and community productions around Auckland.

Highlights of these productions include Little Shop of Horrors, ‘Schlomo’ in FAME in the Centrestage Youth Theatres senior productions. 42nd Street, Witches of Eastwick, Sound of Music, and earlier this year ‘Caldwell B. Cladwell’ in Urinetown with Centrestage Theatre Company which has become his second home and ‘Bamatabois’/Ensemble in Les Misérables with G&T Productions and Auckland Music Theatre in 2019.

He is extremely grateful to be able to perform on stage and to be able to share it with the rest of the amazing cast. Off of the stage Riley continues his passion for both stage and screen acting attending acting workshops and classes and hopes to continue and further his studies.