Aussie girls take New York by storm

March 29: Two Australian youngsters are taking New York by storm as part of a special scholarship initiative that gives local artists the chance to shine overseas. ERIN JAMES reports from New York...

Checklist: Earrings, Dress, Heels, Makeup. “Oh! I might need my music!

In an apartment on the east side of Manhattan Island, two Australian girls are preparing for the performance of a lifetime. Carly Champion and Roshani Priddis, winners of the 2008 TDP/ASCAP Bound For Broadway Scholarship are hours away from presenting a cabaret showcase at one of New York’s most renowned cabaret venues – Don’t Tell Mama.

A performance experience like no other, this cabaret showcase will be attended by music theatre luminaries, like composer Andrew Lippa (The Wild Party) and Michael Kerker (Director of ASCAP), giving these talented young Aussies the springboards they need to show the world what they’re made of.

20-year-old Carly Champion, who hails from Penrith in Sydney's west, is both excited and nervous about her upcoming show.

“I had to take a walk today to chill out, and stop thinking about it, on mum’s advice! Everything has been leading up to this moment, I just want to get out there and do it!”

From the moment they arrived in the Big Apple two weeks ago, the girls’ schedules have been peppered with workshops, master classes, interviews and rehearsals.

“I haven’t had time to scratch myself!” laughs Priddis, also 20, “but this has been the most beautifully surreal experience a performer from Tamworth could have! To meet the writers and composers of Broadway musicals that I’ve only ever had the opportunity to YOUTUBE before, shake their hands and say “see you at the show”… is wild”.

Adapting to a new city is not an easy task, but these two young starlets have taken the city that never sleeps in their stride. With a maturity that belies their years, they recount experiences which they believe have made them stronger as performers and as people.

“You develop an understanding of the New York pace of life! When you start to walk really fast and start pushing past people in the subway station – you know New York has gotten into your blood," said Champion.

Priddis spoke with passion about her learning experience in New York City, and the people she has worked with so far: “I met Andrew Lippa at one of the ASCAP workshops. I’m singing a piece of his for my showcase. He was so warm and lovely - I think the Aussie Theatre world would be happy to know that Sydney is his favourite city. So we might see him down under real soon!"

Another highlight for the young performers was a workshop masterclass they took with composer and teacher, Craig Carnelia (Is There Life After High School). Carly gushes “Craig was unbelievable. He’s talented, he helps improves your performance style by making you work and figure everything out yourself. It’s a self discovery method of teaching. I think I matured so much in that 3 hour workshop.”

“How do I feel?”, Priddis gives a cheeky grin, then sighs: “Nervous, excited… But I woke this morning knowing this day could be the beginning of something real.”

So, where to from here? “Well, I have a serious travel bug! I’d love to keep travelling and performing. I want to bring back to Australia a bag of skills from the people I’ve worked with here. Craig Carneila and Chris Marlowe are just two of the people who have given their expertise and I’m thankful for their time and the experience," said Priddis.

Champion mirrors the sentiments of Priddis, adding “I’m going to work on my song writing and performing original material in Chicago and give the U.S. music theatre scene a try.”

It is evident that these two Australian Broadway Babies will take the New York Cabaret scene by storm. Start spreading the news: Carly Champion and Roshani Priddis are names to remember!