Michael Payer – Director, Co-producer
Michael Payer, an Irish-Australian theatre enthusiast, has cultivated a rich and diverse 15-year career in the arts. His journey, ignited by a high school performance of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” spans various roles and countries including Australia, Ireland, Finland, Belgium, and Fiji. His illustrious career includes performing in classics like “Peter Pan,” “The Wizard of Oz,” and “Mary Poppins,” and earning accolades such as Most Outstanding Actor at the Youth Shakespeare Festival. As a scriptwriter, his talent was recognized with the 2011 Academic Excellence Prize from the University of Western Sydney.
In Fiji, Michael has been a transformative force, leading initiatives like the EuroFest Pacific and the European Film Festival, showcasing his skills in event management and production. His academic background, with a degree from the University of Sydney, further complements his artistic endeavors. Michael’s commitment to Fiji’s arts scene is evident in his efforts to bring musical theatre to Suva with MAMMA MIA!, aiming to spotlight Fiji’s vibrant talent and hoping to ignite a new era of musical theatre in the region. His work in Fiji is not just a contribution but a celebration of the island’s artistic potential and diversity.
Sharleen Ali – Co-producer
Sharleen is a former professional dancer with years of international experience and came to national attention when she and her dance partner won the inaugural Fiji’s Dancing Superstar competition in 2014. Sharleen started The Festivals Company as the event production arm of another local success story, Exquisite Decorations and Hire with clients including Novotel, Holiday Inn and Alliance Française de Suva. In 2020, Sharleen managed the operations and logistics of the inaugural Dance Fest Fiji, which brought dance companies from all over the country together. Since then, Sharleen and The Festivals Company have produced a number of events including Fiji Hip Hop Championships, the Timewarp DJ Festival, Rep the Hood, and the inaugural VT1S concert, as well as numerous corporate events for Tourism Fiji (including the 2022 Fiji Tourism Expo), Suva City Council and the Pacific Islands Forum . In 2023, Sharleen brought together Fijian and international artists through the first ever Fiji Fringe Festival in Suva, linking Fiji with the network of Fringe Festivals around the world. With over 10 years of experience in the field of event management Sharleen is also passionate about the creative arts, with a mission and vision to create safe spaces and beneficial platforms for all Fijian artists and communicators.
Ben Morrison – Music Director
Ben has years combining his passions for music and the community. A student of Music Production at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Ben’s musical range is as broad as his experience. Ben is a well-loved music teacher through his business Kingdom Creative Arts teaching music to Suva’s up-and-coming and established talents, as well as producing shows including the annual Light Up Christmas concert. He is also widely-experienced as a choirmaster. Ben’s commitment to the community is the driving force behind his role in the NGO Inspire Pacific, making a difference through music with engagement programmes for street kids, kids in need and a music rehabilitation programme for youth in prison. Ben is very excited to be turning his hand to theatre, having assisted his mentor Igelese Ete in a number of productions.
Tevita Tobeyaweni – Choreographer
Tevita Tobeyaweni, the founder of MATA Dance Crew, has been a dynamic force in Fiji’s hip-hop dance landscape. His journey began with VOU Fiji, where he gained international exposure through tours in China, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and the USA. Driven by a vision to nurture Fiji’s dance talent, Tevita established MATA Dance Crew in 2018, which quickly garnered global attention at the 2019 Hip Hop International. Under his leadership, MATA has evolved from a competitive dance crew to a comprehensive dance company and school, training 15-20 dancers in both the art and technique of hip-hop. Tevita’s innovative approach, blending traditional dance with modern hip-hop, has not only elevated MATA’s performances across Fiji but also fostered a creative environment for the next generation of Fijian dancers. His dedication to the craft and the development of local talent is paving the way for Fiji to become a prominent name in the global dance community.
Kiel Ah Sam – Set Designer
Kiel is a designer and builder with experience in industrial, corporate, marine and stage construction. As the manager of Fiji’s DuAll Services, Kiel has stage designed many of Fiji’s major events, including the RSYC Fiji Music Festival, the PGA Fiji Open, PGA Australia, ITTF Worlds, Coral Coast Sevens, Fiji Rugby, Denarau Music Festival, Fiji Weddings, Rosie Holidays and the Fiji International. Kiel actively engages local communities through the Uto Ni Yalo Trust, sharing voyaging traditions and advocating sustainability, youth empowerment and ocean conservation with upcoming generations. A twin and one of five siblings, Kiel brings richly blended design experiences to stages. Having spent formative years respecting the ocean by swimming, sailing and living in balance with nature, this proud Pacific Islander cherishes sharing the wonder of the blue. Now Kiel intersects his diverse skills and experiences in MAMMA MIA! infusing technical mastery with creative passion.
The Stellar Cast Lighting Up the Stage
Paulini Bautani as Donna Sheridan
Paulini hails from Nananu Tailevu with links to Wainibuka Nayavu. Paulini first stepped into the spotlight over 15 years ago as a past finalist in talent competitions like the Hibiscus Star Search and Vodafone MIC Show. Bautani has since established herself as a versatile vocalist – recording Disney’s Moana soundtrack, advocating climate action through song overseas in the productions Moana Rua and Malaga: The Journey. She has also toured internationally with productions and performances in Europe, the US and Pacific Islands. Locally, Paulini has shared the stage with many of Fiji’s beloved musicians, directed choirs, and mentored rural youth, as well as performing in her bands Nalaga and the FPRA-nominated ACCALEWAS. Paulini is also no stranger to theatrical performance, having performed in the Oceania Centre’s Domo ni Karmen and the trilogy Vaka: The Birth of a Seer, Drua: The Wave of Fire, and Moana: Rising of the Sea.
Lia Daunakamakama as Sophie Sheridan
Lia is the youngest member of the Moana Loa Performing Arts Centre and is a strong dancer, having started her dance journey at the age of five with ballet and jazz. Lia’s passion for dance has continued to grow, leading her to branch out and explore new genres of dance such as contemporary and hip-hop. Lia has come a long way as a dancer and is now exploring her abilities as a choreographer although, truth be told, she’s only getting started! At this early stage in her career, Lia still has much to offer the arts industry in Fiji. Lia is the lead vocalist for the band V5 – a band inspiring local Fijian youth through their strong songwriting and harmonies. The band won the 2022 Domo Vou Talei competition with their original song Mango Tree.
Lia is excited to venture into drama and acting as she takes on the role of Sophie in MAMMA MIA!. At just 16 years old, it’s safe to say that Lia has a bright future ahead of her as a performer, singer, songwriter, dancer and choreographer.
Laisa Vulakoro as Tanya
Fiji’s ‘Vude Queen’ Laisa Vulakoro is the voice that has been described as “Fiji’s gift to the world.” With an illustrious 40-year career, Laisa has released 17 albums blending R&B, jazz, and island rhythms. She began as a backup vocalist in the 80s before exploding onto the charts with original vude compositions. A cancer survivor and passionate philanthropist, Vulakoro gives back through community initiatives. She is also a sports administrator, having led Fiji’s gold medal volleyball team. Vulakoro continues breaking boundaries, joining the cast of Fiji’s first musical theatre production, MAMMA MIA! as Tanya. Her four decades of wisdom make Vulakoro a role model for aspiring artists. With her smooth vocals and vibrant spirit, Laisa Vulakoro has cemented her place as a beloved matriarch of Fijian music.
For more about Laisa see Vude Queen Comes A Long Way
Sofaia Sereicocoko as Rosie
Sofaia, who goes by her stage name ‘Sapphire’ is a self-taught freelancer singer. Starting in church, Sofaia rose to overnight popularity when she placed second in Fiji TV’s M.I.C. Show in 2009. With her newfound success, Sofaia launched her career as a professional performer singing lead vocals with a residency at Mana Island Resort. Sofaia later joined Pasifika Voices under the leadership and influence of Mr. Orikini Ete, before venturing out once again to perform with residencies at a number of hotels and resorts in Nadi.
Sofaia’s career has led her to worked with “The King of Reality” David Vanacore recording vocals for a range of international TV and film productions, including Mark Burnett’s Survivor.
Sofaia has also recorded and performed with a number of Fiji’s great local bands, including Inside Out, Kulture, and Nem & Talei. Sofaia is also a vocalist with the band Groove.Co, and you can catch her performing with a residency at Suva’s Paradiso every Friday and Saturday.
Soni Uluitoga as Sky
Soni Uluitoga is undoubtedly one of Fiji’s top contemporary talents as a musician and performer. As the lead singer and songwriter for the popular local band The Gang, he has played over 500 shows across Fiji since 2015 with a growing fanbase in Australia, Canada, the US, UK and New Zealand. Soni has performed at major events, including Fiji Fashion Week, the Attorney General’s Conference, Constitution Day celebrations and more. In 2021, Soni took Fiji by storm as part of the VT1S collective, revolutionising modern Fijian music. Expanding beyond music, Soni recently co-starred as an actor and dance choreographer in the 2021 Fijian film Forgiven, as well as writing multiple songs for the movie’s soundtrack. Currently, Soni is part of the supergroup RBG, alongside famous Fijian musicians Ratu and Billy T with The Gang. They regularly collaborate with renowned local musicians like Tom Mawi and Saki Kaloumaira. Joining the cast of MAMMA MIA! as Sky is an exciting opportunity to showcase Soni’s many talents as a singer, dancer and actor in Fiji’s first ever musical theatre production.
Justin Blake-Hickes as Sam
Justin Blake-Hickes is a Fijian singer of mixed European heritage and is a new voice on Fiji’s music scene. A self-developed semi-classical vocalist, Justin has gained recognition in Fiji and the Pacific as The Fijian Tenor, a title attributed to his seamless ability to hit high notes powerfully. Justin only began singing in his senior years of high school and was actively involved in one-act-plays, poetry recitations and poetry writing. He was first introduced to classical music through vocal lessons after being discovered by a classical vocal major graduate from Korea on missionary work in Fiji in 2015. Justin’s passion for his craft and discipline have helped him sustain his vocal skills.
In 2019, Justin became a founding member of Fijis first-ever classical vocal group Prima Voce, where he stamped his mark as Fiji’s leading Tenor and, in 2023, Justin debuted as a solo artist.
Justin has performed on stages in South Korea and around Fiji and has gained extensive on-stage experience and exposure. Though Justin has not had any formal education in music, his repertoire includes You Raise Me Up, The Prayer, Time to Say Goodbye, O Sole Mio, Impossible Dream and Nessun Dorma.
Justin’s fresh music career has already seen him perform at Fiji Fashion Week, Style Fiji, the FIPRA Music Awards. Uprising Music Festival, the Fijian Drua, the State House of Fiji, St John Gala and the Fiji Fringe Festival.
MAMMA MIA! will be his first take at Broadway!
Henry Steele as Harry
Henry Steele is a respected dancer and choreographer making his mark in Fiji’s performing arts scene. Though he graduated with a degree in History and Geography, Henry’s true passion is dance. He honed his skills in hip hop and other genres by immersing himself in Suva’s dance community. Henry shares his love of dance as co-founder of Wehi Fiji, a dance consultancy providing instruction and opportunities to aspiring artists. As well as teaching, Henry is a regular feature at high-profile performances, including Fiji Fashion Week, Rep the Hood and DanceFest Fiji. Henry is a jazz singer who gained popularity as a member of Pasifika Voices with residency for the Oceania Arts Centre, and has performed at events such as Suva Soul Revival alongside local legend Tom Mawi and Soni Uluitoga. Joining MAMMA MIA! as Harry is an exciting opportunity to enjoy all of Henry’s talents for dance and singing. Driven by his motto to “go hard or go home,” Henry Steele is a rising star sharing Pacific pride through performance and culture.
Alby Eastgate as Bill
Alby started his career from media with local radio including 2Day FM and ZFM, before moving out to continue his studies in Auckland to graduate in Screenwriting and Directing with Minors in Art Design and Broadcast Presentation from South Seas Film and Television School. During his student life Alby gained worked as a film extra and production assistant for student art films and major international production houses, as well as honing his artistic side with music videos and event and party design. Alby also spent time working with the Real Theatre Company in Auckland under the directorship of David Coddington, working on the children’s theatre circuit in such plays as Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella and Peter Pan. After a brief return to Fiji, Alby left for Manila and continued his radio career with 103.5 MAX FM. Since returning to Fiji in 2009, Alby has worked alongside his wife to support the local hip-hop community by bringing international performers into Fiji, as well as working with local MCs and DJs. Alby, along with DJ Christonite Boginikua, helped launch EDM culture in Fiji with the label Technical Glitch. Through the label, Alby promotes Fiji as a music destination through 2Tings Fiji and Keitou Fiji, representing Fiji locally and internationally. Alby also fronts Fiji’s leading alt-rock band Glass Ally.
Alby has made brief returns to media in Fiji with short works as a presenter in Mix FM Fiji and Fiji TV, and has also worked as an extra in film production units for local and international films and television and local media houses, a voice over artist and audio producer. Alby now continues to work with local artists and designers and media rookies as a mentor, also a brand ambassador and consultant working alongside media and event houses. Alby currently works with his wife and daughter introducing the sport of aero gymnastics and parkour to the community of Fiji. You can catch Alby DJing or performing at local or international venue near you but for now see him in MAMMA MIA! as Bill.
Akuila & Adriel Tuivaga as Pepper & Eddie
Akuila and Adriel have become mainstays of the Fiji dance scene since forming their dance company TUINZ in 2019. Adriel and Akuila embarked on their dance journey with VOU Dance Company, under the guidance of Sachiko and Eddie Soro, and have gone on to gain performance credits locally and internationally, with performances across Europe and Australasia, as well as a residency in China. Adriel subsequently joined MATA Dance Company to represent Fiji in the Hip Hop International in New Zealand. Seeking to establish their own unique identity, Adriel and Akuila formed TUINZ, a dance duo committed to creating a safe space and nurturing environment for artists of all disciplines, with a particular interest in Urban Dance. They have gone on to feature in Fiji Fringe Festival, Dance Fest Fiji, Rep The Hood, and were winners of the 2022 Fiji K-Pop Festival. TUINZ is currently in the process of establishing a studio to share their passion for dance with Fiji’s young, emerging talents.
It’s clear that this production is more than just a musical; it’s a celebration of diverse artistry and cultural fusion. Each member of this talented ensemble brings a unique flavor to the show, making it a vibrant and memorable experience. Their dedication and passion are a testament to the rich tapestry of talent Fiji has to offer, promising an enchanting performance that resonates with both local audiences and international admirers. As the curtains draw on our exploration, we invite you to witness firsthand the magic these artists create on stage, marking a new chapter in Fiji’s burgeoning theatrical legacy.
