Last 5 performances of "Alpha" show
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13 Minute Show Preview
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Show Description
Running time: 100 mins + interval
MENwhoDANCE showcases Charlie, Kurt, Dhuruva, Calin, Bailey and Rhys. This high energy show features their various dance styles. Including the latest street moves, a classical story piece, and athletic sport prowess. Follow the men as they head through construction sites, Bollywood, and under the sea. They tap, sing, leap, flip, and even meet an alien.
You can’t help but shout and laugh out loud with excitement, while these six men of dance do their thing. The show strikes the perfect balance between edge-of-your-seat dare devil action, irresistible romance, and comedy. It’s more than a dance show, it’s an experience.
See it to believe it.
Produced by Mighty Good Entertainment
Conceived & Directed by Malcolm Harslett
Choreography: Charles Herkes, Kurt Benton, Ricky Revilla, Dhuruva Padmanabhan, Willian Rodrigues, Calin Diamond, Bailey Kiejko and Rhys Hayes.
Lighting: Luke Bartholomew
MENwhoDANCE showcases Charlie, Kurt, Dhuruva, Calin, Bailey and Rhys. This high energy show features their various dance styles. Including the latest street moves, a classical story piece, and athletic sport prowess. Follow the men as they head through construction sites, Bollywood, and under the sea. They tap, sing, leap, flip, and even meet an alien.
You can’t help but shout and laugh out loud with excitement, while these six men of dance do their thing. The show strikes the perfect balance between edge-of-your-seat dare devil action, irresistible romance, and comedy. It’s more than a dance show, it’s an experience.
See it to believe it.
Produced by Mighty Good Entertainment
Conceived & Directed by Malcolm Harslett
Choreography: Charles Herkes, Kurt Benton, Ricky Revilla, Dhuruva Padmanabhan, Willian Rodrigues, Calin Diamond, Bailey Kiejko and Rhys Hayes.
Lighting: Luke Bartholomew
Show Running Order
ACT 1Opening
Charlie, Kurt, Dhuruva, Calin, Bailey, and Rhys Mirror Me Charlie Mime Watch Bailey and Calin Indian Shadows Dhuruva, Charlie, and Kurt Rhys Who Rhys Last Chance Ballroom Kurt, Dhuruva, and Calin The Alien Charlie The A.I Lazer Man Bailey Surprise Kurt, Dhuruva, and Rhys The Unicycle Temptation Calin The Construction Workers Charlie, Kurt, Dhuruva, Calin, Bailey, and Rhys |
ACT 2The Divers Underwater
Charlie, Kurt, Dhuruva, Calin, Bailey, and Rhys Sensual Seduction Charlie The Hat Dhuruva and Rhys Test Subject Calin and Kurt The Gladiators Charlie and Bailey The Disco Beat Calin, Rhys, and Dhuruva The Bullfighter Kurt Everything Old is New Again Charlie and Bailey Jungle Release Dhuruva Fever Charlie, Bailey, Willian, and Rhys The Finale Charlie, Kurt, Dhuruva, Calin, Bailey, and Rhys |
Current Cast
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Charlie HerkesCharlie is a classically trained ballet dancer and actor who’s performed with Queensland Ballet in many works including Nutcracker, Strictly Gershwin, and Swan Lake. He has also danced with an array of choreographers through his time with the company. Charlie’s recent work includes appearances in several films and TV series ‘Stateless’, and theatre roles ‘Hardy Hero of the Hills’, and 2 sell-out shows in the Fringe 2021, ‘The Man Who Wrote Shakespeare’ and ‘The White Mouse’, where he played multiple roles in both shows. He recently played “The Prince” in Mighty Good Productions reworked version of ‘Cinderella’. Charlie was instrumental in the creation of MEN who DANCE and relishes the opportunity to show his dance abilities to the S.A. audiences. Recently appearing with Hans – the German's, spectacular and played leading roles in two SA Films 'Red Wine' and 'Cross Cut'. Charlie has also features in the Royal Adelaide Show Dance Spectaculars for the last 3 years
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Kurt BentonKurt is an experienced performer with extensive training in gymnastics and various styles of dance. He has practice in circus acrobatics, singing, and acting from a very early age. Kurt also teaches a variety of these skills with several of Adelaide’s leading training companies. Some performance credentials include the Royal Adelaide Show, Adelaide Fringe, NYE T20 Cricket, and various gigs and shows with ‘Ding productions’ around South Australia. He is excited to see how the audience reacts to a show with such performance diversity in “Men Who Dance”! Currently, he has been working on Hans – the German's, spectacular. Kurt is returning to the show from performing on cruise ships in the caribbean.
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Dhuruva PadmanabhanDhuruva has devoted his life to becoming a performer. He began his dance life at the age of 5, as his mother is dance teacher in Chennai, and Father a stage and film actor and director. He began with jazz, tap, and contemporary, CSTD, and hip-hop under the UK Association. At the age of 18 he came to Australia to study his Advanced Diploma of Music Theatre and Commercial Dance at ADPI, and attended the Queensland College of Dance. During his time in Brisbane he performed in the NRL Magic Rounds 2019, and the ensemble of The Producers, directed by Joseph Simons. After moving to Adelaide in 2021 he was part of L’Hotel in the Cabaret Festival. He also works with ‘Ding’ Productions alongside some of our other cast members. Recently he has been working on Hans – the German's, spectacular as well as touring schools as an actor for Book Week. Dhuruva has also recently graduated from Adelaide University Elder Conservatorium Musical Theatre course.
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Bailey KiejkoBailey, a young Adelaide based performer, has thrown himself into a variety of different worlds of dance since the age of 8. He dicovered his love for hip hop in his younger years, and followed that with with jazz and lyrical dance. Later in life, he expanded his range by studying contemporary and ballet technique through Adelaide College of the Arts, as well as opening new doors to tap dancing and latin/ballroom styles. This has led him to traveling around Australia, performing in musicals, contemporary works, and in Los Angeles for the Revel Dance. He has also collaborated with Tasdance and the Australian Dance Theatre. He is often found teaching workshops through local dance schools as well as working as dance captain for Candance for a Cure.
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Calin DiamondCalin, originally from Minnesota, is already an accomplished International performer with a diverse range of talents including various circus skills, acting, dancing, singing, & magic. With over 5,000 professional performances worldwide in his resume, he has performed & studied with several stage legends, including, Luis De Matos, Lance Burton, John Orcsik, & Carmel Dean. Calin & his sister, Arwen, are renowned for their unique & Internationally recognized duo street act. Following their successful Australian Fringe show in 2013, Calin & Arwen were invited to perform in Malaysia, Spain, Portugal, & Germany, as well as multiple stage, TV & film appearances Australia wide. His latest achievement, co-starring in the award winning stage show “A Thousand Cranes” as Kenji as well as a role in the Saturn Award winning "Talk to Me". Calin is also a featured dancer in the Royal Adelaide Show Spectacular. He is also in several yet to be released films. Calin is extremely hard-working, passionate, & focused. He loves working with people from all over the world.
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Rhys HayesRhys Hayes is a professional performer from Chester in the UK, he trained at Bodywork Company Dance Studios also known as Cambridge Performing Arts excelling in ballet, jazz, contemporary, and commercial dance.
Some of his credentials include the West End show 'What Happened To LaLa Shockette' at the St James Theatre, Dancer model for ‘Regatta’, ‘Jack Jones’, ‘JD sports’ and ‘Radio City’ Liverpool. He also danced in the Movie 'Molly Moon and the Incredible Book of Hypnotism' under the director of Choreographer Anthony Van Laast CBE. He also spent 2 years with Grayboy Entertainments working on P&O Australia cruiselines and has been a body double on Aldi Christmas adverts. Rhys is delighted to be the new man in MENwhoDANCE. |
Crew
Malcolm Harslett - Producer/Director
Malcolm is an accomplished Actor, TV host, writer, producer, director, song writer, designer, artist (painter), and ice skater, and has a wealth of experience in both live performance theatre and television. He is also an acting teacher. Since childhood he had been, and continues to be, the instigator of many theatre and television productions in South Australia. He has toured extensively whilst also continuing as Managing Director of Mighty Good Entertainment since 1978, which includes Star Theatres, the Mighty Good Talent School, Mighty Good Artists, and Mighty Good Productions. He is also the producer and host of the long running TV programme “Our Time” from 2010 to the present.
Luke Bartholomew - Lighting/Sound
Luke has been working in theatre since 2007 and has since written, directed, and produced a small body of work, including 3 musicals. He is also quite busy with projects in the film industry participating in almost every role one can have on set. Luke brings Men Who Dance to life technically, dancing along with his fingers in the tech booth to create a visual and audible treat.
Julie Spears - Dresser/Costume Maintenance
Richard Laidlaw, Bronwen Bassi, Julie Spears, & Antoinette Neumann - Costumes
Michael Kranitis - Stage Manager
David Gauci - Singing Coach
Emily Jaensch, - Digital Marketing
Explosive Promotions - Physical Marketing
Nicholas Warn - Photography
Reviews
Stage Whispers Review - 5/5 Stars
"The title of this production is MENwhoDANCE ‘Alpha’. However, it is so much more than that. The boys don’t just dance, they sing and most of all they entertain!" - Barry Hill, 2024
Click here to read
"The title of this production is MENwhoDANCE ‘Alpha’. However, it is so much more than that. The boys don’t just dance, they sing and most of all they entertain!" - Barry Hill, 2024
Click here to read
Glam Adelaide Review - 5/5 Stars
"Men who Dance is all you could hope for in a modern dance show" - Rod Lewis
Click here to read
"Men who Dance is all you could hope for in a modern dance show" - Rod Lewis
Click here to read
Stage Whispers Review - 5/5 Stars
"Men who Dance is a joyous exploration of diverse dance styles from five extremely talented men" - Barry Hill
Click here to read
"Men who Dance is a joyous exploration of diverse dance styles from five extremely talented men" - Barry Hill
Click here to read
Barefoot Review
"In the opening number, the five men who dance energise the cabaret room in a robust display of prancing machismo while dressed in unbuttoned white shirts flying away off their bodies -beautiful like angels’ wings. This is going to be good!" - David Grybowski
Click here to read
"In the opening number, the five men who dance energise the cabaret room in a robust display of prancing machismo while dressed in unbuttoned white shirts flying away off their bodies -beautiful like angels’ wings. This is going to be good!" - David Grybowski
Click here to read
The Advertiser Review
"A solid hour of moves that run the gamut from classical and modern, through hip-hop, freestyle and even a dash of Bollywood" - Peter Burdon
Click here to read
"A solid hour of moves that run the gamut from classical and modern, through hip-hop, freestyle and even a dash of Bollywood" - Peter Burdon
Click here to read
Audience Opinions
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“A great variety! Showcasing Adelaide’s talented MEN.
Sexy, fun, energetic, engaging and entertaining” 5 Stars …………………Sonja, Michelle and Carly |
“Athletically mesmerizing, incredible and worth the world of theatre and dance. Fabulous”.
5 Stars …………………Rachel High |
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“Really entertaining.
Love the different genres and representation of male dancers. Love the costumes and lighting”. 5 Stars …………………Ruth |
“A very different vibe to girls dancing, loved every moment!”
5 Stars …………………Rebecca |
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Ricky in the tartan shirt is Unreal. Willian is a sex-bomb. Tap dance hilarious. Guys in skin suits amazing.
Loved it, so funny, and such talented dancers”. 5 Stars |
“Gravity defying masculinity using
every inch of the stage floor and the air above. Funny, unusual, astounding,completely unexpected. I could watch them over and over”. 5 Stars …………………Trude |
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“Popcorn guy was great, a brilliant variety of dance”
5 Stars …………………Greg Bartholomew |
“I really enjoyed the show it was extremely fun and interactive with the audience”.
5 Stars …………………Simon Tedmanson |
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“Perfect show for a fun night out.
These guys know how to please a crowd” 5 Stars …………………Emily-Jo Davidson |
“Extremely exciting and fun!
High energy and highly recommended” 5 Stars …………………Selina Spears |
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“Hot and spicy”
5 Stars…………………Jason Ken |
“Variety of strengths”
5 Stars …………………Nicholas Welch |
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“You ready for some spice? Brilliant range of styles”
5 Stars …………………Indigo Radbone |
“Spicy and Diverse”
5 Stars …………………Yogi Dev |
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“Fun, exciting and great entertainment.
The dance skills and amazing”. 5 Stars …………………Kristy |
“After lockdown a breath of fresh air, extremely good, highly recommended”
5 Stars …………………Alana Spears |
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“Very enjoyable, sometimes funny and very sexy.
Was never bored from beginning to the end” - Ingrid Bartholomew |
“A group of mixed dancers, some creative and funny moments…great to see men dancing, very entertaining”
5 Stars …………………Jane Nines |
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“Great entertainment to see an ‘all man’ dance show.
Get a group together you won’t be disappointed”. - Leona Davidson |
“Entertaining and funny performance full of so much talent. The room defiantly heated up a few degrees”.
- Lauren J |
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“Cheeky! Something for the girls…and some guys.
Unique acts and fun interaction”. - Kristina |
Some extremely talented men, performing dancing and singing, humour and some mild (but inviting) nudity.
Great show for a ladies night out!” - Leigh Anne |
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“Boy’s just want to have fun, and the girls all love it!
The fabulous five dancers, brilliant blokes who don’t hold back” - Russell Starke OAM |
Great performance.
Will be recommending to friends and family who love Men who Dance. Keep up the great work!” - Hannah |
“It’s so great to see so many styles of dance on stage again. Very talented artists!”
- Erin
A History
“MEN who DANCE” creator, and Mighty Good Production’s director, Malcolm Harslett, has always had the idea of an original show featuring men dancing; as men are often overshadowed in number by women in dance. Some years before, he wrote and produced a teen hip hop show called “Hip Hop Harry and the Who Who”, which featured a history of dance. It was aimed at a school holiday market, and had several repeat seasons. He then produced the original show “Teen Dream”, which featured five teenage male singer/actor/dancers, in a story of youngmen realising their dream on a TV reality show. The audience’s reaction enthusiastically proved that they loved seeing young men performing.
When directing a play for the Star Theatre’s Back2Back Short Show Festival, Malcolm cast Charlie Herkes in an acting role. During the rehearsal period he discovered Charlie was also an accomplished classical ballet dancer, trained at VCAS and QLD Ballet Company. He had some injuries and decided to transition into acting. Malcolm then cast Charlie in a further two more of plays for the next Back2Back Short Show Festival and Adelaide Fringe, during which he also danced in a composite variety show called, “Tidd Bits”, with a classical and contemporary piece. The reaction of the audience was so strong that Malcolm decided to pursue the concept of men dancing further with Charlie as the founding member.
After considerable consultation with the Adelaide dance fraternity we discovered Kurt Benton, who began his life as a tumbler and acrobat, and then progressed to ballet, tap, and all other forms of dance. He was excited to be involved particularly because he was given the opportunity to develop his own routines. Kurt then suggested Ricky-Jai Revella, a dancer with a hip-hop and tertiary contemporary dance background, and the show began development. Upon a chance phone call, Willian Rodrigues came to an audition meeting and was excited by the idea. Malcolm had previously worked with Willian when he played a reindeer at Santa’s Wonderland and knew he had great performance ability. While not a trained dancer Willian had danced socially as part of his Brazilian cultural background, and very quickly, with the assistance of the other 3 dancers, learned the choreography. Willian also introduced an accomplished hip-hop dancer and D.J. Filipe Rodrigues, who was also from Brazil and visiting Adelaide. The first season of the show opened to excellent reviews in the Back2Back Short ShowFestival, as the headline show, on October 20th 2021.The show also developed a surprising comedic flair that complimented the fact that the men also sang in multiple pieces. The show had taken shape as a variety dance show featuring men.
Due to the success of the first six performances, the show was then remounted for the Adelaide Fringe 2022, once again as the headline show at Star Theatres. Filipe had to return to Brazil and the role was recast with Indian dancer, Dhuruva Padmanabhan, who had come to SA to take the music theatre course at Adelaide Uni. Dhuruva’s extra contribution to the show was welcomed. The show grew to a 60 minute high energy extravaganza with multiple dance styles, singing, and comedic moments. The show won Bank SA's sponsorship and a Bank SA Fringe Award. It was renamed “Alpha” as it was the “first production”of the brand MEN who DANCE, as it featured “Alpha Males”, original choreography, and a new performance concept.
The show was extended to 2 hour production (including an intermission) with an extra cast member for the 2023 Adelaide Fringe. Two new dancers joined the crew, Calin Diamond and Bailey Kiejko and in 2024 Rhys Hayes from the UK is our newest member.
The show has toured in 2023 and 2024 to Pt Lincoln, Whyalla, Pt Pirie, Mt Gambier and Renmark and we are looking forward to a national tour later in the year after our Adelaide Fringe 3rd Year performances.
When directing a play for the Star Theatre’s Back2Back Short Show Festival, Malcolm cast Charlie Herkes in an acting role. During the rehearsal period he discovered Charlie was also an accomplished classical ballet dancer, trained at VCAS and QLD Ballet Company. He had some injuries and decided to transition into acting. Malcolm then cast Charlie in a further two more of plays for the next Back2Back Short Show Festival and Adelaide Fringe, during which he also danced in a composite variety show called, “Tidd Bits”, with a classical and contemporary piece. The reaction of the audience was so strong that Malcolm decided to pursue the concept of men dancing further with Charlie as the founding member.
After considerable consultation with the Adelaide dance fraternity we discovered Kurt Benton, who began his life as a tumbler and acrobat, and then progressed to ballet, tap, and all other forms of dance. He was excited to be involved particularly because he was given the opportunity to develop his own routines. Kurt then suggested Ricky-Jai Revella, a dancer with a hip-hop and tertiary contemporary dance background, and the show began development. Upon a chance phone call, Willian Rodrigues came to an audition meeting and was excited by the idea. Malcolm had previously worked with Willian when he played a reindeer at Santa’s Wonderland and knew he had great performance ability. While not a trained dancer Willian had danced socially as part of his Brazilian cultural background, and very quickly, with the assistance of the other 3 dancers, learned the choreography. Willian also introduced an accomplished hip-hop dancer and D.J. Filipe Rodrigues, who was also from Brazil and visiting Adelaide. The first season of the show opened to excellent reviews in the Back2Back Short ShowFestival, as the headline show, on October 20th 2021.The show also developed a surprising comedic flair that complimented the fact that the men also sang in multiple pieces. The show had taken shape as a variety dance show featuring men.
Due to the success of the first six performances, the show was then remounted for the Adelaide Fringe 2022, once again as the headline show at Star Theatres. Filipe had to return to Brazil and the role was recast with Indian dancer, Dhuruva Padmanabhan, who had come to SA to take the music theatre course at Adelaide Uni. Dhuruva’s extra contribution to the show was welcomed. The show grew to a 60 minute high energy extravaganza with multiple dance styles, singing, and comedic moments. The show won Bank SA's sponsorship and a Bank SA Fringe Award. It was renamed “Alpha” as it was the “first production”of the brand MEN who DANCE, as it featured “Alpha Males”, original choreography, and a new performance concept.
The show was extended to 2 hour production (including an intermission) with an extra cast member for the 2023 Adelaide Fringe. Two new dancers joined the crew, Calin Diamond and Bailey Kiejko and in 2024 Rhys Hayes from the UK is our newest member.
The show has toured in 2023 and 2024 to Pt Lincoln, Whyalla, Pt Pirie, Mt Gambier and Renmark and we are looking forward to a national tour later in the year after our Adelaide Fringe 3rd Year performances.
Previous Men
Willian RodriguesWillian, an actor and fitness model, is originally from São Paulo, Brazil, but is now living in South Australia. Since coming here 2 years ago, he has appeared in TV commercials, short films, and several TV series. One of his latest roles is ‘Diego’ a dance instructor in the English TV series “the Tourist” streaming by Stan next year. Willian brings a unique personality a warm voice and sex appeal to the show. This is the first show he has admitted to also being a ‘dancer’ and it won’t be the last as he is a well rounded accomplished performer.
Ricky RevillaStarting out as a freestyle dancer, Ricky-Jai took to serious dance training at the Centre of Performing arts and has been working as a professional dancer for many years. He is also a professional portrait painter!
This Adelaide local, has received training in Los Angeles and Las Vegas in Hip Hop and Commercial dance. He teaches at numerous Adelaide dance studios and has competed locally and interstate for Hip Hop competitions as part of dance crew ADM (Adelaide Dance Movement). He is a resident performer for the live entertainment company, Ding Productions. Ricky-Jai is also a gameday entertainment fixture for the Adelaide 36ers, Crows, Strikers, and Thunderbirds, and has spent the last 6 years as a dancer in the annual Royal Adelaide Show production. |
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