BEHIND THE SCENES

The show for 2022, “Dammi Il Cinque – The New Edition”, was written by Lea and Corrado Porcaro. Corrado Porcaro has worked as an Italian teacher in Primary Schools for over 30 years. All original songs were also written by Corrado Porcaro and recorded by Corrado, Marcus and Lea Porcaro.

MICHELLE PITCHER 
MANAGING DIRECTOR/LEAD PERFORMER

Michelle began dance, violin/viola and singing lessons at young age and has always had a passion for the Arts.  She went on to graduate from the Ballarat Academy of Performing Arts – Music Theatre in 2001 and has since performed in musicals, theatre, film & TV productions both in OZ, Asia and in the UK.  Whilst studying Michelle performed regularly with the Whitehorse Symphony Orchestra in a series of children’s concerts, and after graduating performed in Cameron Mackintosh’s “Oliver!” The musical, OZ/Asia Tour.

Whilst living in London Michelle was a featured dancer in the Royal Opera company’s production of the Russian Opera “Eugine Onegin”, Covent Garden.  She also toured the UK with Kinetic Theatre company’s “Light fantastic”, a science based childrens Theatre in Education show.  She is a freelance dance teacher and choreographer and has also adjudicated several Dance Festivals in QLD and WA over the years.
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Michelle met her Italian husband in London and has spent the last 10 years living and working in the alps of Piemonte.  She is now fluent in Italian, loves making fresh pasta for her familglia and is delighted to be performing again in Dammi Cinque!

LEA DA SILVA GOMES (formerly Porcaro)
PRODUCER/WRITER/DIRECTOR

Lea started Spectacular Spettacolo in 2010 and has produced/directed and performed in shows across VIC, SA and QLD with her bilingual productions. In 2021 she graduated from the VCA with a Masters of Producing, gaining first class honours. Also holding a degree in Musical Theatre Performance, Lea has worked as a professional singer/actor/voice over and jingle artist throughout Australia and Europe. Most recently, Lea was the production coordinator and cast coordinator for award winning children's animated series, "Little J & Big Cuz".

Professional performance credits include: resident singer at the 5 star Hayman Island Resort in the Whitsundays, solo show in Cyprus, lead singer for a tribute show in Majorca, workshop of ‘Flowerchildren’ for Magnormos, various Crown Casino performances and many television commercials including AGL, Monash Health, The Royal College of General Practicioners, The AEU, Jenny Craig, Kmart, Slater and Gordon and a Channel 10 ID for “Offspring” alongside the fabulous Kat Stewart. Most recently, Lea reprised her role of Isabella Pinter on ‘Neighbours’.

She is also a jingle/voiceover artist and is the voice of such brands as: Brighton Toyota, Dollar Curtains and Blinds and Noosa Civic Shopping. She also played both the Queen of Hearts (2010/2011) and The Duchess (2012/2013, 2013/2014) in the Australian Shakespeare Company’s productions of Alice in Wonderland.

Lea is also a freelance film/tv producer and her first short film, Laugh With Me, recently had its International Premiere at Flickerfest.