Week 1 - It is mid-April as I arrive in Sydney to begin rehearsals for My Fair Lady. This is my fourth production under the direction of Stuart Maunder, the most recent of which was the 2006-2007 tour of The Pirates of Penzance with Opera Australia. I’m excited to be a member of the ensemble with a bit part as Mrs Higgins’ Maid. I join the tour from Melbourne where I’m based with my beautiful husband Peter and little spoodle Maya. When I’m not on stage, I run my own jewellery design business selling hand-made pieces to stockists throughout Australia. My goal is to string while I sing and take my work on the tour with me… but we’ll see how capable I am of carrying mountainous piles of beads for seven months! In the meantime I’m armed only with my vocal score and leggings as I hit the Opera Centre for rehearsals the moment my plane lands!

Week 2 - It’s week two of rehearsals and we’ve had hour upon hour of waltzing and parading around the grounds of Ascot juxtaposed with drunken pub dancing. And one of the highlights has definitely been my time in wardrobe. We all have a multitude of costumes and wigs, and in some cases the costume changes are so abrupt that cast members have to transform from household maids to airy aristocrats in a matter of minutes! Designer Roger Kirk has done phenomenal work. I personally have four costumes and three wigs, the most outstanding of which is the frock I wear to the Ascot races. This garment is pure, wearable art. Not only is it absolutely stunning, but I am seriously incapable of moving in it! Libby Hill, the choreographer, has her work cut out for her in helping us move about in these fabulous costumes. Layers of silk billow from my arms while underneath the dress hugs my body like a glove. Tight sleeves and an even tighter collar complement this masterpiece… and it is all garnished with a muff, walking staff, and the most elaborate hat I’ve ever worn!

There are several miniature roles where the ensemble steps out to speak lines as a flower girl or cockney, and I have a bit role as a servant. This part is a minor moment taking up mere seconds of stage time, and yet a costume has been designed and handmade just for this! The seamstress said it took three days to sew the frock and fit it to size… amazing! Every aspect of our costuming is given such devout attention. No detail is overlooked. It must be noted how hard the team at Opera Australia’s wardrobe are working to bring the costumes of this show to life. They are an indispensable part of the team and we are all indebted to them for their endless efforts.

But for now, back into rehearsal skirts. We only have one more week before we start running the show and there is still plenty to learn (and memorise!).

Week 4

 

Rehearsals for My Fair Lady are well under way. Heather Brooks, a member of the ensemble, tells us what it's like.

 

Week 5

I’m writing this blog as I sit on the train home after our third performance. It’s almost midnight and I’m exhausted… this week has been quite a commitment as we’ve survived 6 rehearsals, 1 press call, 1 preview, and 3 performances, all in 6 days! Were it not for the adrenaline that comes with finally having an audience, I think some of us might have shown the wear and tear of working such a schedule (myself included)!

But the reward for our efforts has been greatly felt with the warm response from the public. Having an audience really raises the energy of the performance and sustains us when the curtain goes up. It has been a joy to hear laughter and applause, especially in parts of the show that I never realised were so funny! (Taryn Fiebig definitely shows her fine comedic timing during the Ascot races!) Furthermore, as a result of my operatic background, I’m not used to hearing such a roaring response from the audience. At times I find myself verging on laughter, wanting to join in with the crowd!

Opening night was a great experience as we officially commenced the My Fair Lady tour. My darling husband Peter came to the show which was special for me. I always have an extra spring to my step when I know he’s in the audience. Then he escorted me to the lavish opening night party where many a famous face was to be seen. Being American, I didn’t know most of the people or what they were famous for, but Peter was constantly eyeing the room, naming everyone from television stars to politicians. It was a fantastic night, though I had to excuse myself after 1am if I was going to get up and do TWO performances back to back the next day! At my tender age, I definitely can’t dance all night!!

Weeks 6 & 7

We’ve now finished up our Melbourne season and I’m sitting in my home on a beautiful Sunday, still bleary-eyed from the closing party last night (or this morning, I should say!!). We said farewell to the glorious Judi Connelli who played Mrs Pearce as she is being replaced by Opera Australia’s Adele Johnston for the rest of the tour. It was a teary send-off as she is a true gem on and off the stage, but the show must go on!

The Melbourne season ran relatively smoothly with no major mishaps. But the real treat has been the exuberant reception from the Melbourne audience. The massive 1,900-seat theatre has been packed out for most of our final week, and the send off from our first stop on this national tour has made us all eager to bring this show to Sydney, Canberra, and Brisbane.

It’s sad to say goodbye to the wardrobe and wig staff, and the entire backstage crew, as they all remain in Melbourne at the State Theatre. They are such a substantial part of the show and become a real part of the “family” during these few weeks of intensive rehearsals and performances… furthermore, we get into a consistent routine with them which is paramount to making the show run smoothly. There was definitely a lot of socialising and connecting between this cast and crew, and this is not always so! They will all be missed!

Now we all go on two weeks annual leave before recommencing the tour at the Sydney Opera House. I’m excited to continue the tour after our fantastic time in Melbourne. But for now, I welcome the break, and some sleep!!!

Weeks 8 & 9

I’m sitting at my hairdresser with foils in my hair, wondering why I’m spending this much money on a haircut when it’s only going to get squished under a wig for half the year! Our annual leave has come and gone and I return to Sydney at the end of the weekend… I’m convinced my dog has picked up on this as she’s been glued to my side for most of the week. As much as I find this annoying and terribly inconvenient (I’ve tripped over her too many times to count!), I get emotional thinking about how much I’ll miss her.

I joke about this with Libby Hill, our touring manager and choreographer, as she also has a 1-year-old puppy that she will be leaving in Melbourne when we head interstate. We both find it so challenging to leave our husbands, homes, and lives behind, but the kicker is missing our ridiculous dogs… these animals that probably couldn’t care less that we’re gone as long as they’re still walked and fed. But alas, it breaks my heart! The thought of my little Maya pining for me is just too much for me to bear!!

Otherwise I’ve filled my days with goodbye-coffees with friends and tidying up my affairs. It occurs to me that I’ll have to do my taxes on the road, which is a joke because there’s no way I can pack all those receipts and documents in my luggage and actually find room for clothes as well! That reminds me that I must stop in the local fruit and veg to tell them that I’m heading off for six months, otherwise they’ll wonder what happened to me! It’s just impossible to take care of everything before such a big trip, though I do expect to come home a few times during this tour.

I may just have to wait on filing my taxes this year… I hear my Dad groaning!

My Fair Lady has opened in Melbourne to rave reviews. Heather Brooks, a member of the ensemble, keeps us up to date.

Week 10

What a crazy week this has been! No sooner did my plane touch down in Sydney Monday morning than we were in the Capitol Theatre rehearsing for a performance at a charity event for the Beijing Paralympics that night! I didn’t even have time to bring my bags to my Sydney residence until after the show, which finished at 11pm. A pretty long day for someone on a 9am flight! But I hardly had to time to sleep, let alone settle in, as I had to be at the Opera House first thing the next morning for rehearsal!!

The ladies of the ensemble looking glamorous in their dressing room

I must admit, however exhausted I may be, the sight of that Opera House always invigorates me. It is such a magical experience to work there. Ascending the steps in the shadow of those magnificent sails as my “daily grind” makes me feel truly privileged. Though it is difficult to get to work on time when you’re dodging crowds and obliging tourists by taking group photos of them! (“Oh, just one more, I was blinking…” Ahhhh!)

The bump-in to the Sydney Opera House was quite an anticipated challenge as the backstage space is so limited, but the cast and crew pulled together to give a seamless performance on opening night. Under the baton of conductor Andrew Greene, the Opera Australia and Ballet Orchestra give the score a whole new sound. And Adele Johnston, our new Mrs. Pearce, slid right into the role without a hitch. As always, the opening night party was a beautiful affair, with live music and classic English canapés like fish and chips. It didn’t quite match the Pimms and champagne cocktails, but that didn’t stop the cast from cleaning their plates after such a long show. But now that this extraordinary 6-day workweek is behind me, I’m going to post this blog, close my laptop, and go to SLEEP!

Hester van der Vyver has a stretch

My Fair Lady has finished its triumphant Melbourne season. Heather Brooks looks forward to the next leg - the Sydney Opera House season.

 

Week 11

It’s been such a relaxing week… our production is currently part of the Opera Australia winter season and as a result, we share the stage with three other productions and only do two shows a week. It’s wonderful to have some downtime between performances though there are still rehearsals and coachings to attend. But at least it gives us all a little time for life outside the theatre.

Speaking of which, a group of 10 cast members attended a Trivia Night fundraiser for Oz Showbiz Cares on Sunday. There were over 20 tables involved with people from Phantom of the Opera and Actors Equity participating, to name a few. It was performing arts trivia, so I figured we would do well… but with questions such as: “Name the songs on the 4th single album released by the Spice Girls,” I gradually came to embrace my ignorance and leave the deliberating of answers to my cast mates! (Incidentally, Matt Robinson, our own Freddy Eynsford-Hill, actually knew those songs on the Spice Girls single!)

In addition to the trivia, there were performances and little contests throughout the night which made the whole affair quite an entertaining epic. The highlight definitely came when the hosts asked a member of each table to step forward, for which we volunteered Adele Johnston (Mrs Pearce). The moment it was announced that these individuals were going to participate in a dance off, I think we all didn’t know what to expect. Bear in mind that I know Adele from singing along side her in Turandot, witnessing in utter awe her poised, formidable rendition of Princess Turandot which she was covered in Opera Australia’s production last year. Therefore imagine my astonishment when Adele absolutely TORE up the dance floor! I haven’t laughed so hard in ages… everything from Justin Timberlake break-dancing to ethereal ballet steps were pulled off with fearless abandon. She even out-danced a finalist from the television program So You Think You Can Dance!! It was a great night, one I won’t forget for a long time.

Needless to say, between our brilliant minds and remarkable moves on the dance floor, we won!!

 

Weeks 12, 13, & 14

We’re now over the half-way point of our Sydney Opera House season and the whole cast is revelling in such a relaxing schedule. Performances have been energetic, audiences have been wonderful, and we’re all enjoying ourselves in Opera Australia’s resident theatre.

As I mentioned before, I design jewellery and run my own business. This time of year is usually quite manic for me as stores start buying for Christmas in August. Therefore, in order to keep up with my clients and stockists, I’ve been stringing in every moment I’ve had off-stage in order to keep up with demand. I’m not alone in filling the gap between performances as most cast members are taking on various activities to pass the time. Matthew Willis (Cockney and Servant) works in the Opera House box office. Nick Christo (Zoltan Karpathy) is putting the finishing touches on his new one-man-show “The Fabulous Frances Faye” which will premier at the end of this month. Anna Tsirigotis (Pearly Queen, above) works at Dolcetti Pasticceria in Wareemba between shows, often starting her shift at 6:30am, which is quite a feat as we leave the theatre at 11pm at night! (We are very spoiled when she brings in some handmade cakes for the cast!!)

But this schedule also allows for some breathing space. I’m actually home at the moment as I write this… ahhh, to be home! We had a show last night after which I crashed on a friend’s couch in the city only to wake up at 5am to catch the first flight of the day to Melbourne. It seemed like a good idea when I booked it, I couldn’t resist such a cheap fare! But as I slumped in my plane seat this morning, comatose from less than 5 hours sleep, I vowed to spend the extra $20 in future and fly at a NORMAL time!

It’s not easy being away from home. I’m elated to see Peter, and thrilled that Maya (my Spoodle) still remembers me, but I can’t deny that the element of homesickness detracts from the joy of being on tour with such a prestigious company in such a spectacular production. I shared this with a colleague of mine on the The Phantom of the Opera tour. She says they have done 300+ performances to date and are only half-way through their 20 month tour. Wow… what an incredible job this is! It is challenging, compromising, and all-encompassing. But I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Except perhaps in bed, catching up on the sleep I lost last night!!

Week 15 & 16

A busy two weeks as we conclude our performances at the Sydney Opera House. We perform at the Helpmann Awards and enjoy a fantastic party to follow. We introduce two new cast members, Amelia Christo and Matt Edwards, who join the ensemble as swings. We celebrate the birthday of production manager Libby Hill and present her with a frog dressed up in Ascot attire (the hat handmade by the Opera Australia wardrobe!). And as for me, I fly from Sydney to Melbourne, to Sydney, to Adelaide, to Melbourne, and back to Sydney, all within these 14 days! In addition to four performances and three rehearsals, I’ve sung in a competition, shown to four shops, and visited with family and friends while stringing like mad and practicing to keep vocally fit!!

But that’s the performers life, flying by the seat of our pants and stopping every once in a while to catch our breath. It amazes me how gypsy-like our lifestyles can be. One of our cast members does continuous house-sitting to the point that she doesn’t have a home of her own! Another cast member keeps her possessions in storage while she traverses all over Australia in pursuit of theatrical work. How does one in such an industry “settle down”?

No time to think of that now as we hit the road again! It is a sad farewell to the amazing crew at the opera house. My dresser’s efficiency has been unparalleled and the technical crew worked tirelessly to run our show smoothly in the midst of three other operas being performed this season. We also say goodbye to our conductor Andrew Green who will rejoin us when we return to Sydney at the Theatre Royal in October. But for now, a new city, new crew, new conductor, new audiences… same show!

My Fair Lady heads to Canberra

Week 17

 

 

 

 

 

 

Canberra, here we come! I drove down from Sydney with ensemble member Lisa Cooper, also a member of Opera Australia’s fulltime chorus, whom I’ve been staying with during the final weeks of our Sydney season. I’m certainly glad I packed jumpers, though they haven’t been warm enough. At any given time I am wearing half the clothes I packed (leggings, trousers, t-shirt, 2 jumpers, 2 pairs of socks… all this while indoors!). That being said, our reception has been very warm indeed!

The Canberra crew have taken on the challenge of our production in great stride! I almost forget what a feat it is to run this show from a technical standpoint, and bumping into a new theatre is a great reminder of how many hands it takes to run this production. After three days of rehearsals, we opened on Saturday night to a packed and receptive house. The audience applauded Reg Livermore before he even delivered his first line! The opening night party was, as always, a lavish affair. Held on the Playhouse Theatre stage, we enjoyed live music and an open bar while surrounded by our flowers from Ascot and the chandelier from our ball scene! The crew had actually managed to transfer these props to the venue during our performance interval! The party was still going by 1am when I took my leave (though it still took another 10 minutes to defrost my car before I could drive home!).

Most of the cast is staying in accommodation near the theatre but I am living with some family friends out in Spence. The altitude is higher so I have a sensational panoramic view of Canberra on my daily walks up Mount Rogers, plus we were spoiled with SNOW on Sunday which was a real treat! Canberra has many hidden delights found in the decent cuisine, diverse locals, and fabulous shopping centres! Still, the cast of My Fair Lady manages to make their own fun (note the photo of us posing in the wooden cut-outs of our Ascot costumes, featured in the foyer of the Canberra Theater Centre). But after enjoying two days off we hit the stage again tonight for a busy week of eight performances and two rehearsals. For now I’m off to do some laundry, I’ve worn all the clothes I brought in only 6 days!!

My Fair Lady heads north to Brisbane

Week 18 & 19

And suddenly our time in Canberra comes to an end. Didn’t we just arrive?! Down comes the curtain and out comes the suitcase… I think I speak for most of the cast when I say it will be nice to leave the cold! For as warm as the Canberran disposition is, nothing can take that chill out of the air! Still, we managed to fill our time with many enjoyable INDOOR activities! We had a lovely high tea at the Hyatt with over 30 cast members, all on our best behaviour (though it’s hard to get a group of performers to converse at a reasonable decibel!). The food was beautiful and irresistible, as I retuned to the service station for additional scones on “multiple” occasion… let’s just say I lost count.

These last few weeks have also been a countdown for our Alfred Doolittle, Robert Grubb, who finishes his tour with us at the end of Canberra. We were very spoiled as Robert performed his one-man show Enoch Arden for the cast after one of our mid-week shows. Most of the cast and crew attended this black-box showing, a one-hour enactment of an Alfred Lord Tennyson poem. It was a wonderful farewell gift from Robert to all of us in Fair Lady…

We left Canberra on a high when Kevin Rudd attended one of our final performances! It was probably the only night that the cast didn’t rush to leave the theatre as we all stalked the hallways to catch of glimpse of the Prime Minister. Certainly a fitting way to end our stay in the country’s capital!

 

Week 20 & 21

I am modestly devouring some chocolate cake at the Three Monkeys in Brisbane’s trendy West End. It’s the first rainy day in Brisvegas since our arrival and most of us have felt spoiled rotten by the beautiful weather and modern accommodation in the CBD. However, because half of the city seems to be under construction, we’re all within earshot of a jack hammer at most hours of the day… not the kindest 7am wakeup call when one has a matinee and evening performance to look forward to!

Our bump in to the Lyric Theatre at QPAC has run quite smoothly thanks to the efficiency of the technical and backstage crew. Our head of wardrobe David Hansen has shown his flying colours by working OVERtime to ensure all costumes look fresh for each performance… he was even rumoured to have stayed at the theatre so late before opening night that he worked by flashlight after security had closed down the building for the night! Imagine what it must be like to match up multiple pairs of white gloves for 16 different ladies, by torch. This man deserves a medal!

Upon our arrival, the cast moved back into the rehearsal room to integrate our newest addition, Mr John Wood. It has been great fun to see his interpretation of Alfred Doolittle unfold, and the audiences have welcomed him warmly by applauding the moment he sets foot on the stage! It has been a dramatic shift from the Canberra Theatre to the Lyric which has 2000 seats spread over three levels. The Queensland humidity can be felt on stage (another major change from Canberra!) which has left some of us feeling a little sticky in our costumes! But it is a joy to work under the baton of Julia DePlater again whom we haven’t seen since the Melbourne season many months ago.

By the time I write this we have done 57 performances in 4 cities with 3 conductors and 2 cast changes (and a partridge in a pear tree).

Week 22, 23, & 24

In true Brisbane style, I have negated this blog in favour of sunshine and relaxation!  I can’t resist, the weather has been so perfect and the local nature so laid back… the beachy community and balmy weather beckons me to put my feet up and have champagne.  Alas, eight shows a week leaves little time for recreation!  But the whole cast has been enjoying trips to Wet ‘n Wild, Movie World, Sea World, etc. while attending fancy restaurants, hiking up mountains, going on River Cruises, and just kicking back over fresh prawns and good conversation.  



Now, despite what seems to have become a running joke at my expense, I am a proud supporter of organic produce.  Apparently the entire cast knows of my passion for thoughtfully harvested, pesticide-free food, and comments often start flying when I bring in my home-cooked meals laden with organic love!  That being said, I still managed to coerce a group of 14 cast and crew members into attending a beautiful lunch at Mondo Organics in the West End… I don’t think anyone was converted to my level of commitment, but here’s hoping!



In fact, we all take the opportunity to spend time together outside of the theatre.  It occurs to me here in Brisbane that this cast is quite exceptional in the number of true friendships that exist within the touring group.  Not only do we spend many hours a week on stage together, but we choose to share in our down time as well… it’s a blessing to work with so many gifted, beautiful, and heartfelt people.  On and off the stage, this is a cast of stars.



Speaking of stars, we’ve even had a new addition to the cast… Taryn Fiebig’s beautiful puppy: Malcolm Elizabeth David Fiebig, named after Tayrn’s father and the lovely Elizabeth Hill (dog whisperer, company manager, assistant director, choreographer, and Malcie’s Fairy Dog Mother, to quote Tayrn herself!).  He is indeed the mascot of the My Fair Lady tour and one can’t help but stop and smile when he trots behind Taryn everywhere she goes.  He even has his name on her dressing room door!



Sadly with the conclusion of our Brisbane tour must say goodbye to the beloved Reg Livermore.  His final performance was as glorious as ever, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the cast when we stepped back to let Reg have the final company bow to himself.  His farewell party kept the tears flowing as Taryn Feibig showed her many talents, singing while simultaneously playing accompaniment on her cello.  It was a beautiful goodbye to Reg and to Brisbane, as we once again pack our bags and return to Sydney.

 

Week 25

It's Monday, our only day off from work, and I'm riding a bus into town for a little sight-seeing and downtime. We have arrived at our final destination of the My Fair Lady tour as we bump into Sydney's Theatre Royal this week. The same photographs and trinkets that went to Canberra and Brisbane now go up on our dressing room mirrors here in Sydney. Reminders of friends and family and pets and anything we can think of to transform our desks into home.. besides, the dressing rooms in this theatre could use a little decoration! That being said, the hallways are lined with fabulous posters of performances past, with famous names like Deborah Kerr, Ruth Cracknell, and Sigrid Thornton. Even our own Nancye Hayes can be found in a production Chicago with Geraldine Turner!

Bumping into the Theatre Royal has been the most challenging bump in yet, and the space is by far the smallest. The set barely fits in the backstage wings, and when the cast is called for a scene we either have to walk through Higgins' study or Covent Garden to get to the stage proper. The distance between the footlights and the audience is so short that patrons are merely one metre from the performers. Director Stuart Maunder has made several staging changes to utilise the downstage nooks and crannies and accommodate this opportunity to fill the space. The result is a very different exchange with the audience and a much more intimate performance than we have found in theatres twice this size.

Great changes have also come with our new Professor Higgins, the illustrious Richard E. Grant. It has been such a pleasure to watch his performance unfold in the rehearsal room and come to life on stage. For a cast that has performed this musical so many times before an audience, it is enlightening to see a talented actor transform such a pivotal role in this show and consequently transform the show itself. His energy and commitment, and down-to-earth nature off the stage, has rejuvenated our passion for this sell-out production as we enter our final season. But for now, after that bump in, a day off will go a long way! Talk about a need for rejuvenation! Maybe a massage, a cup of tea (organic, of course).

 

Week 26

My feet are killing me as I sit in Sydney airport, awaiting my delayed flight to Melbourne.  I haven't been home in 10 weeks and I wonder/fear what it will look like when I get there.  Has my dear husband been watering the plants?  Vacuuming in the corners?? Emptying the produce crisper in the fridge???  Ugh.

Ensemble member Claire Lyon arriving with
frock in hand for the opening night performance

This week has been one of tweaking and fine-tuning in the lead up to our opening night on Thursday.  Our preview audiences have been wonderfully receptive, but nothing could have prepared us for the overwhelming response we've had from audiences since our official opening.  Show-stopping applause have greeted the entrances of Richard E Grant, John Wood, and Nancye Hayes, and the standing ovations at our final curtain call have touched the cast with heartfelt appreciation.


Lisa Cooper and myself at the Hilton opening night party

The opening night party outdid every opening we've had yet, with over 800 guests invited to the Hilton for an evening of live music, dancing, drinks and gourmet finger food (the white chocolate-covered strawberries were the voted favourite!).  Guests such as Andrew Denton, Barry Humphries, Michael Caton, and Kerry Ann Kennelly could be seen mingling amongst the crowds as magicians entertained and floral arrangements billowed from the high ceilings.  Most of the cast and crew could still be found with champagne in hand well after midnight, and everyone returned to work the following day in great praise of such a successful night.


Ensemble ladies and Matt Robinson exchange prose backstage

That is, everyone except our much beloved Stage Manager Casey Norton, who left just hours after the opening night for her brother's wedding in South Africa.  It was a teary farewell as the entire touring company congregated in our warm-up room before the show to give her a loving send off.  In her place we welcome the experienced Ben Lynch who has picked up Casey's plot with instant confidence.  It's amazing how many cast and crew changes we go through as the months progress, though I suppose it is common for any commercial tour.  In fact, this week marks six months since we started rehearsals for My Fair Lady in Sydney.  Funny, feels like years ago.

Byron Watson, Claire Lyon, and John Wood play darts while Higgins and Eliza sing away on stage

Week 27

What a week! Nancye Hayes was in Perth directing Australia's Leading Ladies which meant Adele Johnston played Nancye's role of Mrs Higgins, Hester van der Vyver played Adele's role of Mrs Pearce while Lisa Cooper stepped in as the Queen of Transylvania, Jennifer Peers played Hester's role of Mrs Hopkins, and our swing Amelia Christo worked overtime to fill the gaps in the ensemble. Throw in a little bronchitis and some muscle strains and our cast was challenged by even further absences, and yet we all handled it in professional stride. The show must go on! And it did... with such flawless precision that standing ovations still greeted our final curtain calls and mutual gratitude was shared by everyone for keeping up the high standard that this production has seen for many months.

Cast members support a good cause, however bleary eyed!

Despite the challenges at work, we still found time for some social events off stage. Ensemble member Claire Lyon graciously hosted a Pink Ribbon Breakfast at Opera Australia's headquarters (at an alarming 8:45am after a 10:30pm curtain the night before!). Many of us turned out for pancakes and scones, and Claire was chuffed to raise over $600 for this good cause. Many cast and crew also attended Nick Christo's much anticipated revival of The Fabulous Frances Faye, a one-hour character Caberet showcasing great music and witty banter. Even Richard E Grant joined the audience as we enjoyed the explosive talent of our ingenius Zoltan Karpathy.

Nick Christo embodies the famous Frances Faye for a night

As the weeks and the performances add up, I find myself evermore endeared to the cast. I look around and see a family, a beautiful community of people who have become so used to seeing each other and relying on each other everyday that we begin speak our own language. It's more than just having a good time together and catching up a for drink after the show, it's looking out for one another and offering unconditional support. As a week of auditions ensue for many cast members, we all think towards next year, the next job, and the next step. I have met some stellar people in this group, talented performers and beautiful souls whom I'll never forget. And if I'm this sentimental now, just wait until we get to the end of this season!

Ben Lynch, David Hansen, Sophie Berry, and Alan Thompson turn
out for Nick's show, and some cocktails...

 

Week 28 & 29

We're running the show in a mid-week cover call at the Opera Centre.  I find it almost comical to see Fair Lady in this skeletal rendition, with rehearsal skirts and makeshift sets involving chairs and music stands. It's easy to forget how much work continues behind the scenes to keep this production running smoothly.  Behind the massive sets and elaborate costumes, beautiful orchestration, lighting, sound, you name it... we're still just a group of people putting on a show!

The gents ensemble posing in their dressing room

We've been at the Theatre Royal for four weeks now and the dressing rooms show more and more signs of home.  But as comfortable as we may get, there are always changes on the horizon.  This fortnight we lost two of our staple members to the My Fair Lady touring group: David Hansen, our beloved Head of Wardrobe, and Estella Roche, our beautiful repetiteur and accompanist. David moves on to the green pastures of the Victorian Arts Centre in Melbourne where he will assume charge of their wardrobe department.  Estella is merely weeks away from having her second child and must now depart before her fingers can no longer reach the keyboard!  We wish them both well on their journeys and will miss their professionalism, good energy, and friendship.

Greta Sherriff and Todd Keys chat in the green room

Despite a few cast changes and the odd illness going around, it's been a rather peaceful two weeks.  Perhaps we're just getting used to the run of the show... it makes sense as we hit our 100th performance not long ago, and we're still going strong with ticket sales extending into December.  How many months has it been? How many times have I sat at that dressing table while I put in the pin curls, put on the fake lashes, gotten out the red lipstick, only to undo the process three hours later?  As my colleague Lisa Cooper always asks, "Who am I, where am I, what am I?" There may be monotonous aspects to this job, but I would never consider a day in the theatre as laborious.  With a show like this, colleagues like these, and audiences like we've had, getting on the stage is hardly a job.  It's a privilege.

Matt Willis and Robyn Jane Lacey run lines for an acting course while off stage

Ensemble member Nathan Carter suffers a prank and finds everything missing from his dressing table, including the light bulbs!