RPG Productions' David Russell spoke with Hamish this week about the upcoming Australian premiere of Stalker the Musical at the Depot Theatre. After a workshop production at the Hayes and then shows in Chicago and New York theatre festivals, it's time to bring this homegrown musical back to Sydney's shores. Have a read below:
For audiences unfamiliar with this show, what can they expect and what journey does that show take us on?
Stalker: the Musical is not what it seems. It really has nothing to do with Stalking (at least in the negative sense). Rather, it uses ‘stalking’ as a metaphor for the voyeuristic lifestyle so prevalent in our modern digital age. The show is a dark, satirical comedy, but at it’s core there is a real heart to it. Audiences can expect to be entertained, challenged, and hopefully moved by the plight of our characters and the dystopian world in which they live.
How is this Australian production different from the American productions? What has been the process in preparing it for its Aussie premiere?
The biggest difference is that this is the first ‘fully mounted’ production of the show we’ve done. So, for us as writers, we are considering this essentially the finished version of the show. Everything up until this point has been a step in the process of development. But through that journey we’ve been able to find the real soul of the show and I believe that is what audiences in Sydney will find.
What does this show have to say about love? How does the dark nature of the show help you portray this?
There is a song in the second act of the show entitled ‘Honey & Poison’ which attempts to portray the truth about love (as well as showcase some of cast member’s awesome dance abilities) – as something that is both infinitely good and unyieldingly deadly. Love is a fundamental part of the human experience, and at the same time the cause of our highest joys and deepest sorrows. We aim to present a balanced picture while perhaps tipping our hat at the end of the show to where our hearts, as writers, lie.
It’s great to see some familiar faces, as well as some of Sydney’s great emerging talents in your cast. What have you most enjoyed about working with them throughout the rehearsal period?
I have worked on hundreds of shows in my time, and I can say this without hesitation. This group of people is the most cohesive and unified group I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Their support for each other, the show and for their craft is unbelievable. They work tirelessly on every aspect of what they do to ensure each performance is the absolute best it can possibly be. We are blessed beyond measure to have each and every one of them.
Why is it important for audiences to see Stalker: The Musical?
Well, for a start, a fully mounted original Australian production is extremely rare! Stalker is a completely original concept with a completely original book and score by an Australian team of writers. So, for the sake of supporting Aussie work – people should get along! However, beyond that, it’s a timely story. In our digital age, for all its benefits, people are becoming disconnected and isolated. Stalker’s central theme is the importance of connection, and risking everything for love. My hope is that the message resonates with our audience.
RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS
Favourite production you have ever seen?
It’s a tie between the original Broadway cast of ‘Once’ and the original Broadway cast of ‘A Gentlemen’s Guide to Love and Murder’
You’re getting on a plane tomorrow and you can go anywhere in the world, where do you go?
Oh please, give me a tough one. New York. I may never come back :p
Dream show to direct or produce?
Parade
Plays or musicals?
I’ll give you one guess…
A hobby you have beyond the theatre?
Touch Football, Collecting everything that Nintendo has ever released, Coffee
What’s next for you after this show?
Doing all we can to get Stalker out into the cosmos, and most likely starting work on our next show
Tickets for Stalker: the Musical are still available - make sure to get them quickly before they sell out!