Interview : Kathleen Amarant - OPTC -
Playing To Win
By
Reardon Jones
With the theme 'superheroes', OPTC is taking audiences on an adventure
of heroic
proportions through song. The Playing
To Win concert takes you into a world where both
Heroes and Villains are "Playing to Win".
Web Wombat Theatre was lucky enough to catch up with one of the shows
stars - Kathleen
Amarant - who gives us a glimpse inside the world of OPTC's concert
"Playing to Win".
Tell us
a bit about your involvement in this concert. How did it all come about?
I was really ecstatic when I heard about the concept for Playing To Win and
I am truly excited to be a part of it.
Unfortunately OPTC found itself in a tough situation this time last
year and after much deliberation it was decided that the company could
no longer continue.
The effect on the theatre community was very disappointing, however
after so much support being offered people started to talk and the
concept was born. It is said that after a fire there is often greater
growth and greenery that follows.
Sometimes it takes something devastating for us to all come together
and reach greater things and that is what this concert is about.
Sometimes in life we are met with a villain that will tell us we can't
follow our dreams but heroes always come out on top.
You
have worked with OPTC and other theatre companies on many other shows
before, how does Playing
to Win differ?
Playing
to Win is one of a kind. It is performed in the style of a
concert and contains "mash ups" similar to what you would see on the TV
show Glee.
Although it is performed in the style of a concert there is an
underlying story that stems from the magic and hope that something as
simple as a comic book can instill on children's lives – taking them to
a place of excitement and hope.
This show is more than just stand and deliver, all of the cast are also
involved in choreography and having a laugh because it's really fun.
As you may have seen from the promotional videos
– the show definitely contains elements of magic. Expect the unexpected!
With
the theme for the concert being Superheroes and Villains, what can we
expect from the music?
The show is a concert of heroic proportion. Musically arranged by
Melbourne composer, Rowland Brachè, the music is a collaboration of
pop, rock and musical theatre songs.
We are also lucky enough to be performing some of Brachè’s originals
such as "Even Superheroes Need to Fall in Love".
People can expect to hear classic songs from artists like Michael
Jackson, Queen, John Farnham, Kylie Minogue to name a few and from
shows like Rocky Horror and Buffy.
How have you found working with the company and the process? What
are your co-stars like?
I have been lucky enough to be a part of two of OPTCs previous shows
Merrily We Roll Along (2009) as well as Little Shop of Horrors (2010)
and every experience has honestly been wonderful. You are made to feel
a part of something special from the get go. OPTC are an incredibly
passionate and understanding company who are very supportive of their
performers. The cast is amazing. To be a part of a show with some of
Victoria's best music theatre performers is a real privilege. Some of
the cast are in such high demand and are currently in multiple shows at
the moment but still are making sure they are a part of this. Not to
mention Diana Perini who is currently studying full time at WAAPA in
her second year of Music Theatre. Amazing talent. The cast and
production team are all in it for the same reasons and are having such
a fun time together which makes it even better!
How do we buy tickets for this super event?
The company has made it really simple to book tickets. All you need to
do is visit www.trybooking.com. All tickets
are only $20.00 and you even get to choose your own seats!
There is
only one show so please don't miss out. Show your support and help to
get OPTC back on their feet to produce more magic on our stage! Look
forward to seeing you there.
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