Kat Mokrynski - Page 6

Recently, we had the chance to speak with Leonard about taking on the role of Pierre Peters. We discussed how he first got started in the world of theatre, what it’s like to perform in a new piece of theatre versus a revival of a classic work and what he thinks audiences will be talking about on the way home after the show.

Recently, we had the opportunity to talk with Alexander-Taylor about his experience playing Judas. We discussed what it is like to be an actor-muso in this production, how Jesus Christ Superstar remains relevant over fifty years later and even how playing the electric guitar has given him a new perspective on playing Judas!

The East London Shakespeare Festival continues its tradition of “bringing high quality and accessible Shakespeare to East London audiences” with this year’s production of As You Like It, the Shakespeare comedy that follows a group of characters who find themselves in the Forest of Arden after facing the chaos of the court.

When a business venture begins with “a single British pound pushed across the desk” and leads to iconic musicians like Bruce Springsteen performing at the venue, one knows they’re in for a good story. Brixton Calling is a play, written by Alex Urwin and directed by Bronagh Lagan, that tells the story of how Simon Parkes (Max Runham) fell in love with the decrepit Astoria Variety Cinema and made it his goal to transform it into a music venue where everyone could feel free to let loose and be themselves - not a seat in sight.

Poor Clare, written by Chiara Atik and directed by Blanche McIntyre, tells the story of how Clare (Arsema Thomas) is influenced by fellow Assisi resident Francis (Freddy Carter) to abandon her life of riches and become devoted to God, founding the Order of Poor Ladies as a discipline of the soon-to-be Saint Francis. The play opens with Clare getting her hair done in a complicated style by two of her servants, Peppa (Liz Kettle) and Alma (Jacoba Williams), discussing the concept of poverty and what can be done about it. 

After runs in Chicago and on Broadway, Good Night, Oscar arrives at the Barbican Centre in London this month. The show, starring Sean Hayes as the titular character, follows famed character actor and pianist Oscar Levant on an unforgettable night as a guest star on Jack Paar’s late-night television talk show. Recently, we had the chance to speak with Ben Rappaport, who plays the role of Jack Paar in Good Night, Oscar. We discussed what it’s been like to be a part of the show since 2022, how he has worked on the role and how it feels to be bringing the show to the West End.

Recently, we had the chance to talk with Astrid Harris, who is playing the iconic role of Céline Dion in Titanique. We discussed how she went from singing opera as a child to musical theatre, what it was like to perform in Titanique in Paris and what she hopes audiences take away from the show.

Giant Steps is an hour-long improvisational show with a bit of a twist - it’s not just the comedians who are improvising! Along with the four performers, there is also a live jazz band on stage, improvising along with the actors based on suggestions from the audience.

Recently, we had the chance to speak with Todrick Hall, who has not only written music and lyrics but is also directing, choreographing and playing the role of Sean! We discussed what it is like to be taking on so many roles in Burlesque the Musical, what the creative process is for a show like this and what Hall’s favourite song from the show is (at the moment!).

Recently, we had the chance to speak with Liz Kettle, who plays Peppa, one of Clare’s servants. We discussed how she went from Art History to Shakespeare, the importance of the messages in Poor Clare and even what she hopes audiences take away from the show.

After years in development and several stagings across the globe, Disney’s Hercules has crashed like a lightning bolt into the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. The show, with a book by Robert Horn and Kwame Kwei-Armah, music by Alan Menken and lyrics by David Zippel, is an adaptation of the 1997 Disney film of the same name, an animated musical that follows the son of Zeus and Hera, Hercules, as he must earn his rightful place on Mount Olympus and face off against his evil uncle, Hades.

Recently, we had the chance to speak with James Olivas about taking on the role of Juan Perón in EVITA. We discussed what it is like to take on a role that has been changed for modern times, the research he has done to prepare for the show and even how he believes that Rachel Zegler is the perfect choice to play Eva Perón.

Growing up in the States, the Girl Scouts were a major part of my childhood. I spent the summers going on biking trips and exploring the wilderness at Camp Tweedale, a summer camp out in the middle of nowhere in Pennsylvania. As soon as I heard about Scouts! The Musical, written by Sam Cochrane (Book and Lyrics) and David Fallon (Music and Lyrics), I knew I wanted to see it and learn more about what it’s like to be a Scout across the pond.

Kieran Hodgson: Voice of America explores Hodgson’s own fascination with America, which began when he was little and reading from a small book of speeches by President John F. Kennedy that his father kept in his office. Ever since then, his passion for America has not diminished, with Hodgson entering the Soho Theatre Downstairs in the style of an American politician, plasting Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.,” running up on stage from the back of the room as red, white and blue lights flash.

Midsummer Nightmare, created by Midnight Circle Productions, is a Gothic adaptation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, is currently touring outdoor spaces in the UK. The particular performance I attended was in the garden of Keats House, which works perfectly as the poet John Keats who lived there was heavily inspired by the Bard.

Recently, we had the chance to talk with Casey Nicholaw, the director and choreographer (along with co-choreographer Tanisha Scott) of this production. We discussed the show’s journey from Germany to the United Kingdom, some of his favourite songs and advice he has for those looking to get into the world of theatre.

Recently, we had the opportunity to chat with James Cooper, who wrote the book and lyrics for Lovestuck. We discussed what it’s been like to work in the theatre industry for the first time, what it’s been like to create for a variety of mediums and what he hopes audiences take away from this new musical.