READ OUR Q&A WITH STAR OF FALSETTOS

Whizzer is such a complex and dynamic character. How have you approached bringing him to life in Falsettos?

Whizzer has been one of my dream roles for as long as I can remember, in my approach to bringing him to life I really wanted to connect with the queer men whose stories we have lost to time. I spent a lot of preparation time reading articles and books on the HIV epidemic and also reaching out to older queer men who have faint memories of what it was like back then. The quote I will never forget is, “It was like going to a different friend’s funeral every weekend. One day they were there, and then they were gone.”

Other ways I approached Whizzer has been watching a family member who is currently at the end of his life, and being able to connect my performance to what I am witnessing in my day to day life currently.

Falsettos is known for its emotional depth and intricate music. What has been the biggest challenge in preparing for this role?

The biggest challenge for me has definitely been finding the ability to come back out of the role after the show ends. As a performer, I am a big fan of having jewellery pieces that I choose to connect with a character. For Whizzer it is all about his silver earring, the moment I take it off, I am allowing myself to distance myself from the character.

The show explores themes of love, family, and identity in a deeply moving way. Is there a particular moment in the show that resonates with you the most?

The moment that really resonates with me is the moment Whizzer realises he is sick, and he apologies to Marvin. It highlights the stigma of sexually transmitted infections and how those who contract these infections blame themselves.

The chemistry between Marvin and Whizzer is so crucial to the show. How have you and your co-star built that connection?

I have been incredibly lucky to have worked with Luke O’Hagan several times over the past 3 years, from performances to creative team endeavours. We have also been incredibly lucky to work with the best intimacy director in Australia, Tammy Sarah Linde, who makes sure that all performers are comfortable in their connections with eachother but also helps build intimate moments that have several options depending on how each individual performer is doing on a specific show. Intimacy direction is incredibly hard, and I am so grateful to have Tammy there as our resident expert in the field.

If you could go back in time and give advice to yourself before your first-ever theatre performance, what would you say?

Breathe. Be authentic, be yourself, accept that no performance is ever the same. Be in the moment. Stay humble, but don’t doubt yourself or your abilities.

What has been your most rewarding or emotional moment in rehearsals so far?

The most rewarding moment in the rehearsal space is the ability to work with such an amazing ensemble. This creative team and cast are so incredibly talented and strong, and I couldn’t imagine doing the show without them.

When you’re not performing, what are some of your favorite things to do?

I love to teach, I love to talk about my passions of history and drama and I absolutely love playing video games when I need to wind down after a big day.

Do you have any pre-show rituals or superstitions before stepping on stage?

My preshow rituals are putting on Whizzer’s jewellery, and also putting on a nice pink fluffy bathrobe while I do my makeup. It allows me to get into the Whizzer headspace.

If you could play any dream role (other than Whizzer!), what would it be and why?

If I could play anyone it would be Usnavi in In The Heights. I have always love Lin’s work but In The Heights means so much to me as a person of colour, and I believe Alabanza is one of the best songs in musical theater.

What’s one thing about you that people might be surprised to learn?

I have a Jigglypuff tattoo on my thigh!