Queensland Theatre revives a classic as 'Calamity Jane' hits the Bille Brown Theatre.
Starring Queensland cabaret darling Naomi Price, this presentation of 'Calamity Jane' celebrates an extraordinary, unpredictable and unconventional woman, refusing to yield to gender stereotypes yet strong enough to be vulnerable, and yearn for something deeper.
The production features classic tracks like 'The Deadwood Stage', 'Just Blew In From The Windy City', 'Black Hills Of Dakota' and 'Secret Love'.
A recent graduate of Griffith University, performer Juliette Coates stars in 'Calamity Jane' as characters Susan Miller and Adelaide Adams.
In the midst of the 'Calamity Jane' season at Queensland Theatre, we sat down at the Golden Garter Saloon to speak to Juliette about their roles in the show, and the growing opportunities for Queensland actors to train and stay in the state.
First off, congratulations on joining the cast of 'Calamity Jane'! How does it feel to be stepping into not just one, but two roles – Susan Miller and Adelaide Adams – in such a classic show?
Thank you so much! This is such a wonderful and timeless story to be a part of and I am extremely grateful every time I walk out on the stage that I get to play in both Susan and Adelaide’s worlds. I have brought different parts of myself to each of the roles as I knew going into this I had big shoes to fill, and I have had a lot of fun making it my own.
You’ve recently graduated from Griffith University – what was your reaction when you found out you’d be joining this Queensland Theatre production?
Getting that call from my agent is probably going to be a core memory for a long time. You work your butt off in drama school in the hopes to one day receive a call like that. It’s a dream come true to be able to work with a company like QT and a generous and talented team of cast and creatives. I am still riding that high.
Naomi Price in 'Calamity Jane' - Image © Morgan Roberts
Tell us a bit about your time at Griffith. How do you think your training prepared you for a production like 'Calamity Jane'? Were there any particular skills or lessons that you’ve already found yourself leaning on in rehearsals?
Griffith reinforced the importance of preparation, work ethic and being a nice person in a room to work with. The standard of teaching is unmatched, in particular Paul Sabey and Heidi Loveland’s attention to musical detail. I often hear the echoes of my teachers' voices in my head during rehearsal or shows. As the years progressed at Griffith, you have more and more autonomy over how you handle yourself as a performer. You start to ask less questions and make more decisions. By the time Showcase comes around you’re doing the thing, and then it is one final push out into the industry. I am really lucky that the timing worked out and I caught the wave. But that wouldn’t have been possible without the support and preparation that the last three years allowed me.
What’s something you’ve discovered about either Susan Miller or Adelaide Adams, that audiences might not immediately pick up on, but you’ve really enjoyed bringing to life?
Susan and Adelaide are actually a lot more similar than I first thought. They sound and look VERY different, but they both love the stage and know who they are. I think Susan will always have a very special place in my heart. I have found such a child-like curiosity in her, especially towards Francis Fryer. It has been a joy to explore that with Darcy in the rehearsal room and on the stage (Fryer).
Without giving too much away, 'Calamity Jane' is packed with iconic characters and high-energy moments – do you have a favourite scene or song you’re especially looking forward to performing each night?
A highlight of the show for me is definitely jamming out with Laura and Naomi to our version of ‘Men’! It is so much fun to look over at these two incredible and inspiring women and sing a song that feels like such a feminist power piece. The way that music is incorporated into this show is incredibly creative and joyful and with the musical director (Nigel) on stage with us as Rattlesnake, it is a hoot!
What has it been like working with the rest of the 'Calamity Jane' cast, especially as a newer face in the industry? Any stand-out rehearsal room moments so far?
This cast has to be one of the most generous, intelligent, funny and talented groups of people I have ever been in a room with. Every day, walking into that rehearsal room I was inspired, encouraged and championed. I didn’t know it was possible to be so productive and have so much fun at the same time. It astounds me that we finished blocking act one of the show (which is by far the most complicated in terms of tracks) within the first week. Naomi is the most gracious and fearless leader and it’s a joy to come to work. Stand-out rehearsal moments that come to mind – laughing until I had tears streaming down my face on multiple occasions after some offers made by Darcy Brown and Andrew Buchanan in scenes. Because of the collaborative and organic nature of the making/rehearsing process, a bunch of our ideas, offers and inputs made the cut. And when you are working with people THIS hilarious and clever, I’m sure you can imagine how fun it is. . .
What’s one thing you hope audiences walk away feeling after seeing this production of 'Calamity Jane'?
I hope audiences walk away feeling like they have just witnessed a joy explosion! The state of the world right now is scary. I think we need to look after ourselves and each other, and find as much joy as possible. This show is so audience-involved which isn’t always the case in theatre. I want them to feel like not just an observer of a story, but a part of the story. . . Because they are! I hope they walk away feeling like the characters’ wins were their wins, too.
'Calamity Jane' plays Bille Brown Theatre (Brisbane) until 17 April.
