‘Singin' in the Rain’ is a musical that is not only iconic but has often been described as one of the best musicals ever made.
The show is filled with romance, comedy, music and extremely exciting chorography that even involves the performers dancing in (kind of) real rain. The well-loved show will be brought to life on Australian stages with one of Australia’s extremely talented emerging leading ladies, Gretel Scarlett, playing the iconic role of Kathy Selden.
Gretel has proven her musical talents as she has played key roles in several iconic musicals, including playing Sandy in ‘Grease the Musical'. She is now set to take her well-crafted and exciting performance style and skills to the stage in order to bring to life one of the main characters in the show, Kathy Selden. Gretel has taken time to answer several questions about how she has made Kathy her own, as well as providing an insight into performing in a show that gives joy to many audiences, regardless of their age.
Image © Jeff BusbyYou have definitely made your mark as one of Australia’s leading ladies even more so now as you are taking on the role of Kathy Selden in ‘Singin' in the Rain’. Is this a musical that you have always wanted to be a part of and loved growing up?
'Singin' In The Rain' is one of my all-time favourite movie musicals, and growing up in Rockhampton, Central Queensland, I wasn't able to be exposed to a lot of live theatre. So the movie musicals was what kept me inspired as a child. I started dancing, singing and acting when I was around four years old, and 'Singin' In The Rain' was one of those musicals that I aspired to one day perform, as it truly is a Triple Threat's dream show!
You've played the iconic role of Sandy in 'Grease the Musical', what drew you to playing yet another iconic role being Kathy Selden?
Absolutely nothing drew me to playing another iconic role! I actually did not want to play another iconic role again after Sandy. I was finished having to fill the shoes of someone else. However, when the role of Kathy Selden came about, there was just something about her that convinced me that I needed to be that role. Even though she is iconic, I feel as though audiences have a more open mind when it comes to Kathy Selden (unlike Sandy in Grease). Plus, she is a dream role; I couldn't say no.
Debbie Reynolds made the character you play famous. Did this add any pressure when you began to tackle the role?
What Debbie Reynolds did with Kathy Selden is something one should never stray too far from. She was inspiring, charming, beautiful and brilliant. I have never actually thought about playing Kathy Selden the way that Debbie Reynolds did in the movie. I just gathered that if I had the essence of Kathy, then that must've been why I was cast. When I was originally sent the script, I read it, watched the movie, and took a huge sigh of relief because the script was very close to the movie adaption. From that moment, I felt safe with what our stage version was going to deliver audiences. I knew that the script would do its thing and took the pressure off having to recreate Debbie Reynolds' work, because the words on the page were where it was all at. It's an actors gift.
Image © Jeff BusbyWhat did you find the most challenging part of putting your own spin on Kathy without changing her too much from the original?
Kathy sort of fit like a glove for me, so I experienced quite an enjoyable process finding her within myself. None of us three leads are trying to be Debbie Reynolds, Gene Kelly or Donald O'Connor. We have all had to find our characters within ourselves in order to bring truth to them. In our stage version, Kathy is a little livelier than the movie version. She stands her ground against her two boys (Don and Cosmo), so that I suppose was one challenge in accepting that she has a little more gusto than the movie – which I'm not complaining about.
On the flip side of that, what do you enjoy most about bringing Kathy Selden to life?
I love her energy and her spirit. She is a classy, positive ray of sunshine who just wants to help solve problems and work hard. She's an outsider in this Hollywood world and I love that about her. She's not a game player and would prefer to be recognised for her talents. When Kathy enters the world of 'Singin' In The Rain', I absolutely adore that she's a bust of energy and fresh air for the audience.
'Singin' In the Rain' is quite an old story and musical now, why do you think the story is still so popular across all different age groups even after all these years?
There is something in this musical for everyone. For the older crowd, it's a trip down memory lane. Silent movies, the introduction of the talkies and old school Hollywood drama. For the younger generation, it's a spectacle. Tap dancing, ballet dancing, singing, beautiful costumes, colourful lights, and 12,000 litres of water! Raining live on stage. And for all those who fall in between, it's a Hollywood love story filled with an epic amount of comedy. Everyone will walk away with a smile on their face. Guaranteed.
There is a great and very talented cast for this show. What do you enjoy most about working with and performing alongside the other cast members?
I have never been so blessed to work with one of Australia's most talented and incredible casts. Every day is a dream to come to work and every moment on stage in such joy. If I had to pick the most enjoyable moment, it would have to be our main show trio number 'Good Mornin' (performed with Cosmo and Don). So much dancing, so much singing, so much laughter. And every show, as tiring as this number is, it is a pure joy to dance alongside Jack Chambers and Grant Almirall. They are both the hardest working men and truly inspire me. I feel at home being surrounded by these two boys and the rest of the cast.
Image © Jeff BusbyThe show is filled with quick choreography and also involves performing in the rain. What is the most challenging and enjoyable part of performing the choreography like this?
One of the most challenging parts is definitely dancing in the rain. It's a little slippery at times, so you have to be very cautious. Also, because of the rain, the stage is filled with gaps and drains between the planks of wood that we dance on. This adds a whole other element of trying to stay on your own two feet. When you are trying to look graceful and hold yourself correctly, sometimes the stage can be your worst enemy! But I'm in love with this choreography. Andrew Wright has really delivered outstanding choreography in this show and possibly the hardest routines one will ever dance in a musical! As a dancer, it's a dream to dance this piece. There's lots of high kicks, beautiful lifts and amazing tap routines. It's a pure joy.
Along with this show you've also been in shows such as 'Grease the Musical', 'Mamma Mia' and 'Wicked' which are all big shows. Are there any other musicals you've always wanted to be a part of?
There's many musicals that I would wish to be a part of. It's just a lot more difficult because not all shows come to Australia. I've always wanted to be cast in any of the major Triple Threat shows – 'Cabaret', 'Chicago', '42nd Street', 'Crazy For You', 'Sweet Charity', 'Cinderella', 'An American In Paris' – There's so many! And all time favourites – 'Sunset Boulevard', 'Gypsy', 'Sweeney Todd'... Too many!
And finally, what has been a standout moment for you performing in this show so far?
I've had two significant moments so far. Opening the 2016 Helpmann Awards ceremony at Sydney's Lyric Theatre with our performance of 'Good Mornin' was a special occasion. I had opened the ceremony in 2013 with a performance from 'Grease the Musical', but this was different. It felt special to be a part of this wonderful industry and to showcase a lot of hard work with my colleagues. The second moment was our first preview in Melbourne, with a standing ovation, rain pouring and the entire cast facing out towards the audience taking our first bow... Breathing in that moment was something special. I thought to myself “How can one be so happy in the pouring rain?" I couldn't stop smiling. And it still takes my breath away every night.
Singin' In The Rain Australia Tour Dates
22 September-16 October – QPAC Lyric Theatre, (Brisbane)1-18 December – Adelaide Festival Centre
29 December-15 January – Crown Theatre (Perth)
