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AussieTheatre.com: TALKING TO THE STARS |
| A Special Interview with Alinta
Chidzey For many she stole the show with her belting rendition of River Deep, Mountain High in Leader of the Pack in 2005, and now AussieTheatre.com's Troy Dodds speaks to rising musical theatre star Alinta Chidzey about that show and her role in the new Australian musical Dusty...  TD: You're currently featuring in Dusty - how's the experience
been thus far?AC: It been exciting to be part of a new Australian musical, especially when given the chance to be creative with your role when the show is on it's first legs. There are some amazing people to work alongside and learn from. The show itself is constantly being edited and refined and seems to be having a great response so far. TD: You made your mainstream musical debut in Mamma Mia - it was a sensational success story right across the nation - what were your thoughts on it? AC: It was a fantastic first show to be a part of. I learnt many things and got to do what I loved and travel all around Ausralia, NZ and Asia. For me, it was a different experince as an ensemble member. In Mamma Mia! we weren't onsatge as much and sang most songs off stage in booths, where in Dusty I'm constantly onstage and hardly have a break, which I much prefer. TD: When did you first start chasing down a career as a performer? AC: I think I always had the passion for performing but was inspired by a performance that moved me when I was ten and since then I knew the reason of why I have chosen to pursue it. To move others. TD: What are your general thoughts on the state of theatre, particularly musical theatre, in Australia? AC: It's a little frightning to think how few shows are running, especially when you compare the ratio of how many people in the industry to how many shows are currently playing. I believe we need to put serious thought into supporting the arts and find new and innovative ways to keep it alive. Such as encouraging writers to produce new productions that are going to relate to the public's interest. There is an amzing array of talent in this country and it's there to be used so it's most important to stay active if we want theatre to survive. TD: How does the touring side of things affect you - it must be trying at times given you're Melbourne based? AC: Of course there are times where you miss family and friends but I always stay in contact with people and often return to places with familiar faces.Luckily I find it easy to adapt to new places and love travelling. I also keep myself busy and creative with my own projects on the side. TD: Where does Alinta Chidzey want to be in five years time? AC: There are many things I wish to aim for in the next five years. But i'd certainly love to play a role which challenges me and pushes me to explore new areas. I'd also like to create a small show and be in a soul/funk band made of my original music. TD: The best moment of your career so far? AC: It would have to be doing 'Leader of the Pack' singing 'River Deep, Mountain High'. It was such a fun show with a fantastic cast, crew and musicains. |