Stephanie Edmonds Hot Mikado Interview

Stephanie Edmonds Hot Mikado Interview

Now in its 66th year, there's no luckier time for Chatswood Musical Society to transport audiences to Japan than for fast paced jazz comedy Hot Mikado from 22 September to 1 October at The Independent Theatre, North Sydney. Cultures glide and collide in Rob Bowman (music) and David H. Bell's (lyrics) hilarious and "hot" updating of Gilbert and Sullivan classic, The Mikado.

 

Featuring popular musical tunes such as 'Three Little Maids" in fully-fledged Andrews Sisters style and big band song and dance numbers, Hot Mikado promises to be a night of fun for the whole family.

 

The musical sees characters navigate life-or-death stakes while still finding time to tap their toes and scat a tune. Japanese culture meets 1940s America in a land where outlandish laws sentence people to death for almost any indiscretion, and jazz, the blues and gospel are spoken fluently.

 

'Packed full of funny plot twists and quirky characters, Hot Mikado will be a fun night of message-free theatre; just pure enjoyment for enjoyment's sake. The musical is such a clever updating of the original 1885 Gilbert and Sullivan production, audiences will love the high energy routines, slap stick comedy, and lots of visual gags," said director Declan Moore.

 

'Many previous productions have staged Hot Mikado on a large company scale, but I've always felt the show would work best with a small ensemble of talented players. We've made an intimate production and - without giving too much away - been quite contemporary with our gender casting!"

 

Performances

Friday 22nd September - 8pm

Saturday 23rd September - 2pm & 8pm

Wednesday 27th September - 8pm

Friday 29th September - 8pm

Saturday 30th September - 2pm & 8pm

Sunday 1st October - 2pm

The Independent Theatre, 269 Miller St, North Sydney.

www.chatswoodmusicalsociety.org/hot-mikado

 

Interview with Stephanie Edmonds

Question: What inspired your passion for dance?

Stephanie Edmonds: Growing up I was lucky enough to be born into a theatre household. My Nan loved sharing her old dramatic and comedy monologues one in particular the Highway Man which she would recite constantly which would have movement attached as well as dimes and dollars. Both of my parents used to perform in a duo professionally as well as musicals and although I think they hoped I would initially catch onto the singing component for 'family sing-alongs' I couldn't help but tap and clap along to the rhythm of the music and I loved how movement made me feel. To me, it was a sensation unlike any other. The thought of using your body to communicate a story or message was just beautiful and after watching musicals such as West Side Story, Hairspray and Mary Poppins that cemented it for me.


Question: Can you share your earliest memory of dance?

Stephanie Edmonds: My earliest memory would have to be when I was 4 and it was the end of year concert at the school attended, at the time, and we were performing Prince Ali from Aladdin, and I remember being so full of excitement that I always was slightly ahead of the beat… there's always one kid and that was me (laughs).


Question: Was choreography a natural progression for you?

Stephanie Edmonds: I would say so. My dance teacher in high school came to me when I was in year 10 and asked if I wanted to choreograph a local primary school group who had reached out to her. I loved a challenge and always loved the idea of being amongst the creative process and furthering my craft so I jumped in not knowing what to expect. But I can definitely say sometimes by taking that leap of faith, being that little fish in a small pond can be one of the best decisions you can make as I learnt a lot not only from the process but the students themselves.


Question: How would you describe Hot Mikado?

Stephanie Edmonds: Hot Mikado is a show for people of all ages. There is definitely something in it for everyone. It is full of humour, boisterous characters, catchy tunes and different fusions of styles both musically and aesthetically. I like that it is full of variety and doesn't skip a bit; they don't call it hot for nothing (laughs).


Question: What's it like working with the Chatswood Musical society?

Stephanie Edmonds: I am having an absolutely ball. The team, cast and crew are just full of dedicated, hardworking, talented and just genuinely all around funny and kind humans. It has to be one of my favourite shows I have worked on to date as there's not one person who doesn't give there all or add dynamic and flavour to the show. Defiantly a team effort!

Question: What advice do you have for the audience of Hot Mikado?

Stephanie Edmonds: Come in with an open mind and give the underdog show a go. It is a little left of field but I promise you it's one not to be missed. The cast and music alone are worth the value of the ticket; everything else is a bonus and extra!


Question: What's it like working with Declan Moore on Hot Mikado?

Stephanie Edmonds: Honestly, I have had such a ball. His work ethic is admirable and the way he works and what he gets out of his cast is just inspiring. We work really well as a team and nothing is ever too much or too little. I have definitely lucked out jumping on board with the team in general!


Question: What have you learnt about yourself whilst working on Hot Mikado?

Stephanie Edmonds: That nothing is impossible; the importance and significance of giving everything a go and workshop as you go. It's been a wonderful opportunity to challenge myself in different areas and work with a cast that is so trusting and responsive to what they are given.


Question: What advice do you have for young dancers?

Stephanie Edmonds: Probably to always give things a go. To never second guess yourself or think that you can't or that you're not good enough. To remind yourself that anything is possible if you put your mind to it, you just need to believe in yourself and stay true to who you are because you're more than enough and your voice and vision deserves to be seen and heard. There are going to be people that judge you but no one can take away what you have to give so share it, be a leader and be a part of the industry of innovators, craft workers and firsts!

Question: What's next, for you?

Stephanie Edmonds: I'm currently working on a couple of different projects one that's just wrapped up which was a new kids TV series, a couple of programs in schools and Universities for a mental health organisation called Batyr - helping start positive conversations around mental health which is a cause I hold close to my heart and then focusing on concert pieces for teaching and just continue to create, workshop and hopefully help others reach their potential and value of worth.


Interview by Brooke Hunter