By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
There’s no shortage of pratfalls in the upcoming Australian professional musical-theatre premiere of Curtains, says actor and assistant choreographer Darren Tyler.
The Hallam performer spoke to Star News as its rehearsing cast was unpacking this complex comedic murder mystery which has been nominated for eight Tony Awards.
It is set in Boston in 1959 on the opening night of a failing cowboy musical Robin Hood of the Old West.
When its “terrible” leading lady is murdered during the curtain call, the play’s cast are all suspects.
A theatre-loving detective Frank Cioffi then quarantines the theatre, tries to solve the case and to improve the show.
Mr Tyler, who plays an ensemble character Randy Dexter, said Curtains’ ‘play within a play’ complexity could make it the most difficult of his 13 shows with The Production Company.
Even so, rehearsals have proved to be a hoot with the show’s stars such as Simon Gleeson, Melissa Langton, John Wood and the dry, witty Colin Lane.
Mr Tyler said he enjoyed working again with the company, especially reuniting for the sixth time with choreographer Dana Jolly and director Roger Hodgman.
“We just finished Fiddler on the Roof together a couple of months ago in Melbourne and Sydney. They’re so very prepared, they’re a great team.”
Mr Tyler started work as a dancer as a 16-year-old, having grown up in Endeavour Hills and trained at the Helen Alcock School of Dance in Hallam.
When he grew up watching shows such as Cats with his parents, he didn’t realise the performers had the same sort of upbringing and training.
“I had thought I could only be a dance teacher. I didn’t realise you could make a living doing shows.
“That’s what I wanted to do – to work as a performer.”
He has been part of musicals since he was 21, including famous shows such as Cats, Saturday Night Fever and Miss Saigon.
“I’ve loved doing musicals. I’ve never done a show I hated.
“That’s to do with the cast. I’ve worked with really fun people.”
His career highlight was touring nationally and overseas with Cats for two-and-a-half-years.
He said he never got sick of the show or the cast and crew who became like family. He was just happy to be employed in the pursuit.
On the cusp of his 40th birthday – a moment that won’t be lustily celebrated, he said – he said he hoped to continue in musicals “till the day I die”.
Curtains is at the State Theatre, Arts Centre, Melbourne, on 20-28 August for a season of 10 performances.
Tickets are available at Arts Centre, Melbourne, and Ticketmaster.
