of Performing Arts (WAAPA) in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
WAAPA credits include: Black in Andrew Lippa’s The Wild Party, Hale in
The Crucible and Pacific Overtures. Further Australian stage credits
include: The Pajama Game, Annie Get Your Gun, Russian Cossack in
Fiddler on the Roof, Gremio in Kiss Me, Kate, Lancelot in Camelot and,
most recently, Alex created the role of Billy in the Helpmann Award-
winning Australian work Sideshow Alley.
Alex is thrilled to be making his West End debut as Raoul in this
production, and would like to dedicate this performance to his cousin
Thomas.
Sandra - What has meant for your artistic career being part of the Phantom
of the Opera, Webber's musical?
Alex - Having a just arrived from Australia, playing Raoul in this globally-
loved story is a fantastic introduction into the West End. I'm really loving
the chance to play this role every night. It's the kind of thrill that I've
dreamed about for years.
Sandra - What are some of the aspects you have brought into your
interpretation of the Raoul?
Alex - I bring everything that I possibly can to each performance. I'm
constantly sifting through all my experience to create interpretations that
are evolving and developing.
Sandra - What scene/song of the Phantom musical is your favourite and
why.
Alex - 'Wishing you were somehow here again' is amazing. It's such an
intimate moment of pure innocence and desperation. It's harrowing.
There's such a great sense of the human need for the love, especially the
love of a parental figure and the freedom that that love can eternally bring.
Sandra - Can you tell us a good anecdote you remember playing Raoul's
role?
Alex - Thankfully, everything's been going very smoothly. One tiny thing
that fans will appreciate - the day we had new show photos taken, for
some reason I don't know why in the Masquerade I decided to put my arm
through the over'coat that usually just hangs over the shoulder. Of all the
days! I hope I don't get a mouthful from the design/wardrobe department
when they see the new program.
Sandra - What is it, in your opinion, that makes the show so appealing?
Alex - People really connect with the power of this love story, where love
is all about people NEEDING to love and be loved and pouring everything
they have into that love. The music is breathtaking, it's visually a
captivating experience to be taken into such a dark and haunting world
and it's also very funny. It's full of so many things that appeal.
Sandra - What is your opinion about your character, Raoul, and the other
two main characters, the Phantom and Christine?
Alex - My job as the actor is to play the role and interact with the other
characters. I leave the rest to the audience.
Sandra - You celebrated the Phantom 21st Anniversary, how was this
experience to you?
Alex - The 21st was totally awesome! I'm still raving about it when I write
to my friends in Oz. Very very special.
Sandra - You have been in musicals so famous like The Pajama game,
Fiddler of the roof, Kiss me, Kate, Camelot, etc., what role would you like
to play some day?
Alex - There are so many great roles to play. As long as I feel like it's going
to be a challenge, and that it's going to offer people something wonderful,
then bring it on!!
Sandra - Tell us your future projects.
Alex - I always throw caution to the wind....so my future remains to be
seen. I'm excited about what lies ahead...whatever that may be!
Sandra - Can you say some words to your fans?
Alex - Since starting Phantom I've received lots of beautiful letters and
messages from all parts of the world. Thank you so much to everyone for
the amazing support, love and excitement you share. It makes the creation
process so much more rewarding to know that people are being touched.
Thank you!
Interview Copyright by Ladyghost.
