Tony: What have been the highlights of our rehearsal process so far?
Nicole: The highlight of my experience so far in Honeymoon in Vegas? Is that I get to play Bea Singer, Jack’s unconventional mother – a brash, tough-is-love woman who loves her son fiercely, even from the grave. Where at every rehearsal I seemingly discover more and more about her – especially how unfiltered and wayward she is. I love the liberation I get of taking her to the max – in every performance!
Tony: Nicole, you bring a wealth of experience to GCLT both across Australia and overseas. Would you be able to tell us a little bit about your career trajectory, and some of your performance highlights?
Nicole: Looking back, my theatre journey has been nothing but joyous. It started in my early twenties, where I was surprised to discover my knack for playing offbeat characters who were out-of-the-box and somewhat misunderstood. Roles like Eva in Absurd Person Singular come to mind, as well as Annelle in Steel Magnolias, The Prostitute in Working, and Claire in Rumours. Getting to play April in Companyand Mary-Eleanor in Women Behind Bars in the West End were definitely my performance highlights, alongside singing cocktail jazz in hotels across Sydney.
Tony: In Honeymoon In Vegas, your character occupies quite a fascinating, other-worldly space. Can you describe Jack’s mother, Bea, and the way you have brought this character to ‘life’, so to speak.
Nicole: Through my deep interest in metaphysical studies, I believe Bea’s constant presence, her spirit, anchors the theme of the show – which is all about love and forgiveness. She is the example for all the mothers out there, who just want the best for their children as they become adults.
As much as I love her bold, brash and sharp-tongue, I also discovered that deep-down she is hurt and lonely. Her husband, Jack’s father, left her to raise Jack on her own. So, up until her (premature) death, she poured all her love and energy into raising Jack, in order to feel loved and self-fulfilled. But in thinking this out loud under heavy medication, she inadvertently threatens him with a curse if he marries. So in a way, she ‘wins’ by ruling him from the grave.
Luckily in this show, we see Bea’s spirit evolve as well, when she realises the importance of love and what that means for all of us. That without it, we are merely shells of ourselves. Love gives us meaning, in every moment, even in the afterlife.
Tony: Within the very comic world of this show exists a very complex and sometimes quite poignant mother-son relationship. As an actor, how have you approached bringing authenticity and realism into such a heightened role?
Nicole: Firstly, to play Bea as authentic as possible, it helps to understand that when we women get older and hormonal and multi-layered – with a myriad of contradictions and slightly imperfect behaviours. So when you first meet her, she’s a bit up-and-down. She’s off-the-wall, unapologetic and unfiltered. But underneath all of that? Lies the purest love she has for her child. Being a mother myself, the love you have for your children is the deepest, purest kind of love you can ever experience in life. Truly.
Having gone through many ups and downs in my life, I also understand what it’s like to go through a personal transformation like Bea, and come out the other side. In Bea’s case, when Jack and her resolve their differences in the garden, you see her turn a corner too. Bea’s hard shell breaks open when Jack sings to her. You see her heart open. You see the proud realisation that she did have a loving influence over him when she was alive. That she did matter. This moment helps her transform her into Jack’s guardian angel, giving him the strength to fight for the love he deserves.
Tony: What has been the highlight of working with the cast and creative team of this show?
Nicole: The biggest highlight for me is working with a kind and highly experienced team who strive for excellence. Judging from who I see around me in this amazing cast, there is an extremely high calibre of talent that will make this show shine. The highlight for me on my theatrical journey so far? Is listening deeply to the amazing Julie Whiting in our rehearsals. It’s like being in the presence of greatness every time. I get the shivers just thinking about it!
Tony: Why should SEQ audiences come and take the adventure to see Honeymoon In Vegas?
Nicole: All I can say is – if you want to treat yourself to a funny, uplifting show with heart, plus a jazz-inspired evening of comedic excellence to the sounds of a live orchestra, then book your tickets now!
