Behind the Curtain

Sometimes the curtains opened and we performed to audiences, which looked a little something like this. 

 

Photos: Neaton Photography and Caught on Film Photography

But this blog post is a glimpse into the behind the scenes shenanigans of Blue Mountains Musical Society's (BMMS) Jesus Christ Superstar (JCS). 

Pub

Mondays and Thursdays weren't strictly rehearsal nights, they were also pub nights. The Lappo was the home of most of these. Sure, we were at an adult venue, but who doesn't love playing games? Did I enjoy playing Mafia and Heads Down, Thumbs Up? Maybe yes, maybe no.

 

There was also that time Ryan had to use Celeste's shirt as a bib because he was having trouble eating, but I promise you we're grown ups. 

 

Normally I have to do a Buzzfeed quiz to find out which vegetable I am, or which new age seven dwarf I am. But at the pub, no quiz was required, only the judging eye of fellow cast members. Gummy Linda was really into it. 

 

The group didn't always play nicely. Ryan was heartbroken to come second in the Biannual BMMS selfie competition to Erin. It left a bitter taste in his mouth to know he wasn't the favourite.

 

Birthday celebrations brought us back together... just. Jess' birthday was a mathematical problem when a friendly debate about whether to cut her cake into triangles or squares ensued. 

 

Eamon's birthday completely reinvented the concept of the birthday cake. Have a cake, have a Kit Kat, right?

 

 

At this point you may think we spent more time pubbing than rehearsing, and you'd be right. I wouldn't have had the opportunity to be part of JCS pub nights or the show, if it wasn't for the director, Jess. Her talent, encouragement and organisation were key ingredients in the JCS recipe. Thanks for cooking up the most phenomenal production and allowing me to be part of it. 

 

The show's producer, Kate, also helped steer the JCS ship. I've loved every minute spent with her, even the times she called me Celeste. Being part of the marketing team really enhanced my JCS experience, so thank you for asking me to be part of it.

 

Clubs

It wasn't just the marketing team I was part of. Somehow I got myself into a few other unofficial BMMS clubs. First we have the Nuggie Buddies. About a year ago Jess, Cassie and I discovered our common interests extended beyond musical theatre. Our love of chicken nuggets cemented our friendship. I'll think of your beautiful faces every time I eat a juicy nuggie.

 

I'm also part of the Awkward Daughters. This one started when Bec, Amy, Cassie, Marli, Jess and I were cast as Jacob's daughters in last year's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. A few of the beauties did JCS with me. 

 

Kmart survived the apocalypse, which meant Mirabai, Alkira, Bestie and I were just some of the members of the Kmart shoe crew. 

 

The next group started by accident, but continued on purpose. I colour coordinated outfits with a few fabulous cast members on each show day. Many of these photos were captured by our official photographer, Jess. 

 

Aarin, Mitchell, Sarah, Gabby and Jenna I'm devastated our colour coordinating days are behind us. Maybe some time in the future we can colour coordinate our outfits and send individual selfies to the group chat.

The most important group of all was the carpool. How else would I get to the pub  rehearsals, and who else would I do sing-a-longs with? Members of the carpool crew included Amy, Celeste, Catrin, other guest stars, and the leads Ryan and I. 

 

Catrin came along at a time when Ryan and I were feeling rejected. Thanks for lifting our spirits.

 

Time with Ryan has included fabricating a fake musical, strange renditions of songs on the radio, mutual roasting, gossip sessions, some serious conversations, and almost geting off at the wrong exit. 

 

You were the show husband I never expected, but definitely needed. Think of me fondly. 

 

 

Ryan was the captain of another group. I wasn't just a JCS cast member. I was a JCS dahncer (that's me trying to spell dancer with a posh accent). 

Dancers

The wonderfully beautiful, kind and hilarious Ryan, Amy, Linda, Bec, Rose, Amber, Alley, Pedro, Catrin and Emma helped me realise I'll really fly if it's from the heart. 

 

 

 

Amy and I know each other from a former life where we both worked in The Plaza. Musical theatre solidified my friendship with the queen of announcements. The best was when she publicly revealed (with the assistance of Ryan and I) that she is pregnant and had been performing for two. 

 

There's no one else I'd rather be a post-apocalyptic potato seller with. I'll have to find a way to come back when Aubtina/Hey-Zeus is born. 

 

I first met the ageless, super model Linda when she choreographed Cats. Over the years our friendship has become more unique, with many strange pub games invented and hilarious conversations. 

 

From minxy cats, to daughters, to featured prostitutes, I'll forever cherish the amazing times I've spent with Bec. Thank you for being a wonderful friend and reaching out a hand to hold.

 

Another friendship that began in Cats was the friendship between Bestie and I. Back then we were just Amber and Claryse. In JCS we simultaneously became a meme and besties. 

 

 

Our favourite pastime is commentating Liam's actions. There he is. 

 

Other people are simply picture books, while we are classic novels. 

 

Emma was a supreme choreographer. She's got all the right moves, alongside a few wrong lyrics. Never stop being an energetic, hilarious fireball of fun as you stroll through the corridors of life. 

 

Bump In

Apparently to stage a show, you need to pour in a little hard work and a lot of ogre green paint. I'm not sure where the hard work was because bump in was a whole heap of fun, except when Phteven died, but we don't talk about that.  

 

Opening Night

After months of rehearsing, we finally performed, so rewarded ourselves with a night at The Royal. 

 

We didn't want Ryan to miss out on the selfie on his phone. 

 

Amber, Amy, Bec and I really stepped up marketing for the show that night. 

 

The fidget spinner also weaselled its way into the pub scene. 

 

Cast Parties

The performance weekend brought four shows, and one epic party at Beth's house where people either made good choices or good gossip. 

 

Fellow Hufflepuffer Eamon and I lounged around, looking effortlessly attractive. 

 

Before rehearsals started I thought it wouldn't be too horrendous to leave the country after JCS because I didn't know half the cast. Unfortunately I got to know many of them, including Eamon. I'll think of you when I pretend to know a musical I have no idea about. Keep up those retirés!

Noddy/Liam attended Beth's party too. 

 

Love your work. I hear there's a chance Clayrice might miss you.

The highlight of Beth's party may be this photo of Marge, Matt, and Moody Judy who seems to be drinking from a straw. 

 

Matt appears a little dejected because he's not holding his precious egg shaker. Matt and his egg was the great JCS showmance. Thank you for your commitment to your egg, and the rest of the JCS music too. 

The last performance weekend saw Bec hosting the masses. This event included Cards Against Muggles. Team Besties plus Jess were as swell as a cool, cool motorcycle. 

 

The party was a little exhausting for all round nice guy, and nap lover, Micah. 

 

 

 

Thanks for your support of my blog and all the photos you send me, even if many of them only contain half your face.

Bump Out

JCS ended with a standing ovation and a flood of on stage tears. Then came the dressing room clean out and the set removal.  

 

The Last Supper

The final goodbyes happened during the cast dinner. Each cast member was awarded a certificate in an engaging ceremony that upstaged the Oscars. Matt and I received the joint pun award. No, it wasn't the rolled kind of joint. 

 

I'm not going to broco-lie, I might miss our pun times.

 

I had the absolute honour of being in JCS, and did not expect to be awarded for it. The Phyllis Doyle Award is given to one cast member at the end of each production whose efforts stood out.

 

Farewelling so many amazing friends was difficult. 

 

 

But it was liberating knowing I won't be sharing a room with Alex any time soon. 

 

I danced a little with the fabulous Mitchell. 

 

And cried on the shoulder of the beautiful Danielle. 

 

The evening concluded with a final pub visit. 

 

 

I might be moving to the other side of the world with only a 37kg luggage allowance, but I will carry every single one of you in my heart. I could request a lifetime of call time dedications for you all. Stay fabulous, stay beautiful, stay you. 

 

This is Sloppy/Spanish Onion/Clayrice/Clarisee/Celeste signing out. 

Love and lobbies always. 

Xoxo