On the QPAC Lyric Theatre stage, the dust has settled on the American revolution, and in just a couple of weeks time, will be home to a very different musical – one full of splendour, style and imagination. Starting 16 May 2023 and running until 27 July 2023, Queensland musical theatre lovers have Moulin Rouge! The Musical to look forward to, whisking attendees away to Paris in 1899 – and following a blooming romance between lovesick American writer Christian, and Satine, the star of the renown Moulin Rouge nightclub. Based on the original feature film by Baz Luhrmann, Moulin Rouge! The Musical comes from the Australian producer Global Creatures, whose previous original musicals include Muriel’s Wedding the Musical, and a musical adaptation of another Luhrmann classic, Strictly Ballroom the Musical (one of my personal all-time favourites).
Ahead of Moulin Rouge! The Musical commencing its Brisbane season later this month, I had the opportunity to pitch a few questions to Patrice Tipoki, who is performing on-stage as the Satine Alternate. The Queensland-based performer has held a number of prolific roles previously, including a stellar role as Fantine in Les Misérables, Disney’s The Lion King, and Belle in Beauty and the Beast – in addition to releasing a number of singles. Please scroll down to discover some insight from Tipoki, the premiere Australian production of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, and her advice for those looking to enter the performing arts industry.
Can you share with us a little bit about your journey to where you are now. What steps led you to joining both the performing arts industry, and ultimately the Australian cast of Moulin Rouge! The Musical?
I come from a musical family; my grandparents, parents and siblings are all in the arts industry! As a child I toured with my family when my parents performed for the Queensland Arts Council; we always sang, danced (at Conroy Dance Centre) and played music, studying the Suzuki method and enjoying Music Scholarships in high school.
I studied Music Theatre at WAAPA and have enjoyed being a part of some wonderful and iconic musicals so far in my career both here in Australia, around Asia and on the West End in London. Being part of the original Australian cast of Moulin Rouge! The Musical has been fabulous!
Having toured to several Australian states already, what have been some highlights during your time touring Moulin Rouge! The Musical?
I have so enjoyed performing in sold-out seasons of Moulin Rouge! The Musical in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth so far. It has been especially wonderful to observe and be part of some exciting debuts and performances for some of our cast.
Being part of a long-running musical means that as a company we work through challenges and triumphs together, and having a positive and supportive group of people to do that with has been precious.
Are you excited about performing in Brisbane?
I am so excited about coming home to Brisbane! My first professional musical was ‘The King & I’ which I performed as a child at the Lyric Theatre. I love performing there!
What made you want to audition for your role on this production?
I had a friend a number of years ago who told me I would make a great Satine in Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Having only known Nicole Kidman’s version of the character, I couldn’t quite imagine it!
However, as I listened to the Tony Award-winning soundtrack of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, and saw how Karen Olivo brought her own spice to this role, I realised that there might just be room for my version of Satine, too!
What are your earliest memories of the works of Baz Luhrmann?
Baz Luhrmann’s films were so iconic for me as a child. Growing up, my family often had the soundtracks of ‘Romeo & Juliet’ and ‘Strictly Ballroom’ playing in our house and on the radio, which would vividly bring back sequences and emotions from the film.
I saw ‘Moulin Rouge!’ at the cinema when it first came out. I remember being so excited to see that Baz had not only made a movie musical (bringing back this genre after a bit of a hiatus), but also had managed to successfully reinvigorate it, bringing it to the general public masses.
Rapid Fire Questions!
Favourite song?
At the moment, my favourite song in the show is ‘Firework’. It expresses so beautifully where Satine is at that point in her journey. Plus, it’s a banger track that so many love!
Favourite moment in the show?
There’s a few moments at the end of the show that I love. The way they’re staged and lit, and way the music and vocals all work together is really touching… Especially after all the ‘spectacular spectacular’ of the show.
Favourite piece of choreography in the show?
I really enjoy watching the number ‘Roxanne’. The dance choreography is so effective and accentuated so well by the lighting and the soaring vocals of ‘Christian’, played by Des Flanagan in the Australian production.
Favourite costume?
I enjoy the elegance and relative simplicity of Satine’s first red costume in the Boulevard scene. It’s also just one zip to get in and out of it, unlike a lot of Satine’s fabulous corsets which involve hooks, zips and all sorts of boning to stay in place!
Favourite piece of staging / set design?
Satine’s Elephant dressing room feels extremely luxurious and comfortable. It’s elaborate and ornate in its design and decor, with lots of gold and lots of rouge!
I also enjoy the contrast of the Garrett, which is where French artist Toulouse-Lautrec lives. Because of its humble simplicity, it feels like a real artist’s playground.
If you had the opportunity to fill another role in the show for a night, with no limitations, what character would that be?
In another world, I would love to play The Duke. He is so suave and his character gets a real journey from confident and rich, to jealous and unhinged. In the Australian production The Duke is played by the incredible James Bryers.
What is something that people might miss on their first watch of Moulin Rouge! The Musical but should keep an eye out for?
Every time you see Moulin Rouge! The Musical, you’ll see something different! It’s fun to zoom in on the characters and their individual journeys, and also zoom out so you can see the overall pictures that are created with the staging, lighting and effects.
What aspects and moments of your life have assisted in making you the actor that you are today?
My whole life has made me the person and actor that I am now. Every performance, practice session, every teacher, sound person, every relationship and moment of connection; they all contribute to the choices that I make, especially when under show circumstances, and how I deal with the pressure and opportunities that come with performing.
What are your recommendations for those who are looking to follow your footsteps and get a career in the performing arts?
Get as much experience as you can. Growing up I was heavily involved in every aspect possible. I started piano at 18 months old, but would listen for five hours a day to the repertoire. I also played the violin and saxophone, so together with singing, I was involved in a lot of musical groups – bands, orchestras, ensembles – which helped build my musicality and ability to work with others and follow direction. I also did gigs from an early age with my family and later with others, so I learned what it was to be professional and show up no matter whether I felt like it or not. I did exams, eisteddfods, concerts, and musicals.
My family and I toured Australia and overseas, and so I was constantly learning what it was like to be in different climates, different environments and how to do what I’d rehearsed under different circumstances.
If you do all this, and you still enjoy it, then maybe it’s worth trying for a career in it. Keeping a life balance is also very important so that you know who you are, even if you’re not working or not performing. You can be a singer even if you’re not currently gigging. You can be an actor even if you’re not currently in a show.
But that’s just one aspect of you. You are more than what you do!
Thank you very much to Patrice Tipoki for taking time out of their undoubtedly busy schedule to answer these questions, and to the publicity team behind Moulin Rouge! The Musical in making this interview happen.
Expect to see more articles on Moulin Rouge! The Musical both prior to and during its Brisbane season, including a second interview next week and a full review in a few weeks time.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical is set to commence its Brisbane season at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) Lyric Theatre starting 16 May 2023, and run until 27 July 2023. This will be subsequently followed by an encore season at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne starting 20 August 2023. For booking information for both legs of the show’s ongoing Australian tour, visit the official Moulin Rouge! The Musical Australia website.
Header Image: Supplied
