The QPAC Lyric Theatre has been quite a busy venue in the opening months of 2025, with Sister Act the Musical being the second production from Crossroads Live Australia to be performed on its stage. Having performed on the stage just last year as the ill-fated Doctor Dillamond in the most recent Australian tour of Wicked the Musical, Adam Murphy has joined the cast (mid-tour) of the newest Brisbane musical in a very different role – the antagonist Curtis Jackson. While he may portray a cruel and sadistic 70s era mob boss in the production, Murphy is certainly not like that off-stage, having graciously provided his time to answer a few of our questions about joining the production and performing alongside the cast.
Adam Murphy has built a distinguished career in Australian theatre, recently performing as Dr. Dillamond in Wicked with Crossroads Live and in Follies and Happy End with Victorian Opera. Notable roles include Jafar in Disney’s Aladdin, Aldolpho in The Drowsy Chaperone, and multiple productions with MTC and The Production Company. He also originated the role of Ron Edgeworth in the Australian premiere of Georgy Girl – The Seekers Musical.
Please keep reading for our full interview with Adam Murphy:
To start off with, could you share a little bit about your history in the performing arts industry? What drew you into the world of musical theatre, and what have been some of the highlights of your career so far?
My first performance in front of an audience was at a school talent quest. I dressed up as Groucho Marx and still remember the feeling of making people laugh. After a few school productions and amateur theatre shows, my first professional gig was in 1993 playing Elwood Blues in a Blues Brothers show in Auckland. I then spent a few years at The Court Theatre NZ until I was cast in The 10th Anniversary production of Les Miserables in 1997. I have worked in TV and Film, at State Theatre Companies, done Voice Overs and toured Australia many times with musicals and plays. There have been numerous highlights in my career however The Drowsy Chaperone, Fun Home and Follies stand out as being the most challenging and at the same time the most rewarding.
You have joined the cast of Sister Act the Musical pretty muchstraight from your time with Wicked’s Australian tour. How has that transition been, and what is it like working with a different cast and a different production?
This is my first time joining an established production. Although it was a bit daunting at first, the Sister Act company have been very welcoming. I think working previously with a few of the cast and crew and performing recently at QPAC on Wicked has also helped me feel comfortable.
What were your first memories of Sister Act, and also, what were your first reactions upon reading the script / seeing the musical production for the first time?
I saw the Sister Act film in the 90’s and remember it’s humour, music and uplifting story.
I recently saw the musical and enjoyed it for all the same reasons. The singing and performances are outstanding.
Sister Act blends comedy, drama, and incredible music. What do you think makes this show special, and what can audiences look forward to in this production?
The Sister Act musical is special because although the songs are amazing, it’s the characters and storyline which keeps the audience interested and invested. This production seamlessly moves the action forward and is full of incredible performances featuring great characters with unbelievable voices.
Curtis Jackson is quite a menacing character. How do you approach playing a villain, and what do you enjoy most about stepping into his shoes?
I’ve always enjoyed playing characters who a different from myself. A villain doesn’t necessarily believe they are a villain so it’s interesting to figure out why a character acts the way they do. Curtis will do anything to make sure his plans are carried out and does things without thinking of others. He believes he has everything under control which in the end unravels him and leads to his downfall.
What has the cast been like to work with so far?
The Sister Act cast are amazing and besides being talented and great at what they do, are lovely to work with and have warmly welcomed me into the company.
You’ve played a variety of roles throughout your career. How does Curtis compare to other characters you’ve portrayed, and is there a dream role you’d still love to take on?
Even though Curtis is the bad guy of the piece, there are still elements of humour in his character. I like skating that line of dark and light and playing his unpredictable nature. Although he is different from other characters I’ve played, I have drawn on certain traits from other roles to inject into my performance.
As an actor, do you prefer playing roles that are closer to your own personality, or do you enjoy completely transforming into someone different, like Curtis?
I enjoy finding a different voice and look for the characters I play. The best compliment I can get is someone meeting me for the first time after a show and saying ‘you’re nothing like that character’. However it’s also important to utilise parts of my own personality and physicality for roles as that can make up a large percentage of a well rounded unique character.
You were in Brisbane only a few months ago performing on the QPAC Lyric Theatre Stage and are now due to perform back there in less than a couple of weeks (as of writing). Are you excited about performing in Queensland, and do you have any bucket list items to do while in Brisbane?
It’s always great performing at QPAC. The Lyric is a wonderful theatre and the facilities backstage are outstanding. Whether it’s the dressing rooms, the ample backstage space or the green room Café (which has a great selection of meals), it’s always a comfortable place to work. Plus it’s handy having a common area like the green room where you can catch up with fellow performers if they’re working in another of QPACs theatres.
It’s always fun visiting Brisbane and my family especially enjoy hanging out in Southbank or taking a boatride down the river.
What advice do you have for those who perhaps seeking to forge their own career in the performing arts industry?
This is a question I get asked regularly. The performing arts industry can be an extremely rewarding industry to work in, however there can be times of unemployment and uncertainty. I’ve found a willingness to work hard and not be too disappointed by knockbacks is a good start. The ability to assess your strengths and weaknesses and working on your weaknesses ir working to your strengths. It’s also important to be willing to evolve. Of course there are places like NIDA, WAAPA, University courses and a variety of performing arts courses available to learn and practise your craft. The thing I’ve learned is that there are many ways to carve out a career. It’s working out what suits the individual and knowing what it is that you want to do that’s important.
With an extensive history performing on stage, what do you love most about the industry, and what has kept you performing for so long?
After working in this industry for over 30 years I still enjoy the excitement of performing in front of an audience. I feel lucky to be part of the business of telling stories. It’s always been rewarding and I’m happy to be part of a company of like -minded people who work hard to bring a story to life.
Rapid Fire Questions
Favourite song in Sister Act the Musical
‘Lady in the Long Black Dress’
Because it’s funny but also has amazing vocals.
Favourite moment in the show?
When Delores reveals she isn’t scared of Curtis any more.
Favourite piece of choreography in the show?
A step which I found difficult to learn but know how to do now.
Favourite piece of staging / set design?
There’s a moment when ‘the gang’ are watching a small TV but a larger version is brought out upstage and the action is acted out live so the audience can see what they’re watching.
Favourite moment with the cast/crew so far?
I’ve felt so welcome joining the show and the genuine encouragement and support from every department has been wonderful.
More generally, do you have a favourite pre-show ritual or routine?
There are microphone checks done about 5 mins before the show starts and before Act 2 to make sure everything is working properly. A person from the sound department will be at the mike check station wearing headphones ready to hear how you sound. There is usually a theme written on a small whiteboard and I enjoy coming up with something creative to do with that theme. It’s a creative way for me to get relaxed and ready to step out on stage.
If you had the opportunity to fill another role in Sister Act the Musical for one night, no limitations, what would that role be?
I’d love to play Rhonda Burchmores role of Sister Mary Lazarus as she gets to perform a rap.
I would like to pass my sincerest thanks to Adam Murphy for taking the time out of his schedule to provide their thoughts, insights and more around their career and time so far with Sister Act the Musical. I wish them all the best for the remainder of the tour! I would also like to thank the musical’s production team, Crossroads Live Australia, and the show’s Brisbane publicist, Cinnamon Watson, for facilitating this interview opportunity.
Interested in attending a performance of Sister Act the Musical? The musical will be performed at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) Lyric Theatre until 15 March 2025, before heading to the Adelaide Festival Theatre and Perth Crown Theatre for four week runs apiece.
Ticketing information for all states and venues can be found via the official Sister Act the Musical website. Want to know how this production stacks up? Check out my full review of the Brisbane season!
