Michele is Ready for her Close Up

Michele Lansdown is about to embark on one of the most challenging roles in her theatrical career – Norma Desmond.  With Willoughby Theatre Company’s production of Sunset Boulevard about to open in 2 weeks, Michele shares some of her insights into the “conquering of Norma” with Stage Whispers.

What have been your favourite roles and how does “Norma” compare to those?

My favourite roles have definitely been ones that are character driven. Standouts in recent years would have to be baby-killer Agatha Makin in The Hatpin, the evil lush Miss Hannigan in Annie, and the vain self-absorbed Velma von Tussle in Hairspray. Playing Norma Desmond is a wonderfully challenging and artistically rewarding experience - and she is such a diva! One of the few advantages of being a performer “of a certain age” is that you become suitable for these wonderfully juicy parts (mind you some of the aforementioned ladies’ traits can sometimes be a bit close to the bone!)

How have you approached your insight into “Norma’s” character?I have read and watched everything I can get my hands on in relation to both Billy Wilder’s classic movie and Sunset Boulevard the musical. Also lots of old silent movie clips, interviews with the writers, various Normas etc. I found it fascinating to see how differently she has been portrayed by different actresses over the years.

What is the hardest aspect of portraying Norma’s character?

Norma is a “larger than life” character, delusional and self-absorbed, yet there is a tragic vulnerability about her. As actors we’re always terrified of over-doing it, however when she is “Norma, the greatest star of them all” she can’t help but play the feted and indulged movie star who demands to be the centre of attention at all times. The challenge therefore is to also show the fragile, deluded Norma who can evoke compassion from the audience.

Even though there has been a concert version of Sunset Boulevard in N.S.W., how do you feel about being the first to play “Norma” in a full-scale NSW production?

It’s very exciting and I feel extremely lucky to have the opportunity, particularly in such a fabulous venue with a 22 piece orchestra under the baton of Greg Jones. I saw Deb Byrne and Hugh Jackman in Melbourne (no one had ever really heard of Hugh then! ) and even though I knew the score I remember thinking what a fabulous role Norma was. I would loved to have seen Judi Connelli in the concert version. We actually went to the same singing teacher in the 80’s.
I have always been a big fan of the show, however I was unaware just how many other passionate fans there are out there. The team has been working very hard and will be pulling out all the stops to deliver the goods. Personally, I’m having a ball playing opposite the gorgeous Morgan Cleary (Joe), who I get to kiss thrice and slap once every night, along with the very talented Pat Ulloa (Max) who was my lover in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels last year. The beautiful Elizabeth Garret (Betty) has also been a joy to work with and the hilarious Andrew Benson (Andre) is such a pro.

The Concourse is a spectacular venue. Are you looking forward to performing in the space?

Absolutely. I saw Willoughby Theatre Company’s brilliant production of Jekyll & Hyde there earlier this year and I was blown away by the venue, such an amazing and welcome addition to the Sydney Theatre circuit.

(Norma has told her esteemed directors Mr Castles & Mr Greer that she will be looking forward to having her Moet, fresh Brie and activated almonds delivered to her dressing room each night…….such a bloody diva)

SUNSET BOULEVARD

The Concourse, Chatswood

November 16 – 24

Directors:  Simon Greer and Andrew Castle

Musical Director:  Greg Jones

Choreographer:  Rebecca Osborne

BOOKINGS:  Ticketek  132849 or www.willoughbytheatreco.com.au  

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