Balancing Family and Theatre in Sunset Boulevard at CLOC

When CLOC Musical Theatre’s Australasian non-professional premiere of Sunset Boulevard hits the stage at the National Theatre in St Kilda on May 4, there will be a strong family factor amidst all that Hollywood glamour and intrigues.

Two real-life couples, Mark and Hayley Doran (pictured below), and David and Suzanne Gedicke (pictured left), have been balancing the demands of family and rehearsal over the past few months to share the stage in CLOC’s production. All four were theatrical performers of note before becoming partners.

Both couples met when cast in the same productions. In David and Suzanne’s case, they were ironically cast as a feuding husband and wife, in Neil Simon's "Rumours" for Malvern Theatre Company in 2001, while at the same time fireworks of the opposite kind were happening offstage. 

Both couples now have young children, so rehearsing and performing together in the same show has meant some major domestic organisation to enable them to share the stage with their partners. All agree that the sacrifices are well worth it for the satisfaction and fulfillment gained from performing, and that the time away from their domestic commitments make the times at home with their children even more special.  And as their older children are now reaching an age where they can come and see their parents perform onstage, an extra level of pride and excitement has been added.

Since they became parents, David and Suzanne have had an understanding that performing is a venture that is embarked on jointly – a performing partner and a supporting partner. The performing parent is supported by the other parent who becomes the primary carer at home and then participates by working Front of House when their partner is on stage. In this way, as a couple, they have performed in three CLOC shows – Suzanne played the lead, Marguerite, in The Scarlet Pimpernel in 2006 (a feat even more remarkable considering her two boys were only 3 and 1 at the time), then David played Mr Lyons in Blood Brothers (2007) and the Constable in Fiddler on the Roof (2011). It is only now, with the boys being 9 and 7, that they both felt doing a show together was feasible.

David says, “Suzanne and I have wanted to do a show together for many years, but until now, it has not been possible.  So we have taken it in turns to do an occasional show where a role really interests one of us.  This was the first time we thought we may be able to make things happen so that we can enjoy doing a show together.  We have managed to do this and it has given us both enormous satisfaction and immense joy, especially as we have several special moments performing opposite each other onstage.”

Suzanne adds, “At times, the rehearsal period has been a logistical challenge to organise. But it has been totally worth it as it has been an absolute joy to have the chance to perform onstage together for the first time since we met in 2001. We have had a ball and cannot wait for our boys to come and see the show.”

Mark Doran last appeared with CLOC as Chris in Miss Saigon (2009).  Since then, he has married, had two children, changed career, returned to study, moved house - and managed to keep appearing in shows, most notably Matt in Altar Boyz for Fab Nobs (2010) and the title role in last year’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar for Windmill Theatre Company. Hayley has managed to combine motherhood, part time work, full time study and theatre roles, including Anna in PLOS' summer 2012 production of The King and I.

Mark says, “With our busy lives and our roles as parents, I try to only do a show with a role that really appeals to me. Sunset Boulevard fits the bill – a great role in a great show with a great company.  And doing a show with Hayley makes it extra special, so worth the juggle.”

Hayley added, "We are very lucky to have strong extended family support, which enables us to perform together, while our children are still so young. It is always a matter of balancing competing demands, though, but is an experience we wouldn't miss for the world and we feel very fortunate.”

When they join the audience of the Andrew Lloyd Webber stage adaptation of the classic Hollywood film, the children will have plenty of time to enjoy their parents’ performances, as Mark plays the lead role of Joe Gillis (played by William Holden in the movie and Hugh Jackman in the original 1996 Australian production), while David plays the cynical and ruthless movie producer Sheldrake. Hayley and Suzanne both feature in a number of supporting roles, involving several complete (and quick!) costume and wig changes; chances are their children may be hard pressed to recognise their mums.

Sunset Boulevard runs from May 4 - 19 at the National Theatre in St Kilda for twelve performances, including a special Mother’s Day matinee on Sunday May 13, in which all mothers in the audience will receive a gift.

Photographer: Richard Crompton

Tickets can be purchased by phoning 1300 362 547, or you can book online at www.cloc.org.au

More on Sunset Boulevard at CLOC

www.stagewhispers.com.au/community-theatre/maureen-gets-ready-her-close

www.stagewhispers.com.au/community-theatre/cloc-create-hollywood-magic-sunset 

Community Theatre Seasons 2012 - www.stagewhispers.com.au/community-theatre/community-theatre-seasons-2012

More Community Theatre - www.stagewhispers.com.au/community-theatre