Opera Queensland Tours Premiere of Are You Lonesome Tonight

Beth Keehn caught up with performer and multi-instrumentalist, Jonathan Hickey, as the cast and crew commenced a seven-week tour of regional Queensland with their new Australian work Are You Lonesome Tonight.

Beth Keehn (BK): Your world premiere opening night was on 4 May in Rockhampton – what was the reaction?

Jonathan Hickey (JH): The audience really seemed to enjoy it. It was such a great atmosphere! We received a standing ovation from the crowd, which was awesome. I got talking with a few people afterwards, and they all seemed to relate to the show in some way.

BK: Tell us about the Beef Australia Community Chorus performing at the opening night in Rocky.

JH: The Beef Australia Community Chorus are a group from all different performance backgrounds. For some, it was their first time singing in front of an audience, so it was definitely a special experience for everyone involved. They were all lovely and sounded amazing. 

BK: How are you preparing for the tour and seven weeks on the road?

JH: Well, I always make sure I get plenty of rest and stay hydrated, but I have packed my rod and reel, so I'm all set to go fishing if there's time! I’ve done all my prep in terms of rehearsal, so now I just get to enjoy the tour.

BK:  You've toured before with Opera Queensland – how is this tour different?

JH: The touring is similar in many ways: we are visiting a number of the same venues across Queensland, just on a much bigger scale. Our school shows have full set and costume so the main difference would be just the size, and we are travelling with a crew – so we won’t have to build the set, which is a nice change! Also, in this show, I play violin in a few numbers, so it’s really nice to be playing again.

BK: What are you most looking forward to?

JH: I'm looking forward to bringing this show to the small towns, playing for the people who don’t usually have a chance to see live theatre. It's great being able to meet the locals and to enjoy all the different experiences you get from touring regionally. I'm definitely looking forward to fishing some of the local spots, and checking out the Great Barrier Reef. 

BK: Why will fans of country music and opera love this show?

JH: There’s a bit of something in it for everyone. We’ve tried to bring together the best music from both genres and it’s really just a celebration of good music. On the opera side there’s a bit of Mozart, Verdi, Aussie opera from Kate Miller-Heidke's The Rabbits. For Australian country music, there’s a bit of Slim Dusty and Troy Cassar-Daley. It’s a real mix. We do a 'Brindisi' ('The Drinking Song') and 'Duncan' mash-up which always seems to go down well with the locals – some even sing along! And the audiences so far seem to love our version of Dolly Parton's 'Jolene' with a classical spin!

BK: You are performing with singers Irena Lysiuk and Marcus Corowa. How involved were the artists in choosing the musical material and shaping the show?

JH: We all spent a week in upper Tooloom exploring both genres, picking the songs that were a 'must have' in the show, and working out how we could link it all together. We started at the beginning for both genres, then explored the journeys they’ve taken. We were all very involved in choosing the material, and everyone played a part in creating the show. Our director, Laura Hansford and our creative director, Patrick Nolan had a rough idea for the structure of the show, and we all helped fill in the gaps.

BK:  What do you think the two musical forms share that audiences will enjoy?

JH: We found that both country and opera tell similar stories. There are recurring themes of loving, drinking, fighting and cussing! Both turning classic stories into songs. For country, it was folk stories which were turned into ballads. Opera uses more myths and stories and turns them into song. Both require a level of vocal technique, and we found that 'twang' was an important mechanism used in both genres! So, there are definitely similarities.

BK: What sort of venues are you playing at?

JH: It's a big mix of venues, from the stadium in Townsville to the Stockman’s Hall of Fame in Longreach. The Waltzing Matilda Centre in Winton, Blackall Woolscour, rodeo grounds in Roma, and some beautiful theatres like the Empire in Toowoomba, and then other little gems all along the east coast. We are incredibly lucky to be able to perform in such a huge mix of venues. 

BK:  Tell us about working with fellow performers, Marcus Corowa and Irena Lysiuk, and director, Laura Hansford?

JH: It’s such a great time working with these legends. We have a great chemistry and I think that shows on stage. Laura and I met back on OQ production of Pearl Fishers, so it’s nice to be working with her, this time she’s at the helm! We’ve just started the tour and we’re having an absolute ball checking out all the local hot spots. Horseshoe Bay was particularly beautiful! 

BK: What are your plans after the tour ends?

JH: I jump straight into rehearsals for the school tour of Opera Queensland and Shake & Stir’s productions of The Frog Prince and then La Boheme which I’m really looking forward to. I wouldn’t mind squeezing in a bit more travel if that’s at all possible by the end of 2021.

BK:  Will you be checking out venues for future gigs for your band 'Chinatown Carpark' while you are on tour?

JH: Definitely! Me and my brothers are writing a new EP, so we are hoping to take the new songs on the road in the near future. So, stay tuned! 

Opera Queensland's Young Artist Program this year includes local talent from Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Townsville. Are You Lonesome Tonight tours until the end of June, and there are more regional appearances at the inaugural Festival of Outback Opera starting in Winton on 19 May.

Find out more at: oq.com.au

Photos: Jade Ferguson