Prior Engagements

Leading lady Marina Prior, who has been thrilling audiences since the age of 19,  recently appeared in a concert version of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s masterpiece Carousel. Life-long fan Jonathan Cox was excited to chat with her.

It was Marina Prior’s portrayal of Christine in the original Australian production of The Phantom of the Opera that initially captured my attention. I found myself attending the show on nine separate occasions, primarily due to Miss Prior’s enchanting performance. As a youthful theatre enthusiast, the mere thought of misplacing my ticket or encountering an understudy instead of Marina induced significant anxiety before each show. Even now, many years later, I continue to hold a deep admiration for Marina’s body of work and eagerly anticipate her future endeavours. I am enthusiastic about exploring her extensive career achievements and distinctive viewpoints.

Jonathan Cox: How did your musical life begin?

Marina Prior: My earliest memories are of singing when I started speaking. I played the guitar at the age of eight. At school I studied singing, piano and flute. I taught myself all the singer-songwriter songs of my childhood, including songs by James Taylor, Cat Stevens and Simon and Garfunkel. I would fluctuate between wanting to be someone like Joni Mitchell or Kate Bush.

I started getting paid (at age 15) for playing guitar and singing (underage) in pubs, and when I went on to study music at university, I used to busk in the Bourke Street Mall, Melbourne.

JC: Can you tell us about your audition for The Pirates of Penzance, when you scored the role of Mabel at age nineteen?

MP: I turned up to an open call audition which was advertised in the newspaper. They don’t do it anymore!  A group of us from university were told to sing the chorus part of the finale of Act One. And then they asked me to go home and learn Mabel’s aria. My dad had to buy the album at the record shop, bring it home to me, and I learned it that night. I went back the next day and ended up getting that role - that changed my entire life.

JC: Do you have a favourite role or show you've been in?

MP: They’ve all been so amazing, every show brings something different to me, but I did love doing Hello, Dolly! opposite my husband (Grant Piro).

JC: What other leading men have you had strong chemistry with?

MP: A special favourite would have to be Philip Quast. We did The Secret Garden together and played husband and wife in the first tour of Mary Poppins. He's such a thrilling actor and just working with him every night was a joy. I'd also have to say that (the late) Rob Guest was one of the most generous people I've worked with.

JC: Do you have a favourite stage costume that you've worn?

MP: The beautiful, deep blue silk dress (with its original Victorian print) and cape, and red scarf that I wore in the second act of Phantom was spectacular. Even my boots were handmade! The budget for that show alone must have been extraordinary, because such love and care were put into every detail.

JC: What’s the worst costume malfunction you've had on stage?

MP: In Phantom I got transformed on stage from the ballerina, into the diva of the Paris Opera House. One night an understudy had trembling hands and could not do the hook up on my ball gown. When it was my turn to sing (‘Think of Me’), she left, and my dress fell to my feet. Another time my wig fell off and disappeared around the Phantom's feet, and I was left wearing a stocking cap!

JC: How did the audience react?

MP: They gasped, and I ran offstage, and then came back on with a different wig.

JC: Do you have any dressing room quirks, rituals or items that you take with you?  

MP: I always take pictures of my family. I take these little pottery dishes that two of my kids made me, to put wedding rings in. I always take a lamp, so I’ve got a nice atmosphere, and a yoga mat, because I like to do yoga before the show.

JC: How did you keep your voice in shape and your sanity during the COVID years?

MP: I work on my voice every day at home, and I'm lucky I live sort of on the edge of the countryside so I could go walking in the bush. And you know, I have spent 40 years constantly running to get to the airport to stay in a place that isn't my home. And for me, weirdly, COVID was an enforced stopping everything, just being at home to relax and I found it okay.

JC: Do you have a tip for other performers that you've used during your career?

MP: Yes, never, ever stop learning! Because the minute you do, you're closing yourself off to improvement.  Always try to learn from people older (or younger) than you, and from the people you’re surrounded by.

JC: Is there a role left on your bucket list?

MP: I’ve got a couple of buckets! I'd love to do Mrs Lovett in Sweeney Todd, the witch in Into the Woods and Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard. Me and just about every other female actress of a certain age! I would love to do more plays and screenplays.

JC: Would you be interested in taking on the role of Ruth in Pirates, thus completing a full circle from your debut as Mabel?

MP: I think that'd be a blast, yes!

JC: Is there a musical or film adaptation of story or a novel you'd like to star in?

MP: Because I just re-read the book recently, I would say I’d like to play the mother (Mrs Bennet) in Pride and Prejudice.

JC: Can you tell the readers a little bit about your upcoming concert performance in Carousel, which will be staged in Melbourne?

MP: It's going to be a fully staged concert version with a full orchestra. I think it's one of Rodgers and Hammerstein greatest achievements, considering it was originally written and performed in 1945.

Carousel is a musical where the leading man is not the hero. He's an antagonist. He's not an all-over good guy. Love isn't always right. Julie and Billy Bigelow love each other, but their relationship is doomed. Carousel touches on domestic violence and looks into all those sorts of grey areas. Up until then many musicals were squeaky clean, and everything always turned out happily in the end. In Carousel, Julie is a widow (who has survived domestic violence), with a young daughter who doesn't have a father. It was ahead of its time. I think it resonates with people, because it's a truthful show, highlighting that life isn't always perfect for everyone.

JC: Tell us about your role?

MP: I play Nettie Fowler – the wiser older cousin to Julie Jordan (played by Anna O’Byrne) - who kind of reminds me of the nurse in Romeo and Juliet. She is a confidante, mentor and mother figure. There’s a lovely dynamic between the two cousins. I get to sing 'You’ll Never Walk Alone' and 'June Is Bustin’ Out All Over'.

JC: Will you have an inspiration or person in mind when you sing, ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’?

MP: Rather than thinking out of context, or of a personal experience, generally I’m so immersed in the story and action that has led to that moment; that is where I'm going to be drawing inspiration.

I’m excited to see which direction Miss Prior’s career will take next!

BUY TICKETS TO CAROUSEL AT THE PRINCESS THEATRE HERE.

September 7 and 8.

Images: Top 2 - Marina during rehearals for Carousel - Photographer Jeff Busby. Middle two images - Dream Lover - Photographer Jeff Busby. The Sound of Music - Photographer: James Morgan.