2.9 Voldemort & the Teenage Hogwarts Musical Parody

With Alex Donnelly, Miranda Middleton, & Ashley Taylor

This week Bronte Charlotte chats with actor Alex Donnelly, director & choreographer Miranda Middleton and producer Ashley Taylor from Salty Theatre’s Voldemort and the Teenage Hogwarts Musical Parody. We delved into the behind the scenes and making of the show, how the three creatives all dealt with the show being postponed several times due to COVID restrictions, the changes in cast, coming in as a fresh director, who the show is for, and just how perfect the casting is! This chat had me so revved up to see the show, the energy in that room was just buzzing. It was so clear that these creatives are so ready to get out there and show audiences this quirky, queer, magical world that they’ve been building since late 2019.

Alex Donnelly is our Tom Riddle in this musical parody. He graduated from VCAs acting degree in 2018 and is everything anyone could ever wish to see in a teenage Tom Riddle. Miranda Middleton is the director and choreographer who - you’ll hear in the chat - jumped on board just a few months ago. She completed her masters in Directing at NIDA and has some pretty wonderful credits under her belt. Ashley Taylor is one of the two who make up Salty Theatre, a production company that introduces fresh new works into the Australian arts community. Ash and Sarah Louise Younger are a powerhouse duo and it was invigorating having the opportunity to speak with Ash about their current project.

Voldemort and the Teenage Hogwarts Musical Parody is not authorized, sanctioned, licensed or endorsed by J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros. or any person or company associated with the Harry Potter books, films or play.

During this episode we discuss:

[02:37] Where the Voldemort and the Teenage Hogwarts Musical Parody originated, bringing the show to Australia, transitioning the show into the round after Theatre Works changed the setup of the theatre due to COVID restrictions.
[07:03] Playing into the intimacy of the theatre and creating a more cabaret style performance, the benefits of the shifts in the performance requirements and things changing for the better.
[09:06] Alex’s re-discovery of his love of Harry Potter, finding the characters through exploration, exaggeration and accepting that they were creating their own world.
[11:34] A queering of classic characters, a declaration of unconditional support of the LGBTQIA community, and part of Salty Theatre’s mission being honouring the landscape of all humans in Australia and the world.
[14:16] The audition process for Alex, being in a role that feels like it was made for you and you for it, the joy of feeling excited about performing and feeling so completely ready after such a long theatre void.
[17:42] How the creatives kept energised throughout long COVID lockdowns and the show being postponed, the Hatch Lab Musical Theatre Residency Program, and celebrating coming back into the rehearsal room.
[20:58] Building a new ensemble energy, Miranda becoming the director of the show during the Melbourne lockdown and while moving interstate.
[23:54] Forging ahead when times get tough, finding the space for laughter and comedy, and knowing that what you do is important and can make a difference in people's lives.
[31:12] Some of the most joyful moments in the show to look forward to, being transported to a whimsical, magical time of teenage years, insecurity, friendship and being a misfit.

Resources:

Sponsors: Theatre Works & Aintree Group
Hatch Lab Musical Theatre Residency Program

Head over to the @chats.w.creatives instagram page to stay up to date with episodes and guests we have coming up!

2.9 Voldemort & the Teenage Hogwarts Musical Parody

With Alex Donnelly, Miranda Middleton, & Ashley Taylor

3.1 Cerebral Text

2.8 Breaking Up With Acting