Elise McCann and Andy Karl in Groundhog Day The Musical
ELISE MCCANN - MY AUSTRALIA
What does living in modern day Australia mean to you?
To me it is working hard, being grateful and caring for the beautiful land and country we are lucky to reside on and recognising the diversity of Australian people and culture and finding ways to respect and generously support each other. It is taking responsibility, in terms of the environment, treatment of our First Nations people, of our mental health and housing crisis, of our treatment of women, all the way through to the way I treat my family, my friends, my workplace.
What is it about Australian creative artists that put us so strongly on the world stage?
I think most Australian artists have an incredible work ethic which is largely because we don’t take for granted the privilege of being able to create and perform. Australia as a nation enjoys the arts, but doesn’t necessarily prioritise or fund the arts, so creatives have to really work and sacrifice and invest in themselves, and their craft, and every opportunity they get as there isn’t an endless smorgasbord of work opportunities.
When you get down time from performing, what’s the perfect Aussie weekend away for you?
I love being near the water, it always makes me feel calm and relaxed and rejuvenated, so for me it is going for a beach weekend! I love going up the coast if I have a couple of days, but if I only have one day then I head to Tamarama, Bronte or Bondi. And if it’s too cold to swim I do the Bondi to Bronte walk and have coffee by the water! I’m also a health and wellness tech business owner with my pep talk app Hey Lemonade that I co-founded with my best friend Lucy Durack. So, in my downtime I will listen to some favourite pep talks to keep my mind processing and focused and in a positive mindset.
Which Australian capital city is your favourite and why?
Sydney is where I grew up and generally feels like home, so it holds top ranking for me. I love how Sydney integrates nature and city living – with the beautiful parks and botanic gardens and the harbour right in the city, and the beaches so close. I also love that if ofers great theatre, great parks and museums, amazing shopping and great food. Plus, my family are all in Sydney, so that is the extra icing on the cake.
WHICH AUSSIES HAVE INSPIRED YOUR CAREER AND WHY?
Most recently – Trent Dalton. I read Boy Swallows Universe a few years ago and (like everyone else) watched the Netflix series this year. He’s got an amazing story, but the way he talks about the weird wonders of life with such an open and interested mind, really has altered the way I write stand up and think about storytelling.
Onto Groundhog Day, and what’s it like working so closely with Aussie icon Tim Minchin on this musical?
It is always so much fun and such a privilege to work with Tim. Both he and his music are truly so smart and nuanced and complex. Working on his shows is simultaneously one of the hardest things you will ever work on and one of the most rewarding. Tim, as a creator and colleague, is so invested in us and the show, but at the same time he is an awesome collaborator. He is always ready and excited for you to make an ofer and bring a new colour or hit a new thought or try a slightly diferent note transition or joke – and he will often change things for you and let you play and find something even more exciting or fresh or unique. He is also just a great friend. He checks in and makes times to catch up, he loves hanging out and having a beer or wine with the company and just sitting round and talking shit!
Tell us about your character and a little hint about the story of Groundhog Day?
The show follows Phil Connors, a cynical weatherman, who has been sent to small town Punxsutawney, in Pennsylvania to report on ‘Groundhog Day’ which is a real life event that takes place on February 2nd every year, whereby a groundhog is woken from his burrow and is supposed to be able to predict whether there will be an early spring or 6 more weeks of winter! Phil gets stuck in a time loop and has to live this day over and over again. I play his producer Rita Hansen (played by Andy McDowell in the film) who is the opposite of Phil. Rita is optimistic and pragmatic and lives life with best intentions. She becomes a catalyst for change. Groundhog Day the musical is one of the FUNNIEST, most exciting, and completely moving and electric shows you will ever see. You really don’t want to miss it.
