Images by Daniel Boud
RHONDA BURCHMORE - MY AUSTRALIA
Australian entertainer Rhonda Burchmore OAM shares her love of our country as she takes to the boards in the Australian premiere of Sister Act the Musical, now playing at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney, before taking the show around Australia.
WITH A SHOWBIZ CAREER SPANNING OVER FOUR DECADES, WHO WAS YOUR FAVOURITE PERSON TO WORK WITH?
Well, there are so many to mention. The legendary Anthony Newley would have to be one of my favourites when I did a show called Stop the World, I want to Get Of in London’s West End. Also, the extraordinary movie star and tap dancer Ann Miller, when I did Sugar Babies in London, was amazing to work with. And our very own Garry McDonald in Sugar Babies when it was done here in Australia, and my bestie Lara Mulcahy when we did the original Mamma Mia together.
WHEN YOU’RE NOT REHEARSING OR PERFORMING, WHAT’S YOUR IDEAL LITTLE AUSSIE GETAWAY OR “DOWN TIME” BREAK?
My ideal getaway is the Gold Coast. I have a little place right on the beach and I love nothing more than getting out of all the showbiz and getting down on the beach for long walks and fishing. I love fishing. A lot of people don’t know that about me, but I catch my own bait and I love beach fishing. It’s my favourite downtime thing.
WHERE IN AUSTRALIA HAVE YOU NOT VISITED BUT WORLD LIKE TO GO?
I’ve been to pretty much all of Australia and I adore Australia as there are so many diferent places to see and explore in our wonderful country. One place I would adore to visit is the Kimberley in Western Australia. I’ve seen the incredible landscape and to see it in person would be a dream.
WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT AUSTRALIA WHEN YOU’RE NOT AT HOME?
Well, first and foremost, when I am not at home in Australia, my family would be number one, and my dogs. My dogs, Bonnie and Blossom, get so upset when they see the suitcase come out. They know Mummy’s going somewhere, they don’t know where, but it is just so wonderful when we are reunited. But when I am overseas, I also miss the Australian people in general. The kindness, their humour, the lifestyle and of course the beaches we have in Australia. I miss them all!
SISTER ACT IS ONE OF THOSE ICONIC GEMS OF THE FILM WORLD, SO HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE AS SISTER MARY LAZARUS IN THE MUSICAL ADAPTATION AND AUSTRALIA’S PREMIERE?
My role of Sister Mary Laz (arus) is larger than life, I think. I get fly, I get to tap, and I get to rap, so she’s a real character and I think she has developed wonderfully to tailor make this role for me, in this production. It’s been adapted by the English creatives, essentially giving me licence to do whatever I want with this role and it’s an absolute hoot! Australia has never seen me perform like this, and so far, the audiences are absolutely eating it up and I am loving it.
HOW SIMILAR IS THE MOVIE TO THE STAGE MUSICAL AND WHAT CAN AUSSIE AUDIENCES EXPECT?
The theme is the same, of course, and it has the same message. Audiences can expect a really heartfelt, joyous and fabulous night out. It has wonderful songs with the music especially written for the show by Academy Award winner, Alan Menken. The songs are phenomenal. It’s also very funny and a guaranteed best night out for families, young and old and everything in between.
POST SISTER ACT, WHAT’S NEXT ON THE LIST TO ADD TO YOUR IMPRESSIVE CAREER?
I think I am going to be tied up with Sister Act for a while, which is great, so I am not sure. But, I can guarantee I am not prepared to hang up the old tap-dancing shoes anytime soon. I love performing as much these days as I ever have, and it’s just something in my blood. I think if I ever stopped performing it would absolutely kill me. So, standby and watch this space, there will be some other new fabulous project to do for sure!
