Hot Shoe Shuffle – Mitchell Hicks

Each week until early April, AussieTheatre will be featuring interviews with the recently announced Tap Brothers, soon to star in the upcoming 21st Anniversary Production of Hot Shoe Shuffle.

Hot Shoe Shuffle is the tale of Spring, Slap, Buck, Wing, Tip, Tap and Slide and their long lost sister April in a 1940s inspired musical theatre setting with choreography by Dein Perry and David Atkins.

Our third feature is with Mitchell Hicks – most recently seen in the acclaimed production of A Chorus Line – who will star as Wing.

What is it that excites you most about joining the cast of Hot Shoe Shuffle?

It is a new, exciting show and adventure. It is something I have always wanted to do

When did you discover your love of tap?

At about 5 years of age and I have been doing it ever since, and 20 years later I am still doing it!

You have worked in the theatre and performance since you were very young – did you ever think you would be anything other than a performer?

No, never, performing was something I always knew I wanted to do. Perhaps I might have liked to do something else creative, but a 9-5 job was never going to be for me.

Describe your character – Wing.

Wing is the nerd, the geek of the brothers, which is a part I am familiar with!

Do you have any pre-show or post show rituals/superstitions?

I always like to run through solo once before a performance.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

If you’re not confident, then just pretend to be.

Dancing is a very physically exerting exercise – how do you maintain your health and stamina to make sure you are always at your peak?

I go to the gym often, but for a show like Hot Shoe Shuffle, rest is better than exertion.

What is the best thing about the performing arts community in Australia?

That everyone within it is very close, everyone knows everybody else and they are all very encouraging.

You have worked with co-choreographers David Atkins (Hairspray) and Dein Perry (Tap Dogs) prior to landing this role – tell us about your experiences working with these two original cast members of Hot Shoe Shuffle in the past.

When I was in Hairspray with David, I always admired his creativity, and it is the same here. They are both inspiring people to work with.

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Mitchell’s career began aged 11 playing Young Peter Allen in the original production of The Boy From Oz in 1998. Eight years later he performed in the arena production alongside Hugh Jackman.

Other theatre credits include Jolson (Sammy) and Singin’ in the Rain (Young Don) and the Sydney and Melbourne Seasons of Hairspray (understudy Wilbur) directed by David Atkins.

Mitchell has also performed extensively with Dein Perry’s 10th Anniversary production of Tap Dogs and has a string of television performances to his name including Australian Idol with Marcia Hines, The Arias with The Presets, The Logies with Gabriella Cilmi, Hey Hey Its Saturday with Kylie Minogue, Carols In The Domain, Sunrise, Dancing With The Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, Kerri-Anne and The Helpmann Awards 2011.

Mitchell also worked on the feature film Happy Feet 2, directed by George Miller.

Hot Shoe Shuffle opens at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC on May 4 and will transfer to the Lyric Theatre, Sydney from July 10. 

Visit www.hotshoeshuffle.com for more information