Kane Alexander talks TITANIC THE MUSICAL: IN CONCERT
The five-time Tony Award winning production Titanic The Musical will play an exclusive and limited season In Concert in Melbourne this November. This special event will feature a 26-piece orchestra alongside a brilliant Australian cast gracing the stage at the landmark Melbourne Town Hall for 4 performances only on November 4, 5 and 6. This stunning concert production celebrates the 110th anniversary of the Titanic.
An inspiring and talented cast has been assembled playing characters who existed in real life on the ill-fated journey. As previously announced Anthony Warlow plays Captain E.J Smith and joining him will be Juan Jackson as ship designer and builder Thomas Andrews and Kane Alexander as owner of the ship J. Bruce Ismay.
Kane Alexander is one of Australia’s most sought-after performers. He has performed all over the world, collected numerous awards, and signed an international recording deal with Sony Music. He is perhaps best known for the lead roles he has performed on the musical stage. These roles include Giorgio in Passion, Stone in City of Angels, Bobby Strong in Urinetown (Helpmann Award nomination), Claude in Hair, Willard in Footloose, the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz, and Billy Crocker in Anything Goes. He also performed in the 10th anniversary production of Les Miserables, South Pacific, Angry Penguins, and Only Heaven Knows. In the USA, Kane appeared in Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens and An Evening with Jerry Herman, and has toured Australia in concert with the Australian Philharmonic Orchestra.
Can you tell me a bit about your background with performing?
Kane: I started at 16 years old with the Australian tour of South Pacific, then studied Opera at the Queensland Conservatorium, followed by study at the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). After performing in the 10th Anniversary tour of Les Miserables, I moved to New York for a few years to do further study and perform my cabaret show over there. Then I came back to Australia to perform in various musicals for a few years, along with recording a “Pop Opera” album with Sony Music.
What do you think will be the most challenging part of playing a person who really existed?
Kane: There’s always an element of pressure as an actor when portraying a non-fictional character. Much has been written about J. Bruce Ismay – the owner of the Titanic – and to an extent, he was villainized for his actions before and after the disaster. I’m hoping to find the humanity in him, rather than presenting a one-dimensional version of the character.
And the most exciting?
Kane: My character’s emotional journey is huge (it’s the same for all characters in the piece, who are forced to confront their own mortality). It’s exciting to be exploring how our characters might react in the extraordinary circumstances they find themselves in. For J. Bruce Ismay – he must reconcile his own responsibility for the tragedy, which weighed heavily on him for the rest of his life.
How is the role different to characters you have played in the past?
Kane: This is actually the first time that I’ve not played the romantic lead or “hero” of the piece. I’m excited to explore a character that is considered the “villain” of the story.
Do you have a favourite song or moment from the show?
Kane: There are so many wonderful moments, but one of my favourite musical moments is “The Proposal/The Night Was Alive” which is two songs sung separately, then in counterpoint by two male characters in the show. It is a gorgeous & moving piece of music.
Can you sum up the show in 3 words?
Kane: Epic, Emotional, Thrilling
Titanic The Musical: In Concert plays for a strictly limited season at Melbourne’s Town Hall from November 4 to 6.
For tickets and more information, visit www.titanicmusicalinconcert.com.au
