'Cruel Intentions - the 90s Musical' hits HOTA this weekend, packed to the brim with 90s nostalgia and hits galore.
The 'Cruel Intentions' musical has been making its way around the country. What can we the audience expect from the show and why should we rush out and grab our tickets? Audiences can expect 90 minutes of non-stop 90s nostalgia backed by a killer soundtrack featuring many famous 90's hits from artists such as The Verve, NSYNC, Goo Goo Dolls and Christina Aguilera just to name a few! This show will make you laugh, cry and have you singing along at the same time.
We caught up with one of the leads, Daniel Erbacher, who plays the role of Court Reynolds (Kathryn's ex who she wants to get revenge on).
You have played in other productions such as Legally Blonde, It's Only Life and Grease. How has preparation for this production been compared to other shows you have performed in?
This new Australian production of 'Cruel Intentions- the 90s Musical' is the first ever professional scale version ever created. Preparations for this show were very unique in comparison to other shows I have done. This show was being built from the ground up, this is no Broadway carbon copy production, we had a script, a soundtrack, and the famous cult classic movie as a reference but the rest was entirely up to us. With an incredible team of creatives and a sensational lineup of Australian Musical Theatre talent, we were able to develop this very new and special show for Australian audiences to come and enjoy.
You have some talented dancers in this ensemble. Who are a few that stand out as upcoming talent and ones to keep an eye on?
Every artist in this show is absolutely incredible at what they do. I am so lucky to be able to turn up to work every day with such a talented and beautiful group of people.
You appear to be a little bit younger than a 90’s born child. Did you have to research the era and watch the movie 'Cruel Intentions' a few times to get into character?
I am! :) I do have a love for the 90s, so the era isn't completely foreign to me even though I was born in the very late 90s. I did have to research the show a bit and watch the movie in preparation for the show.
The musical will obviously have some banger 90’s hits. What can we expect from the wardrobe department?
The costumes and hair for this show will transport you back to the 90s straight away! Our wonderful Designer - Isaac Lummis has made sure that we are head to toe 90s fashion. You'll have to come along and check it out!
Now I am a 90’s born girl and I think the music of that era is the best. However, I am an average singer at best. Are you expecting full crowd participation and which songs should I just let loose and not care about the people besides me?
We want audiences to have a great time when they come and see this show, people know the music so well, it's so nostalgic and you can't help but not sing along at points.
What are your favourite songs in the show?
If I was only able to name three, I would say a few of my favourites would have to be 'Bye Bye Bye', our Act 1 Finale and 'Bittersweet Symphony'.
Were there any songs that challenged you vocally or working out the choreography for?
This show is a workout physically and vocally for everyone. I cover multiple roles within the show so staying well rested and healthy is one of the constant challenges we face, in order to stay vocally fit and ready for an eight show week.
Now I am going to ask you to go back in time and pretend you are a teenager living in the 90’s.
• What is in your wardrobe?
Combat Boots, a selection of brightly coloured fanny packs, baggy jeans and the odd Wind Breaker
• What are you playing on your CD Walkman?
Blink 182 all the way!
• What posters do you think would be on your wall?
Goo Goo Dolls & Mrs Doubtfire movie poster (Robin Williams is God)
• Who was your favourite spice girl?
Sporty Spice!
• If you had to choose between Backstreet boys and N Sync who would choose and why?
Backstreet Boys all the way! They are just way cooler :)
• What would you be doing in high school to be one of the "cool" kids?
Being all angsty and trying to rebel against my parents. Does that sound about right? :)
'Cruel Intentions - the Musical' runs at HOTA until 28 January. Tickets here.