Meet the Musical Theatre Chorus

We catch up with a few of our talented ensemble members from the City Academy Musical Theatre Companies and find out how the preparations are going for their upcoming production of the musical ‘Fame’. With so many memorable ensemble numbers, the chorus will be at forefront of what is set to be a fantastic show.

We also find out what it is like to be in a Musical Theatre Company – from a shared love of Musical Theatre and late night after-rehearsal socials to teaching your dance routines to your kids!

TUESDAY COMPANY

Jade Henderson

Fame will be Jade’s second Musical Theatre show, after appearing in the Sleeping Beauty Pantomime last Christmas.

What do you enjoy about being in the Musical Theatre Company?
Meeting a great bunch of new people from a variety of backgrounds who all share a love of Musical Theatre! I’ve always wanted to be on stage but never got the chance to go to drama school so this is a great way of feeding the passion without the stresses that come with being a professional performer.

How does the company fit around your work life?
The company is made up of mostly young professionals and rehearsals are designed to fit around our busy lives. Rehearsals do demand more of our free time as the show gets closer and require a decent level of commitment to produce a high standard show, but it’s all worth it when it comes together in the end.

It’s also a great way to let loose on a Tuesday night as well as meet new people to add to your social circle. We are all great friends in the company and often arrange social outings together, usually to theatre shows!

I’ve always wanted to be on stage but never got the chance to go to drama school so this is a great way of feeding the passion without the stresses that come with being a professional performer.

How are rehearsals for the show going?

They are hard work! Pardon the pun (those who know the show will get that one!) It’s not all work though, and the reason we all do it is to have fun and do something we love outside of our everyday nine-to-fives. There are some complex harmonies and dance moves in Fame but so far we are pulling it off and are all looking great!

What do you enjoy most about Fame?

Well dancing is my favourite element of performing and Fame is a dance-focused show with more complex choreography than we are used to, but I think we have all really stepped up to the challenge and our choreographer Ughetta has brought heaps of creativity and energy to each rehearsal.

Nicola Elliott

Nicola returns for her third show with the Monday Musical Theatre Company.

How does the Company fit in with your social life?

I have made so many new friends and I have seen more shows socially with the company than I ever did before! It also boosts my energy at work knowing I have something to look forward to on Tuesdays or even at the weekends.

What is it like working with the cast and teachers?
The cast are wonderful, it is nice to share a passion with so many people. The teachers are all new to this show and have really bought out new skills in everybody. They are so motivated and determined!

What do you enjoy most about Fame?

I have always wanted to perform in Fame since I first saw the film and TV series. Going to a school where you can sing, dance and act was something I was not able to do, so to perform in this show is like having a chance to go back in time and be a high school teenager all over again!

To perform in this show is like having a chance to go back in time and be a high school teenager all over again!

What is your favourite number from the show?

Bring on Tomorrow has to be my favourite. It sends such a positive message to the audience and motivates you to believe that you can do anything and make a difference if you try hard enough.

MONDAY COMPANY

Jenny Helavuori

Jenny is a mother of two who made her debut with the Monday Musical Theatre Company in last year’s summer show ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.’

What do you enjoy most about being in the Musical Theatre Company?

What’s not to enjoy?! It’s a great group of talented, creative and fun people. We put on a show together while having fun, and develop our singing, acting and dancing skills.

Being in the company is my escape from reality: a little bit of me time. We have two young children, so it feels good to do something different, it also introduces the kids to musical theatre as they learn the dance moves and songs as well. Furthermore, it’s something I didn’t have the chance to do before moving to London, so the company is one more special thing about London for me. I also enjoy the social side of the company, with get-togethers and events outside of the rehearsals.

Being in the company is my escape from reality: a little bit of me time. We have two young children, so it feels good to do something different, it also introduces the kids to musical theatre as they learn the dance moves and songs as well.

How has it been working with the teachers?

It’s been amazing and also interesting, as we have a new creative team compared to the two previous shows I’ve done. We’ve done some improvisations with Grace, the director, which then have been developed into a scene. Charlie, the MD, is very efficient in the way he teaches. Ughetta, the choreographer, has put in extra time to help us with the dances.

What can we expect from the show?

Amazing acting, marvellous voices, dancing, everything we love in musical theatre! Remember to book tickets to see the Monday Musical Theatre Company!

Federica Lodato

This will be Federica’s first production with the Musical Theatre Company. As they say…good luck…break a leg!

What is it about Fame you enjoy most?

The big numbers! Being in the ensemble is great because Fame has so many dances and scenes we all get to be in, plus it’s such a fun and energetic show.

I also love that once a week I can get away from my daily routine and do the thing I love with the most amazing people.

How are the rehearsals going? 

Very good, we are doing some extra rehearsals too, it’s not easy to remember all the dances and melodies for all songs but we are lucky enough to work well as a team, with a brilliant MD, director and choreographer. We love a bit of “hard work”.

Do you have a favourite song from the show and why?

We recently did the choreography for Dancing on the Sidewalk and I think it has just become my favourite one, I love every move of the dance!

Our ensemble are members of the City Academy Monday and Tuesday Musical Theatre Companies. They rehearse weekly and perform their own musical productions at theatres twice a year.

Interested in the Musical Theatre Company or want to try a Musical Theatre class? See here.