Meeting Gomez

When Shire Music Theatre in Sydney’s south presents the stage musical version of The Addams Family in October 2014, Brad Clarke will play family patriarch Gomez Addams.

What attracted you to the role of Gomez?

I grew up watching the original TV series and was quite fascinated by it, so I jumped at the chance to do the stage musical. It is a great role for a male, especially when it seems that the women get most of the good roles in musical theatre these days... I also really prefer just to do character roles these days and this is about as good as it gets.

What is your favourite thing about the show?

I saw the production at the Capitol last year and absolutely loved it. I have to say it was just magical. It does have something for everyone: romance, high drama, comedy (lots of it) a great score and there’s even some torture, drink spiking and darkness for those who want to see that kind of thing.

What are you most looking forward to in this production?

I’m looking forward being back up on stage again after a three year hiatus. I’m also looking forward to seeing how the audience react to seeing characters that many of them have grown up with, come to life.

What can audiences expect?

Mmmmm … well, my feeling at this early stage is - something truly special and most definitely in line with the consistent high calibre of production standards that SMT are known for. I’ve been chatting to Chae (Rogan), the director, and I love his vision for the show. He said to me the other day, “I want people to go WOW when they see this show.” That really excited me and has stuck in my mind. I think he has a few great special effect surprises in store, so you’ll just have to come along and see.

What do you love about the rehearsal process?

I have to be honest and say I’m not a fan of the first few weeks of learning; it can be quite daunting, although I do enjoy getting to know the cast. I really only start to enjoy rehearsals when the hurdle of learning it all is over and you can just get to the refinement stage. I thought i might get away with minimal dancing in this show, however what I had forgotten was that there is a huge Tango number for Morticia and Gomez.... I’m not the world’s best dancer and needless to say, I’m now T-A-N-G-O-I-N-G in my sleep!

Brad’s previous roles have included Will Parker in Oklahoma!, Mary Sunshine in Chicago, Bud Frump in H2$, Growltiger in Cats, Kenickie in Grease and Riff in West Side Story.

Shire Music Theatre presents

The Addams Family: A musical comedy

Sutherland Memorial School of Arts – October 17 to 26, 2014

Tickets on sale now – www.shiremusictheatre.org.au

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