BY STEPHANIE ESLAKE
When I settle in for a chat with Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts student Caitlin Malcolm, I’m faced with quite a shock.
The flautist, who is practising hard behind the scenes to present Carousel at one of Perth’s top venues, has never even watched the movie. Or seen the show.
But you know what? Who cares. Because she gets to experience this Rodgers and Hammerstein musical in an even better way than most people ever will: she gets to perform it with her friends at the Regal Theatre.
And under expert direction, at that.
Carousel is considered one of the 20th Century’s greatest musicals. And now, a 17-piece orchestra of talented young musicians will join a group of 40 performers to present this show from 16-23 June, directed by WAAPA’s head of music theatre David King.
“Working on Carousel has truly been a great experience. I get so much joy out of being able to play with so many other talented musicians and other WAAPA students,” Caitlin says.
The first-year student is studying a Bachelor of Music, training hard at flute. In fact, she’s the principal flute of the WAAPA Faith Court Orchestra and plays in the WAAPA Symphonic Wind Ensemble.
“My time studying here so far has been so much fun, and has opened up so many opportunities for me to take part in many different musical performances, such as Carousel,” Caitlin tells us.
A classically trained musician, Caitlin is starting to get used to the playful styles of music theatre. It’s her second WAAPA production; she also performed in last year’s 42nd Street, “which was also a lot of fun!”.
“Playing the accompaniment for songs in a musical like this is something a little more out of my comfort zone, which I like,” she says.
From verbal queues sent her way by members of the cast, right through to interaction with the crew and fellow pit musicians, Caitlin says “putting on a production like this has really highlighted the importance of a true team effort!”.
It’s been a busy time for Caitlin and her fellow music students, who are also hitting up their exams while undertaking between two and five Carousel rehearsals each week. “Organisation is definitely key,” she advises.
“As for my own personal practice, that really just fits around whatever is happening with Carousel at the moment. I am very grateful to have the ongoing support and guidance from my lecturers at WAAPA and my flute teacher, Tresna Stampalia.”
But it’s all fun and games – especially when the songs begin.
“Personally, from my experience playing this music, I do love the simplicity and beauty in each of the songs,” Caitlin says.
“I feel that musicals like Carousel still perhaps resonate with many people because the music is so timeless and captivating. The melodies in the songs are simple but have so much beauty, which really touches the heart.”
And her favourite song of all? June is bustin’ out all over. This young musician likes a challenge.
“The flute part involves quite a lot of fast semiquaver passages, which have so much energy.”
As for the best part of Carousel, it’s a heartwarming one from Caitlin: “I have really enjoyed working with so many other amazing musicians by playing in Carousel, and for the opportunity to accompany so many brilliantly talented actors and actresses”. Aww.
“Being a part of any WAAPA production is always so much fun, and I am looking forward to playing in more in the future. It’s also a fabulous experience to perform in such a wonderful venue like the Regal Theatre!”
Watch Caitlin perform with fellow WAAPA students in Carousel. The performance series runs from 16-23 June in Perth’s Regal Theatre, and is presented by award-winning theatre director Jason Langley, and WAAPA head of music theatre David King.
Images supplied.
