Behind the Scenes with Alan Brown
Baba Mustafa / Mason Wood of Chu Chin Chow
Tell me about your character in Chu Chin Chow. What do you think of him?
I am playing a cobbler, who apparently doesn’t bat an eyelid to cobbling bodies for extra income!
How is this show different from others you’ve appeared in?
The era is quite different from past shows I have been in, however it still has a musical theatre feel about it.
What has been your biggest challenge about taking on this role?
My challenge after such a long break (eight years from performing) is LEARNING the Dialogue.
Which is your favourite song from Chu Chin Chow, and why do you think the audience will like it?
I might be biased, but I think The Cobblers Song is very catchy!
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Alan Brown - Baba Mustafa / Mason Wood of Chu Chin Chow
Do you have a favourite line of dialogue from this production? If so, share it with us!
“How now you ugly faced baboon, will you drink wine with a cobbler?"
Tell us about your first stage show and what you learned from the experience.
In my earlier years, while studying with the National Theatre Opera School, I performed as Figaro from The Marriage of Figaro, for the opening of the National Theatre in St Kilda. This location also happened to be (many years later) the venue for the first show I did with the G & S Society where I played Don Alhambra in The Gondoliers. I learned then that maybe I could make it in the professional opera arena.
Do you have a favourite play or musical, and if so, why do you love it?
I have many G & S favourites which I’ve been lucky to have performed a role in too, playing Pooh Bah in The Mikado, the Judge in Trial by Jury, and of course, Don Alhambra in The Gondoliers.
What role would you love to play that you haven’t had a chance to as yet?
Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof and Don Quixote in Man of La Mancha.
The era is quite different from past shows I have been in, however it still has a musical theatre feel about it.
What does your perfect Sunday afternoon look like?
Whatever is happening with family and friends, or I’m also very happy to settle in with a good wine and watch the cricket or the Hawks/Melbourne/ St Kilda (football).
Is there someone you look up to professionally (as an actor/director/etc.) or personally?
People who have had success in life in general, though no one in particular.
What’s the last thing you do before you step out on stage / the curtain goes up?
Read my lines, read my lines...
Book your Tickets to Chu Chin Chow
Watch Alan Brown sing one of his favourite songs from the show as he brings the character of Cobbler Baba Mustafa to the stage in GSOV’s Chu Chin Chow at Malvern Theatre from 26 – 27 November.
This project is supported by City of Greater Geelong through its Community Arts Grants Program.
Chu Chin Chow
Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Victoria presents Chu Chin Chow, based on the smash hit that ran for 2238 performances on London's West End.
Enter the exotic extravaganza of Chu Chin Chow, a grand Arabian Nights adventure from the rich imagination of Geelong-born impresario Oscar Asche – Victoria’s very own musical theatre superstar!
